From Football Island to Fresno, Malcolm Polu Jr. Begins His Bulldogs Journey

ByStaff Writer

Junior Prep Sports Graduate Brings Championship Pedigree to Fresno State

Malcolm Polu Jr. arrived at Fresno State in June 2025 with an impressive resume from American Samoa, often called “football island” because Samoan players are 56 times more likely to play in the NFL than American non-Samoans. The freshman offensive lineman, who wears number 63 for the Bulldogs, stands between 6’3″ and 6’5″ and weighs between 310 and 355 pounds, a physical presence that caught the attention of Fresno State’s coaching staff.

Polu’s journey to Division I football was shaped by the Junior Prep Sports (JPS) Amerika Samoa program, a “Student First” initiative that uses athletic activities to emphasize the importance of education. The program, funded in part by the Community Services BLOCK Grant through the Administration for Children and Families and distributed by the American Samoa Department of Commerce, serves as a launch pad for students to craft brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their community.

A Championship Foundation

Polu has always been the biggest kid his age. At 15, he was already 6’5″ and playing defensive line. Coach Kevin, the JPS Head Coach who worked with Polu during his development, described his transformation on the field: “He’s a Teddy Bear, but the moment he gets on the field, he turns into a Grizzly.”

That combination of size and competitive spirit carried through to Tafuna High School, where Polu spent four years on the varsity roster building a championship pedigree that few freshmen can match. During his high school career, he helped lead Tafuna to five consecutive section titles, with the final championship coming in 2024.

His senior season brought individual recognition as well. Polu earned honors as both offensive and defensive lineman of the year, showcasing his versatility on both sides of the ball. Beyond the football field, he served on student council while maintaining his academic focus in preparation for college.

The Path to Fresno State

For Polu and many young people in American Samoa, youth sports represent much more than a game. With limited higher education opportunities on-island and the financial burden of attending universities stateside, a sports scholarship is often the most attainable path to higher education. The JPS program’s mission is to teach and develop young men and women to build brighter futures and break intergenerational cycles of poverty.

Fresno State was the only school to recruit Polu, and he chose the university for the opportunities it presented. Despite being a single-offer prospect, 247Sports recognized his potential with an 86-grade rating. The recruiting service ranked him third among prospects from American Samoa and 121st nationally among interior offensive line recruits in the class of 2025.

Polu is pursuing a Pre-Business major while adjusting to Division I football.

Freshman Season Underway

As the 2025 season reaches its midpoint, Fresno State holds a 6-3 record. Polu, listed as an interior offensive lineman, is in a developmental role as he transitions to the collegiate level. No individual statistics have been recorded for him yet this season, as he works to earn playing time in his first year with the program.

His profile has drawn attention from major sports media outlets, including ESPN, 247Sports, On3, CBS Sports, Fox Sports, Yahoo Sports, and FantasyData, unusual recognition for a freshman depth player, reflecting the interest in his potential and background.

Building for the Future

Polu represents Fresno State’s commitment to identifying talent beyond traditional recruiting hotbeds. His combination of size, high school success, and championship experience provides a foundation for development in the Mountain West Conference.

As he continues his freshman season, Polu is working to make the transition from American Samoa’s high school football to the demands of Division I competition. With five section titles already on his resume and the physical tools that attracted Fresno State, he has the raw materials to develop into a contributor for the Bulldogs.

Malcolm Polu Jr.

Position: Offensive Lineman (IOL)
Height/Weight: 6’3″-6’5″, 310-355 lbs
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Pago Pago, American Samoa
High School: Tafuna High School
Major: Pre-Business

High School Achievements:

  • Offensive and Defensive Lineman of the Year (Senior)
  • Five consecutive section titles (2020-2024)
  • Four-year varsity player
  • Student council member

Recruiting Profile:

  • 247Sports: 86 grade
  • Ranked #3 in American Samoa
  • Ranked #121 nationally among IOL prospects (Class of 2025)
  • Only recruited by Fresno State

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