Iamaleava two-steps his way back home

After brief run at Tennessee, Long Beach native happy to be at UCLA

- BY BEN BOLCH

Nico Iamaleava is the rare commuter enjoying his time on the 405 these days.

Every pump of the brakes, every maddening mile in traffic that can be more stop than go, puts him closer to hearing his dad’s voice and seeing his mom's smile.

These are the visits that can fill a young man’s heart, not to mention his belly. During a recent trip home, the UCLA quarterback savored the family recipe of pisupo, a Samoan dish consisting of corned beef with rice.

“I’ve been getting a lot of home-cooked meals from mom and just having them. You know, an hour away has been fun, man,” Iamaleva told The Times after practice Wednesday. “You know, I’ll go to Long Beach as much as I can. But, you know, during this week, I've been locked in with the game plan and stuff like that.”

As he spoke, Iamaleava’s hair was tied back with a pink elastic band reading "Team Leinna." Two years ago, Nico established a foundation to support breast cancer research and awareness after his mom, Leinna, recovered from Stage IV breast cancer.

He hasn't abandoned the cause even though his mom remains in remission.

"She's doing good, you know, she's recovered well, and no setbacks," Nico said.

"Blessed, man, and glad that she's healthy." It might feel as if everything is falling into place for the redshirt sophomore transfer who became the nation's most polarizing college football player last spring in the wake of his abrupt departure from Tennessee. None of that makes any difference now.

No matter what was said about him or the motives behind his move, he's about to experience what could be the big payoff.

When he steps into the Rose Bowl on Saturday night to face Utah in his first game inside the legendary stadium, he'll also unveil a No. 9 jersey that serves as a tribute to his seven siblings and two parents, just a fraction of the expected throng of family expected to be in attendance.