Name: Makani Kaneaiakala
School: Ottawa University Arizona
Position: TE
Height: 6-5
Weight: 240
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
My main goals this season was to be a big help in anyway to my team, from the players to the coaching staff and just playing to the best of my abilities. To me, building connection is key! It creates a better environment for the program and helps us to stay locked in on team chemistry/relationships, winning games, and putting us in a great position to play for a national championship. For this being my final season I just knew immediately to just play ball, go all out, make memories with my teammates, and play my heart out for my family, friends, and fans out there who support me and my team.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I would personally say a player who always shows up ready to work, humble, pays attention to detail, shows great effort, plays with no fear, and a player who puts it all on the line for his team.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
With my position being a hybrid! I tend to focus on both areas, making sure when running routes it’s crisp for better play development, making sure my catching ability is strong through any scenario, finding ways to create mismatches on LB’s/Safeties, and making sure my spacing on the LOS is perfect. For blocking, I love to focus on making sure I’m in a perfect stance, my footwork is smooth, spot on with hand placement, working the technique, dominating the LOS/second level when in the run game, and making sure my pass blocking is effective too during any PAP’s, and Pass Game.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
I would say my Physicality, Playing to my Size, and Playing with No Fear! I have a strong get off, fast off the ball, and aggressive when getting my hands on a defender. With me technically being an undersized lineman there’s no fear in me when going out to make a block in open space or moving a defender off the LOS.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
My offseason training plan will be 2 times a day and 5 days a week at a local facility in the State of AZ. And will consist of working on Speed/Agility, Combine Drills, Strength Program, and Nutrition.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
Like I stated previously, showing up ready to work, giving full effort in anything, humble, paying attention to detail, and being a source of help in anyway possible. Another strength I can say that I can bring to a team would be, Very vocally sounded, not afraid to speak up and lead in anyway possible.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
As an Athlete from Hawai’i there’s been a history of NFL and Pro players who have represented our home on the big stage and it’s been progressive through the years. With our exposure being so minimal and having to branch out to the states for a better look! The hunger to be great in this sport grows, sets our mindset to a different level, and getting the chance to carry and represent the Aloha/Island Spirit wherever we play. It doesn’t matter the team, location, organization, and level of pro. It would be such an honor and a blessing for an opportunity to represent and work for you. Mahalo Nui Loa!
