Kela Marciel's listed position on the 'Iolani School football roster is "QB."

But a term used by college recruiters and NFL scouts might better describe Marciel's value to the entire Raiders sports program: "Athlete."

It's a word that comes up almost every time Marciel's name is mentioned, and not just in football. Marciel, a 5-foot-11, 165-pound junior, already owns five varsity letters despite just passing the halfway mark of his high school career.

As a freshman, he was a key reserve on 'Iolani's state championship basketball team and league title contending baseball team. As a sophomore, he was a second-team All-Interscholastic League of Honolulu cornerback in football, a starting point guard on the ILH runner-up basketball team and starting shortstop on the ILH runner-up baseball team.

"It's a rarity these days for somebody to play three varsity sports and excel in all of them the way he does," said Raiders football coach Wendell Look. "And his potential still hasn't been reached."

That's a scary thought for future 'Iolani opponents.

In his first season as starting quarterback, Marciel has completed 155 of 234 passes (66.2 percent) for 2,238 yards and 19 touchdowns. He's also rushed for 417 yards and six TDs on 102 carries (4.1 ypc).

Against two of the state's top defenses, Marciel completed 17 of 22 passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns in a 22-19 loss at Wai'anae and had 18 completions in 32 attempts for 189 yards and two TDs in a 49-34 defeat to Saint Louis.

But Marciel's coaches in all three sports say his value cannot be measured by numbers alone.

Marciel's father, Walter, was a longtime assistant to legendary Kalaheo basketball coach Pete Smith, so Kela grew up closely surrounded by high-level varsity athletics. Wally Marciel, Kela's older brother by three years, was a basketball and baseball standout at 'Iolani who now pitches for the University of Kansas.

"He comes from an athletic family, so he grew up in that spirit of competition," said Raiders basketball coach Mark Mugiishi. "He'll compete fiercely to the end."

'Iolani baseball coach Dean Yonamine said he was impressed with Marciel's maturity and composure as a freshman, not to mention his natural ability.

"In baseball, it's hard to just show up and play," Yonamine said. "But for the little time he spends in it, he has such natural instincts and a good understanding of the game."

Marciel has been able to juggle not just the different sports seasons but also his schoolwork despite the long days from August to May.

"It does get hectic going from one sport to another, and to find the time to study," he said. "But sports and school are similar — you have to try your best."

Marciel said he has no plans to drop any sport soon.

"I've loved all three since I was 5 years old," he said. "They all make me happy."

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.