Sagapolutele flips commitment to Oregon on Early National Letter of Intent Signing Day
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Hundreds of student athletes across the state signed their collegiate national letter of intent on Wednesday, but the biggest move on signing day came out in Ewa Beach.
“For the next three or four years, I’ll be committed to and signing with Oregon Ducks.”
Campbell quarterback Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele, who was verbally committed to Cal throughout his record setting senior year, flipped to the Ducks Monday morning.
“It’s been in my heart for a while You know, the 808 pipeline is real, you know,” Sagapolutele told Hawaii News Now. “They have something special over there and they’re continuing to build something special.”
Sagapolutele now becomes the latest signal caller from the islands to head to Eugene, following the footsteps of Heisman trophy candidate Dillon Gabriel and Heisman winner Marcus Mariota.
“It’s some big shoes to fill and to carry, but I plan to make my own mark as well in the college level, so you know, just not sound too boastful, but I’m just ready to compete,” Sagapolutele said. “I’m just ready to play and I’m just so grateful that I’m part of the 808 Ducks now.”
The signing ceremonies continued throughout the day...including at Saint Louis School, where the newly crowned State Champions inked their college commitments.
Players like defensive end Pupualii Sepulona, the now Utah signee is sticking with football for college after already winning state titles in Volleyball and basketball.
“I’m now relaxed, I don’t have to worry about my recruitment about my future,” Saepulona said. “So I just, you know, this basketball season, I’m just gonna have fun, do my thing, help my teammates.”
Meanwhile, Titan Lacadan — the star of Saint Louis’ Title run — signed with the University of Hawaii, set go from the Brotherhood to the Braddahhood.
“There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that you know, if I ever had the opportunity, you know, to stay home, play in front of my family, represent the state that I would do it,” Lacaden said. “So I’m so blessed that God blessed me with this amazing opportunity to do what I do what I do at home.”
Lacadan is one of 13 athletes signed by the ‘Bows — six of which hail from the islands set to play for the home team.
Other top recruits in the state signed today as well, like Kapolei’s Liatama Amisone who signed with San Jose State.
Mililani’s Kini McMillan officially joined the Washington Huskies.
Here are some of the other local signees that put pen to paper on Wednesday:
Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.