Three years ago, Penitito “Kiko” Faalologo feasted on mixed plates.

With a blend of 45- and 10-pound plates on each end of a 45-pound bar, Faalologo bench pressed 405 pounds and squat-lifted 625 pounds in the UH weight room. Of the memory, Faalologo smiled and said: “It was heavy.”

But that year, a breathtaking experience changed his approach to his own weight. “We went up to Colorado, high elevation, and I was breathing hard,” he recalled. “That didn’t help me. I had to lose weight.”

He junked the junk food and started to eat smaller portions. Faalologo, who used to pack 315 pounds on a 5-foot-10 frame, is now 295. While he is not the same build as when he arrived as a linebacker or during his experiment at fullback, Faalologo has the versatility to play nose tackle or the 3-technique.

He also has matured, avoiding the mischief that occasionally accompanied him. “I started growing up,” Faalologo said.

It has been an interesting path for Faalologo, who was born in Western Samoa and raised in American Samoa. He was a Fagaitua High freshman when he first embraced football.

In February 2011, he signed a letter of intent to play for the Warriors. But six days before his graduation ceremony, his mother died during a visit to Western Samoa. He decided to delay enrolling at UH until January 2012. But then he had difficulty receiving a student visa, further delaying his enrollment. Faalologo eventually joined the Warriors in January 2013.

It was not an easy adjustment for Faalologo, who only spoke English during school hours in high school. Samoan was spoken among his friends and family. “When I got here, I knew I had to adapt,” he said. “I’m a good listener. I’m an observer. I observe people and learn from them. That’s how I pick things up.”

He excelled in the classroom and eventually began to develop on the field. His brief stint at fullback was disappointing. “I have to be honest, I was super tight, not flexible at all,” said Faalologo, who found a home on defense. At first, his moves were raw and unpredictable, but the chaos perplexed blockers. He has honed his skills in filling gaps and resetting the line of scrimmage.

Faalologo, 25, has earned a bachelor’s degree in family resources and, this December, will complete work on a second degree in sociology. This summer, he married his college sweetheart. He also is fulfilling his late mother’s wishes. “The only thing she wanted was for me to become successful — and graduate,” he said.

SCOUTING REPORT: DEFENSIVE LINE

Like the O-line, the defensive side suffered unplanned departures, losing end Jamie Tago and tackle Ka‘aumoana Gifford to suspensions and promising lineman Kalepo Naotala to a tragic accident. Kennedy Tulimasealii was never reinstated after being booted from last year’s team. But Viane Moala, at 6-7, has developed into a menacing tackle. Samiuela Akoteu also has played well on the inside. Meffy Koloamatangi and David Manoa are tall ends who have matured into tenacious pass rusher and effective run stoppers. The wild card is Kaimana Padello, a play-making edge rusher despite a 6-foot, 205-pound build.

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DEFENSIVE END
3 | David Manoa | 6-3 | 240 | Sr. | Hayward, Calif.
43 | Tevarua Eldridge | 6-2 | 230 | Jr. | Wailuku

DEFENSIVE TACKLE
98 | Viane Moala | 6-7 | 280 | So. | Iliili, American Samoa
66 | Eperone Moananu | 6-2 | 290 | So. | Pago Pago, American Samoa

DEFENSIVE TACKLE
8 | Penitito Faalologo | 5-11 | 295 | Sr. | Pago Pago, American Samoa
91 | Samiuela Akoteu | 6-2 | 320 | So. | Inglewood, Calif.
51 | Makai Manuwai | 6-1 | 260 | Fr. | Medford, Ore.

DEFENSIVE END
97 | Meffy Koloamatangi | 6-5 | 240 | Sr. | East Palo Alto, Calif.
99 | Zeno Choi | 6-3 | 270 | Jr. | Honolulu