College football fans who witnessed Marques' performance against Stanford last season would not have blinked upon learning the quarterback descended from royal stock. After all, his father is Manu Tuiasosopo, former UCLA and NFL defensive lineman. And he's Samoan. Samoans have football in their blood. Barring injury, Marques will become the Huskies' all-time total offense leader this season.
Marques figures to receive more attention in the national press than any other Washington player.
When he does, his burgeoning fame will travel 6,000 miles to this South Pacific island, where his name already carries a special weight. Everyone is excited about my grandson. The Samoan name makes him well known. That is undoubtedly true. Those first inquiring about Marques can't help but ask about his last name, which can challenge an awkward tongue.