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UCLA — Saia is a fine all-around athlete who switched to tight end, his original position in the program, prior to the 2002 Spring Practice … He demonstrated good overall improvement during drills … He is a physical player who does well blocking in the running game and he should see action in multiple tight end formations.
2001 — Saw action in seven games overall … Appeared in four games on the defensive line … On the field for 18 plays in the win over California … Played eight defensive snaps versus Kansas, Oregon State and Washington … Totaled three tackles on the season … Returned one kickoff for five yards.
2000 — He appeared in three games as a reserve defensive tackle … He played 13 snaps each versus Arizona and Stanford and four at Washington … Made one tackle against the Wildcats … Also saw action on special teams.
1999 — Saw limited action in his first season as a defensive player … Played three snaps at Ohio State and two versus Boise State … Made one tackle for a four-yard loss against the Buckeyes.
1998 — Did not appear in a game during his first year in the program.
HIGH SCHOOL — Three-year letterwinner in football at Laguna Hills, CA High School as a tight end and defensive end for coach Steve Bresnahan … Saia was the No. 1-rated TE on the West Coast as a senior in 1997 … Helped lead his team to a 13-1 record and championship season … ESPN SportsZone second-team All-America … National Recruiting Advisor All-America (No. 3 TE and No. 73 on the National 100) … ESPN SportsZone No. 5 TE … PrepStar Western Region Super 30 … PrepStar All-America (No. 1 TE in West) … Ranked on ESPN SportsZone’s Top 100 … Cornwell All-America … SuperPrep All-Far West (No. 55 prospect) … Member of Tacoma News-Tribune Western 100 … All-Orange County first team (Register) … L.A. Times All-Orange County … Member of Long Beach Press-Telegram’s Best in the West second team (six votes) … Led team with 17 receptions for 397 yards and 7 TDs … PrepStar pre-season All-American … PrepStar pre-season Best in the West … National Recruiting Advisor pre-season All-America (T-No. 1 TE in West) … SuperPrep pre-season All-America (No. 5 TE) … Three-year starter … Possesses good combination of size, speed and strength … As a junior, he made 22 receptions and scored 5 TDs … On defense, played defensive end/linebacker, making 114 tackles, including 14 sacks … Lettered four years in basketball as a power forward for coach Dave Brown.
PERSONAL — Full Name: Saia Makakaufaki … Born: Aug. 17, 1979 in Glendale, CA … Parents: Saia and Siulolovau Makakaufaki … Has two younger sisters, Litia and Melanie, and one brother, Siaosi … Lists his biggest thrill as winning CIF football and basketball titles his senior season … Enjoys listening to reggae music … Earned spot on Director’s Honor Roll in Winter 2001 (3.23 GPA) and Fall 2001 (3.67) … Sociology major.
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