Running back Elijah Dale is working to make the most of his opportunity at UH

University of Hawaii football player Elijah Dale evaluated the market, crunched the risk/reward numbers, and then made an all-in move.

Dale decided to take out student loans to help pay for college tuition and expenses.

“I looked at those (loans) as a positive investment,” Dale said. “They’re OK, as long as you have a plan.”

Dale earned a bachelor’s degree in political science this summer. After some consideration, he is now pursuing a master’s in public administration. He also is in the mix at running back for the Rainbow Warriors.

“He might be practicing the hardest out of anybody,” UH coach Nick Rolovich said. “You watch him at running back. He’s attacking that like you’re supposed to be attacking that. He’s like a man on a mission right now. He’s put himself in a spot to get some playing time for us.”

After earning his degree, Dale could have walked away to the next phase of his life. He aspires to work for a non-profit organization in Hunters Point, an impoverished area in San Francisco. But Dale opted to put those plans on hold to play his final NCAA season.

“I love playing football,” Dale said, “but it’s really about my teammates and Coach Rolovich. He gave me an opportunity to continue playing after junior college. I’m forever grateful. Every day I get to come out here and show him that.”

Dale was the leading rusher on a City College of San Francisco team that won the 2015 national title. But in the regular-season finale, Dale suffered a torn PCL. While recovering from knee surgery, he received an invitation to join the Warriors as a walk-on. Dale delayed enrolling at UH until January 2017. He has paid for school expenses through loans and money he saved working in security while at CCSF.

“I used to work graveyard shifts,” Dale said. “It was hard. I’d go to security. I’d get off work, then go straight to class, then straight to practice. And I’d do it all over again for a long time.”

But Dale said the hectic schedule served a purpose.

“I was preparing for my career,” Dale said of his time at CCSF. “College was not a place for just football. It was career building. I focused on just school and football. It’s been great for me. Saving up and taking those student loans were a great investment.”

Rolovich, who also is a CCSF alumnus, praised Dale’s perspective.

“You wish more young people thought that way,” Rolovich said. “He’s taken his future into his own hands. He wasn’t waiting for people to do it for him.”

Dale, who was a member of the scout team last year, is projected to carve a role as a hybrid back with quickness and sure hands.

“He helps us as a person,” Rolovich said. “He helps us on the field. He’s looking at getting his opportunity.”