Polynesian Wolf Pack

In the world of football, a secret has been uncovered. Football players of Polynesian descent have been receiving nation wide attention.

This attention comes from former players such as Junior Seau, Troy Polamalu, Marcus Mariota, Isaako Sopoaga and the list goes on. According to pbs.org, football players of Polynesian descent are 28 times more likely to make it into the NFL than any other ethnic group. The University of Nevada, Reno football program also has a few Polynesians of their own. Not much is known about the Polynesians. They become interesting as more Polynesian players get recruited to college and appear in the NFL. Polynesian players have something special about them.

Charles Faraimo, Nakita Lealao, and Jacob Lacaden are just a some of the players of Polynesian descent for the Nevada Wolf Pack. Each player comes from different backgrounds, but they talk each other as if they have known each other their whole lives. Faraimo, better known as Uce is looked as the big brother of the Polynesian and other members of the team.

Uce comes from Sacramento, California with roots in the Samoan islands. Uce is the youngest out of five in his family.

“Growing up in a Polynesian family, I was taught principles of faith, humility, obedience, respect, and to put in my best effort in everything I do,” Uce said.

For those who know Uce can testify that he symbolizes those principles.

Uce is Samoan for brother and that is exactly what he has been.

“When I first got here no one could pronounce my last name right, so I just told them to call me Uce,” Uce said. “I like to think of myself as a big brother and I just want to protect my new family.”

Uce has been part of the defensive front seven for years. He has been under the shadow of former Wolf Pack players. Lenny Jones, Brock Hekking, and Ian Seau were the anchors of the defensive front. Now that they are gone to pursue the NFL dream, Uce will be the anchor for the Wolf Pack.

Lealao served an LDS mission in Apia, Samoa and Pago Pago, American Samoa. Lealao gained a better understanding of the culture there and says that it was eye-opening.

“Being Polynesian we are very family-oriented and respectful. Always putting family first,” Lealao said.

One value Lealao prides the Polynesian people on is respect.

“One of the most important things about our culture is respect. It tells a lot about who are and defines your family,” Lealao said.

Lealao transferred from Laney College in Oakland, California in January. Lealao was highly recruited in his junior college days and signed his national letter of intent with the Wolf Pack. Lealao held other offers from Colorado State, Fresno State, UNLV, and a Big 10 offer from Purdue.

Like Uce, there is some high hopes for Lealao. Lealao looks to earn some significant amount of playing time for the Wolf Pack. With some solid interior defensive linemen, it should help out against running teams. There is potential for Lealao and Uce to be some of the dominant forces in the Mountain West conference. Wolf Pack fans should be excited for this upcoming season.

Lacaden is a redshirt freshman for the Wolf Pack. Lacaden mainly played special teams this past season. With senior linebacker Matthew Lyons gone due to graduation, a spot was open for the taking.

Lacaden went to St. Louis School in Hawaii, the same high school Marcus Mariota attended. There is a rich tradition of football players that come from the island. Manti Te’o, DeForest Buckner, Marcus Mariota, and Tyson Alualu are some of the well known Polynesians from the island of Hawaii.

“Football games on the islands is viewed as the NFL,” Lacaden said. “High school football is as far as some guys go and the whole island is involved with it.”

Most athletes on the island make it past high school football. For the ones that due, they do their best to represent their families, culture, and their homes.

“I like to play with a chip on my shoulder,” Lacaden said. “I am far away from home and I don’t see family much. I know they want me to do my best, so I play for everyone back home.”

Lacaden prides himself in his culture and is reminded of it daily. Lacaden wears his tribal designed tattoos on his arms, chest, back, and legs.

“What I represent on my body means so much more than just art,” Lacaden said. “Its meaning is always about staying true to not only who I am, but staying true to my Polynesian culture.”

There is so much that these young players represent. The sacrifices and passion can easily be seen from their play on the field. The future of the Wolf Pack is looking bright.