Hawaii Freshman DT Alvin Puefua ready for homecoming at Utah State

They call him “Big Al.”

At 6-foot-4, 335-pounds, it’s easy to see why.

Hawai’i freshman defensive tackle Alvin Puefua will enjoy a homecoming in front of friends and family when the Rainbow Warriors take on Utah State at Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is slated for 10 a.m. HST.

Puefua, a 2024 graduate of West High School in Salt Lake City, saw his first game action of the year last week against UNLV.

He was rated as the No. 1 defensive lineman in Utah and the No. 16 player overall in the state according to 247Sports before joining the Rainbow Warriors (4-6) in June.

Born in Pago Pago, American Samoa, Puefua said the island vibes drew him to play collegiate football in Hawai’i.

“Coming to Hawai’i, I felt a connection to the islands the same I feel a connection to American Samoa,” said Puefua. “The program, the boys, the braddahs continued to love on me and it just made me want to come out here and be with them.”

With one game under his belt, Puefua is ready to make an impact in the Rainbow Warriors’ final road game of the year.

“I’m just really grateful and thankful for this opportunity to go back home and play in front of my family. This whole week has just been working hard, focusing on that mission, getting ready to go against Utah State.”

Injuries to starting defensive tackles Ezra Evaimalo and Jamar Sekona has thrusted Puefua into the rotation, but the constant desire to improve was always there, even when opportunity wasn’t available for most of the season.

“That’s an indication of the kind of people that we have,” said defensive tackles coach Jeff Reinebold. “When you have quality people that will continue to work when it’s not their turn, will continue to try and get better when it’s not there. (But) at some point in this game, because it’s a violent game, you’re going to get tapped on the shoulder and when the tap on the shoulder comes, you better be ready.”

Reinebold added: “I think our guys have done a great job being attentive, working on their craft and doing everything that we ask them to do.”

Puefua alluded to not being satisfied with where he’s at in his development.

“I’m just continuing to learn,” he said. “I’m just a young buck. The older guys have been just helping me get my technique down, getting my plays down, just me being locked in, tuned in, following in the steps of the guys before me and my coaches being there with me guiding me all the way through.”

Weather in Logan, Utah was reported as 28 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday. It is expected to be in the upper 30s around kickoff.

Puefua had some advice for how his fellow teammates should prepare for the elements.

“Double up on the tights and the sleeves. It’s 39 degrees. I think it’s going to drizzle, snow. I hope these boys are ready for that. I’ve kind of adjusted to this humidity out in Hawai’i, but I think I’ll be good when I go back.”