Tatuo Martinson twice bench-pressed 425 pounds this season, making the 22-year-old Californian one of the strongest players on UNLV’s football team.

But he isn’t yet stronger than his father, Robert, who has the family’s bench-press record of more than 500 pounds.

“When I really focus on bodybuilding and lifting, I think I’ll get there,” the younger Martinson said laughing, through a grin.

He’s focused on football for now instead.

Martinson this year is parlaying his strength in the Fertitta Football Complex’s weight room into a spot on UNLV’s starting defensive line — as a walk-on nonetheless. Recruited last year by former coach Marcus Arroyo’s staff, the 22-year-old fourth-year tackle from Sacramento has 26 tackles, half a sack, a fumble recovery and seemingly endless enthusiasm for football.
