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.
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.
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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.
Samson Reed-WDE
This young man is one of the hidden jewels of the recruiting process. Samson Reed is rated a three star recruit out of Kahuku High School. Some recruiting sites have Reed as the number one senior in the State of Hawaii. However, he is going to be a steal for whatever team gives him a chance. Yes, he would look good in a Ole Miss uniform.
Reed has a motor that doesn’t quit. When watching his film, you notice immediately that he doesn’t take plays off. The young man is listed as 6’3 252lbs. However, according to his father he has the frame to add a little more weight if he needs to.
https://twitter.com/Samsonreed92/status/803973133153763329
He is very comfortable and more suited for playing on the end. However, it doesn’t appear that he has a problem playing in the middle of the line. Therefore a strong senior season will no doubt bring more offers. Vanderbilt is already in on Reed. It would be nice to be in the mix before everyone else comes in.
Reed is as good in the classroom as he is on the field. He has a 3.5 GPA. Ole Miss recruiting emphasizes something that is important to him as well…family. Therefore, after reading the article, check out his Hudl video. You will be impressed.
Isaiah Tufaga-S
Another young Hawaiian with an offer from Vanderbilt, is also looking for a good senior year to add more offers. Isaiah Tufaga is a 6’0 199 lbs. three star safety out of St. Louis School in Honolulu. Ole Miss recruiting knows the importance of having depth in the defensive backfield, with the upcoming graduations which will thin out that area of the team.
Three-star ATH Isaiah Tufaga Has Early Offers From Hawaii and Vanderbilt #UHWarriors https://t.co/xhbxg2wTQF pic.twitter.com/Kn0wVf3vcw
— Hawaii FB Report (@hawaii_fb_fanly) March 2, 2017
However, St. Louis School has recent history in turning out quality players. Heisman trophy winner and current starting quarterback for the Tennessee Titans, Marcus Mariota is an alumnus. However, we are not saying he is the next Mariota, but he could be a good addition to the squad.
Jonah Kahahawai-Welch-WDE
The other player, mentioned with Samson Reed as the best player in the State of Hawaii, is Jonah Kahahawai-Welch. Therefore, he definitely has talent. This young man is another defensive lineman that brings everything he has to the field. Kahahawai-Welch is a three star recruit that is listed at 6’3 230 lbs..
https://twitter.com/jonah_41/status/789361486271426560
The senior from Kamehameha High School in Honolulu is very active. He is very relentless going after the ball carrier. Therefore, Kahahawai-Welch has drawn the attention of Vanderbilt, as well as a couple of the Service Academies in the Naval Academy and Army/West Point. However, he is another young man whose recruitment will get busy.
Zion Tupuola-Fetui-DE/OLB
Although many believe he is a University of Washington lean, Zion Tupuola-Fetui will be a good one to keep an eye on. He is listed on 247Sports as a linebacker, but played on the defensive line. The upcoming Hawaiian senior out of Pearl City is a big guy at the linebacker position. Tupuola-Fetui is listed as 6’4 250lbs.
He’s a DE, but it is understandable why he is seen by some as a possible linebacker. He is very comfortable rushing from a standing position. However, he is another player Vanderbilt is in on. With the big running backs the Rebels usually face in the SEC, seems like it would be nice to have a big linebacker that could lay the lumber.
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