Former Kapolei star drafted by the San Francisco 49ers

Former Kapolei High School star De’Zhaun Stribling’s emotions went from chilling to thrilling early Friday afternoon.

Stribling, a standout receiver at Ole Miss who had a breakout performance at the NFL Combine, was selected by the San Francisco 49ers with the first pick in the second round, 33rd overall, on the second day of the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.

He climbed draft boards after his performance at the combine in February. The 6-foot-2, 207-pounder ran the 40 in 4.36, had a vertical jump of 36 inches and interviewed well before the media.

“So blessed, so excited … really grateful for this opportunity. I’m just very excited,” Stribling said in a post on the 49ers’ Instagram account. “I’m so excited to come here and work and for the opportunity and just contribute however I can and help the team win.”

When he was asked where he was, Stribling said, “Back in Hawaii at this beach house that we have here with just close family, friends from high school, friends from growing up. A very chill vibe, be out here on the beach. Just hanging out and taking everything in.”

Stribling’s selection at 33 surprised many NFL draft prognosticators. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, who authored a 600-plus-page draft guide called “The Beast,” had Stribling as the 67th-ranked player. Brugler did project Stribling to be a second-round pick in his seven-round mock draft, but it was at the bottom of the round, at No. 63.

Stribling’s draft profile, however, is impressive, with the exception of having shorter than ideal arms. His height, weight, 40 time and even 10-yard split (1.53) were better than first-rounders Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, KC Concepcion and Omar Cooper Jr.

Stribling, after taking a gap year, played five college seasons at three schools, with his final season with Ole Miss, where he was one of the key players who helped lead the Bulldogs into the semifinals of the College Football Playoff.

Ole Miss lost to Miami 31-27 in the CFP semifinals, where Stribling had five catches for 77 yards. He was targeted by quarterback Trinidad Chambliss on the final play, a desperation pass into the end zone. In a first-round playoff victory — 41-10 over Tulane — Stribling had five catches for 79 yards and a touchdown. In the quarterfinal — a 39-34 win over Georgia — Stribling had seven catches for 122 yards.

Stribling finished his final season at Ole Miss with 55 receptions, 811 yards and six touchdowns. He was the team’s leader in touchdown receptions and finished second in receiving yards.

For his career — including two seasons at Washington State and two at Oklahoma State — Stribling finished with 216 catches for 2,964 yards, 23 touchdowns and 13.7 yards per catch. His best year as far as yardage came in 2024 with Oklahoma State with 882 yards.