In the last three days, New Mexico Military Institute defensive lineman Kirtland Vakalahi has received scholarship offers from Utah, California, Colorado State, Memphis, New Mexico and Texas San Antonio.
He is now 247Sports' No. 7 Junior College recruit in this class.
It does not take long on film to see why. Vakalahi is 6-foot-5, 260 pounds and runs plays down the way guys his size need to to play major college football.
The intriguing part though, is that what is on his mid-season film are the first six games of his football career.
"My dad is Tongan and mum is Samoan. I grew up playing rugby in Australia, but was introduced to football by Laekin, my older brother," Vakalahi says. "Two months after returning from his two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, he was signed to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024 and filled the international roster spot."
Laekin had never played a down of football, but made the Eagles and was on their 2024 Super Bowl team.
Kirtland was in a similar position. He had never played, but he had the physical tools and had played other sports. Where Laekin never had the chance to go to college and develop before the pros, Kirtland now has that opportunity.
"His recruiter was able to connect me to NMMI and give me an opportunity to try out football. I fell in love with the game instantly," he said.
College coaches are glad he found his way to the gridiron.
Cal was the first Power Four offer and Vakalahi is learning about each of these programs on the fly.
"It was a great blessing to receive an offer from Cal," he said. "They have a great program and are doing well competing with some top teams. I think what they are doing building an offense around a young superstar says a lot about their culture and how they can develop some great players. Especially for my position, Coach So'oto does an outstanding job working with the edges and is invested in his players. Looking at his track record, the numbers speak for themselves, he's got the stats and experience to prove it."
Valakahi's next move is visit schools when his own schedule allows.
"I have set up a visit to Hawaii on November 1st, Memphis on November 28th and working with Cal at the moment, possibly for the 22nd most likely," he said.
Hawaii was his first offer. That came in June, before he had even played a down.
The Utah offer was extended following 247 speaking with Vakalahi so expect the Utes to potentially get a visit.
He added that Iowa State, Michigan State, Washington State, Texas State, San Jose State, Jacksonville State, Toledo, Liberty, UNLV, San Diego State and more have also shown interest.