Malepeai thrilled with UCLA offer

Vavae Malepeai has been on quite the hot streak in recent weeks, landing scholarship offers from Michigan and Stanford, and garnering interest from Oregon.>>

>>On Monday night, the three-star running back from Mililani (Hawaii) continued the trend, adding an offer from UCLA.>>

>"Like every other offer, it's truly a blessing," Malepeai said. "I'm truly honored to have the opportunities many wish for.">>

>>The offer from the Bruins, though, carried a bit more significance for the 6-foot, 190-pound prospect.>>

>>"Well, for one thing, it's UCLA," Malepeai said. "The education there is great and I'm well aware of how great of a coaching staff they have there. I really want to take an official visit there when it's time.">>

>>Malepeai also holds offers from California, Colorado, Vanderbilt and Washington, among others. UCLA, though, might be aided by the fact that running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu has a strong reputation in Hawaii and within the Polynesian community.>>

>>"They went through my head coach to offer, and the one who offered was coach Polamalu himself, so I'm definitely honored," Malepeai said. "They have a strong pipeline with players from the islands and the offense they run looks fitting for a player like me. I'm excited to learn more about the school.">>

>>Malepeai is scheduled to compete at the Gridiron Performance Academy "Maximum Exposure" camp on the Hawaii campus in June. Various college programs are expected to be in attendance.>>

>>Malepeai had 1,337 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns as a junior last fall, guiding Mililani to a state championship crown.