Northern Colorado: Played two seasons at Northern Colorado as a defensive lineman.

Mesa CC: Attended Mesa Community College for one year.

High School: Played varsity football and rugby at Mesa High School for three years each... Coached by Kelley Moore in football... Was a forward in rugby and played defensive line in football... As a junior, led the team to a record of 6-5 overall and 2-2 in the Fiesta League... Led the Jackrabbits with 50 solo tackles, 106 total tackles, three forced fumbles, and 9.0 sacks... Was named to first team all-region as a junior and senior... Had 60 tackles including 16 solo tackles as a senior as he led the Jackrabbits to a 6-5 record... Recovered one fumble and blocked two field goals.

Personal: Born on Dec. 17, 1990 to Pasiaka and Elikoni Fahina in Mesa Ariz. ... Has one brother, Dee... Has two sisters, Teenah and Oonah... Related to Talai Taueli, who also plays on the Cougars' defensive line... Brother-on-law is Cameron Stephenson, who played for football Rutgers before getting drafted in the fifth round by the Pittsburgh Steelers... Majoring in communication with a minor in Spanish... Enjoys singing and playing the guitar.