Kalaheo native Nate Herbig is as busy as ever. He was in attendance at the Maximum Exposure Football Camp on Saturday on Oahu. It was the same camp he participated in last year, where he was named an MVP. “I
Kalaheo native Nate Herbig is as busy as ever.
He was in attendance at the Maximum Exposure Football Camp on Saturday on Oahu. It was the same camp he participated in last year, where he was named an MVP.
“I just remembered when I went last year to that camp, and winning the award, and now watching all these guys,” Herbig said in a phone interview Saturday afternoon.
Herbig, the standout offensive lineman at Saint Louis School in Honolulu, is now set for the next chapter in life and will soon be flying over to California.
Come fall, he’ll be playing football for Stanford University. Herbig will start summer school soon after arriving, and then summer camp will take place next month.
He intends to make an immediate impression and compete for a starting role during summer camp in July.
“I want to go and be in the best shape that I can be,” he said. “It’s just a lot different — learning how to manage your time with classes, training at 6 in the morning, practice in the afternoon, and then find time to do your homework. It’s going to be difficult getting adjusted to it. But once I do, I think I’ll be all right.”
The former Crusader also said he has an idea of what he’ll study, but isn’t sure at the moment.
“I’m thinking about economics and sports management. But we’re not allowed to declare until after our sophomore year. So, my major might change,” he said.
Herbig verbally committed to the Pac-12 school last June. He then de-committed and reopened his recruiting the following December. He again committed to the school in February.
He signed his letter of intent on Feb. 3.
“It was crazy. It was like all my dreams come true, and (I’m) going to a national powerhouse,” Herbig said of the day he signed his letter. “I don’t regret anything I did during my decision. I mean, my pop always told me, ‘Whatever decision I make is the correct one.’”
A few weeks ago, Herbig was back home on Kauai, spending a few days with his family before saying goodbye, and sharing his story with some youngsters.
“I gave a speech to Kalaheo Elementary School. I was the keynote speaker, (and I spoke) about goal setting,” he said. “I just want all these young kids to know that they can make it, too. I was in their shoes at one time. I just worked hard and persevered. There’s nothing impossible. It doesn’t matter, even if you come from a small island like Kauai.”
Herbig, who formerly attended and played for Kauai High School, spent the last two years at Saint Louis School. Among the lessons he learned during that time: perseverance. It’s what’s helped him reach his goal.
“I learned just to persevere no matter what. Even if you’re unsure of what you’re doing, just stay confident and work hard. And no matter what comes at you, just continue to persevere and you’ll come out on top one of those days.”
Aside from fulfilling his dream of playing at the collegiate level, he intends to spend time with family in California.
“I have family up there on my dad’s side from the Bay Area, in San Jose. So, I’ll try to hang out with my family a lot more,” Herbig said. “I don’t really get to hang out with them as much because we’re all the way in Hawaii, but now I have the opportunity to. And maybe go to a (Golden State) Warriors game, or something. I’m excited.”
Though he has big things ahead of him, Herbig said he’ll always remember what’s behind him.
“I never forgot where I came from. I know I’m born-and-raised on Kauai. I did it for all the people who look up to me — who dream to play college football,” he said. “Hopefully, I can represent Kauai and Hawaii, in a respectable manner like Marcus Mariota.”
