KAPA‘A Moses Punzal did not have to worry about being hot in the gym Wednesday as he signed a Letter of Intent to attend Portland State University where he to fill one of the offensive was recruited linemen positions.
Punzal, the son of Eugene and Laurie Punzal of Kapa‘a had an opportunity to visit other campuses where he was also recruited, but on Feb. 2, the first day Letters of Intent can be signed, selected to attend Portland State University where he said he has a “full ride” for a fiveyear program.
Listed as an Offensive Lineman in the 200405 Kapa‘a High School roster, Punzal tipped the scales at 200 pounds and stands a stately 6’3.”
Punzal said under the fiveyear program, he can “redshirt” his first year and still be eligible to play as a Viking for four years.
Dr. Joel Punzal, Moses’ cousin, said Moses was being scouted by several schools including Colorado University, the University of Hawai‘i, San Jose State University, Utah State, Linfield College, as well as a few other institutions.
The process started when Dr. Joel Punzal created a highlights video of Moses during the KIF football season. He submitted this tape to several schools, and word got around, Dr. Joel said.
“Moses got a call from Dick Tomey of San Jose State after someone passed a copy of the tape to him,” Dr. Joel said. “Moses even got to meet with Coach Cabral of Colorado University.”
Dr. Joel added, “Most of the recruiters who looked at the tape said Moses should be playing no less than Division I football.”
During the past several weeks, Moses was involved in a recruitment trip where he had an opportunity to visit the campuses of the schools where he was being recruited.
“Portland State University has a (student) population of about 25,000, and is a Division I AA school,” he said. “They play in the Big Sky Conference.”
Moses attributes his accomplishments to Kapa‘a High School head football coach Wes Kaui and his coaching staff for putting a high emphasis on academic standards.
“If not for my good grades in high school, no college would be looking at me. Academics is very important,” Moses said.
Moses is only the third athlete from Kapa‘a to be awarded a “full ride” for football, joining the ranks of Bernard Carvalho and Kendall Goo who both attended and graduated from the University of Hawai‘i.
Moses will be majoring in Business Management.
