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[Interview by reader James, aka "NIU"]

A few months ago, most Florida State fans had no idea who Shaydon Akuna was. They weren't alone, however, as Akuna flew under the radar of most college football fans. However, since a strong performance in the All-Poly Football Camp, the talented young linebacker has not gone unnoticed by college coaches across the country, and has seen his recruitment kick into high gear throughout his senior season. ESPN's scouts were impressed with his his range and overall athleticism that we saw on film, along with his large frame and his good fluidity and burst to the football. Included in his list of offers is one from Florida State, one of his favorite schools growing up. Last week, I was able to speak with Shaydon about his recruitment.

"Recruiting has been crazy. Everyday, I have different coaches calling me and sending me letters. It has been really intense, but it has been a cool experience." The Akuna household has seen more than its fair share of calls from college coaches across the nation, trying to sell the islands native on their program.

Akuna really began to see his recruitment pick up after his performance at the All-Poly Football Camp during the summer. For Akuna, it was his first football camp. "The APC was a great experience. It was my first camp, and we had the opportunity to interact and be coached by coaches from Div 1 programs all across the West. I learned a lot about the work that it takes to play on the college level both on and off the field." Akuna took home MVP honors for his position.

Akuna starred at linebacker for Kapolei HS, whose season just concluded three weeks ago. "We went 5-3 and lost in the first round of the playoffs", said Akuna. "I missed the first four games of the season with a hamstring injury, but came back afterwards and played well the remainder of the season."

What does Shaydon consider to be his strengths? "I read and react very well. I play the game smart, run hard, and I love to play physical. I believe in being more physical than my opponent, because when you do, you instill fear in your opponent and break him down mentally and physically."

What aspects of his game does he feel he needs to improve? "Everything. I want to work and improve all aspects of my game. There is always room for improvement."

Akuna admitted to losing focus in the classroom as a freshman in high school, but has since refocused and is on pace to graduate. "I slacked off during my freshman and part of my sophomore year. I really didn't take my education seriously. Since then, I have started putting more work into school and should be getting a 4.0 this semester. I will have no problem graduating on time."

Akuna currently claims no favorites in his recruitment. "I am open to everyone right now. If any teams come and offer, I will listen to what they have to say. Right now, I would say the schools I am really looking at are Oregon State, Florida State, Arkansas, Oregon, and USC".

"I am just looking for a place where I can fit in", said Akuna. "I want to be around good people who I get along with, and I want to feel at home. I also want to have a good relationship with the coaching staff. When I sign with a team, I want to have a staff that can develop me and make me a beast on the field."

Additionally, Akuna also wants to go into medicine and would like to be a pediatrician.

Earlier this season, Akuna took an official visit to Oregon State and had a great experience. "It was a really good visit. I knew a couple of the guys on the team from back home and I really got along with all the players and the coaches. I definitely felt at home there."

Continue reading for the rest of the interview and a highlight tape!

Akuna has scheduled a visit to Arkansas this weekend, and will visit both FSU and USC in January. Potential schools for his 5th visit include UCLA, Oregon, and Arizona. He has not set a timetable for his decision, but will take all of his visits before doing so.

Who does Akuna hear from the most? "Oregon State and Florida State are the schools that call me the most. Oregon has also started calling a lot. I also get a lot of texts from players at West Virginia."

So what stands out to Shaydon about FSU?

"I have liked FSU since I was little. My grandma is a big Seminoles fan, and I grew up watching them and cheering for them. I love the prestige and tradition of the program, and they have a history of sending players to the league. I like that they play physical and with intensity on defense, because that is how I play."

"Coach Coley is my recruiter", said Akuna. "He is a cool guy; I talk to him a lot."

What position would Akuna play at FSU? "They're looking at lining me up at outside linebacker as well as at rover."

Does Bobby Bowden's announced retirement have any effect on him? "Yeah it does, kinda", he said. "Because I am looking to go to a program that is ready to compete for a championship and not rebuilding. With the coach gone, it seems like they will have to start over a little bit."

Florida is a long way away from Hawaii. Does the distance have any effect on his decision? "Not at all. I just want to go where I am happy, and my parents want the same. They will support whatever decision I make."

There is little doubt that whatever school Shaydon Akuna chooses will be getting a talented player. I will have another interview with Akuna in January after he returns from his official visit to Tallahassee.

Despite what Scout and Rivals says, Shaydon has NOT visited Arizona.

Oregon State is clearly in front for Shaydon right now. However, it is mostly based off his positive experience during his visit. All the other schools will have their chance to wow him when he visits their campus. There is no question that a great visit to FSU will put the Noles in a strong position to land him. It will come down to FSU and OSU, with Oregon having an outside chance if they continue to get involved.

Don't be discouraged by the comments regarding the coaching situation/rebuilding. I really think that Shaydon just doesn't have a full understanding of the positive situation that FSU is really in. Coaching changes are usually associated with teams that are hopeless and need massive changes. There is no doubt in my mind that once he visits the campus and talks with Jimbo and the other coaches, he will no longer have those concerns.

Seminole fans should be very excited about this kid. I have met Shaydon several times before, and I have watched him at the APC and in games, and I can tell you that this kid has a very impressive skill set. He has great speed, great size, physical, and has a relentless work ethic. He plays the game intelligently. Also is an outstanding young man off the field, and will have no disciplinary problems. He would be a great addition to Seminole Nation.