Every college football team has at least a couple of legit pro prospects — not necessarily to play the game, but to talk about it.
In 1985 at the University of Hawaii, one of those guys was Kyle Mosley. Thoughtful, articulate, humorous and always opinionated, the Army brat from Texas and former Leilehua star was a go-to source for insight and quotes, even though, as the third wide receiver, he rarely started other than on special teams.
But something strange happened after Mosley got his communications degree from Manoa on his way to the microphone. Nothing. He was a spotter for the UH football TV crew for a couple of years, and that was it. His broadcast career was dead air before it started.
Yes, it’s a tough field, but Mosley had the credentials and talent for at least a shot at his dream job, sportscasting in his beloved Hawaii.
He remained in Hawaii most of the next 25 years, working in sales and coaching at Punahou, ‘Iolani and Damien before moving to the Atlanta area in 2007 looking for opportunity. Recently, he found it in a roundabout way.
A friend told Mosley that a new sports talk radio station was starting up in Atlanta, so he applied for work there. Not a nibble.
When UH teammate Howard Yoshino heard Mosley is still interested in broadcasting, he told him about what another friend had done at an entity called blogtalkradio.com, where anyone with a computer and a cell phone can get free streaming time.
So, Kyle Mosley is now podcast host Motor Mouth Mosley.
He’s got a half-hour three times a week. He’s got live streaming. He’s got guests from the sports world and thought-provoking opinions.
He’s got everything except a salary.
Mosley hopes as he gains experience his work on the blog can serve as a demo for a job at an actual radio station.
"The first show was a little rocky and I was definitely nervous," he said. "But it was so exciting and fun. I loved it, even with the mistakes."
Competition is fierce, and at age 50 some may say he’s making too late of a start. But a lot of people like Mosley and believe in him, including seventh-grade teacher Robin Payne, who sent him a donation to help expand the show to one hour.
Anyone can do what he is doing, but not anyone can do it well. Mosley has raw talent and contacts, but will have to catch up on broadcasting techniques to meet his ultimate goal.
When he was coming out of college, you needed a mentor in the business to get you through the door so you could start gaining experience. Now all you need is a bit of technology available to all, and a lot of initiative and energy.
"He’s also knowledgeable and has the personality," Yoshino said. "He’s doing the hard work, he’s putting his name out there."
In his 1985 senior tribute, Mosley told Jack Wiers he wanted Les Keiter’s job. Now, the target has to be somewhat adjusted.
Is he going after longtime Hawaii morning sports talk host Bobby Curran’s radio gig?
"No," Mosley said. "I’d rather go head-to-head against him when I get better."
Reach Dave Reardon at dreardon@staradvertiser.com or 529-4783 or on Twitter as @dave_reardon.
