As a senior at Kahuku, Kekaula Kaniho set a Hawaii state record and fell one short of tying the national record with five interceptions returned for touchdowns in the same season.
Kaniho, who went on to win the Honolulu Star-Advertiser All-State defensive player of the year award, signed with Boise State, where he has played every game this season as a true freshman.
It only took the 5-foot-11, 175-pound defensive back six games to score his first defensive touchdown — on a 34-yard fumble return against San Diego State.
The first pick-6 came today in the Las Vegas Bowl on a 53-yard interception return for a touchdown in the second quarter as the Broncos ended their season with a 38-28 victory over Oregon.
Here's the PICK 6 by @broncosportsFB Kekaula Kaniho down the sideline for an easy score! #LVBowl Score Update: BSU 24, Oregon 0 pic.twitter.com/Gxz7ta7lmz
— Las Vegas Bowl (@LasVegasBowl) December 16, 2017
Kaniho also forced a fumble on a sack in the first quarter that was recovered by Boise State.
He entered the game with 29 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss this season. He had started four of the last six games entering the bowl game.
1Q | 0:47: Kekaula Kaniho puts up a big @BroncoSportsFB hit to cause another Oregon fumble, recovered by @tyson_maeva! #mwfb @LasVegasBowl pic.twitter.com/gzbSiS1yH1
— Mountain West (@MountainWest) December 16, 2017
Nohi Kaniho should be better then his brother was at Kahuku. Good Job Kaula.
This kid is just as much heart as he is talent. You go, Kekaula!
Just a downright all around good kid. Well deserved for all his accomplishments.
Good Job Kid.
Hey AANNYYWWAAYYSS, what happened to playing for your community. If that was the case why don’t all the Kahuku kids play for UH? Your agenda runs deep!
BBWWAAHHAAHHAAHHAA
yeah community, Kahuku. He is representing his community he came from when he goes out there. Make us proud Kekaula. Theres a big difference between community and the state itself. #RR4L @ALLILH