If it seems like Michael Eletise is getting another scholarship offer every day, that’s because it’s true.
The Kaiser offensive lineman got Facebooked by coaches from the University of Washington today, and when school was done, he called them. That’s when he received his 11th offer. Six of those offers have come in the past two weeks.
Eletise also has offers from Colorado, Texas Tech, Arizona State, Hawaii, UCLA, Cal, Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska and North Carolina.
The 6-foot-4, 305-pound junior has his list of criteria, as he mentioned in an interview with Hawaii Prep World, and that includes his interest in the field of marine biology. But he’s keeping a very open mind at this point.
“I’m just starting to piece it together in terms of what I want, certain categories,” he said while en route to a daily workout. “My dad (Nofo) is very excited that I get the offers, and knowing that there might be more is exciting.”
He played at Kalani under head coach Greg Taguchi and then-assistant coaches Ron Lee and Cal Lee. When the Lees returned to Saint Louis, he considered going there, but the prospect of sitting out a season, per transfer rules, was a factor. He wound up at Kaiser and things have simply blossomed.
“I’m having a great time with it,” he said of the flood of offers. “I plan to be very professional about it. The coaches are excited and low key at the same time. For me, it’s just exciting.”
Earlier this year, IMG Academy (Fla.) talked with Eletise about possibly relocating to the Sunshine State for his senior year. He hasn’t regretted his choice to stay. After a busy winter of camps and combines, he has emerged as one of the top prospects in the class of 2016 from the islands. He also is one of the busiest student-athletes, grinding through a daily schedule that leaves little room for rest and recreation.
Monday through Friday, he works out with elite athletic trainer Chad Ikei after school in Manoa. On Saturdays, he’ll work out with former UH player Kenny Patton. On Sundays, he gets back in the trenches at the Brian Derby clinic for offensive linemen, and if Derby camp is not in session, he works out at Hawaii Speed and Quickness.
“I’m thankful that Brian Derby’s taught me my techniques,” Eletise said.
Oh, and there’s tutoring on Mondays and Tuesdays after workouts. He’s already an NCAA qualifier, but he’s pressing hard to increase his academic performance. The time for a breather comes after his Sunday morning workout.
“I take a break when I go to church on Sundays,” he said.
His dad, Pastor Nofo Eletise, does the driving. Michael’s inner drive, though, is something almost otherworldly.
“I want to get better. My teammates work hard, so I work hard,” he said.
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