For UCLA linebacker Ale Kaho, it has been a tough road. Ever since transferring to UCLA from Alabama, Kaho has been injured often and has not played as much as he would have hoped for.
Over the last two years, he has played just one game amid injuries. However, he is hoping to buck that trend and be healthy for the 2024 campaign.
Moreover, Kaho notes it will be tough mentally, per James H. Williams of The Los Angeles Daily News.
“A lot of it’s mental because that leads to the physical part and I had to overcome a lot of mental barriers and I was questioning myself a lot,” Kaho said. “Just having to build that stuff up. I used to watch old videos of me, old plays I used to make, just to give myself some confidence or remind myself of who I am. It’s tough not playing for two years, so just things like that.”
It’s never easy dealing with so many injuries, but Kaho is embracing the opportunity to potentially be a starter for UCLA.
A Comeback Player of the Year watch list nomination.
It was announced earlier this week that Ale Kaho of UCLA Bruins Football was nominated for the 2024 Comeback Player of the Year award. The 6’2, 230lbs redshirt senior out of Reno Nevada saw just one game played a season ago. In 2022, he was out with an injury.
When he played for the Bruins in 2021, he played in 11 games and had a blocked punt that was recovered for a touchdown against Hawaii. He has seven tackles against Utah.
Before he came to UCLA, he played in 2018, 2019, and 2020 at Alabama. This is his 7th season of college football.
But, the question is, can Ale Kaho win the award? If he remains healthy, he is on track to become a starter. Moreover, he should find ample playing time with multiple departures on the defense this offseason.
With that being said, he could be in pole position to win the award if he can play well and stay healthy during the 2024 campaign.
There are 89 players on the list from 67 different schools. The award has been given out each season since 2018 and the winners are honored at the VRBO Fiesta Bowl.
The UCLA Bruins defense is set to look much different in 2024 with the Murphy twins, Darius Muasau, and Laiatu Latu all off to the NFL.
But, one player who could fill one of the gaps is Ale Kaho. The former Alabama transfer played just one game over the past two seasons due to a multitude of injuries, but he has encouraged coaches during camp early on.
New Bruins defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe spoke highly of Kaho, per James H. Williams of The Los Angeles Daily News.
“I think we all know how athletic he is,” defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe said. “He’s a really special player but it’s his availability that will be the best ability for him.
As for the coaching staff, they want to do their part to make sure Kaho is healthy: “We have to do our part to make sure he’s healthy and just the reps he takes out on the field. He doesn’t need much.”
Bruins linebacker Oluwafemi Oladej also spoke highly of Kaho and is excited to see him on the field: “Ale’s just an explosive player, fun to play with, fun to talk to in the locker room, great guy. He accelerates everybody’s confidence, just knowing Ale’s playing behind the ball, I can play fast because he’s playing fast.”
If Kaho can be healthy for the 2024 season, it would be a giant boost to the Bruins’ defense.
The UCLA Bruins football program is in camp and just a few weeks away from the start of the new era. We have seen a few different players make watch lists already, including TJ Harden (Doak Walker) and J. Michael Studivant (Biletnikoff).
Another one earned a spot on a preseason watch list: Ale Kaho. The Bruins linebacker is on the Comeback Player of the Year watch list after overcoming a ton of adversity and injuries during his career. Ben Bolch of The Los Angeles Times reported the news of Kaho making the watch list.
“UCLA linebacker Ale Kaho, who has been sidelined by injuries for most of the past two seasons, is on the watch list for the Comeback Player of the Year Award. Former teammate Laiatu Latu was a co-winner of the award in 2022.”
Kaho has played just one game over the past two seasons, but all signs point to him being healthy for the 2024 campaign.
UCLA linebacker Ale Kaho, who has been sidelined by injuries for most of the past two seasons, is on the watch list for the Comeback Player of the Year Award. Former teammate Laiatu Latu was a co-winner of the award in 2022.
Former Crimson Tide linebacker Ale Kaho originally picked Utah as his transfer destination, but he has since changed his mind.
Ale Kaho entered the transfer portal in mid-February. Less than a week later, the now former Alabama linebacker announced he would be finishing his college career at Utah.
Well, that decision may have been a little premature. In fact, we now know that it was. On Monday night, Kaho once again took to Twitter to another that he wouldn’t be joining the Utes.
Instead, he’ll join another school from the Pac-12 — UCLA. It’s an interesting pivot for the former four-star prospect, but Kaho clearly feels like that’s the better opportunity for him. He mentioned as much in his tweet.
The Bruins are known for putting quality linebackers in the NFL, so this decision makes sense from that aspect. Whether it’s Eric Kendricks, Anthony Barr, Jayon Brown or others, the quality play at the position has been consistent.
He’ll still end up out west, and it will still be in the same conference. It’ll just be with Chip Kelly and UCLA. Either way, good for Kaho!
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Former Alabama linebacker Ale Kaho has committed to finish his college career with the Utah Utes in the Pac-12.
Ale Kaho only entered the transfer portal six days ago. The now former Alabama linebacker already has his destination picked out, however.
On Thursday night, Kaho tweeted that he would be finishing his collegiate career at Utah. This is a massive get for the Utes, as Kaho has plenty of experience on special teams — and some on defense.
“It’s up there and it’s stuck there,” Kaho tweeted. “Believe this one personal.”
Kaho’s most important contribution for the Crimson Tide was on special teams where he blocked multiple punts and made key tackles. He was also a valuable depth piece at linebacker.
Roll Tide Wire wants to wish him luck at his next destination!
Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
Download the USA TODAY SportsWire app to follow Roll Tide Wire and your other favorite teams in the Apple Store for iPhones and Google Play for Android devices.
Former Alabama linebacker Ale Kaho committed to finish his college career with the Utah Utes in the Pac-12.
Ale Kaho entered the transfer portal six days ago, but the now former Alabama linebacker already has his destination picked out.
On Thursday night, Kaho tweeted he would finish his collegiate career at Utah. This is a massive get for the Utes. Kaho has plenty of experience on special teams — and some on defense.
“It’s up there and it’s stuck there,” Kaho tweeted. “Believe this one personal.”
Kaho’s most important contribution for the Crimson Tide was on special teams where he blocked multiple punts and made key tackles. He was also a valuable depth piece at linebacker.
Roll Tide Wire wants to wish him luck at his next destination!
Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
Download the USA TODAY SportsWire app to follow Roll Tide Wire and your other favorite teams in the Apple Store for iPhones and Google Play for Android devices.
Alabama KB Ale Kaho announces he is entering his name into the NCAA transfer portal and leaving the Crimson Tide program.
Ale Kaho, a former four-star linebacker from the 2018 recruiting class, announced he plans to leave the Alabama Crimson Tide program and is entering the transfer portal.
In his three seasons with Alabama, Kaho recorded 31 tackles and one fumble recovery. He was often used on special teams and occasionally on offense as a fullback in short-yardage situations.
The Reno, Nevada, native made his announcement through an Instagram post.
In his message, Kaho shows appreciation for his teammates and coaches, naming Nick Saban and Jeff Allen specifically.
There does not seem to be any bad blood between Kaho and the program. With his eligibility winding down, he may be looking for a landing spot that can offer him time on the field.
We are 10 days from Alabama football kicking off its season on the road against the Missouri Tigers to start a 10-game, SEC only schedule.
There has been a lot of uncertainty surrounding college football over the last couple of months, but as of right now, the season still looks like it’s a go for the SEC, ACC and Big 12.
So, what does that mean? It means that we can continue the Countdown to Kickoff en route to the Crimson Tide — and the rest of the SEC — getting things underway on Sept. 26.
With it now being Sept. 16, we are officially 10 days away from the start!
Like with a lot of the lower numbers, two players are currently wearing the No. 10 for Alabama. On defense, it’s junior linebacker Ale Kaho out of Reno (Nev.). On offense, it’s projected starting quarterback Mac Jones, a redshirt junior out of Florida.
In year’s past, standouts such as former quarterback AJ McCarron and linebacker Reuben Foster have worn the number.
Alabama quarterback Mac Jones (10) walks off the field after Alabama defeated Tennessee at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday October 19, 2019. Mickey Welsh, Montgomery Advertiser
2020 Alabama football schedule
Sept. 26 at Missouri (Columbia, Mizz.)
Oct. 3 vs. Texas A&M (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
Oct. 10 at Ole Miss (Oxford, Miss.)
Oct. 17 vs. Georgia (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
Oct. 24 at Tennessee (Knoxville, Tenn.)
Oct. 31 vs. Miss State (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
Nov. 14 at LSU (Baton Rouge, La.)
No. 21 vs. Kentucky (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
Nov. 28 vs. Auburn (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
Dec. 5 at Arkansas (Fayetteville, Ark.)
Stay tuned for more updates from Roll Tide Wire, part of the USA TODAY Sports College Wire network!
As we continue through the offseason, Roll Tide Wire has decided to bring fans a quick snapshot of each scholarship player listed on Alabama’s 2020 football roster. Each day, we’ll release anywhere from 2-4 player profiles giving fans a glimpse into …
As we continue through the offseason, Roll Tide Wire has decided to bring fans a quick snapshot of each scholarship player listed on Alabama’s 2020 football roster.
Each day, we’ll release anywhere from 2-4 player profiles giving fans a glimpse into the players who will be available this upcoming season. Whether that’s size, classification, hometowns or recruiting rankings coming out of high school, we’ve got you covered.
Also included in each article is a quick recap letting you know what to expect from that player for the upcoming 2020 season and beyond.
Next up on the list is junior Ale Kaho out of Reno (Nev.).
Ale Kaho, Linebacker
Alabama linebacker Ale Kaho (10) celebrates his touchdown after he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone against Ole Miss at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday September 28, 2019. Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser
Analysis: Alabama fans are still waiting for Ale Kaho to take the next step in his development and become the playmaking inside linebacker he was brought in to be. But while the wait continues, the Reno (Nev.) native has been an impact player on special teams.
His biggest play came on a blocked punt against Ole Miss during the 2019 season which resulted in Kaho coming away with a special teams touchdown.
There’s still work left to be done in regards to Kaho playing on the defense, as he tends to be a little too aggressive at times, but he still has a needed skillset that could translate into big-time production.
