NEXT LEVEL: Salofi Leasiolagi Heading to Southern Utah

CEDAR CITY, Utah - Allan Hancock College defensive end, Salofi Leasiolagi, will continue his academic and athletic career at Southern Utah University next season.

"I received multiple offers and interest from several Division I and Division II schools, but Southern Utah was the first Division I institution to offer me a full-ride scholarship," Leasiolagi stated. "Throughout the recruiting process, I felt a lot of gratitude towards SUU with them being the first to reach out. They were willing to take a chance on me and acknowledge my ability to play at the Division I level right away, which was a big motivating factor behind my decision." 

Leasiolagi completed his second season in the field for the Bulldogs last fall. The native of Hawaii headlined the defensive crew for AHC as the lone First Team selection on the list of All-League honorees. He appeared in all 10 contests on the season while tallying 46 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.

"I want to give all the honor and glory to my Heavenly Father and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! He's strengthened me throughout my two years at Allan Hancock and really blessed my steps as I pivoted from pursuing a firefighting career to focusing on football," Leasiolagi added. "My cousin Peko actually started at Hancock in 2022 and came to spend his winter break with our family in Hawaii after his freshman season. I expressed my interest in returning with him to AHC to play football, he connected me with Coach Damron, and the rest is history. I was very blessed to play a full season with Peko before he graduated and moved on to Pitt State." 

The Thunderbirds are a Division I member of the NCAA and compete in the United Athletic Conference. 

"I will forever be grateful for Peko and the Bulldogs coaching staff for taking a chance on me! I'm especially thankful for Coach Aguilar and Coach Bubba. I'm a testament to their amazing coaching as they guided, developed, and coached me to excel in a position that I had never played before. " Leasiolagi said. "I'm thankful to Hancock for the opportunity to play at the junior college level and I hope I lived up to the AHC expectations! I also want to thank my family for their prayers and support in helping me live out this football journey. 

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