Saint Louis linebacker Jordan Botelho, a Notre Dame commit, is going to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio.
He is the only invitee from Hawaii and was honored with an All-American Bowl jersey presentation at the school’s Mamiya Theatre on Monday morning.
Botelho’s parents — Leon Botelho and Valerie Oh — were there at the presentation along with school president Glenn Medeiros.
Coach Cal Lee was unable to attend the ceremony.
Botelho was a big part of the Crusaders’ 45-6 victory over Kahuku in the Open Division state championship game Friday, finishing with 6 1/2 tackles and a 1 1/2 sacks. It was Saint Louis’ fourth straight top-tier title.
The game will be played at the Alamodome on Jan. 4, 2020, and will be televised on NBC.
Botelho, a four-star recruit, has 22 Division I offers, including from Ohio State, USC and Washington.
“It’s something great,” Botelho said. “It’s something I’ve dreamed about being in since I was a little kid and it coming true is something special. It just shows that if you put hard work into it, then anything is possible. I’m just very thankful for this opportunity.”
The Crusaders (12-0) dropped to No. 7 in the nation in both the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 and USA Today Super 25 this week and will have a chance to improve on those rankings this year.
As first reported by Hawaii Prep World Monday morning, the Crusaders will play in the Geico State Champions Bowl Series in Las Vegas at Bishop Gorman on Saturday, Dec. 21.
“Stay tuned because we have one more game left and we’re not losing that, too,” Botelho said.
Botelho, who returned an interception for a long touchdown last season against Mililani in the state final to sew up that victory, watched his teammate, linebacker Nick Herbig, make a pick-6 with a long TD return on Friday against Kahuku.
“Nick’s a great player,” Botelho said. “I’m very happy for him. He definitely deserved that. I wish he was up here with me today.”
Botelho plans to major in business at Notre Dame. He wants to possibly take over his mom’s moving business — Akamai Movers — one day.
Botelho’s first varsity experience at Saint Louis came as a freshman, when he was brought up from the JV team for the 2016 state championship game against Kahuku. He was a dynamic player over the last three campaigns.
“I’m very honored to be able to put on the red and blue and represent Saint Louis and Hawaii,” he said.
Botelho is the 13th player from a Hawaii high school to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
The others are:
>> Joseph Faifili, defensive tackle (Kahuku, Class of 2006)
>> Solomon Koehler, defensive tackle (Castle, Class of 2008)
>> V.J. Fehoko, linebacker (Farrington, Class of 2010)
>> Juda Parker, defensive tackle (Saint Louis, Class of 2011)
>> Luke Kaumatule, defensive end (Punahou, Class of 2012)
>> Reeve Koehler, offensive line (Saint Louis, Class of 2013)
>> Scott Pagano, defensive tackle (Moanalua, Class of 2013)
>> Vavae Malepeai, running back (Mililani, Class of 2016)
>> Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback (Saint Louis, Class of 2017)
>> Adam Stack, kicker (Kamehameha, Class of 2017)
>> Enokk Vimahi, offensive line (Kahuku, Class of 2019)
>> Faatui Tuitele, defensive tackle (Saint Louis, Class of 2019)
Looking forward to seeing him strap it up for ND! Too bad Alohi is graduating, but there could still be a shot at 3 defensive starters from Hawaii for the Irish next year!
RRFL!!
UH alum, but grew up cheering for the Irish!!
Alohi is a senior but has one year of eligibility left if he chooses.