Brothers Zion, Leonard Ah You receive 1st offers

Zion Ah You sacks Punahou quarterback Hugh Brady (Aug. 11, 2018)

Kahuku’s Zion Ah You and Leonard Ah You are entering legacy lane. 

Zion, a defensive tackle and fullback, got his first football scholarship offer on Wednesday from FCS-level Valparaiso. His younger brother, Leonard, is a sophomore who received an offer from Arizona State, the alma mater of his grandfather, Junior Ah You.

Arizona State has been busy in the islands. Last week, the Sun Devils made offers to Saint Louis offensive linemen La‘akea Kapoi and Jonah Savaiinaea. 

The difference between the Ah You brothers in experience, accolades and physical measurements ties in to the way they have been recruited. Zion Ah You was a Star-Advertiser All-State first-team selection last fall. He was a playmaker in the trenches, using strength and dexterity to outmaneuver foes. 

Leonard Ah You, an outside linebacker, didn’t begin the 2019 season on the varsity roster, but his 6-2, 180-pound frame and athleticism – he was a freshman on the varsity basketball team — stoked the flames for Arizona State. Junior Ah You was a standout defensive lineman there a generation ago. Leonard and Zion's uncles Kingsley and Harland played at BYU. 

“Recruiters will like the work ethic and amazing attitudes of the Ah You boys,” Kahuku coach Sterling Carvalho said on Thursday morning. “They train hard and are very respectful and coachable young men.”

Leonard Ah You is following a path set by his father and many more tall, explosive defensive linemen who wore the red uniforms of Kahuku. The latest was Bradlee Anae, who was a tall, physical and lanky football and basketball standout. He went on to play at Utah and was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys this spring. 

“I’m not surprised at all. I mean, it’s about time. He will just get bigger and stronger and better,” Carvalho said. “He has the right genes and comes from the Ah You and Peters bloodline. He’s an athlete that turns heads. He will receive more offers in the future.” 

With the possibility of no football season because of the COVID-19 pandemic, having college opportunities in hand is a big plus. Zion Ah You is now listed at 6-0, 260, a notch taller and bigger than he was last fall, when he was 5-10, 250. He would likely have many more offers if he was 6-4 or 6-2, but historically, recruiters have played the numbers game, at least in the first stage of the process. 

“Zion will continue to use his speed and techniques to dominate the defensive line position. He will also show his versatility by playing offense, too,” Carvalho added. “Leonard is still evolving into an edge, outside linebacker, and/or rover player. Leonard will work on his speed and footwork to ensure he can cover anyone in space. He will also work on his strength so he can play in the box and hold his own in the trenches.” 

Another factor that makes both players very palatable to college coaches is academics. Zion Ah You has a 3.6 grade-point average and Leonard has a 3.5.

“Education is of high importance to the Ah Yous. Mom is a teacher, and dad supports the notion that education comes first. Both Ah Yous are well respected amongst their peers and within the community not because of who their grandpa or family is. It’s because they serve and give back to anyone,” Carvalho said. “They serve with a smile and with a lot of love.” 

Their older brother, Miki, is at Washington. An uncle, Leonard Peters, was a standout player at Hawaii. 

Junior Ah You played at Kahuku and Arizona State before turning pro. He played for the Montreal Alouettes (CFL), Chicago Blitz (USFL), New Orleans Breakers (USFL) and Arizona Outlaws (USFL). He was a two-time CFL All-Star and the 1974 Grey Cup MVP.