Numerical Roster Countdown 2014: Day 92, Kamalei Correa

We have just 92 days until kickoff, so today we'll take a look at the player that wears #92 on the Boise State roster—Kamalei Correa

#92, Kamalei Correa, Sophomore, DE

Stats

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 247 lbs.

High School: St. Louis High School, Honolulu, HI

How'd he get to The Blue™?

By spurning family tradition, mainly. Ex-Hawaii coach Greg McMackin so coveted Correa that he extended an offer to him when he was barely 15. Correa's brother La‘anui played for Hawaii as did brother Haku, and his mother has worked for UH's athletic department for 20 years. It could be that Kamalei's talent outgrew the island he's called home, but I just think that Coach Pete was a heckuva salesman. Correa committed to the Broncos over offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Hawaii, Kansas, Oregon State, SDSU, Utah, Washington State and Wyoming.

Nickname

"Kameleon"

I just don't think this can be improved upon.

Look-a-like

Brother Haku. Go figure.

Career Highlights

Played in all 13 games for the Broncos in 2013 (as a true freshman), recording 12 tackles (1.5 for loss) and a sack. Named first-team All-Interscholastic League of Hawaii after senior campaign. Named #4 player in state of Hawaii by National Underclassmen Combine (NUC).

2014 Prospectus

I don't think anyone is surprised that Correa played last year as a true freshman—Boise State needed back-ups and needed to cultivate some experience. I suppose I'm slightly surprised that Correa was outshone a bit by the less-heralded Gabe Perez, but Perez is in a different DE mold than KC. If I had to draw a comparison, I think Correa is more like Tyrone Crawford and Perez is more like Shea McClellin. Both outstanding defensive ends for the Broncos, but with different styles and skill sets. The bottom line with Correa is that he got a boatload of experience in 2013 and really has nowhere to go but up. 12 tackles and a sack for a true frosh in a backup role is nothing to sneer at and Correa is now bigger (17 pounds worth) and better accustomed to the speed of the college game. When pressed, I penciled Perez and Beau Martin into the starting DE roles for the Broncos, with Correa and Sam McCaskill getting the "OR" tag in the second slot. We've already reached ad nauseum phase with this, but don't get too hung up on "starters" in Marcel Yates' defense…even when we get closer to the opener. Boise State is going to use a ton of guys on defense to keep offenses on their heels, and defensive ends might be the position that most resembles a carousel. Correa is going to get plenty of snaps this Fall and I think has a good chance to at least double his output from a season ago.

Is he on Twitter?

Affirmative.

Ice bath ❄️ #athleteprobs pic.twitter.com/gu59CKHEqV

— Kc9two (@CorreaKamalei) April 9, 2014

Completely made up fact

Kamalei can open a coconut with nothing more than his teeth (and a circular saw).