ASU added a defensive line commit from the JUCO ranks this weekend in Kirtland Vakalahi.
Vakalahi just completed just his second season of football. He grew up in Australia and played rugby and basketball growing up. His brother, Laekin, signed with the Eagles in 2024 using the international player roster exemption created through the NFL.
That sparked Kirtland’s interest in the sport, and he has spent the last two falls at the New Mexico Military Institute playing defensive line. In a short time, Division I programs, including Arizona State, saw Vakalahi’s quick raise and crazy potential.
He visited Tempe for the West Virginia game, and the coaching staff made it clear they wanted him to become a Sun Devil and felt they had the tools to help him develop his skill set.
He sat down with Sports360AZ to discuss his journey to football, being competitive with his four brothers and why Arizona State stood out to him.
Jordan Hamm
