COCONUT GROVE, FLA. (WSVN) - Football careers can sometimes be cut short due to unexpected situations, but one future Miami Hurricane did not have to look too hard for prospects.
Weighing in at 315 pounds, Immaculata-La Salle High School football player Frankie Tinilau has a bright future ahead of him.
The 6-foot-5-inch teen is an offensive lineman on his high school team and has committed to the University of Miami.
This opportunity led Tinilau to play a role on the big screen as a stunt double for UM alumni Dwayne Johnson in the NBC sitcom, Young Rock.
“We happened to play the same position,” said Tinilau. “At the time, they needed players and someone who could play his position. I had his body size and skin tone, so it kinda fell in place.”
Since filming took place in different locations, Johnson and Tinilau have yet to meet.
“Hopefully, being in Miami and going to UM, we can cross paths one day,” said Tinilau.
After he portrayed his idol, Tinilau plans to take acting classes when he enters college to follow in the footsteps of Johnson.
“I definitely wanna take that route,” said Tinilau. “Going to UM, following [Johnson’s] footsteps too — that’s what helps out. Being Polynesian and having an accent can go a long way out here.”
Although acting is a second option for the young football player, Tinilau said he may even be interested in a wrestling career in the future.
“I definitely would take up the WWE,” said Tinilau. “I think [it’s about] just having the physicality. I mean, why wouldn’t I?”
Helder Valle, Immaculata-La Salle head coach, thinks his young apprentice has what it takes to accomplish anything.
“[Tinilau] has the charisma and the personality in order for people to refer him to ‘The Rock,'” said Valle.
With so many similarities between Tinilau and Johnson, one might wonder what it would be like if they both butted heads on the football field.
“Godzilla and King Kong,” said Tinilau.
As an aspiring athlete, this young man has numerous options, and either one he takes will lead to many achievements.
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