Paula Illoa O Vavau Lahi Moala (born January 31, 2000) is an American professional football linebacker. He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Idaho Vandals, and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

Early life

Moala attended high school at Penn. Coming out of high school, Moala was rated as a three star recruit, and the 20th overall prospect in the State of Indiana. Moala also held offers from schools such as Notre Dame, Iowa, Hawaii, Air Force, Utah State. Ultimately, Moala decided to commit to play college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

College career

Notre Dame

During the 2018 season, Moala played in seven games where he made one tackle. In week 13 of the 2019 season, Moala returned a fumble 27 yards for a touchdown, in a win over Navy. In the 2019 season, Moala totaled 14 tackles with one being for a loss, a fumble recovery, a forced fumble, and a touchdown. During the 2020 season, Moala played in just three games where he had seven tackles before tearing his Achilles. In the 2021 season, Moala played in just one game before tearing his Achilles once again. After the conclusion of the 2021 season, Moala decided to enter his name into the NCAA transfer portal.

Idaho

Moala decided to transfer to play for the Idaho Vandals. During the 2022 season, Moala had a breakout year, totaling 61 tackles with seven being for a loss, five pass deflections, four interceptions, and a forced fumble. After the conclusion of the 2022 season, Moala decided to enter his name into the NCAA transfer portal once again.

Georgia Tech

Moala transferred to play his final season at Georgia Tech. During Moala's lone season with Georgia Tech, he notched 65 tackles with 11 being for a loss, four sacks, two pass deflections, and three forced fumbles. After the conclusion of the 2023 season, Moala decided to declare for the 2024 NFL draft.

Statistics

YearTeamGamesTacklesInterceptionsFumbles
GPGSTotalSoloAstSackPDIntYdsTDFFFRTD
2018Notre Dame701100.00000000
2019Notre Dame12014680.00000111
2020Notre Dame307520.00000000
2021Notre Dame100000.00000000
2022Idaho12116129322.054210100
2023Georgia Tech13136537284.02000300
Career482414878706.074210511

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span40-yard dash10-yard split20-yard split20-yard shuttleThree-cone drillVertical jumpBroad jump
6 ft 0+1⁄5 in (1.83 m)230 lb (104 kg)31+3⁄4 in (0.81 m)9+1⁄4 in (0.23 m)4.76 s1.57 s2.70 s4.39 s7.18 s36 in (0.91 m)9 ft 10 in (3.00 m)
All values from Pro Day

Chicago Bears

After not being selected in the 2024 NFL draft, Moala decided to sign with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent. He was waived on August 26.

San Antonio Brahmas

On April 28, 2025, Moala signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League (UFL).

External links