Despite missing three games with an injury in 2001, Lua made 148 tackles (108 solo) with three sacks while averaging 13 stops a game, plus had three interceptions (one returned for a TD), four fumble recoveries, six forced fumbles and scored twice on blocked punts.

He also was an outfielder on Indio's baseball team, hitting .485 with 11 home runs in 2001 to earn All-League honors for the second consecutive season.

He hoped to push for the starting middle linebacker job as a sophomore in 2003, but missed spring practice while recuperating from a knee injury suffered late in 2002.

In 2005, Lua emerged from fall camp as the starting middle linebacker and did a commendable job.

Lua was selected by the New England Patriots in the seventh round (211th overall pick) of the 2007 NFL draft.