University of Nevada Las Vegas

UNLV: A tough, physical local product who started all 48 games of his career and finished third in school history … For the last two years was one of 50 players from around the nation named to the Watch List for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award, which goes annually to the most outstanding Polynesian college football player that epitomizes great ability and integrity … Last name is pronounced “PO-lew.”
 
2019: Earned honorable mention All-Mountain West for the second consecutive season after helping produce the conference rushing champion in Charles Williams … Started all 12 games again but after starting the first four at right guard, moved to right tackle for the final eight outings … Named 2019 Preseason First Team All-MW by Athlon and Second Team by Phil Steele’s
 
2018: Started all 12 games at right guard for the third straight season … Earned Honorable Mention All-MW after UNLV ranked 19th in the nation with 224 rushing yards per game … Named 2018 Preseason Third Team All-MW by Phil Steele’s and Fourth Team by Athlon.
 
2017: Started all 12 games at right guard … Helped the Rebels rank 18th in the nation with 240.2 rushing yards per game … Named Third Team Preseason All-MW by Athlon.
 
2016: Earned his first letter as a Rebel by starting all 12 games at right guard and did not allow a sack … Helped lead the UNLV rushing attack to 241.5 yards per game, which ranked 16th in the nation and was the program’s highest average since 1979.
 
2015: Redshirted season.
 
HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letterwinner at Silverado HS under coach Andy Ostolaza … Ranked a three-star recruit by 247Sports, Rivals and Scout ... Ranked the No. 5 recruit in the state by 247Sports and No. 6 by Rivals … A first team all-state selection as a senior and a two-time first team all-league honoree … Played on both sides of the line for the Silverhawks.
 
PERSONAL: Justin Gata Polu was born in Honolulu, HI … The son of To’o and Bonnie Polu … Has two brothers, Jarvis and Jonah … Jarvis completed a career playing defensive end at Navy … Majored in criminal justice