HAWAII FOOTBALL
Krebs going to Oregon State, Estes staying in Hawaii
Two familiar names, two big surprises.
Kaulin Krebs and Kenny Estes are the latest local football players to accept scholarships to play Division I college football.
Krebs, a reliable quarterback at Kahuku, committed to Oregon State during his visit over the weekend.
"I'm really excited. Two weeks ago, they wanted me to trip and hopefully sign and stuff," Krebs said. "I think they looked more at how I was running the offense, the percentages and how I don't turn the ball over. More of the basic stuff instead of stats."
The honors student was not heavily recruited by any means, but Oregon State saw the potential that Kahuku coach Siuaki Livai knew well.
"He was very consistent. He wasn't the most athletic guy. He didn't do exciting things. But if you know our season, we had the least amount of turnovers of any season before. I think we needed that this year," Livai said of the 6-foot, 165-pound senior.
Krebs won the starting job early in the season and guided the Red Raiders to their fourth state championship in six seasons. He has a 3.6 grade-point average and takes AP courses in calculus, U.S. history and biology. He hopes to major in civil engineering.
Estes, a three-sport standout at Waimea, committed to Hawaii after a long courtship. The Warriors first got a close-up look at the 6-foot, 190-pound senior during Rich Miano's Speed and Quickness Camp at the school.
"(Miano) asked if UH had talked to me, and asked me who I was. Then Coach Cal (Lee, UH linebackers coach) called me. They were just getting to know me. When Coach Lee started calling often, I knew they were serious," Estes said.
Estes was the Kauai Interscholastic Federation Offensive Player of the Year, playing running back and safety. He also was a place kicker -- with a 50-yard field goal to his credit -- punter and returner. Miano, the defensive backs coach, intends to use Estes' talent at safety.
He is also a standout in soccer as a forward and midfielder. He has been a key part of the Waimea 4x100 relay team, which won the past two state championships. He also placed second in the 100 (11.21) and third in the 200. His personal record in the 100 is 10.9.
"I told my mom, if I get a full ride, I'll take the offer. My parents are happy, especially, because it's full ride and they don't have to pay for anything," said Estes, who enjoyed the company of UH defensive linemen Rocky Savaiigaea, Fale Laeli and Lawrence Wilson and running back Reagan Mauia.
"We went and ate at all the expensive restaurants," he said. "The D-linemen really took care of me."
Estes hopes to become a firefighter eventually. He plans to major in marine biology or zoology.