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UCLA's Mike Fafaul has kept the faith while waiting for his opportunity with the Bruins

His last name sounds like faithful, and the silver cross that dangles from a chain around his neck isn’t there for decoration.

Mike Fafaul is a believer.

He was a backup quarterback until his senior season in high school, when a series of prolific performances didn’t lead to much interest from major college teams. He spent a year at a military prep school, rising from third-stringer to start over the Ohio State-bound Cardale Jones, and even that produced scholarship offers from only small programs.

Fafaul arrived at UCLA as a walk-on in the fall of 2012 with little hope of ever running the offense.