Local freshman LB with twitchy upside and long-term developmental value
In the 2026 season, Zion “Ziggy” Vea is a true freshman linebacker for Hawaii, listed at 5-foot-10 and 205 pounds, with roster and depth-chart coverage identifying him as a developmental depth piece rather than an immediate starter[1][2][7]. His calling card is local toughness and upside: Hawaii lists him as a 2025 Farrington High graduate who posted 19 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions in high school, while outside evals describe him as a raw long-term project with room to grow physically and technically[2][7]. If a team wants a high-motor, homegrown defender to mold, Vea looks like a good fit; if it wants an instant-impact linebacker, he’s more of a patience play right now[1][7].
