University of Nevada Athletics

NEVADA
SENIOR (2017) – Will battle for a starting spot at defensive tackle after playing in all 12 games during his first year at Nevada in 2016.

JUNIOR (2016) – Played in all 12 games with seven starts … Recorded 15 tackles during the season, including a tackle for loss at Hawai’i on Oct. 1 … Put up his career-high two tackles in five games … Named Nevada’s defensive player of the week following the win over Utah State … Letter winner.

PRIOR TO NEVADA - Attended Laney College (Oakland, Calif.) and earned two letters under head coach John Beam … Played for Laney as a freshman in 2011, went on a two-year mission to the American Samoa and returned to Laney for his sophomore season in 2015 … Earned All-Bay Valley Conference First Team honors in 2015 with 15 tackles, three sacks and six tackles for loss … Was named the team’s defensive freshman of the year in 2011 with 52 tackles, six sacks and four forced fumbles in his first season at Laney.

HIGH SCHOOL - Graduated from Herriman High School (Herriman, Utah) in 2011 … Was a three-sport athlete for the Mustangs, earning letters in football, track and field and wrestling … Posted 64 tackles and 17 sacks as a team captain in his senior year … Was named to the all-region second team.

PERSONAL - Born Nakita Laelao … Son of Rob and Lisa Lealao … Has three siblings … Brother, Nathan Laelao, played football at Dixie State and cousin, Edwin Mulitalo, earned a Super Bowl ring with the Baltimore Ravens in 2001 … Chose to attend Nevada because of the education, support from the coaching staff and the opportunity to make an impact … Majoring in human development and family studies … Also received recruiting interest from numerous Mountain West foes and power-five teams in Purdue, Utah, Oregon State and Michigan State.