Hawaii football recently wrapped up its recruiting period. Timmy Chang’s team signed over 30 athletes to join the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors. I have interviewed recruits who have joined the 2023 Hawaii football team. I interviewed Kaleb Jackson-Carter, Maclane Watkins, Ezekiel Rodrigues, and Freddie Pelling. I recently conducted an interview with defensive lineman Ha’aheo Dela Cruz. Ha’aheo Dela Cruz is a talented athlete who is ready to join Hawaii’s football program. Hawaii’s defense ranked 117 out of 131 qualifying schools. Ha’aheo will be a great fit for a defense that needs to play better in 2023.
Ha’aheo Dela Cruz attends Iolani High School in Honolulu, Hawaii. Ha’eho is 6-3 and is listed at 220 pounds. Dela Cruz was rated as a 3-star athlete and the number 2 edge player according to On3 recruiting.
Ha’aheo Dela Cruz Background
Ha’aheo started playing football at an early age. Ha’aheo played flag football at 3 years old and started playing tackle football at 5. Athletes get inspired to play sports from their family and friends. Dela Cruz said he was inspired by his father. Dela Cruz said, “My dad signed me to play football, and I fell in love with the game.” Ha’aheo played wide receiver, offensive line, and other positions when he started playing football. Ha’aheo also played baseball until his junior year of high school.
Ha’aheo Dela Cruz’s Story
Ha’aheo’s path to Hawaii football is different than other football players. Ha’aheo didn’t receive any offers from other college football programs. Dela Cruz said, “Getting that one Hawaii offer was the only offer I needed. It was a blessing to get to play at home.” Dela Cruz signed with Hawaii because he felt welcomed by Hawaii’s football program. Hawaii opened its arms to Ha’aheo and made him feel like part of the family. Dela Cruz said Hawaii treats its players, staff, and coaches with respect.
Ha’aheo enjoys playing on the defensive line. Dela Cruz said, “Hawaii sees me as an edge rusher.” When asked about playing on the defensive line, Dela Cruz said, “You always have an opportunity to make a play on the ball.” Ha’aheo has played on the inside and outside of the defensive line. Dela Cruz said he had to play on the inside at Iolani because of his size. Iolani doesn’t have many big athletes and had to rely on Dela Cruz’s length. Dela Cruz said playing on the inside helped him become mentally tough and prepared him for what he will face at Hawaii. Dela Cruz can use his versatility to help Hawaii’s defensive line attack opposing offenses.
Dela Cruz is ready to play for Hawaii’s defense. Dela Cruz said he likes Hawaii’s coaching staff. Dela Cruz is excited to work with Hawaii’s coaching staff and sharpen his skills.
What about Iolani?
Dela Cruz’s Iolani football team finished the season on a sour note. Iolani went 9-1 during the 2022 season and lost to Waipahu High School 35-10 in the playoffs. Dela Cruz said, “It was a tough way to end the season, but we learned a lot about ourselves as a team. ”
Ha’eho Dela Cruz exemplifies the athlete who had to work harder to make it on a college football team. Despite the lack of offers and national attention, Dela Cruz has an opportunity to cement his name for the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors.
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