Sacramento State junior safety Koa Akui is having a breakout year, emerging from years of hard work to become a standout football player and team captain.

"In order to exceed or make it to the next level, I got to put in more than whatever it is," Akui said. "I know we're all a team, but at the end of the day, we compete, you know? And with that, I'm familiar with the whole country, so I'm trying to make it to the next level."

The former walk-on from Hawaii has significantly elevated his game, recording five takeaways in four games, including a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and three interceptions.

His dedication to reading the field, watching film, and understanding offensive strategies has helped slow down the game for him.

"Reading the field, watching film, putting in like work

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