Hidetora Hanada is one of the more interesting players in college football, as the Colorado State defensive lineman comes from a sumo wrestling background. A native of Japan, Hanada had the opportunity to rise in the sumo wrestling world after becoming an amateur grand champion, but he instead opted to give football a chance this season.
That risk paid off, as Rams coach Jay Norvell announced the program is giving Hanada a scholarship to play for the football team.
Hanada began playing football in 2022, when he competed in the X-League in Japan. He then joined Colorado State’s football team as a walk-on in July. The 21-year-old said he wanted to challenge himself athletically in a different way.
