Ole Miss Recruiting: Rebels Should Tap Into Talent On Hawaiian Islands

Oct 31, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) hands off to running back Jaylen Walton (6) during the first quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) hands off to running back Jaylen Walton (6) during the first quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
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There is a treasure trove of talent on the Hawaiian Islands. Therefore, Ole Miss recruiting needs to tap into that high school network to recruit future Rebels.

As Marcus Mariota donned his Hawaiian and Samoan leis, he accepted his Heisman Trophy as the first Hawaiian born player to ever win the award. At that  moment, the world was reminded of the talent growing up on the Islands. It’s a group of talented kids that Ole Miss recruiting needs to take a hard look at.

The colleges and universities on the West coast have consistently recruited all of the Islands well. It is not uncommon to see the Polynesian culture represented at those schools. However, many of those players played at high schools in Hawaii. Although a few have come over to play in the SEC, the Islands are not as well represented here, in the Southeast, as they are out West.

Ole Miss recruiting and other SEC schools need to take a look at these young men. They are talented. They are definitely willing to work hard. If given the chance, they would love to play in the SEC. These talented football players can compete with anyone.

SEC Interest

Alabama began to stake it’s claim in Hawaii, when they signed five-star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Plus, Vanderbilt has tried to develop a footprint on the Islands, with the help of recruiter C. J. Ah You. The Commodores have offered several players from high schools in Hawaii.

There are several players right now, Ole Miss could use on the roster. Many are looking for an opportunity to prove that they are SEC material. However, before we look at the kids, let’s take a second to look at a father’s view of recruiting on the Hawaiian Islands.