The best kept secret in high school football has been revealed

Exclusive Interview with Kahi Neves

 

Even being tucked away hundreds of miles away from the mainland in the beautiful paradise of Hawaii, it was hard to keep the talents of Class of 2016 quarterback Kahi Neves under wraps. During the summer camp circuit the hidden gem of the 2016 class was uncovered leading to a recruiting frenzy over the budding talent.

If you’ve never heard of Kahi Neves don’t feel badly about it, most college coaches were unaware of the 6’4”, 240 pound, lightening bolt for an arm Hawaiian gunslinger until this summer. Neves transferred from Cardinal Newman High School in Santa Rosa, California to Kaiser High School in Honolulu, Hawaii between his freshman and sophomore seasons. Now entering his junior season at Brighton High School in Salt Lake City, Utah not only have college football coaches been placed on notice but so have opposing Utah high school defenses.

After a whirlwind summer that saw his recruiting stock rise from a virtual unknown to a prized top 2016 recruit, Neves sat down for a one-on-one interview.

 

Kahi, what were your recruiting prospects like before the summer camp circuit?

“A top Pac-12 team wanted me to commit early preferring I stay in Hawaii to finish out my high school career. The University of Hawaii and University of Utah have offered me a scholarship. Now Colorado, Alabama, USC, UCLA, Washington, Arizona State, Auburn, Florida State and a few others are all showing heavy interest.”

What type of feedback have you received from these colleges?

“They all like my size, mobility, and arm strength. During the camps the coaches would coach me up on different types of things I need to work on like my footwork, progression, and reads.”

What camps did you attend this summer?

“I attended the Colorado and BYU camps, University of Utah Elite Camp, All Poly Football Camp, UCLA Elite Camp, USC Rising Stars Camp, University of Colorado Elite Camp, Rivals 250 Under Armour Challenge (Jacksonville, FL) and the Auburn Elite Camp.”

Did you receive any awards or acknowledgements from any of the camps?

“I was selected as a MVP of the USC Rising Stars Camp and a Top 5 performer at the Auburn Elite Camp.”

Do you have a favorite school?

“No favorites as of now. I’m keeping my options open and looking at every school.”

You switched schools heading from Honolulu to Salt Lake City. Brighton is preseason ranked No. 2 in the state, how does the team look in fall practices?

“We’re looking solid. Brighton was 14-2 in 2013 – we have a lot of guys coming back from that team. Everyone is coming out working hard. We have a lot of D-I talent on the team. Everyone is coming together. I think it will be a great year for us.”

Has Brighton head coach Ryan Bullet handed you the reigns to the Bengals or are you competing for the starting quarterback job?

“I’m competing for the starting spot. Last year’s starter is back, he’s a senior this year. We’re competing hard for an opportunity to lead the team.”

If a high school football fan who has never seen Brighton play before were to watch one of the Bengals’ games this fall who should they watch play?

“Osa Masina (6’3”, 231 lbs) is being heavily recruited by a lot of D-I teams (UCLA, Oregon, Oklahoma, Cal, USC, Arizona State, Michigan, BYU, Utah, Washington, and Washington State). 2016 wide receiver Simi Fehoko and defensive back Drew Jensen are great players to watch.”

What are your strengths on the field as a football player?

“My arm strength and accuracy; I can drop the ball in position so the wide receiver can make a play. I love to run the ball. My progressions are getting better. This year should be a better year as a quarterback for me. I’ve learned a lot going to all the camps this summer.”

What NFL player do you model your game after?

“Cam Newton, I’ve always watched his games. I like his overall offensive game and the way he carries himself. He’s a really fast guy with a great arm. He makes a difference in the game when he’s on the field.”

Outside of sports and school, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

“I love surfing and free diving. When I’m in Hawaii I’m really in touch with the ocean. Now that I am out here in Salt Lake City I go hiking and anything I can do to enjoy the scenery.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“The competition is the biggest part. I’ve played multiple sports (baseball and basketball), I love the competition. No greater feeling than winning.”

 

Watching Kahi drop back to pass is a thing of beauty. He’s got a gun for an arm, can throw with touch, and drop a 60-yard pass perfectly to his receiver. Perhaps even more impressive is Kahi is a good student and a very nice young man.

One can’t help but get excited about Kahi’s on the field football potential eagerly wanting to seem him progress at a big time program so his talents can be seen by a national audience… all in a matter of time.

Photo: Kahi Neves at UCLA camp