Koa Ellis is a versatile football player. He’s a dual-threat quarterback for Hawaii Preparatory Academy and he is one of Ka Makani’s top defensive backs.
That’s not an unusual combination for a small school such as HPA. He also could handle the punting duties, which isn’t all that out of the ordinary.
But long snapper? That’s something very few quarterbacks in the state — or even on the mainland — likely perform on a regular basis.
“He’s a football player,” HPA coach Jordan Hayslip said during a break in camp. “He can play wherever you want him to — a backyard kind of guy.”
Even so, would Hayslip seriously consider using Ellis as his long snapper?
“We’ll put out there whoever can get the ball back, even if it’s our starting quarterback. He can throw it (overhand). He should be able to throw it between his legs, too,” Hayslip said with a chuckle.
One thing is certain: Ellis won’t have to snap the ball to himself on special teams.
“The Bugs Bunny routine?” Hayslip said. “No, hopefully not.”
Ellis said he’ll do anything to help the team.
“We have another long snapper that’s doing good,” he said after snapping a few balls during camp. “Hopefully he fills in. If not, I can do it.”
While his ability to long snap might draw some attention, his play at quarterback almost certainly will. Ellis is a three-year starter Ka Makani will depend on heavily. Nicky Palleschi, a tight end and wide receiver who should be one of HPA’s top targets this season, is happy to have Ellis getting him the ball.
“He’s a really good QB,” Palleschi said. “He is super fast and he can throw the ball so well. We have a great relationship. We have audibles, everything. He commands the football team. He’s a great leader. If we had to have one captain, it would probably be him.”
Ellis threw for 1,395 yards last season in a run-heavy offense, completing 53 percent of his passes, with 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Justin Perry, a junior wide receiver, said Ellis brings more to HPA than impressive numbers.
“Koa is our senior leader,” Perry said. “He runs the show. Not only is he tactically sound — he’ll put the ball wherever you need him — but he’s a leader out there, and you can look at him for leadership.”
After going 8-3 last season, Ellis is looking to win a Big Island Interscholastic Federation championship, among other things, this season.
“Our goal is to go to states, at least,” he said. “We really want to go to BIIFs and win this island, and then go forward to winning states.”
He’ll do whatever it takes to reach those goals — even long snapping.
