The fifth and final season of Last Chance U premiered on Netflix on Tuesday, July 28^th.

The final season of the football version of Last Chance U (they’re moving to Basketball next) has just premiered on Netflix. However, with a new instalment of the hit documentary series comes the emotional rollercoaster of a roster of young players hoping to make it to the big stage.

Whilst Last Chance U is filled with big characters and amazing talent, there is one player who has caught the attention of viewers, Nu’u ‘Big Uce’ Taugavau.

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Who is Nu’u Taugavau?

Nu’u ‘Big Uce’ Taugavau is a 6’2” 300 lbs Offensive Line football player who is now committed to Murray State University, Kentucky.

Similar to a lot of the players we meet on Last Chance U at Laney College, Taugavau is from Oakland California. However, his origins are in the Pacific Islands and in August 2019, became the club president of the Pacific Islander student organisation charter.

At the start of Last Chance U, Taugavau appeared to be quite a mellow character and slightly confused as to what he wanted his future to hold. However, as time went on, we saw Taugavau really come out of his shell and become a fantastic role model for his two young daughters.

After getting to know him a bit more, it’s obvious that Taugavau just wanted to further his education so that he could provide a good life for his family, who always remained supportive of his ambition on the football field.

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@ikunaed Wayfinders. The first Pacific Islander student organization charter was approved today. PI students will now…

Posted by Laney College on Friday, 30 August 2019

Big Uce’s rollercoaster journey…

However, Taugavau’s journey on Last Chance U season 5 was anything but comfortable.

He played at Hayward High School for 2 years (2015 – 2016), but after graduating with poor grades he couldn’t find a well-paid job and had to take employment at Walmart. Thankfully, he found his way on to the pitch once again.

Whilst I can’t speak for everyone, the shift and the motivation in Taugavau going from working a minimum wage job to playing football again was incredibly moving and inspiring to watch unfold. Big Uce had to become a leader, not just for his children but for his wife Tia, who worked and attended beauty school.

His drive to become that leader both on and off the pitch led him to great success, including becoming President of Laney’s Wayfinders Club, the very first Pacific Islander student organization at the school.

After his excellent performances at Laney, Taugavau was able to catch the attention of Murray State University and Alabama A&M. Both schools offered him scholarships, but he ultimately chose the Kentucky based college.

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Posted by Tia Taugavau on Wednesday, 4 December 2019

Does Nu’u Taugavau have Instagram?

Yes.

However, whilst Nu’u Taugavau does have Instagram, it is currently set to private.

You can follow him on Twitter @NuutaiTaugavau.