2019 QB Kaunaloa Grace Updates Massive College Camp Circuit and Transfer to Missouri

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

In football, nothing beats experience on the field be it in practice, getting one valuable rep after another, or in a game, truly putting one’s skillset to the test. Having experience on the field is one thing, but being ready for that opportunity is a whole other thing. Since the beginning of June through Sunday, June, 25, Kaunaloa Grace has seemingly worked with and taken instruction from every other Pac-12 and Mountain West Conference offensive coordinator and/or quarterback coach possible running a gauntlet college camp circuit preparing himself for his junior season in the pocket.

Grace spent his sophomore season slinging the ball around the yard for Kamehameha High School gaining valuable experience along the way. The 6-1, 200 pound, quarterback was determined to not only impress college coaches over the summer, but was dedicated to furthering his craft by learning from as many college coaches as possible. Over three weeks, he attended some 12 camps mixed between the Mountain West and Pac-12 conferences with college coaches in attendance from all over the country and at all levels. The list of college camps includes San Diego State, Arizona, Cal, Arizona State, Oregon State, San Jose State, Colorado, Oregon, Air Force, UCLA, and USC.

As much as Grace’s game has changed with all the help from top college coaches, plans for his junior season have changed as well since he left Hawaii for the mainland. Instead of suiting up for Kamehameha in 2017, Grace is moving to Missouri where he will enroll at Staley High School in Kansas City. A new challenge, a new playbook, new friends, new teammates, and new opposition awaits Grace. The change puts Grace on a winning team, a squad that posted a 10-3 record in 2016 against Missouri Class 5 competition.

With all that is and has gone on for Grace, I sat down with the rising 2019 prospect covering the second leg of his summer circuit and change in scenery in an exclusive interview.

Interview

Loa, last time we talked you had competed at Prime Time Polynesian’s Kumite with Boise State, Oregon State, Utah State, and Stanford on hand. Then you did a two-day camp at Arizona (9-10) and followed that up with a camp at Cal (June 12). Let’s jump into the camp mix at Cal. How did that camp go for you?

“Cal was really interesting. At first it was cold, so I had to get used to the temperature. I really liked it there. The coaches took the time to focus on our technique and on our rebound from the drop-back. I admired that. I liked the one-on-ones. They did not care about age but about your skill level. Cal allowed you to show off your skill and talent. Cal’s camp was well organized and well thought out.”

You also hit up Oregon State, how did that camp go?

“Oregon State was great. I showed off my accuracy in their drills. I got to work with new people and learn their system. I had a good talk with Coach (Kevin) McGiven. He is obviously very knowledgeable about the game. I learned a lot from him.”

What were some of the things you did well at the OSU camp?

“The Oregon State camp was one of my better ones because I brought my A-game. I got lots of compliments from the coaches throughout the camp. I talked to a lot of coaches when I was there. In the one-on-ones, I was very accurate. I hit a lot of targets most quarterbacks were not hitting.”

Where did OSU leave the recruiting process with you?

“They told me to stay in touch. They were shocked to hear that I was going to be a junior and that I’m only 15-years-old. They thought I was a senior.”

You also competed at an Oregon camp. If you will, tell me about that camp?

“Oregon was awesome. They had a lot of challenging circuits set up. We got right into routes on air. I felt like I did well there as well. I got to meet a lot of people. I feel like I could have done better with my technique but hit my targets that day.”

Did Oregon talk to you about your recruiting status going forward?

“I got the number of their head recruiter. He told me to shoot him a text every once in a while.”

The last camp in your circuit was USC on Sunday. How did that go?

“The USC camp was one of my top performances. I got a lot of reps in with my group. I was surprised because there were 1,000-plus kids there. I got to do a lot of things, and did them well, to the point receivers were asking for me.”

Did USC talk recruiting with you?

“I got to talk with USC’s recruiting analyst. He was talking to me about how my junior year would be important. He asked me to send him my film and told me to keep up my work at school. I talked to a bunch of other coaches from other schools at USC’s camp too.”

Which schools?

“New Mexico, Fresno State, Northern Arizona, UC Davis, and Washington. They had comments for me about my technique, which I took to heart.”

With all the camps you’ve attended, by the end of the circuit how did your game get better?

“The mental aspect was a big area of growth. My confidence was strengthened by all the camps. I have to have confidence when calling my rep in a camp. I was shy at first talking to coaches and calling reps, but by the end I was confident and comfortable. Doing these things strengthened my confidence. My confidence was the biggest thing that improved.”

What about with your technique and mechanics, how did those areas improve?

“My footwork really improved. My balanced and focus improved as well. Cal really helped me focus on footwork.”

Which schools are now showing recruiting interest in you?

“San Diego State, Air Force, Oregon State, Colorado, UCLA, and USC.”

After spending over three weeks on the mainland, is there anything you will miss once you go back home?

“One thing I will miss is the amount of space here. There is a lot of regular and undeveloped land here. Where I live, there are a lot of city and buildings.”

What will be one of the first things you do when you get back home?

“Actually, move to Missouri.”

Where are you moving to in Missouri?

“I’m transferring to Staley High School in north Kansas City. The transfer became official on Friday.”

Are you excited about the move?

“I am very excited. I’m excited and nervous. Facing new areas is nerve racking but it is also exciting. I’m excited to explore more of the mainland.”

Have you talked to your new coaches at Staley yet?

“No, I have not. I know nothing about the school. I’m walking into a new situation.”

Loa, congratulations on a successful college camp circuit and good luck with your move and new school.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Grace family; Kaunaloa Grace at Cal (June 18).

Photo credit: Grace family; Kaunaloa Grace at Oregon with Marcus Arroyo.