Alani Pututau
Defensive End
Adams State
Ed Hunt: What are your measurements? (Height, Weight and 40 time)
Alani Pututau: I’m 6’2, 240 and I ran my 40 at 4.62.
Ed Hunt: What has happened to your training due to the COVID-19?
Alani Pututau: I mean without a gym it was pretty much home workouts. Then when I came back to Hawaii, and the gyms opened up. Really just doing the things I can do.
Ed Hunt: What are the expectations for the Adams State team in 2020?
Alani Pututau: My expectations for this team is the RMAC Championship and build some tradition and a stronger culture here. This has been known as an offensive school, but I want it to be remembered as a defensive school.
Ed Hunt: What is the biggest strength of this team in 2020?
Alani Pututau: I think our defensive line is going to be really good. We have a lot of guys coming back. I think defense is going to the strength of Adams State.
Ed Hunt: What schools were interested in you out of high school?
Alani Pututau: Out of high school, I had an offer out of Utah State. That’s the only school that really offered me. I had to take the Juco route because of academics.
Ed Hunt: What made you transfer to Adams State?
Alani Pututau: Coach Maughan was the defensive coordinator. They were really the only school that showed interest, and I knew I could trust coach Maughan.
Ed Hunt: What is your biggest sport outside of football?
Alani Pututau: I played some rugby, but I think I’ve played more basketball than rugby outside of football.
Ed Hunt: What is your biggest accomplishment in that sport?
Alani Pututau: My junior year, I played basketball at our AA championship. That was pretty cool.
Ed Hunt: What are your strengths (on the football field)?
Alani Pututau: I think I’m pretty violent with my hands. I think I have elite get off. I study film a lot.
Ed Hunt: What are you working on as far as weaknesses?
Alani Pututau: I’m kind of trying to train and strengthen the edge. I think the run game has to come up. I’m always working on my hands.
Ed Hunt: What was the highlight of your career?
Alani Pututau: I think that would have to be when we played Western, I had five sacks. I feel like everything clicked after that game.
Ed Hunt: What is your biggest accomplishment in college?
Alani Pututau: I think making first team was a good accomplishment. I think that was probably the biggest accomplishment and just being a sack leader in D-II. I think I was 2-3rd in all of D-II.
Ed Hunt: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?
Alani Pututau: I think what I learned the most was just perfecting my strengths. I think coach is big on being really violent with my hands. I think the coaches at Adams State put me in positions to win.
Ed Hunt: What is your favorite NFL team?
Alani Pututau: I actually don’t really watch NFL teams. I don’t like watching football. I can’t sit for the Super Bowl. It’s not enjoyable for me. I just like keeping up with players.
Ed Hunt: Who is an NFL player you model your game after of or watch tape on?
Alani Pututau: It would definitely have to be Aaron Donald. Probably, Bosa as well.
Ed Hunt: What is the most important trait for a defensive end?
Alani Pututau: I think just being a balanced player. I think having an elite get off. I think get off is key. I think the secret to a long career is to have a balanced game.
Ed Hunt: Before the ball is snapped, what tendencies are you looking for in the offense?
Alani Pututau: I’m looking at the O-lineman’s stance. How far back his foot is. I’ll check the backfield to see if it’s run or pass. I get off the ball. The pass comes naturally.
Ed Hunt: What players from your team should we keep an eye on for next year whether it be seniors or underclassmen?
Alani Pututau: Aleki Tapa. Athletic guy. I think he has everything you need in an offensive lineman. He is a little bit ignorant, which is what you want in an offensive lineman.
Ed Hunt: What do you enjoy most about football?
Alani Pututau: To be completely honest, I just like being able to hit somebody and not get in trouble for it. I love the violent aspect of the game and it’s all legal.
Ed Hunt: What makes you unique?
Alani Pututau: I think my speed coming out of the ground. I think I’m pretty twitchy. And I love contact. That’s something, I don’t shy away from.
Ed Hunt: What are your hobbies?
Alani Pututau: I like to sing. I’m a father and I love spending time with my child. I don’t have many hobbies. It’s just being a father and playing football. That’s one of my favorite things to do.
Ed Hunt: What do you want to do with your life after your football career?
Alani Pututau: I want to help the youth. Right now, I’m a sociology major. I want to go into child protective services is to look after the youth and help kids be independent.
Ed Hunt: What five words best describe you?
Alani Pututau: Influential, loving, social, worker, and father.
