Ute Nation Countdown to Kickoff: Viane Moala

Editors Note: As the countdown begins, we'll take a look at key players, discuss the hot topics facing Kyle Whittingham's 2019 squad, and more.

Ask almost any coach familiar with the University of Utah about the one thing that stands out for the Utes and they’ll likely shake their head and start talking about the defensive tackles. For years, the program has had an embarrassment of riches and the 2019 football season will be no different. By now, it’s well documented that head coach Kyle Whittingham believes that this will be the best defensive line he’s ever seen at Utah, and those that have followed the team closely over the years will be hard-pressed to give a compelling argument, otherwise.

The starters are set in stone with Leki Fotu and John Penisini returning after earning All-Pac-12 honors. Behind them, Hauati Pututau and Pita Tonga both proven to be forces in the middle. In 2019, the Utes will be adding a 6-foot-6 315 pound mountain to the rotation, Hawaii transfer, Viane Moala.

Now with a year of practicing—due to redshirting—at the P5 level and participating in a much better strength and conditioning program, Moala is ready to show the Pac-12 that at a minimum, the Utes have five guys ready for a fierce defensive tackle rotation. This group should have a valid argument as the best at that position in college football.

Andrew Fronce’s Take

When Moala transferred from Hawaii last year, it was clear that he was tremendously physically gifted, but raw. During the year that he was required to sit out, Moala went to work learning the playbook and hitting the weight room. The result was an impressive performance in spring camp. Even with four talented and experienced players returning at defensive tackle this year, Moala should see rotational time. His height and length allow him to gain leverage against most opposing interior offensive linemen, and there were plenty of instances in spring where he blew up a play or forced the quarterback to scramble.

Alex Remembers Moala’s Recruitment

After being lightly recruited out of America Samoa, Moala played in 24 games, including eight starts in two years at the University of Hawaii. Soon, Moala was looking for a challenge and he was prepared to take a gamble by proving himself in a more prestigious conference, leading to him walking on at Utah and eventually earning a scholarship.