Now that their University of Hawaii football careers have ended, several players are preparing for the next phase.
>> Makani Kema-Kaleiwahea and his wife, Brianna, departed on Monday for New Orleans, where he will be honored as a member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. The organization recognizes college football players “who dedicate their time to bettering the community and the lives of others.” They will be introduced during the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day.
Kema-Kaleiwahea, who was raised in an adoptive family, and his wife adopted two boys two years ago. He also has worked with the Boys &Girls Club of Hawaii, volunteered with Pop Warner teams, and served as the keynote speaker for the Foster Families annual meeting.
“It comes down to being an adult and having a bigger purpose in life and it not being only about yourself,” Kema-Kaleiwahea said of his time mangement. “If I can inspire in any way, I’m going to do it.”
Next month, Kema-Kaleiwahea will begin training at Ford Sports Performance in Bellevue, Wash., in advance of UH’s pro day in March. Pro scouts project him as a stand-up end or outside linebacker.
He earned a bachelor’s degree this month.
> Offensive lineman Leo Koloamatangi, who earned a bachelor’s degree in May, is preparing to play in the Jan. 21 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in Los Angeles.
>> Place-kicker/punter Rigo Sanchez is expected to train in California. Sanchez, who needs to earn credits in five classes for a bachelor’s degree, will take a leave of absence from UH during the spring semester. “I want to finish my schooling regardless of what happens,” Sanchez said.
But after consulting with UH coaches, he decided he should focus first on pursing an NFL shot.
Sanchez said he recently received his order of NFL footballs. He said he will practice as both a kicker and punter. “I’ll do both and see what happens,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez also will play in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
>> Cornerback Jamal Mayo, who graduated this month, said he will train at Athletic Performance in Houston.
>> Cornerback Jalen Rogers, who also graduated this month, has received interest from some NFL teams, most notably the Arizona Cardinals.
> Wideout Marcus Kemp said he either will train near his home in Utah while taking some online classes or return to Hawaii to take the 20 credits he needs to earn a degree.
Kemp, who has never redshirted, said he is pondering his options. He also has not decided on an agent.
>> Running back/returner Paul Harris said he will take a leave of absence from UH this coming semester to train on the mainland.
> Running back Steven Lakakala might have to delay his training plans after suffering a knee injury in the Hawaii Bowl. He was scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday.
