Team Rager Wear is in the middle of a 7v7 journey on the mainland.
From left, seated: Cole Pruett, Haven Ahn, Liona Lefau, Kainoa Carvalho, Ikalewa Pa‘ao‘ao, Exodus-Jeranomoe Liua, Zealand Matagi, Mana Carvalho.
Top: Samurai Anderson, Beau Pruett, Sitani Mikaele, Coach Hanalei Ahn, Mason Tufaga, Kahekili Koi Pa‘ao‘ao, Tausili Akana, Zephaniah Maea, Malosi Lefau, Assistant Coach Stu Carvalho, Assistant Coach Brandyn Akana.
The Sun Devils offered the Kamehameha defensive end/linebacker a scholarship, following the path of BYU, Hawaii and Utah. Akana was busy in Utah after playing with Team Rager Wear in the Level Up Elite 7v7 tournament.
“Arizona State has been in touch since December or January,” Akana said, referring to Sun Devils assistant coach Shaun Aguano. “He likes my height, length and speed. He’s talking to me about both defensive end and linebacker. He likes my physicalness.”
ASU has former NFL coach Herm Edwards at the helm. Former New York Jets star Kevin Mawae is now an offensive line coach.
“I love the coaching staff,” Akana said by telephone from Utah on Tuesday night. “I feel good. It’s the Pac-12 (Conference). The coaching staff can help develop me to try out for the (NFL) draft.”
Akana got his first offer before he had begun freshman year. He was 6 feet, 3 inches and 195 pounds last fall. He is now 6-4 and 210 pounds. He works out consistently near his family home in Hauula.
“I lift at my neighbor’s house, Stuart Carvalho. He coaches special teams at Kahuku,” Akana said. “Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 9 a.m.”
Also in the modified weight-training facility is cousin Kaiki Akana, son of Jarrin, while they visit from Los Angeles. Another sophomore-to-be, Kainoa Carvalho, son of Coach Carvalho, works out, as does Kaimana Carvalho, an eighth-grader.
“Braelyn lifts, too,” Akana said, noting his oldest sister, the Hawaii volleyball player.
With offers from two Pac-12 schools, Akana is excited. He won’t rule out BYU and Hawaii.
“Hawaii is my home town. I’d love to play for the city I’m from and just rep. BYU, I got family up there. They can come to my games,” he said.
A handful of notable programs are on deck for Akana.
“UCLA, USC, Washington, Nebraska, Tennessee. It’s a dead period, but they’ve been in touch with my coaches, Abu Ma‘afala (Kamehameha) and Kawe Johnson,” he said. “Hopefully, we can get offers from them. That’s the goal.”
Nebraska is an intriguing possibility. Akana’s sister, Keonilei, recently graduated from Kamehameha as the All-State volleyball player of the year and is now playing for the Cornhuskers.
The 7v7 tour has been a big boost after the lengthy COVID-19 lockdown. Team Rager Wear, coached by Hana Ahn, finished as runner-up at the Utah Pylon tourney. Next up is a Pylon national tournament in Las Vegas, at Mesquite.
Lockdown staples
Top 3 shows/movies/reruns
1. Friday
2. All-American
3. The Creed
Top 3 food/snacks/drinks
1. Steak
2. Sweet tart ropes
3. Otai
Top 3 music artists
1. NBA YOUNGBOY
2. Polo G
3. Fiji
New skill/hobby
Traveling, reading books, cooking and being close to family.
Shout outs
Akana: “Shout out to Coach Kawe Johnson and Uncle Stu.”
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