Vaha Vainuku originally signed with Utah in 2012 before going on a LDS mission. He has enrolled in classes and will participate in spring ball. In high school at East High, Vainkuk was a two-time all-state offensive lineman.
The 6-foot 3-inch, 298 pound native of Salt Lake City was a three-star composite rated recruit by 24/7 recruiting in 2012.
Vainuku fits the mold of the typical Utah defensive lineman, big and able to fill rushing lanes. With the depth the Utes have on the d-line, Vainuku will be able to sit and develop for a year or two, which is helpful for any player that is two or three years removed from playing competitive football and coming off of a mission. The nice thing with Vainuku, is his experience playing offensive line as well. That could prove valuable, depending on how the depth on both sides of the ball progresses through Vainuku's career.