Paul Moala signs with Notre Dame Football, Anthony Torres signs with Western Michigan Football

Penn High School’s Paul Moala signed a National Letter of Intent to play football for the University of Notre Dame, and Anthony Torres signed with Western Michigan on Wednesday, Dec. 20.

Moala, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound defensive back for the Penn Kingsmen Football Team, helped lead the Kingsmen of Coach Cory Yeoman to the Class 6-A State Championship Game this season. He also played on the 2015 Kingsmen Team that reached the State Championship Game.

Moala said that the outstanding academics and elite status of the Notre Dame Football program led him to choose to suit up for the Fighting Irish.

Proximity to his home was a key factor, but Notre Dame Football also gave Moala some very compelling vibes. "There was a vibe you got with the players, that it was a family and everyone looked out for each other."

Moala chose Notre Dame over Nebraska, Iowa, Utah State, Vanderbilt, Hawaii, Air Force, Western Michigan, Ball State, Bowling Green, Northern Illinois, and Indiana State.

"The process was hard to keep up with," Moala said. "So many coaches hitting you up and wondering how you were doing, it truly was a blessing though, to be gifted with talents that next level coaches recognized daily."

In 2017, Moala returned two kickoffs and two punts for touchdowns, and he led Penn with 79 tackles. He recovered two fumbles, intercepted one pass, and scored two defensive touchdowns. He blocked two kicks. Moala also scored two receiving touchdowns this season. In 2016, Moala intercepted seven passes, four that he returned for touchdowns. Moala also returned two punts and one kickoff for touchdowns. He blocked three kicks.

Torres, a 6-foot-7, 238-pound tight end, has committed to The University of Western Michigan and is looking forward to the experience that lies ahead of him.

Torres is a three-star recruit and has had multiple scholarship offers, including Central Florida, Toledo, Air Force, Cincinnati, and Arkansas. After an early verbal commit to Iowa, Torres chose Western Michigan.

"The recruiting process as a whole was a roller coaster for me," Torres.

"I chose Western Michigan for many reasons,” Torres said. “The coaches are very genuine and I really like the tight end coach there. Overall they have a great staff and are building an amazing culture over there. I also like how much it feels like home to me there.

“Unlike other schools, I didn’t feel homesick. On top of that, it’s also about an hour and 15 minutes to an hour-and-a-half from my house, so it’s close enough to make the trip in one day. I’ve gotten along with the other commits and altogether there is a very strong family bond between all the players and coaches.

"I’m looking forward to becoming part of the family at Western Michigan. I’m also excited to develop and continue to grow as a player. Lastly, I’m excited to work with the tight end coach."

In 2016, Torres caught 11 passes for 195 yards (17.7 yards per catch) and one TD for Penn. He did not play football in 2017 due to injury.