He runs through 300 lb linemen, but it’s the walls he runs through for his family that makes Vae Malepeai so special.
Tailback Vavae Malepaei leads the Trojans in rushing yards for the 2019 season. With 406 rushing yards, four touchdowns and 59 receiving yards, this redshirt junior shows up for his team and it’s clearly seen in his numbers.
However, even as the team’s leading rusher, Malepeai has more heart and compassion than his numbers will ever show for. Growing up with an autistic brother, being the eldest of five kids and having to step into the leadership role while his mom worked late nights, Vae was becoming a young man before most men have to.
Malepeai sat down to open up about his relationship with his family and the intangibles that he now carries because of them.
More Than a Number airs every Monday.