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A former All-State defensive lineman is joining the University of Hawaii football team.
Alema Kapoi, a 2016 Kamehameha graduate, was granted a release from Navy and is set to enroll at UH this summer.
“I wanted a different direction in my life,” Kapoi told the Star-Advertiser.
Kapoi is seeking a waiver that would allow him to compete as a junior this fall. Without an exemption, he would have to abide by the NCAA’s usual requirement of redshirting when transferring between Division I programs. Even if he were to redshirt, he still would have two seasons of eligibility remaining after that.
“I’m definitely going to do that,” Kapoi said of pursuing a waiver. “Of course, if I could, I’ll try to make an impact right away.”
Kapoi said he is 6 feet and 275 pounds. He is capable of playing any spot in the Rainbow Warriors’ four-man front. “The good thing at the Academy is I got to play everything,” Kapoi said. “I got to play nose, 3 tech and a little bit of D-end. I feel pretty comfortable everywhere.”
As a Kamehameha senior, he was named to the Star-Advertiser’s 2015 All-State first team as a defensive lineman. The following spring, he won the state shot put with a throw of 56 feet, 4 inches.
Kapoi spent a year attending the Naval Academy Prep School. His eligibility clock triggered as a Navy freshman in 2017. He played in 12 of 13 games as a backup defensive lineman the past season.
“It was a great experience,” Kapoi said. “I got to play big-time ball and go to a great school. Coach Ken (Niumatalolo) is a good guy. I’ve got nothing but love for him. … I don’t regret it. But I wanted a new direction.”
Kapoi’s brother, Micah Kapoi, was an offensive lineman at Wisconsin. His cousin is UFC champion Max Holloway.
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