UNLV: A converted linebacker who has found a home on the other side of the ball ... Will again look for time at the fullback spot this fall as a junior ... Hails from Alamo, NV, which is located approximately 100 miles north of Las Vegas ... Originally signed with the Rebels in February 2007 before serving a two-year church mission to Kingston, Jamaica ... Last name is pronounced 'VAY-ah' ... Shares a surname with but is not related to Rebel DB Peni Vea.
2012: Played in all 13 games at fullback and special teams ... Caught a three-yard touchdown pass from Nick Sherry to help UNLV down Air Force in Game Four.
2011: Moved over to offense during preseason camp and earned his first letter as a Rebel by playing in 10 games ... Started three games at fullback ... Caught six passes for 30 yards on the year ... First career catch was a nine-yard touchdown pass from Caleb Herring in the season opener at No. 10 Wisconsin.
2010: Redshirted season after rejoining squad ... Voted UNLV[apos]s Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year.
HIGH SCHOOL: A 2007 graduate of Pahranagat HS, which competes in eight-man football ... A four-year letterwinner who starred at both linebacker and running back for coach Ken Higbee ... The 2006 Small School Player of the Year according to Nevada Sports Report was ranked the No. 15 recruit in the state by Rivals ... Helped the Panthers win two straight 1A state championships with a 24-game winning streak ... Named Southern League Co-Defensive MVP and first team all-league as a RB ... Earned First Team All-Southern League honors as both a RB and LB his junior year ... Also lettered in basketball and baseball.
PERSONAL: William Sione Vea was born Oct. 22, 1988, in Pago Pago, American Samoa ... The son of Taliasi and Kome Vea ... Brother, George Vea, lettered as a true freshman for UNLV playing on special teams in 2006 ... Chose UNLV over interest from Boise State, UNR, Fresno State and Utah State ... Majoring in sociology.
W. VEA[apos]S RECEIVING STATS
YEAR GP-GS REC YDS AVG TD LG
2012 13-0 1 3 3.0 1 3
2011 10-3 6 30 5.0 1 9
TOTAL 23-3 7 33 4.7 2 9
