Moala Working On Finalizing Official Visits

2018 Penn (Ind.) safety Paul Moala‍ led his team to an easy 35-0 win over South Bend Adams on Friday night. The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder didn’t get much of a chance to show off his full skill set as Adams was tossing it all over the field, but Moala was pleased with the win. 

“It’s a great feeling,” Moala told Irish Sports Daily. “It was a full team effort. It felt good to come out here and know that we worked for this win.”

The Kingsmen moved to 4-1 on the season with the win and Moala is making sure his team stays focused over the next few weeks.  

“We’re taking it one game at a time and trying to improve each practice,” explained Moala. “We want to improve each day whether it’s a giant leap or baby steps.” 

Moala is tasked with leading a defense that got its third shutout of the season on Friday, and he’s confident as ever in the guys in front of him. 

“I’m really confident in my defense,” said Moala. “I know I can rely on those guys. The defensive line can get in the backfield. The linebackers can cover their guys. My corners are able to help me out in coverage.” 

When it comes to recruiting, Moala has always been low-key, but the three-star prospect quietly made his way to Notre Dame’s first two games of the year. 

“The atmosphere is great at Notre Dame,” explained Moala. “I really enjoyed the game. The student section is crazy. It was a great game last weekend.” 

It’s not a surprise when a prospect says they have spoken with 2018 Notre Dame running back commit Markese Stepp, but Moala has an interesting relationship with the Cathedral (Ind.) star. 

“I used to play rugby with Markese Stepp,” stated Moala. “I reconnected with him recently, and he’s a cool kid. It’s been nice.”

It's probably a good thing for the Indiana rugby competition both players aren't on the same field anymore but it'd also be a sight to see. 

"I played against Paul when we were 12 or 13,” added Stepp. 

While Stepp is doing his job on Moala, defensive coordinator Mike Elko and area recruiter Mike Elston also made sure the Penn standout knows he’s wanted in South Bend.

“They are both equally recruiting me,” Moala said. “It’s nice to have them support me every Friday night and to have them paying attention.”

As for where Elko sees’s him fitting into the defense, Moala isn’t quite sure just yet. Moala’s fundamentally sound play is something Elko appreciates and will allow him to fit into the defensive scheme if Notre Dame is the choice. 

“I’m not really sure,” laughed Moala when asked what position Notre Dame is recruiting at. “He thinks I am a playmaker and loves seeing me play.” 

Notre Dame will have competition to land Moala, as there are a few new programs that have reached out. 

“Recently, Vanderbilt and Ole Miss have started to hit me up,” stated Moala. “I am hearing a little bit from Oregon, but overall it’s been nice.”

Moala will now focus on setting his official visits up over the next few weeks to get a better feel of what he wants in a program. 

“I haven’t set any of my official visits,” said Moala. “I plan on setting them up soon, and I will probably use all five.”