Former Chabot College star quarterback Chayce Akaka has committed to Division I power Weber State. 

The dual-threat signal-caller was an all-conference selection who blossomed in the Gladiators program after starring in multiple sports at Baldwin High in Maui.

"My dream was always to play Division I football, and so I knew going to Chabot was a steppingstone for me to get to the next level. I knew in high school I had some troubles (in academics), and so going to Chabot kind of helped me lead the way to Division I potential."

Akaka thanked his dad, Jason, and his two brothers, Taje and Quintan.

"Without them I don't think I would have made it through high school, through college, throughout my whole life. My dad raised me when we were little; it was like a one parent, a single parent, and without him I wouldn't be the man I am today, I wouldn't have the athleticism without his coaching and his support. He taught me everything I know about the sport and gave me the drive for it, gave me all the things that I needed to succeed in life as well."

Akaka says he comes from an all-athletic family. He made the big jump to the Bay Area after high school. It took him awhile to adjust to California lifestyle, but the football was to his liking at Chabot after a dream experience in high school as a three-time Maui Interscholastic League Offensive Player of the Year.

Chabot head coach Eric Fanene gives him very high marks as a player and person. Akaka thrived running and throwing under former offensive coach Danny Calcagno.

"When I was in high school I didn't really know how to read a defense, coverages and stuff like that. That's something I wish I l'd learned in high school because it would have made high school a lot easier for me," Akaka said. "But I appreciate Coach Cal. He took the time to teach me even though I came in late at Chabot. I put my head down and had to grind it out, but he taught me a lot of things, just simple thngs about the quarterback position. It helped me a lot during college, and I thank him for that."

Akaka had offers from good Division II schools, but his goal was always to play Division I football, he says. Weber State runs a spread offense, which fits his playing style.

Now his goals are to start in Division I and excel and make to the NFL.

"I want to make my family proud," he says.