Former Kealakehe offensive lineman Giovanni Chanes has yet to start his sophomore season at Cerritos College, but he is already making plans for the postseason.
Former Kealakehe offensive lineman Giovanni Chanes has yet to start his sophomore season at Cerritos College, but he is already making plans for the postseason.
Chanes — who already has two Division I offers from UAB and South Alabama — has been invited to play in the Junior College Pro Bowl, from Dec. 9-13.
The game is in Glendale, Arizona, and will host 42 of the top junior college players from across the nation.
“It was a little overwhelming when I got the call. I was very surprised,” Chanes said. “The best in the nation are going to be at this game. The organizer said there is going to be big-time recruiting there from Division I colleges.”
With two offers on the table, Chanes is bound to play D-I football, but where is still up in the air. He said the organizers told him players have an opportunity to announce where they are committing to on TV after the game, but Chanes is tight-lipped on his future.
“I could get other offers throughout the season from other schools, but right now I’m focused on trying to help my team be the best we can be,” Chanes said. “When I choose where I want to play in the future I want to take the time and visit the schools.”
Chanes played guard last season for the Falcons and garnered second-team All-Conference honors. This year he is making the transition to center, and is the offensive line captain.
“My coaches expect a lot from me because I’m the only returning starter on the offensive line,” Chanes said. “I’m embracing it and we are looking to build on winning the Western States Bowl at the end of last season.”
Chanes is not the only Waverider on the roster, or even on the offensive line. Siosaia Kalavi played his freshman year at the Globe Institute of Technology (New York) but transferred to Cerritos in the offseason. He starts at guard alongside Chanes.
“It’s awesome having him here,” Chanes said. “I’ve been helping him get his plays down and adjust.”
David Fangupo, another Kealakehe alumnus on the roster, starts at defensive tackle for the Falcons. Cordell Waahila and Jerone Moeoge round out the Waveriders on the roster. All are 2013 Kealakehe graduates.
Cerritos opens the season Saturday at home against Saddleback College.