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Note: This post from Tuesday has been edited to add the actual link to the Fanatics.com film “Determined” that was released for Internet viewers on Wednesday.
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One draft report on Vavae Malepeai is pretty frank.
From SI.com:
“A part of a struggling USC rushing attack over the last few seasons, Malepeai presented a dependable yet unspectacular element to the Trojans backfield. Malepeai runs with outstanding effort, routinely bouncing off tackles to create second effort.
“Plays with good vision, recognizing cutback lanes quickly while running inside zone. Effort alone, Malepeai should vie for a long look in camp, but his middling physical profile leaves little to get excited about.
“He lacks prototype athleticism wanted at the position. There is nothing dynamic about him, lacking the ability to create splash plays with speed/acceleration. There is little creativity from Malepeai when working in space, becoming easily corralled with not much ability to create additional yardage.”
Former Mililani and USC running back Vavae Malepeai. (Image credit: ConquestChronicles.com).
But that “middling” review doesn’t mean Malepeai isn’t going to make it in the NFL. Certainly, it will be a tough road ahead for the former Mililani star running back who spent five years at USC.
The key word in Malepeai’s case is DETERMINED.
And, wouldn’t you know, Malepeai is one of four former college players featured in a film by that name — “Determined” — produced by Fanatics.com.
You can watch that right here:
Along with posting a video trailer of the film, Malepeai tweeted his thanks to Fanatics on Tuesday:
Thanks to @fanatics for documenting my dream of playing professional football. Tune in this Wednesday to watch the premiere of “Determined” pic.twitter.com/0F5FtpjGtS
— VAVAE MALEPEAI 🇦🇸 (@vavaeee) April 26, 2022
Fanatics.com describes the film as:
>> “An all-access look following four college seniors as they prepare for their final collegiate football game and the 2022 Draft. Dreams are big, stakes are high, these athletes are Determined to continue playing the game they love and make it to the league.”
The official trailer is below.
Malepeai is ranked 38th among running back prospects and 367th overall by CBSSports.com for the 2022 draft that starts Thursday in Las Vegas. He played 50 games for USC over five years, rushing for 2,055 yards and 23 touchdowns (4.9 yards per carry) on 423 carries.
At Mililani from 2013 to ’15, Malepeai rushed for 4,549 yards — once a state record that has since been passed by Waipahu’s Alfred Failauga (5.795) — and 71 TDs.
“I want to get to the NFL one day,” Malepeai says in the film. “This is something I’ve been preparing for basically all my life.”
And from Mililani coach Rod York, who was interviewed for the film: “Vavae Malepeai was special.”
Former Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher tells viewers about NFL prospects in general, “Some of ’em won’t get the opportunity to get to the NFL. The odds are so slim. There’s doubters, but if you believe in your passion in what you’re doing, go do it.”
The other three featured athletes in the film are Florida A&M defensive back Markquese Bell, Michigan linebacker Josh Ross and Cal quarterback Chase Garbers.
Malepeai has many believers, including former Mililani teammate McKenzie Milton, who starred for Central Florida and finished his career at Florida State. Milton responded to Malepeai’s tweet with, “Been a believer since we were 15. STILL a believer. They not built to last like you.”
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ALSO AT BedrockSportsHawaii.com:
