Interview: 2019 Hawaii SS/OLB Akalea Kapono is a Hard Ringer of the Opposition’s Bells

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Some high school football players are just fun to watch get after it, Class of 2019 Kamehameha High School safety/outside linebacker Akalea Kapono is one of them. At 6-1, 212 pounds, Kapono flies around the field stopping the run and defending the pass coming up with 26 tackles, two passes broken up, one interception, one blocked field goal, seven tackles for a loss, three sacks, and six QB hurries in five games played this season.

The Hawaiian standout has three reported offers on the table from Seton Hill, Tabor, and Navy with numerous schools showing interest. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Kapono to learn more about his game as that hybrid defender in the Warriors back seven.

Interview

Aka, the Warriors have started out with a tough schedule in the first five games traveling to California to take on Carson while also playing Mililani, Campbell, and Kahuku. How have those tough games help gel the team entering into the second half of the season?

“Yeah, we went up to Carson and came back with the “W”. But, losing those tough fought games has brought the team closer. We were in the game from the start to the last seconds of the games. We are very competitive. We have the sources, we just have to put it together and finish strong in the fourth quarter.”

Against the tough competition, how has that helped push your game forward this season?

“With adding the OIA to our schedule it makes the schedule a lot more fun and very competitive. It elevated my game approach a lot more.”

Where are you seeing the biggest gains in your overall game?

“Like I mentioned before, with the addition of the OIA it changed a lot because they like to run the ball a lot. That has helped my run stop performance.”

Is there an area to your game that has improved so much it is even surprising you?

“No, because there is always room of improvement in all areas of my game. Whether its dropping into coverage, man, or the run game, every bit helps.”

You guys played Kahuku last Friday, how did the game go for you?

“The game went well. I had some opportunities that I could’ve capitalized on. I wish it landed in our favor but unfortunately we came up on short end of the game.”

You get Farrington next, what kind of challenge will their offense present for you and the Warriors on defense?

“Yes. We have Farrington this week and it is for homecoming, and this the only game that we will be playing on our field. The mindset and approach is a lot more intense for us seniors because it is also senior night as well. We will be ready for any changes or challenges.”

You have some big games left against the likes of Punahou and St. Louis, what are your goals overall for the season but with an emphasis on the backstretch of the schedule?

“Yes. We do have some big games coming up. We just have to take it play by play, quarter by quarter and come up with the “W” at the end of the fourth quarter.”

Over the summer, did you get a chance to visit any schools or attend any camps?

“Yes.  Over this past summer I attended 10 camps in 14 days. It was brutal but worth every pain.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you and how many offers do you have now?

“I have a lot of schools showing interest: Air Force, Army, Hawaii, UNLV, San Diego, San Diego State, Rutgers, Montana, Utah, and Idaho. I have one D-I offer and three D-II offers from Navy, Seton Hill, Tabor College, Carroll College.”

What are college coaches saying they like about your game?

“Coaches say they like that I’m tall and lengthy, and that I can play physical in the box and still drop back as a safety in coverage.”

Akalea, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the 2018 season.

“Thank you.”

 

Photo credit: Kapono family; Akalea Kapono in action