Keoni-Kordell Makekau has his first FBS scholarship offer, and it couldn’t have come from a more pass-happy program.
Washington State, coached by Mike Leach, made an offer to the ‘Iolani wide receiver this morning. Makekau had 49 receptions for 756 yards and seven touchdowns last fall to help the Raiders capture the Division II state championship.
He was the deep threat in ‘Iolani’s four-wide offense, but was equally effective on medium and short routes. Makekau was a Star-Advertiser all-state second-team selection by coaches and media as a utility player (WR/PK).
He also has touchback-distance range on kickoffs and booted eight field goals last season. His state-tournament performances were stellar: seven catches for 87 yards and two TDs against Kapaa, and seven receptions for 105 yards and a TD against Lahainaluna in the title game.
His biggest numbers came against Division I Kamehameha, which had one of the top secondary units in the state. Makekau had eight grabs for 162 yards, including a 77-yard TD play.
Pacific Islands Athletic Alliance shared the news on its Facebook page this morning.
Makekau was also a second-team all-state pick in 2013 as a sophomore at wide receiver.
He was listed at 5-foot-9 and 162 pounds as a junior.
Washington State ranked No. 1 in the nation in passing yardage (5,732 yards), passing yards per game (477.7) and total attempts (771) in 2014. The next closest teams in those statistical categories were Western Kentucky (4,866 total and 374.3 per game) and East Carolina (637 attempts).
The Cougars have been especially high on island players this offseason with offers to S/LB Hirkley Latu of Kahuku, QB Tua Tagovailoa of Saint Louis, OL Michael Eletise of Kaiser, RB Vavae Malepeai of Mililani and OL Toleafoa Sean Auwae of Kapolei and CB/S Luca Vartic of Konawaena.
Makekau has definitely broken down barriers not only with WAZZU but with Iolani. Iolani’s last football scholarship to a big division 1 program was offered to Epenesa in 2010!!! Unbelievable. Many ILH Div 2 Championships but hardly any of the kids go to continue playing at the NCAA Div 1 level. What a shame! Congratz to Makekau for a tremendous accomplishment!