Posted on: Wednesday, August 30, 2006

University of Tennessee defensive lineman from Kahuku
J.T. Mapu

J.T. Mapu, a 2002 Kahuku graduate and University of Tennesse football player, was the top prospect out of Kahuku in 2002. He decided to attend the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Mapu, a 6-3, 290-pound defensive lineman, played in 23 games, starting 11, with 35 tackles. He returns this season after a two-year church mission.

How difficult has it been for you to play so far away from your family and what have been some of your best memories playing for the Volunteers?

"It actually hasn't been that hard. The only time it was hard was when I first got here, my freshman year. It was a big program, a big culture shock. I thought about it a lot, about making the run out before the games and knowing there was no family in the stands to cheer for me. Just knowing there was no family out there, I had to make a name for myself so people would know who I was. I made a couple of plays and people started to recognize who I was. I started to get to know people better and then they started to cheer for me too. I love making plays out on the field and hearing the crowd cheering."

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