From Tryout to Standout: Autjoe Soe Emerging as Key Piece for Rattlers Defense
By Colin Hogan | Rattlers Media
GLENDALE, Ariz. – Not long ago, Autjoe Soe took a chance on himself.
After taking a year off from football, Soe paid the $80 to try out for the Arizona Rattlers ahead of the 2025 season – an opportunity that he took full advantage of.
Soe joined the Rattlers and the defensive back saw limited action in 2025, he produced when called upon. In seven games, Soe recorded 30 tackles, a forced fumble and a pass breakup. However, in 2026, Soe's role and impact have grown.
"Experience builds confidence," Soe said on his growth from Year 1 to Year 2. "I feel like my confidence has come a long way, and I'm just trying to make plays. Last year, I felt like I was trying not to make mistakes. This year, I'm trying to make plays."
Through three games, Soe has 14 tackles and two pass breakups, including a team-high 12 tackles in a big win against the San Antonio Gunslingers. His performance came in a pivotal week following the Rattlers loss at the Fishers Freight.
"We definitely took that personal," Soe said of the 63-42 loss at Fishers. "Everybody here knows we can be the No. 1 defense in the league. We hold ourselves to that standard."
Before emerging in the desert, Soe's football journey started in the mountains of Utah. Coming out of Murray High School, Soe was not highly recruited, but did earn a Division I offer to Montana, which is where he committed.
In two seasons, Soe saw limited action and appeared in eight games, where he recorded eight tackles and two pass breakups. He then transferred to Snow Community College, just two hours south of his hometown, and left his mark.
At Snow, Soe earned second-team All-American honors. In eight games, Soe tallied 36 tackles, 11 pass breakups and three interceptions, including a 77-yard pick six.
Soe's football journey has been anything but linear, but the end goal has never changed.
"I want to get to the next level," Soe said. "We play right across the street from the Cardinals, so that's motivation every day. I'm just trying to work hard and get across the street."
Soe's and defense's bounce-back performance against San Antonio showed they're headed in the right direction, as they allowed just 24 points and 175 yards of offense against the Gunslingers. Despite the slew of new faces, Soe believes the team is coming together as they continue to get better.
"The team has gelled together pretty well," Soe said. "We all love each other, and we play for each other. That's one thing that I like a lot around here, especially with these young guys. Everybody came in, and we've barely spent a couple of weeks with each other, but it's a brotherhood around here. I think we're really solid right now."
As one of the few returning players from 2025, Soe has taken on new responsibilities. Even though he is a young guy himself, Soe said he wants to be a leader for the new guys and help them get acclimated to the system.
"I'm trying to help as much as I can, while always being on my P's and Q's," Soe said. "I'm always trying to be in the playbook and make sure I'm always in the right spots, while also making sure my guys are too."