HONOLULU—Paulay Asiata is trying to transition from a double-wing offense to more of a multiple-set formation with his new school.
But no matter the style of offense the St. Louis School Crusaders utilize, Asiata’s proving to be the beef to build around, a prized 6-foot-5, 285-pound lineman that many schools are heavily courting.
“He’s a great kid with a lot of energy. He’s enthusiastic about life. I like that,” Saint Louis School coach Darnell Arceneaux told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. “He’s done a good job of opening up and listening to elders.”
Asiata, one of three children raised by a single father, got in and out of mischief as a kid but finally got his act together while attending Word of Life Academy. He went out for football as a sophomore and immediately turned heads because of his size.
But tiny Word of Life closed earlier this year, forcing Asiata to make a change.
With the Crusaders his senior prep year, he’ll concentrate primarily on offense.
“I hate defense. I really don’t know what I’m doing,” he told the newspaper. “I like blocking people. The only way they can get through is through me.”
Asiata has at least nine offers, including one from Hawaii. He’s also had offers from both Oregon and Oregon State, who do a lot of recruiting in Hawaii.
His older brother, Johan, is a guard in camp with the Chicago Bears this summer after playing at UNLV.
“He said, ‘If you want to be a beast, you have to show them. Tell yourself in your mind, you’re the best,'” Asiata said. “Not to be cocky, but just have confidence.”
