2012 (JR): Played in 11 games... Finished the season with 14 tackles (2-solo, 12-assists) to go along with one tackle for loss... Had a pass breakup at UTSA (10/27) and blocked a 34-yard field goal attempt at BYU (10/5)... Recorded a season-high four tackles against both Wisconsin (9/15) and San Jose State (10/13)... Had two tackles against both Southern Utah (8/30) and UTSA, and one stop against UNLV (9/29) and New Mexico State (10/20).
JUNIOR COLLEGE: A first-team Region I all-California selection after posting 43 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss with 3.5 sacks, adding one pass breakup, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in helping Laney (Calif.) CC to a 5-5 record... Named Laney's Defensive MVP.
HIGH SCHOOL: Helped Castlemont (Calif.) High School to a 9-2-1 record in winning the Silver Bowl... Earned first-team all-East Bay honors by Bay Area News Group... One of 20 players selected to Contra Costa Times "Bay Area Cream of the Crop"... Also lettered in track & field, competing in the discus.
PERSONAL: Born March 9, 1991 in Oakland, Calif... Son of Sione and Mele Piukala... Has two brothers and one sister... Majoring in interdisciplinary studies.... Last name is pronounced Pew-kah-la... Originally signed with Utah State in 2011.
CAREER HIGHS: Tackles: 4, twice; TFL: 1, at Wisconsin (9/15/12); Block: 1, at BYU (10/5/12).
