Laiu Moeakiola speaks softly and carries a big stick. He’s a soft-spoken, very unassuming individual. He may even come off as a little shy unless you happen to be lined up across from him on the football field.

Laiu has gained a reputation as one of the smartest, most assignment-sound players on the team, maybe the most adept at identifying play-calls of opposing offenses ahead of the snap. The senior has contended with injuries throughout his career, so Coach Graham and staff have done everything to protect Laiu’s health going into 2016.

If he can maintain his durability throughout the season, Laiu Moeakiola will elevate the performance of the Sun Devil D by virtue of his experience and ability to dictate alignments to his teammates.    

Sun Devil senior DB, Laiu Moeakiola

DHD: Let’s do a little word association, Laiu.

Coach Graham

Laiu Moeakiola: Tough.

Sun Devil Stadium

Laiu Moeakiola: Home.

Uniforms

Laiu Moeakiola: Icy. 

Sun Devil Nation

Laiu Moeakiola: Great.

Tempe

Laiu Moeakiola: Beautiful.

U of A

Laiu Moeakiola: Little brother.

Pat Tillman

Laiu Moeakiola: Tough. Smart.

Rose Bowl

Laiu Moeakiola: Championship.

DHD: Who’s the smartest guy on the team?

Laiu Moeakiola: Intellectually, I’d say Cameron Smith.

DHD: Who’s the most grounded guy on the team?

Laiu Moeakiola: Salamo Fiso.

DHD: Who’s your best friend on the team?

Laiu Moeakiola: That’s hard (laughing). It’s hard to pin point? I’d say guys I came in with. Salamo Fiso. 

DHD: Do you do any social media?

Laiu Moeakiola: I use Facebook to connect with my immediate family. Facebook mostly. 

DHD: Who’s the most underrated player on this team?

Laiu Moeakiola: -Thinks for a while- Because he had a year off, I’d say Marcus Ball. (You expect him to have a solid year?) Oh, definitely. 

DHD: Lastly, do you have any game day rituals or superstitions?

Laiu Moeakiola: Just trying to get my mind right, I listen to Phil Collins. It’s been a ritual since high school when my coach would play it. –Steve Lineweaver at Trinity High School (Interesting, what song?) In the Air Tonight. I’ll just listen to it then say a prayer, and I’m ready to get on that field. 

#ForksUp, Laiu.

DieHard Extra

Looking back, here’s the Sun Devil senior’s high school highlights. In the class of 2011 Rivals ranked Laiu Moeakiola the No. 42 safety in the nation. He chose ASU over Arizona, Baylor, Colorado, North Texas, Tulsa and UCLA.