NAU's PJ Poutasi went from Berkley to Flagstaff, now he's a leader on the offensive line

When NAU redshirt senior offensive lineman PJ Poutasi graduated from University of California-Berkeley with his degree in sociology, he knew he wanted to continue playing football in any capacity he could.

While being recruited by some HBCU's, Fresno State University and other East Coast schools, Poutasi began speaking to deputy head coach Bob Connelly, knowing that none of his offers were standing out to him.

"Once I graduated, I knew I wanted to come closer to home, I still wanted to play football," Poutasi said. "Once I graduated, I knew I couldn't play over there again, because I didn't get accepted into the graduate program, so I entered the portal. And he (Connelly) recruited me differently than any other coach has recruited me."

Poutasi described his relationship with Connelly as, "It felt like I knew him when he started recruiting me," and their relationship continued from there.

However, Poutasi's starting spot wasn't guaranteed when he joined the Lumberjacks; he had to earn his starting nod.

"It's like anything else in this world, nothing's really given to you. So you always got to work for it, you always got to work for something, nothing's ever free in this world," Poutasi said. "So when Connelly told me it wasn't guaranteed I was gonna start, I knew that from the get go whether you know, transferring from a Power Five to the FCS. I knew things weren't just going to be handed to me, I had to work for it."

Poutasi played all four years at Cal, but didn't see much playing time. The offensive lineman participated in three road matchups against Oregon, Utah and UCLA in 2019, but did not record any stats.

Since transferring to NAU in the Fall 2021 season, Poutasi has started all 11 games and has become a leader to the younger players on the offensive line.

"You build a certain relationship with these guys, that you don't really do if you're not a leader, they respect you. But they also can come to you, they're not afraid of you, they come to you and talk to you," Poutasi said. "And just, you fill that role to guide them. But they can confide in you and that's what I love the most about leading the younger guys in this team."

Not only has Poutasi become a leader to the younger athletes on the team, but has waited for his moment to be a starter. According to head coach Chris Ball, Poutasi possesses all the qualities of a leader.

"He shows up every day, he watches tape with the guys and sort of runs the meeting," Ball said. "He hit the ground running and is a natural leader. It's just his work, and obviously his work ethic, ownership and being present, those are our core values."

Ball also mentioned that the decision was easy for the coaching staff as Poutasi "made it really clear how smart he was and how much football IQ he had."

In his 11 games so far for the Lumberjacks, Poutasi was a crucial part of the 1,000-yard rushing effort last year playing left guard. He started against Cal Poly when sophomore running back Kevin Daniels rushed for 280-yards and five touchdowns.

Those stats got him named to the 2022 Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Sky Conference Second Team.

"NFL scouts come in and I rave about him because he knows every position on offensive line, he can line up Saturday and play center, play guard, either side, he can play tackle either side," Ball said. "He's a very unique young man as far as his football IQ and his intelligence, but his personality is just, he's just one of those guys that are fun to be around."

While Poutasi has one more season to play, he dreams of becoming a football coach, using his degree from Cal to help others accomplish what he's been able to.

"He's got a degree from Cal and wants to coach football," Ball said. "He wants to impact lives that way, but he's just a tremendous person and stepped right in, leading by example."

Poutasi mentioned that he chose to study sociology at Cal because he wanted to learn "how and why people do what they do" and that teaching students of all ages, including college was a goal of his for the future.

"I do want to get into coaching one day, that's a goal of mine, for sure," Poutasi said. "I love coach Ball's coaching style, he is a very hands on coach, very energetic and it's an honor playing under him."

Poutasi is currently working toward a graduate degree in human relations to be able to use both of his degrees to further his coaching and teaching career post college.

"I feel like they coexist pretty well. You know sociology is just understanding human relations, being able to connect more with people," Poutasi said.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: NAU offensive lineman PJ Poutasi takes on leadership role after career at Cal