Bosco is Bellflower's claim- to- fame (although down the street from Bosco, Valley Christian, founded by the Reverend Garreth Kok, is also high on the list as a rags- to-riches story so to speak, but they are not in general a football powerhouse like Bosco. They have a decent football program which periodically rises up to the top, but more importantly hopefully they are producing good strong Christian young men and women) 🙏✝️
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St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California, has become much more than a local high school football powerhouse. Its reputation attracts outstanding athletes, including players from Polynesian-American families, and some have gone on to make their mark in major college football and the NFL.
Here are four notable examples:
1. George Holani —
From Bosco to Super Bowl Champion
George Holani, a 2019 Bosco graduate, played running back at Boise State, where he rushed for 3,596 career yards and earned Mountain West Freshman of the Year honors.
He joined the Seattle Seahawks in 2024 and became part of Seattle's Super Bowl LX championship team.
2. DJ Uiagalelei — One of the Nation's Most Celebrated Quarterback Prospects
DJ Uiagalelei graduated from Bosco in 2020 and was named the 2019 Polynesian High School Player of the Year.
He went on to play for Clemson, Oregon State and Florida State, finishing his college career with 9,384 passing yards and 61 touchdown passes.
In 2025, he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent.
3. Jacob Tuioti-Mariner — Bosco Defensive Lineman Makes the NFL
A 2014 Bosco graduate, Tuioti-Mariner played defensive line at UCLA before reaching the NFL.
He appeared in 30 games with the Atlanta Falcons between 2019 and 2021 and recorded three sacks.
4. Matayo Uiagalelei — The Next Generation
DJ's younger brother Matayo also attended Bosco, graduating in 2023.
A five-star recruit, he continued his career at the University of Oregon, playing defensive end and outside linebacker.
In 2025, he recorded six sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss. He is entering his senior season in 2026 and is an NFL prospect to watch.
THE CURRENT BOSCO CONNECTION
Several players on the current St. John Bosco roster have Polynesian-sounding surnames, including:
- Koa Malau'ulu — Quarterback
- Kuika Moaalii — Wide receiver
- Elijah Tuua — Defensive lineman
- Samuelu Faumuina — Offensive lineman
- Falakaho Holani — Offensive lineman
- Moanavalevale Peko — Defensive lineman
- Simote Tupou — Defensive lineman
These young athletes have their own football journeys ahead of them.
A BIGGER FOOTBALL STORY
There is a fascinating connection between Hawaii, Polynesian-American communities and Southern California high school football.
Samoan, Tongan and Native Hawaiian families have contributed enormously to American football. Some families relocate to Southern California to give their sons opportunities to compete at nationally recognized programs like St. John Bosco and Mater Dei, where college recruiters regularly come looking for talent.
Of course, a Polynesian surname doesn't necessarily mean a player was born in Hawaii. Many Polynesian-American families have lived in California for generations.
Nevertheless, Bosco has become an important destination for talented Polynesian-American football players.
From Bellflower to Boise State, Clemson, Oregon and ultimately the NFL, the pipeline has produced some impressive success stories.
And the next George Holani or DJ Uiagalelei might already be wearing a Bosco uniform.
SOURCES AND FURTHER READING
- St. John Bosco Athletics: https://www.bosco.org/athletics
- Boise State Athletics: https://broncosports.com/
- Seattle Seahawks: https://www.seahawks.com/
- Clemson Athletics: https://clemsontigers.com/
- Oregon Ducks Athletics: https://goducks.com/
- UCLA Athletics: https://uclabruins.com/
- Polynesian Football Hall of Fame: https://polynesianfootballhof.org/
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Bellflower's Other Football Factory:
The St. John Bosco Stars Who
Made It Big Beyond the Islands
St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California, has become famous for producing elite football talent. While its Polynesian and Hawaiian-connected players have attracted plenty of attention, they are only part of the story. Bosco has also developed an impressive collection of players who went on to star in major college programs and reach the NFL.
Here are some of the most notable examples.
TRENT McDUFFIE — FROM BOSCO TO SUPER BOWL CHAMPION
Class of 2019
McDuffie played at the University of Washington, where he became an All-American and one of the nation's top defensive backs. The Kansas City Chiefs selected him with the 21st overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
He became a key member of the Chiefs' defense and helped Kansas City win Super Bowls LVII and LVIII. He is arguably one of Bosco's greatest modern football success stories.
JOSH ROSEN — A TOP-10 NFL DRAFT PICK
Class of 2015
Rosen was one of the most highly recruited quarterbacks in the country. At UCLA, he became a star and was selected 10th overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2018 NFL Draft.
He subsequently played for several NFL organizations, including the Dolphins, Buccaneers, 49ers and Falcons. His professional career did not live up to the enormous expectations surrounding him, but being selected tenth overall remains a major accomplishment.
WYATT DAVIS — OHIO STATE ALL-AMERICAN
Class of 2017
Davis went from Bosco to Ohio State, where he became one of the nation's best offensive linemen. He earned consensus All-American recognition and was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
He also spent time with the Giants, Saints, Cardinals and Browns.
LEON McFADDEN — THREE-TIME ALL-MOUNTAIN WEST
Class of 2009
McFadden starred at San Diego State, earning All-Mountain West honors three times. The Cleveland Browns selected him in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, 69th overall.
He went on to play for several NFL teams, including the Browns, 49ers, Giants, Cowboys and Falcons.
JALEEL WADOOD — UCLA STANDOUT
Class of 2014
Wadood was an outstanding two-way player at Bosco. At UCLA, he became a three-time All-Pac-12 selection and finished among the school's leading tacklers.
He also continued playing professionally, including in the Canadian Football League and Indoor Football League.
BRYCE TREGGS — SUPER BOWL CHAMPION
Class of 2013
Treggs played wide receiver at the University of California, Berkeley, before entering the NFL. He spent time with the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns.
He was part of the Philadelphia Eagles organization that won Super Bowl LII following the 2017 season.
KEITH PRICE — WASHINGTON QUARTERBACK
Class of 2009
Price became a standout quarterback at the University of Washington, throwing for more than 8,000 career yards. He later spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and played professionally in the Canadian Football League.
OTHER BOSCO PLAYERS WHO REACHED THE PROFESSIONAL RANKS
Bosco's list of college and professional alumni goes well beyond these names. Other notable players include:
- Damien Mama — USC offensive lineman who spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys.
- Chris Steele — USC defensive back who signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks.
- Jaiden Woodbey — Florida State and Boston College defensive back who reached the Los Angeles Rams.
- Nico Falah — Colorado offensive lineman who spent time with several NFL organizations.
- Shay Fields — Colorado wide receiver who had professional opportunities with the Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos.
- Todd Husak — Stanford quarterback who played for the Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos, New York Jets and Cleveland Browns.
- Jacob Tuioti-Mariner — UCLA defensive lineman who played for the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The official St. John Bosco alumni list documents a remarkable pipeline of players into major college football and the professional ranks. And the pipeline is not limited to one position, one college conference or one background.
Bosco has produced NFL first-round draft picks, All-Americans, Super Bowl champions and players who have continued their careers in professional leagues.
It is quite a football résumé for one high school in Bellflower, California!
SOURCES AND FURTHER READING
St. John Bosco official Collegiate & Pro Braves alumni list:
Pro-Football-Reference — St. John Bosco alumni in the NFL:
StadiumTalk — Greatest St. John Bosco football players:
