KENNESAW, Ga. — Less than a week after Malik Letatau graduated with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, he traded his commencement robe and the brightly colored Polynesian leis he wore to adorn it for a Kennesaw State University police uniform.

It's the latest wardrobe change for Letatau, who for two years also donned pads and a helmet as a center for the KSU Owls' football team. This one he hopes will be long-term.

"I pretty much knew I would end up in law enforcement," said Letatau, who will spend the next several months in the North Central Police Academy in Austell, Ga., before becoming a "full-fledged" officer, hopefully in early January. "I had friends in law enforcement who I looked up to, and wanted to be like them and do something that would make a difference. I also knew I didn't want to work in a regular, nine-to-five job."

Letatau is used to the quick change. In December 2014, he was sitting in a psychology class at the College of San Mateo (Calif.) when he got a recruiting call from KSU coach Stewart Cook. Within a week, he was on his way to Kennesaw. He said he was undaunted by the fast pace of the transition from junior college, where he played left guard, to a becoming a member of KSU's inaugural Division I offensive line.

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Fifth Third Bank is the Official Bank of Kennesaw State Athletics. Fifth Third Bank Stadium, the signature athletics landmark on the Kennesaw State University campus, is a world-class facility that has been recognized as one of the premier multi-use outdoor athletics venues in the country. In the fall of 2015, it became the official home of Owls football team and is also home to Owls soccer and lacrosse.
 
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