Despite being separated by nearly 5,000 miles, Hawaii has become something of a recruiting hotspot for UCF.
Quarterback McKenzie Milton started it all in the Class of 2016 and in his second season led UCF to a National Championship. That paved the way for other Hawaii stars to take their talents to the Sunshine State, including current starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel and offensive lineman Lokahi Pauole. In the Class of 2021, the Knights signed four-star wide receiver Titus Mokiao-Atimalala, who will make his way to campus later this summer.
Now Gus Malzahn and his staff have their sights set on a couple top-tier Class of 2022 offensive linemen, Laakea Kapoi and Jonah Savaiinaea, teammates at St. Louis School in Honolulu.
Kapoi, who was also offered by the previous UCF staff, heard from co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach GJ Kinne on Saturday morning. Kinne, prior to joining Malzahn's new UCF staff, had spent the past year at University of Hawaii.
"We were talking before back when he was at UH," Kapoi told UCFSports.com. "Once he got the job at UCF, I congratulated him. We started talking and he said once he gets to Orlando, he's putting my name on the board. He told me this past week he was going to hit me up this weekend. He called me around 8 or 9 this morning, probably around 1 o'clock in Florida. He said he and the offensive line coach, Coach (Herb) Hand, really like me and Jonah so they were excited to re-offer us. They think we'd be a great fit to continue to this Hawaii to UCF pipeline. 808 to the 407.
"He's gonna set up a call between me, Jonah and the offensive line coach real soon. I haven't spoken to (Hand) yet, only texted. I'm looking forward to it."
Of UCF's Hawaii connections, Kapoi said he was most familiar with Paoule, who is a starter at guard.
"We knew each other from a camp, the Brian Derby camp," Kapoi said. "He's definitely a really good player. He was really good in high school and is doing really well in college now. I haven't talked to him lately, but I'm probably gonna hit him up this coming week."
Kapoi said he's definitely taken notice of UCF the past couple years.
"I started watching when Lokahi signed there," Kapoi said. "I was watching all their games. I really like their run game, how they move the chains and protect the quarterback, Dillon. Overall, I really like the program. It's a great program."
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hawaii didn't permit high school football to be played this past fall.
"I was just preparing my myself," Kapoi said. "I was working out, I have a setup in my garage and then I'd go to the field for OL work or at the park below my house. I'd be doing that Monday through Saturday, just trying to get in shape for this upcoming season."
The initial plan was to perhaps play a spring football season, but on Friday the governing board of high school sports elected to cancel the spring season as well. St. Louis, being a private school, could have the option to play other private schools on a game-by-game basis this spring. Kapoi is hoping that happens.
In addition to UCF, Kapoi says he probably hears the most from BYU, Cal and Michigan.
"Most of these coaches say they really like my feet," Kapoi said. "And how big I am and how athletic I'm able to move on the field. Personally, I know there's a lot of things I need to prove. Not to coaches or my family, but to myself. I felt I could have had a better season (in 2019). No excuses. I was a sophomore. Nothing was given to me. I'm working my butt off. Going into my senior year, I know I still have a lot to learn and room to grow. Even when offers came, that didn't change who I am. It motivated me to work harder than I ever have before. My training is based on being the best."
Kapoi also has offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado State, Hawaii, Indiana, Nevada, Oregon State, San Jose State, Syracuse, UNLV, Utah State and Washington State.
"I'm still pretty open with everyone," Kapoi said. "I still have a long way to go with my recruiting process. I'm taking it day by day. I'm trying to get to know all these coaches and build stronger relationships."
Distance will always be a factor if he leaves Hawaii, but Kapoi said it didn't make a difference whether he plays on the East Coast or West.
"Nowhere is too far for me," he said. "I want to go to a program and be ready to play as a freshman. I want to play my first year coming in. I know nothing is ever given. I've still got to work hard to be a top guy on the line. To me, what's important is just comfortability with the coaches. Not just the football part. I want to get to know them personally. Right now, I'm trying to learn about these different programs and figuring out the best fit for me."
