Palomar Comets Football 2008

SAMUELU TUPUA

NO. 65 /  OFFENSIVE GUARD, FRESHMAN, 6-3 314

HOMETOWN: Carson, CA

HIGH SCHOOL: Banning (Wilmington) (Class of 2008)

PERSONAL: Full name is Samuelu Edward Tupua Jr. ... Born Nov. 15, 1990, in Harbor City. ... Son of Samuelu and Grace Tupua. ... Has five brothers (Shiane, 16, Nobert, 14, Shalom, 12, Shammah, 10, and Sualava, 5)) and three sisters (Peachie,  15, Samalia, 4, and Grace (2 months). ... Nephew of Lafo Malauulu, former Palomar, San Jose State and British Columbia Lions receiver. ... Lafo Malauulu caught 76 passes for the Comets in 1983, scored five touchdowns  vs. San Diego Mesa on Thanksgiving Day of that season -- and still is ranked as one of the best receivers (if not the best) in Palomar history. Lafo Malauulu also was an assistant coach for the Comets.

2008 SEASON: First-team All-Southern Conference selection as a true freshman. ... Has started throughout the season at right guard for the Comets as a true freshman. ... Found himself being recruited even before his freshman season by virtually the entire Pac-10 Conference. ... Has played an integral role as a key blocker in Palomar's successful run game, including a big evening in a 303-yard effort by the Comets in their season-opening 21-19 win over Southwestern on Sept. 6.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: All-City (Los Angeles), All-Marine League and pre-season High School All-American under coach Chris Ferragamo in three varsity seasons for the Pilots. .

OTHER HIGH SCHOOL SPORT: Basketball

ACADEMICS: Undecided major. ... Carried 3.1 high school grade-point average.

(Updated Dec. 3, 2008)