Te'o-Nesheim was born in
Pago Pago, American Samoa on June 12, 1987, to parents David and Ailota Nesheim. He moved to
Mill Creek, Washington at the age of 5. His father, David, died of an
aneurysm when Te'o-Nesheim was attending Heatherwood Middle School. Te'o-Nesheim was a three-time first-team all-league selection as two-way lineman during his high school years at
Hawaii Preparatory Academy. He helped his team to an 11-1 overall record during his senior year, including a 10-0 league record, before losing in the state semi-finals. Playing on the first-team from the big island to win a state playoff game. He also excelled in track, competing in the shot put and discus. Winning the state championship in shot put and second in discus his senior year. Te'o-Nesheim also lettered in basketball and baseball. Te'o-Nesheim was recruited by
Oregon,
Hawaii and
Washington, but committed to Washington a few days prior to signing day in 2005. ==College career==