Ewa Beach quarterback named to Maxwell Award watch list

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Ewa Beach native Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele is earning national recognition ahead of his second season with the Cal Golden Bears.

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The quarterback has been named to the Maxwell Award watch list as Cal prepares to open fall camp in Berkeley.

Sagapolutele is coming off a record-setting freshman season, throwing for 3,400 yards and 18 touchdowns — both Cal freshman records.

“I think Hawaii people, especially quarterbacks, every opportunity we are given, we are going to take it and go as far as we can,” Sagapolutele said. “We’re never gonna pass that up and give our best efforts in everything we do.”

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Cal associate head coach and quarterbacks coach Nick Rolovich said Sagapolutele’s ability to read defenses and place the ball accurately stands out.

“I’ve seen him do it so many times that I just have to believe his eyes and what he can process in that moment are very special,” Rolovich said.

Sagapolutele is part of a strong Hawaiʻi presence on the Golden Bears roster, which includes four other players from the islands.

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The Maxwell Award winner will be announced in December.