HOMEGROWN REPORT
Colorado's Dizon will tackle nation's best
By Kalani Takase
Advertiser Staff Writer
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Nearly four years ago, as a Waimea High School senior, Jordon Dizon made a decision that would send him nearly 3,000 miles away.
Dizon, a 6-foot, 225-pound inside linebacker, signed with the University of Colorado and on Dec. 30 he completed a prolific career at Boulder that included a team-high 160 tackles this season.
Four seasons and 440 tackles later, Dizon will suit up for his last collegiate game in Saturday's Cornerstone Bancard Hula Bowl at Aloha Stadium.
Dizon is joined on the West squad by Arizona State offensive lineman Brandon Rodd ('Aiea '03 of 'Aiea), Portland State center Brennan Carvalho (Kamehameha '04 of Kapa'a) and West Texas A&M tight end Kolomona Kapanui (Kamehameha '01 of Palolo).
Rodd, a 6-foot-4, 303-pound left tackle, last played in Aloha Stadium in the 2006 Hawai'i Bowl, a 41-24 loss to Hawai'i.
While the Hula Bowl is an all-star game, there is a lot on the line, according to Rodd.
"Everyone's trying to showcase their skills," said Rodd. "We all know what's on the line. (Scouts) are watching our every move. We have to be on top of our game."
Carvalho, a three-time first-team All-Big Sky Conference selection, was named Walter Camp first-team All-America the past two seasons for the Football Championship Subdivision. He has started 39 consecutive games starting from the 2004 season.
"That kind of stuff is mostly for my family," said Carvalho, who stands 6-foot-1 and 315 pounds. "I'm excited (for the game). My whole family is coming down (from Kaua'i). It's probably going to be the most important game I've played in."
Kapanui, who is 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, was named to the Daktronics All-America team last month. He caught 39 passes for 481 yards and seven touchdowns in 2007.
"It's going to be a good experience," Rodd said. "Everyone here is a top athlete."
Several former University of Hawai'i standouts will also play Saturday. Wide receivers C.J. Hawthorne and Jason Rivers, and defensive tackle Michael Lafaele are on the West team.
Kickoff for the 62nd Hula Bowl is set for 1 p.m.
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Reach Kalani Takase at ktakase@honoluluadvertiser.com.