USC lineman lived out of his car just so he could play football

University of Southern California lineman Stevie Tu'ikolovatu has become a huge component to the Trojans' defense this season, but it wasn't an easy journey for the 25-year old to get there.

In a story by the Los Angeles Times, Tu'ikolovatu shared details of the phase of life that forced he and his wife into living in their car while they waited for his transcript to process at his new school.

Tu'ikolovatu was on scholarship playing football at the University of Utah. A fight for more playing time led to a transfer to the University of Southern California and, after a few paperwork mishaps, gypsy-style living out of the backseat of his car.

The 320-pound lineman shared the vehicle with his wife for more than a month.

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They were "pretty much homeless," he told the Los Angeles Times. Since NCAA rules limit assistance until a recruit is officially enrolled, the school was unable to provide him with benefits. Housing or a stipend was out of the question until he was enrolled, which wouldn't happen until his transcripts arrived.

The day before USC training camp began in August, Tu'ikolovatu and his wife were finally able to move into university housing. Now, he is lauded as one of USC's best defensive players and has become a major leader on the young football team.

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