Lobos could use plenty of ‘Mo’ on trip to Boise State
To his teammates, University of New Mexico senior linebacker Alex Vainikolo is known affectionately as “Mo.” It’s short for his Tongan given name, “Moana,” but it could also be short for what he represents for the Lobos, as in “Motivation,” and “Momentum.”
This week, Mo Vainikolo says he is excited for the Lobos’ opportunity to play at Boise State, ranked No. 19 in the Associated Press Top 25 and No. 21 in the College Football Playoff rankings.
UNM coach Bob Davie says that the relentless Vainikolo is playing on a level that’s deserving of All-Mountain West Conference honors, as great as any linebacker in the league. Vainikolo wants to prove his coach correct on a big stage against the Broncos (8-1, 5-0 MWC), 28-point favorites, during a game that will be televised by ESPN2.
“We want to go out there and put up a fight,” Vainikolo said after Wednesday’s practice. “We believe we’re going to win. We’re not going there just to put up a fight. We’re going there to win.
That’s the goal.”
Vainikolo showed his fighting spirit with an impressive performance during the Lobos’ 21-10 loss at Nevada on Nov. 2. He led UNM (2-7, 0-5) with 10 tackles, seven unassisted, 4½ tackles for losses and one sack.
Three days later, the Lobos were devastated after the unexpected death of UNM 21-year-old defensive lineman Nahje Flowers.
“Everything has been tough over the past week,” Vainikolo said. “But coach Davie, he put it pretty good. He feels like everyone is emotionally and mentally getting back to that game-week demeanor and that game-day mentality. Not saying that we are forgetting about what happened, but honoring Nahje in everything we do.”
Vainikolo is eager to get back on the football field. He has shown remarkable improvement from last year, Davie and senior linebacker Alex Hart said.
“We give him a hard time about how we saw his face sticking through his helmet because he was such a big guy last year,” Hart said. “All the work that he put in the spring and this summer and fall, and even during the season, you can see the grind doesn’t stop for Mo. We always try to help each other and push each other for that. Mo has been a motivation for me and I know for the rest of the linebackers.”
Vainikolo admits he became a bit complacent last year because he accomplished the goal of earning an NCAA Division I scholarship after playing at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California. He relied on his athleticism, but he knew he could have done better with his training, he said. He was listed at 240 pounds last year when he appeared bulky. This year, the 6-foot Vainikolo trimmed down 10 pounds and plays with greater speed.
His ability to balance a life that is non-traditional for a student-athlete also causes teammates to respect him, Hart said. Vainikolo and his girlfriend, Sasha Torres, have their hands full with their rambunctious son, Nehemiah, who turns 2 next month.
“I don’t think he deserves a birthday,” Vainikolo said in a playful tone. “It’s a crazy stage, man.”
Nehemiah, however, keeps Vainikolo grounded, which also helps him stay on track with training and practice. Overall, Vainikolo is determined to play at his best during his final three games for UNM.
“Last year was more about that I finally made it out of junior college and I’m at a Division I program,” said Vainikolo, who is second on the team in tackles wtih 52 behind Hart (63) and leads the Lobos with with 9½ tackles for losses. “I kind of plateaued. I blame myself for that. There’s nothing I can do to have last season back, but throughout this season I’ve been making sure to make up for it.”