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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Oct 10, 2015; Oxford, MS, USA; former Mississippi Rebels Archie Manning throws the football during the game between the Mississippi Rebels and the New Mexico State Aggies that he caught at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Oxford, MS, USA; former Mississippi Rebels Archie Manning throws the football during the game between the Mississippi Rebels and the New Mexico State Aggies that he caught at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

A Father’s View

Tanoai Reed is the father of three star WDE Samson Reed, out of Kahuku High School. He would like for the SEC to take more interest in kids like his son. However, Reed said he understood some of the hesitance of SEC schools from recruiting the Hawaiian Islands. “The closest school besides the University of Hawaii is nearly 5000 miles away. It’s a five-hour flight,” said Reed.

Ole Miss Rebels Football
Ole Miss Rebels Football

Ole Miss Rebels Football

He also acknowledges the Polynesian culture is more prevalent in West coast school. However, he believes if SEC coaches tried, they could develop relationships over time. Reed said, “There aren’t many connections with the east coast schools that don’t have any Polynesian coaches on their staff.”

Other Coaches…

However, he has noticed other coaches recognizing the talent. “(Jim) Harbaugh comes out here.” “He offered one our freshman quarterback when he was in the 8th grade.” However, Reed believes there are things that SEC schools miss out on when they don’t recruit in Hawaii. “They miss out on a lot good talent and coach-able kids.” He added, “These kids are raised to respect their elders and work hard.”

There are several players that have the ability to play in the conference. The SEC is the best conference in football. However, to prove you are the best, you must play in the best. Therefore, here are a few students who may have the ability to play in the SEC.