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Announced this week, three-star linebacker prospect and UCLA Bruins commit Devin Aupiu was announced as a Polynesian Bowl All-Star.
Aupiu committed earlier in April as the nation’s 32nd-ranked outside linebacker prospect and will now have his chance to showcase his ability in the annual Polynesian Bowl in January, 2021.
LB DEVIN AUPIU (@aupiu44) has been selected as a POLYNESIAN BOWL ALL-STAR! #PolyBowl2k21 #Samoan@BrandonHuffman @GregBiggins @RivalsWoody @bangulo @BruinNation @BruinReport @vcsjoecurley @CamMellor @FootballRecruit @TritonsFootball pic.twitter.com/VqAVo4Bafo
— Polynesian Bowl (@polynesiabowl) April 30, 2020
UCLA beat out rival USC for Aupiu’s services and Aupiu was able to speak with 247Sports about the honor.
“To be invited to the Polynesian Bowl is a dream come true,” said Aupiu. “It’s been a goal of mine since I found out about it and now that it’s all actually happening, it’s kind of surreal.”
“I have watched many of the the Polynesian Bowls. It’s huge to be selected for an all-star game in my junior year because a lot of great things have been coming my way in a football sense especially with my commitment (to UCLA) and all so it’s just another goal I have accomplished.”
“I am ecstatic to get a closer look at my Polynesian culture. I have seen glimpses of my culture through dances, food and music but to get to experience the whole package is amazing. To go to Hawaii has always been another dream of mine since I was a kid. Half of my dad’s family is from Hawaii and still lives out there and to finally get to experience that and get a bit closer to my roots is truly amazing.”
The Polynesian Bowl began in 2017 and quickly began to gain steam with the likes of Connor Wedington, A.J. Epenesa, Kyler Gordon, Tanner McKee, Puka Nacua among those to earn MVP honors and make waves at the FBS level.
You can check out the Polynesian Bowl roster for 2021 here.
Congratulations, Devin!