Sunrise Mountain’s Roman Pulefaasisina – Las Vegas Sun News

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Roman Pulefaasisina arrived in Las Vegas from Hawaii weeks before he entered high school.

A few months later, the freshman was a two-way starter for the Sunrise Mountain football team in the 2022 Class 4A state championship game.

The lineman last week verbally committed to San Diego State and will become the first Sunrise Mountain player to go directly from high school to a Division I roster. He’s in the conversation as the program’s best all-time player.

The school opened in 2009.

“He’s a difference maker — just watch what other teams do to take him out of the game,” coach Patrick Achord said.

Pulefaasisina had nine sacks last season as a junior — a number that doesn’t scream Division I recruit. But when you consider he’s frequently double-teamed and even triple-teamed, his ability comes into focus.

He never comes off the field, playing on both sides of the line. He’s an intimidating 6-foot-2, 290 pounds — size rarely seen in Class 4A. And, more times than not, he’s the most athletic player on the field, Achord said.

He prefers defense because “that’s where I can run free and pressure the quarterback.”

He added, “My family drives me to get better. My coaches drive me.”

He’s credited for dedication to improvement, whether that’s leading teammates in summer workouts in the weight room or playing other sports to sharpen the competitive mindset.

He joined the wrestling team to strengthen his leverage in staying low — a key for linemen. He went from a novice wrestler to heavyweight state champion in May.

Pulefaasisina had scholarship offers from UNLV, Idaho and New Mexico, ultimately picking the Aztecs because of the connection with the coaching staff.

“It felt like family,” he said of his recruiting visit.

Sunrise Mountain has had a few good seasons over the years. It’s also had a few seasons where it struggled for wins.

College recruiters, especially those from Division I programs, don’t make regular appearances at the east Las Vegas school backing into Frenchman Mountain.

That goes to show the unique talent of Pulefaasisina. If you can play, they will find you.

“Everyone says I’m a chill person,” he says. “But when I put the pads on, I’m different. I’m in attack (mode).”