Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

UNLV

99 Isaako Aaitui

Isaako Aaitui
  • Defensive end
  • Grade: Junior
  • Height: 6′3″
  • Weight: 300 lbs
Greene's Take: Maybe no member of the UNLV football team has had a more interesting journey to his senior season than Aaitui. A mountain of a man 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, the former rugby player has emerged into a legitimate NFL prospect and is back at his natural defensive tackle post. This season, he's armed with the responsibility of being UNLV's top pressure provider up the middle. The success of the defensive front could hinge on that.

UNLV: A strong, athletic, imposing figure along the defensive line who looks to have a big impact in the defensive interior as a senior and could develop into an honors candidate in 2010 ... Listed as the starter at one DT spot heading into fall ... A Preseason Third Team All-MWC selection by Phil Steele's ... One of two American Samoa high school graduates on the roster along with fellow DL Daniel Mareko ... Name is pronounced "e-saw-AH-co ah-ah-2-e."

2009: Started a career-high 10 games and played in all 12 outings at tackle ... Posted 31 total tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.

2008: Played in all 12 games, starting nine ... Recorded 32 tackles, including 14 solo stops ... Led the team with seven tackles for loss and shared the team lead with a pair of sacks ... Made four tackles, including three for losses, in win at Arizona State.

2007: Earned his first letter as a Rebel by playing in seven games along the defensive line ... Finished with 10 total tackles, including two for loss, in rookie campaign. 2006: Redshirted.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2006 graduate of Faga'itua HS, in Pago Pago ... Played one year for the Vikings under coach Suaese Taase ... Team won the island championship in 2005 ... Also competed in rugby, volleyball and soccer.

PERSONAL: Isaako Aaitui was born on Jan. 25, 1987, in Pago Pago ... Has two brothers and two sisters ... Majoring in university studies.

--Courtesy of UNLVRebels.com