A walk-on’s journey is rarely glorified.
Success stories of Division I college football players who thrive without the benefit of a scholarship or heavy recruitment happen, but they remain rare. Among skill players, the most well-known example is quarterback Baker Mayfield, who in 2017 became the first walk-on to win the Heisman Trophy.
When it comes to offensive lineman, the toughness and skill set of the position make the number of walk-ons who experience success even more scarce. The late Brandon Burlsworth of Arkansas is the best known. The Burlsworth Trophy, an annual award given to the most outstanding Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) college player who began his career as a walk-on, is even named after him.
Makua Pule, an Arizona State sophomore offensive lineman from Gilbert, is quickly becoming one of the program’s best stories. His voyage is highlighted by themes of a fierce work ethic, a refusal to quit and always believing dreams can become reality.
“Being a walk-on and getting a spot on the team has always taught me to be blessed and have that work ethic to get out there and do it,” Pule said. “It is the best thing that ever happened to me, an extremely humbling experience.”
Pule began playing football in the first grade, starting with flag football. He was not there long, as coaches told him he was too big to not play tackle football. That passion carried him to Gilbert Highland High School.
From there, his skills only continued to grow. He started on varsity as a freshman, playing right tackle, and over the course of his tenure at Highland, the team became a powerhouse. Lining up alongside Caleb Lomu, who is now a starting tackle for the Utah Utes, the Hawks’ offensive line was a force, and the team won back-to-back state championships in 2021 and 2022
Terry Fair, the offensive line coach at Highland who has been at the school for over 30 years, was quick to recognize Pule’s passion and heart. He knew Pule would not just be a solid football player but an even better human.
“He loves life and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to be successful.” Fair said. “Whatever his goals are, whether it’s football or he’s studying in college, he’s going to be successful because he attacks life with passion.”
While Pule experienced many successes throughout his high school career, there were also several adversities he had to overcome. An ACL tear his sophomore year during the state championship game made him question whether he could play at any college level. The other was his size, as he did not pass the immediate eye test for college coaches with his weight. Coming out of high school weighing 300 pounds and standing 6-foot-3, odds were low he would play tackle at the Division I level.
Even when Pule did not receive initial college offers, he put his head down and kept working his way through challenges. Ultimately, ASU running backs coach Shaun Aguano gave offered a preferred walk-on scholarship.
Pule’s father, Shannon Pule, said his son is driven to be the best, even when he thought he couldn’t do it. He always had the belief in his kids and encouraged them to make the decisions that they thought were best for them.
“At one point after he got injured, he was capable of doing anything and being the best he could be at the sport.” Shannon said. “He focused on football and school, and even made the Dean’s list. He was doubting himself early on, but refocused himself to what he wants.”
Once Pule made the decision to stay, he continued to improve. Sun Devils coaches noticed how hard he worked, and it allowed him to earn opportunities he never thought he’d receive. Most notably, he became a lead blocker for running back Cam Skattebo in goal-line situations during the Sun Devils’ 2024 magical season.
“Coaches always say availability is the best ability,” Pule said. “Coach (Kenny) Dillingham asked me if I wanted to play fullback in spring ball and I said, ‘Sure, I’ll try it.’”
His confidence bloomed because he never thought of himself as bigger than the team, and just wanted to do his best to help ASU win. The 2024 season shaped him in many ways, as it was also when he received his scholarship. In his own words, his development last year was immense not only as a football player, but as a person, as he learned how to embrace the success coming off failures in previous seasons.
“I think the response aspect was important, coming back from adversity was important, especially coming off of 2023,” Pule said. “But also the response to success with people wanting to be friends and having added attention I did not have before. It helped me to learn and grow socially, and after 2024, I knew I did not want to leave.”
Although the Sun Devils’ season did not end the way they wanted last year after losing to Texas in the Peach Bowl, things could not be going better for Pule. Now with a scholarship in his back pocket, he has embraced the role of backup center behind Ben Coleman and Wade Helton. Pule knows he still has more work to do to achieve his ultimate goals, but he has his sights set on more than just Saturday night lights.
He has big life goals, ones that are fortified by lessons he has learned as a walk-on.
“I see myself in the future wanting to play in the league,” Pule said of the NFL. “I still have two more years to work at it. If not, I would love to stay in the business of football that coach Dillingham really emphasizes. I think the connections and work ethic I have built can hopefully get me somewhere in life.”
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