Las Vegas Sun

March 19, 2024

UNLV

93 Malo Taumua

Malo Taumua
  • Defensive Line
  • Grade: Junior
  • Height: 6′1″
  • Weight: 270 lbs
Recent stories:
  • Notebook: Taumua out for revenge against Hawaii (10-04-09)

  • Ryan Greene's Take: The vocal leader of the UNLV defense, Taumua had a somewhat disappointing 2008 (27 tackles, 6.5 for loss, one sack) after a stellar spring and summer. This season, the 6-foot-1, 270-pounder will move to defensive end, where his speed will be better utilized as opposed to facing double-teams up the middle.

    UNLV: An honors candidate along the D-line who worked out at both tackle and end during the spring ... Emerged as one of the Rebels' top run stuffers at DT last season ... A spark plug with a big motor that can get to the quarterback ... A preseason First Team All-MWC selection by Athlon and a Second Team pick by Phil Steele's ...

    2008: Earned Honorable Mention All-MWC ... Started all 12 games at defensive tackle ... Came up with one of the biggest blocked field goals in UNLV history, sending back an Arizona State attempt in OT, giving the Rebels a stunning 23-20 upset over the No. 13 Sun Devils ... Finished the year with 27 tackles, including 13 solos ... Was second on the team with 6.5 tackles for loss ... Was named the MWC Co-Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 15 following his blocked FG at ASU.

    2007: Played in all 12 games and started the first 11 at defensive tackle ... Made 36 total tackles, including 21 solo ... Had 5.5 tackles for loss, including three quarterback sacks ... Made five tackles in the season opener at Utah State ... Brought down a career-high seven ball carriers, including six solo, against Colorado State ... Had two sacks against San Diego State.

    2006: Applied for injury redshirt season ... Played in first three games along defensive line before suffering a knee injury ... Totaled two tackles.

    HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Aiea High School in Honolulu, HI ... Played OL, FB and LB for coach Wendell Say ... Ranked the No. 81 defensive line prospect in nation and No. 15 recruit in Hawaii after final season ... Helped the Na Ali'I to Division II state football championship in 2003 ... Also lettered in track.

    PERSONAL: Malo Hercules Taumua was born on May 11, 1987 ... The son of Victoria Martinez and Tuumalo Taumua ... Has a brother, Calvin, and a sister, Shyla ... Chose UNLV over interest from Colorado ... Majoring in criminal justice.

    -- Courtesy of UNLVrebels.com