Hawaii football: Keli’i “KK” Padello provides boost for the D-Line

Keli’i “KK” Padello has returned to help Hawaii football on the defensive front, after a serving mission with the Hawaii Army National Guard.

With three of last year’s defensive line starters not returning for the 2018 season, the Rainbow Warriors need all the help they can get at the position. Earlier this week, they received a welcome boost.

As reported by KHON 2, Keli’i “KK” Padello has rejoined the team after missing the first nine practices of training camp. In his defense, he had the not so small matter of a serving mission with the Hawaii Army National Guard.

As per KHON2, Padello was dispatched to the Big Island to help safeguard the public near the eruptions of Kilauea. He’s understandably excited to be playing football again, as he told KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello:

"“It’s great to be back. Just a little late but I’m glad to be back, trying to get back into the motion of it. I had a mission back then, a few weeks ago and now I’m here to represent the national guard and the state of Hawaii.”"

This is Padello’s second year with the Rainbow Warriors. He will be hoping to have more of an impact this time around, after producing just one sack and a tackle in 2017.

More from Saturday Blitz

• Michigan State vs. Maryland: Location, time, prediction, and more
• ACC Power Rankings: Can #4 FSU overthrow Clemson at Death Valley East?
• Most heartwarming social media reactions to Nick Chubb’s injury
• Ranking college football’s top 10 quarterbacks after Week 3
• Things are going to get much darker for the Houston Cougars

Certainly, head coach Nick Rolovich will be hoping the Mililani, O’ahu native can unleash some of the potential he showed in high school. As a senior in 2013, he was named state Defensive Player of the Year after recording 26 sacks in 12 games.

Before joining the Rainbow Warriors, Padello spent a year at Southern Oregon University. While there, he had 11 tackles and 2.5 sacks in five games.

Nicknamed “KK”, because his older brother could not pronounce Keli’i as a child, Padello is fortunate to have a family connection on the team. Younger brother Kaimana also plays on the defensive line, and is challenging for a spot in the starting lineup after playing in all 12 games last year.

What kind of production the Rainbow Warriors get from Padello this season remains to be seen, but he appreciates he is in an extremely fortunate position. As such, he will continue to work hard, spurred on by his younger brother, other teammates and fellow military members, as he told DeMello:

"“For the guys that are serving right now, maybe they didn’t get the chance to play football. For them I just want to give back and just to represent all the guys that didn’t get a chance and I’m just very blessed and happy to have this opportunity.”"

Do you see Padello improving on his first year with the Rainbow Warriors? In respect of the defensive line in general, what kind of production are you predicting for them in 2018? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.