Livai says Kahuku all-state running back Mulivai Pula -- who signed a letter of intent in February to play at Brigham Young -- is attempting to enroll at the University of Hawaii, according to his high school coach, Siuaki Livai.
all-stater Pula
interested in UH
The Kahuku coach says his
Notebook
former running back has left
BYU but needs to pass the SATBy Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.comPula, who was offered a scholarship at BYU as a nonqualifier this year, took two summer-school classes at the Provo, Utah, college. But he did not enroll in the fall and has returned home to Hawaii.
Livai said he needs to talk more with Pula and his family, but added that UH is a good option for Pula -- if he can get into school.
"He needs to pass the SAT," Livai said. "I think the best thing is to try to take a shot with the test and then go on a (religious) mission. But I need to talk more to the family, I'm just telling him my opinion."
Pula decided to sign with BYU after he narrowed down his choices to the Cougars and the Warriors. Neither school accepts many non- or even partial-qualifiers, but both considered him an exceptional prospect.
Hawaii coaches could not comment on Pula, but a source close to the team said they are excited about the possibility of him playing for the Warriors.
"It's a long way from being sorted out, but he has expressed an interest and the process has been initiated," the source said.
There is no doubting Pula's athletic ability. He is 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds and has been timed at 4.3 in 40 yards.
Pula, the Star-Bulletin's No. 3 prospect in Hawaii last year, was the top running back in the state in 2001. He rushed for 1,496 yards and 25 touchdowns last season as Kahuku successfully defended its state championship.
"He's one of the best to ever come out of Kahuku," Livai said at the time of Pula's recruitment. "I think some day we will see him play on Sundays."
If college doesn't work out for Pula, another option could be the Hawaiian Islanders arenafootball2 team. But playing for a professional team would cost him his amateur eligibility.
UH Athletics
