Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele grew up on the shores of Ewa Beach, Hawaii.
He was a three star recruit who showed up at the Elite 11 and became a legend in the 28 year history of the premiere QB event in football.
At every turn JSK took the opportunity he was given and never looked back.
He shared many of those in today’s conversation, fueled by our founding sponsor 76, keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat.
Two years ago at the Elite 11 finals, he went throw for throw with Dillon Gabriel - a counselor that year, as well as a former state record holder in Hawaii and a QB Jaron-Keawe had watched since middle school. They could have gone throw for throw all night. Trust me, I was front and center. In the end, Gabriel graciously stepped aside and Jaron-Keawe won the rail shot challenge.
It was clear watching it - something shifted in that moment.
Looking back, in that moment a three-star kid from Hawaii had just introduced himself to the country.
When I asked Jaron about that moment, he was direct. He came in with the mindset that he was going to win it. No asterisk. No footnote. Just belief, out loud.
Last year he started as a true freshman, taking over for Fernando Mendoza, who ended up winning the Heisman Trophy and being drafted #1 overall. We spoke about that journey, and what it was like to have his head coach, Tosh Lupoi sleep outside his home the night he was named Cal's head coach.
This conversation will inspire the quarterback who isn’t getting the attention he deserves - and nudge the highly recruited ones to keep working, because the craft is never complete.
Hope you enjoy it. And be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more conversations at the heart of college football.
Much love and stay steady
Yogi
