AIGA Foundation Polynesian Football News, Notes, and Blurbs
The primary purpose of the AIGA Foundation blog is to bring exposure to Pacific Islander football players excelling at the high school, collegiate and professional level.
There was a time not so long ago when the sleepers in local high school football were often left sleeping.
The rare blue chippers were reeled in, refined and polished up by major-conference schools, while many other players were left with few, if any, options.
Times have changed. Yesterday's letter-of-intent bonanza netted results for the University of Hawaii as well as programs across the mainland.
For every elite safety/rover like Kapolei's Shaydon Akuna (6-foot-2, 215 pounds), who turned down Florida State and Arizona to attend Oregon State, there's a dynamic athlete like Castle's Shaydon Kehano.
Instead of being left without a scholarship, Kehano, a Star-Bulletin all-state first-team receiver, was snatched up by Weber State.
For every elite linebacker like Punahou's Jeremy Ioane, who turned down Notre Dame and Washington in favor of Boise State, there's a hidden gem like Kamehameha's Wave Ryder.
The 6-foot-3, 185-pound senior switched from offense to defense last summer and quickly became a force at safety. Though Ryder was raw at his new position, his upside was enough for the U.S. Naval Academy to offer a scholarship, which he accepted.
For every pure pass rusher like Farrington's V.J. Fehoko, who turned down Hawaii to play for Utah, there's Saint Louis' Jeremy Higgins, a prolific passer who is going to the only school he received an offer from: Utah State.
Higgins, Kehano and Ryder fit the classic walk-on mold that made UH deeper and better in years past. Today, players on the bubble between Division I and FCS (formerly known as Division I-AA) have better odds of finding free tuition and board while extending their football careers.
There are just more quality players in the islands than scholarships available for the state's lone college football program.
"I just want to go compete," Higgins said.
Yesterday's torrent of signees was especially heavy at the Sheraton Waikiki, where the Pacific Islands Athletic Alliance held its annual ceremony. Some 75 student-athletes signed at 7 a.m., officially the earliest time letters could be signed and faxed to coaches.
Akuna, Fehoko and Ioane were among the few who saved their final decision for LOI day. At last count, UH scooped up 13 Hawaii/Polynesia recruits, including some nice surprises in the late going of recruiting season. Those include Saint Louis defenders Marcus Umu (safety/nickel back) and Moses Samia (defensive end).
Perhaps the most interesting conglomerate was the dozen seniors from Kapolei who will play college football this fall. Three will be in D-I and the rest will go to smaller schools or junior colleges.
Another five from Leilehua will join the collegiate ranks, the most during coach Nolan Tokuda's helm. Kahuku has eight athletes who signed yesterday, including Star-Bulletin defensive player of the year Hauoli Jamora (Washington) and Kona Schwenke (Notre Dame).
While Kahuku's tradition and talent help to attract recruiters, Kapolei has a smooth pipeline through the extra effort of coach Darren Hernandez.
"To me, there's a big world out there beyond high school football," said Hernandez, who has a simple, yet effective video-editing system on his laptop. "If it gets our players more motivated, that's great."
26 future Warriors pleased to be finished with recruiting process BY STEPHEN TSAI HawaiiWarriorBeat.com Editor
Finally, defensive end Beau Yap of Kamehameha Schools was ready to exhale.
"I feel relieved right now, getting this recruiting process off my back," said Yap, The Advertiser's co-Defensive Player of the Year, after signing a letter of intent with the University of Hawai'i football team yesterday morning. "I can be a kid again."
Yap's signing — one of 26 by future Warriors — completed a whirlwind week in which Yap committed to Baylor, de-committed to the Waco, Texas, school, and then pledged to the alma mater of his father, Boyd Yap, the 1979 state Player of the Year.
"It's terrific," Boyd Yap said. "He's going to have a great time."
Beau Yap said: "I grew up as a UH fan. I'm proud to be going there."
Yap decided on UH while traveling from Oregon State, where he took a weekend recruiting trip.
"I woke up (during the flight), and it kind of hit me: I couldn't leave home."
He added: "Nothing can beat Hawai'i. The comfort level is so high. It was hard for me to say 'no' to (Baylor), but Hawai'i is the only place for me."
Yesterday was the first day football prospects were permitted to sign binding commitment letters.
The Warriors, who began piecing together this class two years ago, encountered no surprises as commitments were faxed to the Mānoa campus.
Although a scholarship was reserved for Farrington High defensive end VJ Fehoko (signed with Utah), the third son of UH's mascot, the Warrior coaches did not anticipate his commitment and, in fact, already filled their pass-rushing needs.
Entering the offseason, the Warriors sought defensive ends, offensive linemen, cornerbacks and receivers.
They signed four rush ends, five blockers — a sixth, if they were to count grayshirt Jordan Loeffler, who is enrolled in school — two play-making corners, and four speedy receivers.
UH coach Greg McMackin dismissed talk of the lack of four-star recruits, insisting that he valued his staff's evaluation of talent over scouting-service rankings.
"I'm excited about this class," McMackin said.
The feeling, apparently, is mutual.
"It's chicken-skin time," Kapolei High linebacker Tu'ulauena Lolohea said after signing his letter. "It feels good to finally get it written down. I'm ready to play for Hawai'i."
Here's a look a the recruiting class:
quarterback
Name Ht. Wt. Last School
Kevin Spain 6-2 205 Paradise Valley (Ariz.) High
Quarterbacks coach Nick Rolovich: "He's unselfish. He wants to win. Physically, he's a good athlete. The best thing about him is the catch-ability of his passes. And his accuracy. He has a lot of natural tools that will make him special down the road."
Offensive linemen
Name Ht. Wt. Last School
Kody Afusia 6-3 285 Ocean View (Calif.) High
David Lefotu 6-4 290 Pearl City High
Frank Loyd 6-5 275 Moanalua High
London Sapolu 6-1 295 Orange Coast College
Sean Shigematsu 6-6 255 Kapa'a High
Line coach Gordy Shaw: "Kody never came off the field. I believe he was an All-CIF defensive lineman. Based on his stature and talent, we could project that he was going to be just what we're looking for at that position (center). ...
"David is a big, physical guard-type guy who has tremendous strength. ....
"Frank is an interesting guy. Last spring, he was a little over 6-3 and 230, but very athletic. He has long arms; that wing span that they talk about. He has a lot of upside. Today, he's touching 6-5 and he's 275. That's over a nine-month period, and he hasn't lost a step. He's going to be a very good tackle-type guy for us. ....
"Initially we were looking for a tackle. As we got into camp, and saw we had enough tackle guys we thought would be OK for this upcoming season, we were looking for an inside guy. (Sapolu will) either battle for the starting center position or be a backup. Physically, he's a good player. ....
"At the All-Poly camp, Sean was the guy everybody's eyes were going to him. At the time, he was 6-5 and about 235. A great athlete. He really stood out in that camp. He's 6-6, 250 now, and starts on the basketball team, starts on the volleyball. He has tremendous upside. He's going to be one of those tackles who's played here and gone on to play in the NFL."
Receivers
Name Ht. Wt. Last School
Samson Anguay 5-8 155 Campbell High
Darius Bright 6-5 225 City College of San Francisco
Corey Lau 5-8 145 Kailua High
Allen Sampson 5-8 155 Plant High (Fla.)
Rolovich: "Samson is that quick, make-a-guy-miss-type slot we've had success with in the past. I know his size is not the biggest, but he's built really well. He'll make some plays for us in the future. ...
"Corey Lau is the same type of player as Samson. He has enough straight-ahead speed to be successful. But he has the ability to make that one guy miss and get the extra yards. ...
"People will first notice (Sampson) has world-class speed. But his personality and the person he is will make him a great teammate. He's going to make an immediate impact on our kick return. We have to try to get the ball in his hands to make something happen."
Defensive ends
Name Ht. Wt. Last School
Desmond Dean 6-7 215 Tyler (Texas) High
Ipulasi Eselu 6-2 215 Moanalua High
David Katina 6-2 225 Fa'asao Marist (Am. Samoa)
Beau Yap 6-2 245 Kamehameha Schools
Defensive line coach Dave Aranda: Desmond is a guy we've had on our radar for a long time. He has all of the potential in the world. He has all of the bloodlines. He has all of the ability: the length, the speed. I feel Desmond has the most potential of all of the guys we brought in. His pop is 300 pounds. His grandfather played in the (National Football) League for how many years. What people look at is the weight. He's 6-7 and 215 pounds. But if you look at his family and his genes, weight is not a problem. ...
"We like (Eselu's) aggressiveness and his knowledge of the game, with his pop being a coach, and his mentality. He's going to grow into being a defensive end, at 240 (pounds). When we saw him in the summer, he was 190. He's 215 now. He's on his way." ...
"(Yap) reminds me of a raw John Fonoti. He has a natural get-off. His explosiveness and his hips are a natural gift."
Assistant head coach George Lumpkin: "Desmond is thin now, but he runs a 4.52 in the 40 and a 10.87 in the 100. If you remember, (Ikaika) Alama-Francis was about 212 when we got him. This kid is about the same. It's a matter of putting a lot of weight on him. ...
"The most positive things about (Katina) are his work ethic, his character, and his ability to understand what is required of him. He should be an outstanding defensive end."
Defensive tackles
Name Ht. Wt. Last School
Calen Friel 6-2 260 Kailua High
Moses Samia 6-2 250 Saint Louis School
Aranda: "Moses has unbelievably long arms and unbelievably big hands. He's 250 pounds right now, and doesn't look it. We recruited Moses as a defensive tackle. ...
"Same thing with Friel. At the (UH coaches camp), he was 220 pounds. He's 260 right now. Both of those guys, in a year, will be 280. We feel they're active, tall, longer than some of the tackles."
Linebackers
Name Ht. Wt. Last School
Dustin Elisara 6-2 245 Kapolei High
Tu'ulauena Lolohea 6-2 240 Kapolei High
Zachary Quines 6-3 210 Mililani High
Dominick Sierra 6-1 205 La Habra (Calif.) High
T.J. Taimatuia 6-3 225 Artesia (Calif.) High
Defensive coordinator Cal Lee: (Elisara) is very athletic. He has a great sense for the ball, and he has a motor. He's a big and strong athletic guy who can go out there and control the middle, and make sure nobody runs up the middle. ...
"What Tu'u brings on the field are what you look for in a linebacker. What he showed on his visit was the leadership qualities that he had, the take-charge qualities that you need on the defensive side of the ball. He's like a quarterback guy who's going to make people play hard. His actions speak louder than his words. He's not only an action guy, but he's a motivator. ...
"Zach is another one who can run to the ball. He's 6-3, a long, rangy kind of guy. The thing about Zach is he can make tackles in the open field. He's like a DB playing linebacker. He has great speed, great range. If we blitz, he's the kind of guy who can come off the edge. ...
"Dominick has great potential. He can make plays. He started off at defensive back, but because of his size, he'll become a good linebacker. He's got great closing speed. ...
"T.J. is another tall, rangy kind of player, like Zach is. He's not afraid to make contact. Defensively, you want guys who like to make contact. He wants to get there, and put a helmet where you want to put it. He has all of the skills and athleticism."
Safety
Name Ht. Wt. Last School
Marcus Umu 6-1 190 Saint Louis School
Safeties coach Chris Tormey: "We had Marcus in (the coaches) camp last June, and we were really impressed with his ball skills. He must have had eight or 10 interceptions in the three days we worked with him. He has good instincts, and he showed good toughness. He has excellent size. He has great growth potential."
Cornerbacks
Name Ht. Wt. Last School
John Hardy-Tuliau 6-1 165 Visa Murrieta (Calif.) High
Dee Maggitt 5-10 175 Lakes (Wash.)
Aranda: "I think John can help us right away, in terms of blocking kicks. Everywhere John has been, he's won. Everything that John has wanted to do, he's done. He's one of those guys. He has a magic touch to him. He has the height we want at corner. Our conference is a running conference, no doubt about it. We have to load the (tackle) box to play the run. Every team has that one receiver who has jump-ball possibilities. I think height at corner was a need, and he fits that need."
Tormey: "Dee was the top cornerback prospect in the state of Washington this past year. He was highly regarded. He comes from one of the very best high school programs in the state of Washington. They're going to be top-5 in the state every year, and they have Division I players every year. Great background there. He played at a high level. Fundamentally, he's very sound. Good feet. Good hands. Breaks on the ball well."
Athlete
Name Ht. Wt. Last School
Siaki Cravens 6-3 240 Long Beach City College
Christian "Bubba" Poueu-Luna 6-0 175 Great Oak (Calif.) High
Aranda: "Cravens is a great athlete. He played tight end/receiver out of high school. A great basketball player, very athletic. We feel outside back on the line of scrimmage is a great position for him. He's 6-3, 240 pounds, but at this point, he's one of our faster players. He's a 4.5 guy. The issue with him is he's going to be raw. In terms of the tools and the mentality. That's there. ...
"Bubba is a great athlete. He can play receiver or DB. He played quarterback this past season. He's really in a similar mode to Siaki. He's a super, super athlete. He's a force with the ball in his hand. As a junior, he played safety. We're going back and forth on him in the office. He's a guy who can go either way."
"I feel like the structure will help," Palelei said.
Both Palelei and Godkin committed to Navy late in the recruiting process, after receiving interest from numerous schools.
They both took separate visits to the Annapolis campus in the last month and said they fell in love with it. Godkin said all doubts about the military lifestyle were erased during the visit.
"It struck me that this is who I am today," Godkin said. "Before, in years past, I wasn't into any of that strict discipline. Now, I know the lifestyle is good and a little discipline didn't hurt anyone."
With Godkin and Palelei on the Midshipmen's roster, they have a total of five Las Vegas natives.
Two Faith Lutheran graduates, cornerback David Sperry and linebacker Garrett Sherwood, and former Gorman offensive lineman Sam Womack already are at Navy.
Womack said he was thrilled to welcome two more. He's known Palelei ever since he was a freshman at Gorman and has spoken with Godkin a few times since his visit.
"I think they both definitely have what it takes," Womack said. "I know Evan personally and I've seen Daniel. They are both exactly what Navy is looking for. They are great players, but even better guys and know where hard work can get you."
A commitment to Navy is more than an agreement to go to school and play football. It also comes with a minimum five-year service commitment after graduation.
Godkin said he understood why that pushed some recruits away. But it was one of the top selling points for him.
"You have to be a mature person to realize the opportunities set up in front of you," Godkin said. "A lot of guys coming out of high school are just looking at the now instead of the future. I'm taking what I think is the most intelligent route to be in the military and be in the Naval Academy. Then, I'm set for life if I want to stay and keep serving."
Less than a month ago, Palelei wasn't worried about the future. He decided to take an official visit to Navy without any expectations — only anxiety.
"There was a lot of apprehension of what it might be like, what the people might be like and the whole environment," Palelei said. "Once I got there, I realized it was a great place."
"The discipline aspect and being able to serve my country is great."
Palelei and Godkin haven't spoken yet, but both said they would probably be close once they got to Navy. That was what impressed Godkin most about Navy.
Through the structure and the discipline, Godkin said brotherhoods are formed between everyone on the team. He realized it during a phone conversation with Womack.
"When Sam was talking to me, he said, 'Everyone on my team, I love,'" Godkin said. "I've never heard a football player tell me they love everyone on their team. That tells you the type of guys you're around."
As expected, Lawton High School's standout football defensive end Sunny Pulatasi signed his NCAA National Letter of Intent Wednesday morning and now he's doing just what the Wyoming coaches told him to do eat everything he can to gain some weight.
"That's what they told me to do, eat a lot of food and gain some weight," the likeable senior said Thursday after he reenacted his signing before a large group of family members, friends, teammates and Wolverine fans in the LHS cafeteria. "I've already gained about 10 pounds, so that's what they wanted."
In high school he topped the scales about 205 pounds, but to play defensive end at an NCAA Division I school, he's going to have to grow to 230 to 240 pounds, which on his 6-foot-3 frame should be almost ideal.
"They want me to keep lifting and working on my speed," he said. "Right now I've been going to the YMCA to work on my lifting. They want me to be able to get bigger but still be able to use my quickness to be a speed rusher."
While most schools tell recruits they need to work hard because they may have to play as freshmen, because Wyoming has been struggling and trying to build a better program, that may very well be the case with the Wolverine standout.
The 2010 Nike Combine tour kicked off Saturday in Honolulu with over 350 participants, but only 25 players can make the All-Nike Combine team.
And note, the selections are based upon combine performance and projected college recruitability. Athletes must have completed two of the four combine tests to be eligible for selection.
Honolulu Nike All-Combine Team
Offense
QB: QB: Trenton McKinney, 6-0, 182, Wahiawa (Hi.) Mililani Results: 4.87 40, 4.19 shuttle, 38' PB, 29.0" VJ, 88.65 SPARQ Breakdown: Intriguing dual-threat QB tested very well and also threw the ball well in post testing drills; was honorable mention all-state pick last fall.
RB: Jesse Carney, 5-8, 163, Kailua (Hi.) Kalaheo Results: 4.77 40, 4.03 shuttle, 33'6" PB, 31.1" VJ, 89.61 SPARQ Breakdown: Division II all-state pick last year has great quickness and could also play DB at the next level.
RB: Josh Gonda, 5-10, 175, Honolulu (Hi.) Kaiser Results: 4.67 40, 4.41 shuttle, 33' PB, 31.8" VJ, 80.97 SPARQ Breakdown: Speedy 'back coming off of a strong junior year tested well and looked very quick in drills.
RB: Chester Sua, 6-1, 195, Honolulu (Hi.) Kaimuki Results: 4.75 40, 4.17 shuttle, 35' PB, 28.6" VJ, 89.25 SPARQ Breakdown: Big 'back could also end up at linebacker or safety in college.
WR: Duke Bukoski, 5-11.5, 190, Honolulu (Hi.) St. Louis Results: 4.72 40, 4.19 shuttle, 36' PB, 33.0" VJ, 96.69 SPARQ. Breakdown: Consensus all-state pick last year has all the makings of a DI recruit with quickness and good strength.
WR:Joshua Tupua, 5-7.5, 208, Honolulu (Hi.) St. Louis Results: 4.77 40, 4.25 shuttle, 35' PB, 30.4" VJ, 91.05 SPARQ Breakdown:Physical and quick slot receiver would be great fit in the spread system of home-state Hawaii Warriors.
WR: Ro Wilson, 6-1, 168, Wailuku (Hi.) Baldwin Results: 4.72 40, 4.44 shuttle, 33'6" PB, 34.4" VJ, 81.72 SPARQ Breakdown: Smooth wideout had one of day's top verticals and ran well, earned second team all-state honors in the fall.
OL:Houston Clemente, 6-2.5, 297, Honolulu (Hi.) St. Louis Results: 5.49 40, 4.94 shuttle, 29'6" PB, 22.4" VJ, 55.17 SPARQ Breakdown: Would like to see a bigger power ball throw from an OL, but moved very well for a nearly 300-pound guard/center prospect.
OL: Afi Greig (Class of '12), 5-10.5, 256, Honolulu (Hi.) St. Louis Results:5.45 40, 4.47 shuttle, 33' PB, 22.0" VJ, 63.03 SPARQ Breakdown: Greig will need to add another inch or two to his frame to be heavily-recruited, but has the stoutness and athletic ability needed to star at guard/center.
OL:Harrison Kanehailua, 6-2, 290, Honolulu (Hi.) Word of Life Academy Results: 5.88 40, 4.91 shuttle, 36' PB, 18.8" VJ, 57.30 SPARQ Breakdown: Big man stood strong in 1on1s and impressed with solid power ball and sub-5 second shuttle.
OL: Chris Thee, 5-11.5, 259, Kahuku (Hi.) Results: 5.38 40, 4.75 shuttle, 37' PB, 23.2" VJ, 66.30 SPARQ Breakdown: Center isn't blessed with ideal height but tested well and dominated in 1-on-1s.
OL: Tevita Tonga, 6-2, 336, Kahuku (Hi.) Results:5.98 40, 5.37 shuttle, 35' PB, 18.9" VJ, 60.87 SPARQ Breakdown: With road-graders like Tonga and Thee, it's no secret why Kahuku has the most physical offensive attack on The Islands annually.
ATH: Jeremy Tabuyo (Class of '13), 5-10.5, 163, Honolulu (Hi.) St. Louis Results: 4.58 40, 4.25 shuttle, 30' PB, 28.3" VJ, 77.31 SPARQ Breakdown: Rising soph posted the combine's fastest 40 and should be ready to step-in as the next great St. Louis pass-catcher when Bukoski graduates.
Defense
DL: DeForest Buckner (Class of '12), 6-6.5, 219, Honolulu (Hi.) Punahou Results: 5.04 40, 4.22 shuttle, 40' PB, 28.7" VJ, 94.26 SPARQ. Breakdown: As impressive on the hoof as any player at the event and could be Hawaii's top prospect in Class of '12.
DL: Luke Kaumatule (Class of '12), 6-6.5, 229, Honolulu (Hi.) Radford Results: 5.00 40, 4.35 shuttle, 37'6" PB, 27.7" VJ, 85.71 SPARQ Breakdown: Between Buckner and Kaumatule, defensive line coaches from across America should be flocking to Oahu over the next two years.
DL: Reeve Koehler (Class of '13), 6-3, 274, Honolulu (Hi.) St. Louis Results: 5.46 40, 4.62 shuttle, 39'6" PB, 26.0" VJ, 80.76 SPARQ. Breakdown: Raw talent will continue to grow and mature physically but should be a monster recruit in two years.
DL: Rich Villasenor, 6-0.5, 239, Honolulu (Hi.) Moanalua Results: 5.27 40, 4.46 shuttle, 41' PB, 22.8" VJ, 81.63 SPARQ Breakdown: All-state selection last fall had double-digit sacks and good upside at DT as he continues to mature physically.
LB: Ben Mamea, 5-11, 203, Kahuku (Hi.) Results: 4.83 40, 4.35 shuttle, 35'6" PB, 26.3" VJ, 78.90 SPARQ Breakdown: One of the state's most decorated returnees in the Class of 2011 after earning consensus first team all-state honors this fall.
LB: Tigi Hill, 6-2, 204, Kahuku (Hi.) Results: 4.93 40, 4.28 shuttle, 35' PB, 27.8" VJ, 80.22 SPARQ Breakdown: Was honorable mention all-state pick at safety last fall but we love his frame and athletic ability as a LB on the next level.
LB: K.T. Tuumalo, 6-1.5, 191, Honolulu (Hi.) Punahou Results: 4.22 shuttle, 34' PB, 30.4" VJ Breakdown: Very impressive physical specimen who could be closing in on his first scholarship offer shortly.
LB: Justin Vele, 5-11.5, 216, Honolulu (Hi.) Farrington Results: 5.04 40, 4.44 shuttle, 34'6" PB, 24.7" VJ, 69.00 SPARQ Breakdown: Traditional middle linebacker has good strength and thickness; second team all-state pick last fall.
DB: Elijah Lagafuaina, 5-11.5, 189, Wahiawa (Hi.) Mililani Results: 4.62 40, 4.21 shuttle, 33'6" PB, 32.4" VJ, 94.74 SPARQ. Breakdown: Versatile talent who can play various positions already has offer from Southern Miss.
DB: Solomon Dixon, 5-8.5, 139, Honolulu (Hi.) McKinley Results: 4.65 40, 4.44 shuttle, 29' PB, 36.4" VJ, 73.11 SPARQ Breakdown: Will need to add some weight and strength to play at next level but has the necessary feet and athleticism.
DB: Kila Zuttermeister (Class of '12), 5-10, 156, Honolulu (Hi.) Iolani Results: 4.66 40, 4.13 shuttle, 37'6" PB, 26.0" VJ, 88.74 SPARQ Breakdown: Underclassman challenged for top SPARQ Rating and looks to have bright future.
DB: Walter Santiago, 5-10, 169, Honolulu (Hi.) Kamehameha Results: 4.77 40, 4.09 shuttle, 36' PB, 30.1" VJ, 90.30 SPARQ Breakdown: Second-team all-state pick a year ago for state champion Warriors.
They needed a little more time, but the final three commitments by elite Hawaii high school football prospects were signed in ink this morning at the Sheraton Waikiki.
The signing event, hosted by Pacific Islands Athletic Alliance, drew about 75 student-athletes: mostly football players, but also including soccer players and one softball athlete.
Kapolei safety Shaydon Akuna donned an orange, black and white cap at 7 a.m., making Oregon State his destination of choice. Akuna, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound senior, chose the Beavers over Arizona and Florida State.
V.J. Fehoko, Farrington’s pass-rushing force, chose Utah over Hawaii.
Punahou linebacker Jeremy Ioane made the surprise choice of the day, putting on a blue-and-orange Boise State cap. He picked the Broncos ahead of Notre Dame and Washington.
The rest of the mainland-bound signees, a bountiful crop, had no surprises.
Kahuku’s letter-of-intent press conference, set for 10:30 a.m., should settle more speculation. Defensive end Hauoli Jamora is expected to sign with Washington, while the Red Raiders’ other D-end, Kona Schwenke, has reportedly signed with Notre Dame.
Here are most of the signees as of 8:30 a.m.
>> Jeremy Ioane, LB, Punahou to Boise State.
The playmaking defender could’ve joined former teammate Manti Te’o at Notre Dame, but opted to play in the Western Athletic Conference for the perennial powerhouse.
“I kind of knew it would be Boise. I felt it when I went there,” he said.
>> Shaydon Akuna, S/LB, Kapolei to Oregon State.
Akuna has added size since last fall and is a solid 215 pounds now. Choosing Oregon State over other big-name programs had more to do with the culture in Corvallis.
“The people there, it’s a little like Hawaii,” he said.
Oregon State is home to a growing number of island students and student-athletes.
Moving to linebacker shouldn’t be a big shift for Akuna, a versatile athlete.
“They want me to play on the strong side. They like the way I play in space,” he said of OSU’s 4-3 system.
Akuna is one of a dozen Kapolei seniors who are going to play at the next level, including three in Division I. Tu‘u Lolohea and Dustin Elisara signed with Hawaii.
>> V.J. Fehoko, Farrington to Utah.
It was a long night, but by morning, he had a smile.
“That was tough, really tough. I didn’t decide until 12 (a.m.). Basically, it came from the heart,” said Fehoko, who starred as a defensive end for three seasons. He’ll move to outside linebacker in Utah’s 3-4 system.
“UH only lose Blaze (Soares). They’ve got Corey (Paredes), Mana (Silva) back, and they might have Brashton (Satele) back for one more year, plus Jake (Heun),” he said. “Utah lost all three linebackers.”
As a rush linebacker, Fehoko hopes to replace another island product, Kepa Gaison (Kamehameha).
Two other Farrington seniors, safety Vaughn Tomas and cornerback/receiver Alvin Faamausili, will play at Eastern Arizona.
>> Dalaunte “Taz” Stevenson, S/WR/KR, Mililani to Washington.
Stevenson was one of several island prospects who chose UW.
“They have a great program. They expect me to come in a compete for a starting position right away,” said Stevenson, who will focus on playing safety for the Huskies.
>> Andrew Manley, QB, Leilehua to New Mexico State.
Manley had an early offer from Hawaii, but that came with a deadline. When UH landed another QB recruit, the offer was pulled, as expected.
At NMSU, Manley (6-3, 220) may get a chance to play early.
“I’m excited for college. I’m excited to play already,” he said. “It was nice to get it over with. I don’t have to worry about recruiting any more.”
Manley will leave in June to attend summer school. Football camp should be interesting.
“Coach Dunbar, the offensive coordinator, builds his system around his players,” Manley said.
Manley is one of five Leilehua players who signed with colleges. Offensive lineman Jiniki Timoteo signed with Weber State, while wide receiver Kamana Akagi and defensive lineman Frazer Taua are heading to Montana Western. Cornerback Kasey Dukes is going to Pacific (Ore.).
>> Jeremy Higgins, QB, Saint Louis to Utah State.
Higgins has two older brothers at Weber State, but he’ll be the first to play in the WAC. Competition for a starting job should be fierce.
“They have a returning senior plus two other quarterbacks, and they offered another quarterback,” he said. “I just want to go compete.”
The Aggies have a similar system to the run-and-shoot offense at Saint Louis. In time, Higgins could read an opposing defense and see Saint Louis classmate Marcus Umu there. Umu signed with UH. They laughed about the possibility of a showdown in the future.
“I pretty much know everything about Jeremy,” Umu said.
>> Micah Hatchie, OL, Waialua to Washington
>> Graham Rowley, OL, Waialua to BYU
>> Kaiwi Crabb, OL, Punahou to Colorado.
The 6-5, 272-pound senior turned down offers from Arizona, Hawaii and Washington.
“I was Colorado all the way. The coaches were great. (Offensive line) coach Denver Johnson is great,” said Crabb, who also plays basketball at Punahou.
“Coach (Dan) Hawkins, I really like what he’s been doing. I was ready for this day to come.”
Crabb noted four other islanders playing for the Buffaloes: B.J. Beatty (Kahuku), Liloa Nobriga (‘Iolani), Mike Sipili (Damien) and Sione Tau (Damien).
>> Brian Suite, Punahou to Utah State.
The 6-3 safety picked the Utes over UH.
“That program looks like they’re about to take off with all the money they’re spending on facilities,” Suite said. “I was 100 percent set on UH until I took my visit (to Utah State). I talked with my family and I wanted to expand my world. It’s hard to turn down Hawaii.”
>> Sani Fuimoano, Punahou to Arizona.
The defensive tackle appreciated the flexible option offered by the Wildcats.
“The coaches were caring. They allowed me to go on my mission after my freshman year,” he said.
>> Wave Ryder, Kamehameha to Navy.
Ryder, who moved from receiver to safety as a senior, is 6-3 and made a big splash despite his inexperience at the position. He committed early on to Utah State, but changed his mind.
“Navy’s a better opportunity to take advantage of,” he said. “It’s not just about football. It’s about your education and everything after that.
An uncle, Jason Shake, is a Navy man.
>> Shaydon Kehano, Castle to Weber State.
>> Tahje Canyon, Xavier Peterson, Moanalua to Azusa Pacific.
Canyon, an elusive running back, and Peterson, a safety/running back, will attend a school known more for its track and field program (Brian Clay).
“It’s a decision we both made individually,” said Canyon, who rushed for 1,417 yards and 19 touchdowns.
“It’s a Christian education,” Peterson added.
>> Jordan Honjiyo, Punahou to Rochester.
The active cornerback opted to go East.
“It’s going to be cold. I wanted a change, a new experience, I guess,” he said.
The state's top college football prospects today signed commitments this morning to play for mainland schools, four of them among around 75 Hawaii high school athletes to sign letters of intent at the Sheraton Waikiki.
>> Multi-purpose athlete Jeremy Ioane of Punahou signed with Boise State, choosing the Broncos over Notre Dame.
>> Linebacker V.J. Fehoko from Farrington gave a written commitment to Utah over Hawaii and Texas Tech.
>> Kapolei athlete Shaydon Akuna signed with Oregon State. He had multiple offers, including Florida State and Arizona.
>> Lawrence Lagafuaina, Aiea defensive tackle, signed with Washington. He had considered Hawaii over the weekend, but confirmed his oral commitment to the Huskies.
Lagafuaina is among four top local prospects to commit with UW. Athlete Taz Stevenson of Mililani and lineman Micah Hatchie of Waialua signed this morning at the Sheraton. Defensive lineman Hauoli Jamora of Kahuku also signed with Washington today.
>> Kahuku defensive end Kona Schwenke chose Notre Dame. The Red Raiders held a signing celebration at the school this morning.
>> A total of 13 local players signed with Hawaii at the Waikiki event, and UH was receiving a steady stream of letters of intent this morning.
The state's top college football prospects today signed commitments this morning to play for mainland schools, four of them among around 75 Hawaii high school athletes to sign letters of intent at the Sheraton Waikiki.
Justin Utupo perhaps sported the biggest smile in the group.
"This is a very historical day in my life, being the first in the family to attend a university and to be able to have the chance to go to a university like Notre Dame," he said. "It's just a special day for me and I'm very excited.
"My family's real excited and I just can't wait for the future."
Utupo said he fell in love with the Notre Dame campus.
"It was amazing," he said. "Me being Samoan, in my culture, we're very family-oriented and when I was there, that's exactly what it is, very family-oriented."
Keanu Kalolo is just thrilled that his playing days did not end when Lakewood lost in the semifinals of the CIF-Southern Section Pac 5 Division playoffs.
"I feel blessed to be able to go on and play football," Kalolo said. "Some people have to just stop their senior year. I look forward to playing a lot more football."
Other major Moore League football signings included John Timu (QB/LB) and Princeton Fuimaono (LB) - both from Jordan - heading to Washington. Kaelin Clay (WR) of Poly is going to Cal, Ezell Ruffin (WR) of Wilson to San Diego State.
Timu suffered a season-ending knee injury in the second game of the season against Pasadena on Sept. 18. Timu, who was recruited by the Huskies as a safety, said Wednesday things are going well with his rehabilitation.
"It's getting better," he said. "Just trying to be patient."
Timu said he he believes he and his right knee will be healthy for next season.
"It's a new beginning, to start all over again in school and in athletics," he said. "I think I will be ready."
Artesia middle linebacker T.J. Taimatuia signed a letter of intent to play at Hawaii.
Jesse Callier, who rushed for over 3,000 yards for Warren, signed to play football at Washington. His teammate, lineman Augafa Vaaulu, will be off to New Mexico State.
The outgoing crop of football talent at Kahuku isn’t large this season, but there’s plenty of quality.
Hauoli Jamora and Jackson Kaka made good on their initial commitments this morning. Jamora, the Star-Bulletin defensive player of the year, followed through and signed with Washington.
Kaka inked his pact with New Mexico State.
Meanwhile, Kona Schwenke finalized his agreement with Notre Dame, the late pursuer that put a twist into the recruiting puzzle.
Schwenke originally committed to BYU, but other offers came in late in the season. Many offers. The 6-foot-4 senior was a target of Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Oregon State, West Virginia and Wyoming in addition to BYU and Notre Dame. Other schools, including Hawaii, were interested, but backed off after he committed early (summer) to the Cougars.
When Schwenke decided to visit Arizona, and then Notre Dame, BYU unhinged the relationship.
“They told me if I went to Notre Dame, they’d pull it. That’s the thing that got me. I thought maybe I shouldn’t visit Notre Dame,” he said. “The (BYU) coaches said maybe I can’t abide by (school) rules.”
The visit to the Midwest was a turning point.
“I was surprised at how small the student body is, only 6,000 students. Their academics, they have a lot of help for students to get their degree. They graduate 97 percent of their students,” he said.
Schwenke has filled out some and now weighs 232 pounds, up from 220. He forsook basketball and hit the weight room.
It was 14 degrees in South Bend, Ind., while he was there. And windy.
“Snow. You see snowflakes on the window,” he said.
Adjusting to football at the BCS level will be interesting. The Fighting Irish have a new coach in Mike Kelly, formerly of Cincinnati, and will switch from a 4-3 (under Charley Weis) to a 3-4.
“I might play outside linebacker,” Schwenke said.
Former Punahou standout Manti Te’o started for the Irish as a freshman last fall.
“I saw Manti rarely,” Schwenke said.
Jamora, at 6-3 and 235 pounds during the fall, figures to be a fixture for UW at defensive end. The Huskies employ a 4-3 defense.
Jamora now weighs 243 pounds and has been sidelined by a wrist injury suffered during the Oahu Interscholastic Association playoffs. The cast on his right wrist — purple — will remain on for another two months.
He had offers from BYU, Hawaii, Oregon State and Wyoming. Boise State offered a grayshirt.
“It was pretty chill. I made my decision after I visited U-Dub,” Jamora said.
UCLA, he added, called and spoke with an uncle “a couple of days ago.”
The possibility of facing his former teammate, Schwenke, makes both youngsters smile.
“I’ll be on special teams looking for him,” Jamora promised.
Kaka, a tight end, also had an offer from Wyoming. He and Leilehua quarterback Andrew Manley are NMSU’s island recruits this year.
“I visited (NMSU) with Andrew. It was good fun. It’s a desert, dry dead mountains,” said Kaka, who has seen mountains all his life.
He grew up in New Zealand before moving to Hawaii four years ago with his family. The Aggies coaching staff made him feel comfortable.
“The head coach and the assistant coaches are great. That’s why I like the program,” he said.
Kaka was diligent about the process.
“I was stressing out. I had to send my scholarship (paperwork) at 7 in the morning,” he said.
Back in New Zealand, Kaka was familiar with the national sport, rugby.
“Football, you have the techniques to learn. You have to play smart in the game,” said Kaka, who also plays basketball for Kahuku. “In rugby, you don’t have to remember 100 plays.”
SALT LAKE CITY — Ricky Heimuli's lengthy recruiting process came to an end Wednesday morning, but not without some drama.
On Tuesday night, the Brighton star defensive tackle informed roughly 40 family members gathered at his house in Glendale that he would be signing with the University of Oregon on National Letter of Intent Day. The decision was greeted with plenty of quacking and cheering.
The next morning, Heimuli wasn't so sure. A restless night's sleep for the 18-year-old had him reconsidering whether UCLA was the place for him.
"Thoughts were running through my head," said Heimuli. "UCLA was still calling me, it made it tough. I actually thought I was going to go with UCLA, but in the end my gut feeling told me to go to Oregon."
So that's exactly what he did. In front of approximately 150 family and friends at the Brighton High School atrium, Heimuli ended the suspense by slipping on an Oregon cap and signing his letter of intent amid wild cheers among most on hand.
"I chose this school 'cause it was what I felt inside, not 'cause what anyone said," said Heimuli. "I want to thank Heavenly Father for giving me the blessings to come this far."
On Tuesday Heimuli had narrowed his college choices down to Oregon, UCLA and Utah, but in the end he felt most comfortable being an Oregon Duck and playing for Oregon defensive line coach Jerry Azzinaro.
"I feel comfortable with this decision, 'cause I got to know my position coach the most. He's the one who recruited me," said Heimuli.
It wasn't just a matter of Azzinaro putting on a nice recruiting show either. Heimuli's older brother Sefo played at East High back in 2002 with Will Takuafu, who just finished his senior year at Oregon. Throughout various conversations, Takuafu said playing for Azzinaro was a special experience, and that "he knows what he's talking about."
Heimuli is ranked as the 88th best recruit nationally — eighth at his position — by rivals.com for the class of 2010, and many figured he'd follow in his cousin Latu Heimuli's footsteps and sign at the University of Utah. It seemed logical as well since he played with Utah coach Kyle Whittingham's son, Alex, at Brighton High the past few years and formed a nice bond with the Ute family.
In the end though, Heimuli believed leaving the state and his tight-knit family was best for him.
"Utah is close to home, but I honestly feel that it's too close. I want to be able to go out and explore the world," said Heimuli. "The sooner I start the sooner I can get used to it and get less homesick, 'cause I'm probably the biggest mama's boy."
At Eugene, Ore. — a campus that Heimuli says is the perfect size — he'll be forced to become more independent.
The 18-year-old will compete for playing time right away as well. Oregon graduated most of its depth on the defensive line last season, and Azzinaro has informed Heimuli that he will step right in and compete for playing time.
After his freshman season, Heimuli plans on serving an LDS Church mission like three of his older siblings, including two brothers who are currently in the mission field.
Unlike many athletes who commit much earlier in the recruiting process, Heimuli was committed to weighing his options as long as possible. Even as late as 7 o'clock on Tuesday night, despite dozens of family members arriving at his home for an announcement, Heimuli sat in his basement bedroom pondering what to do.
"It was very tough, I had a lot of coaches calling me," said Heimuli.
Eventually, a joyful Heimuli emerged from his basement bedroom content in his final decision and declared himself a Duck to his family. In typical Heimuli fashion though, it was more indecision than a final decision.
It wasn't until he put pen to paper on Wednesday that he officially became an Oregon Duck.
Scott Crichton, the Tacoma Weekly’s 2009 high school football player of the year, and Jamal Byrd, the defensive player of the year, were among five Foss High School players to make official declarations to colleges this week.
Crichton, a 6 foot 4 inch, 245-pounder who played tight end and defensive line, will attend Oregon State University. Crichton, who was widely recruited, said he liked the atmosphere at Oregon State and was excited about playing in the Pac-10.
“It was just a really good fit for me. I am not sure if I will be playing offense or defense. I’m just excited to be playing at that level and getting a chance to do whatever they need for me to do.”
That's where five of the state's top 25 recruits are at a day before national letter of intent signing day.
Tomorrow is the first day football, soccer, track and field, cross country and men's water polo athletes may sign binding national letters of intent. For football, the signing period ends April 1; the other sports' deadline is Aug. 1.
'Aiea's Lawrence Lagafuaina, a Division II All-State defensive lineman, yesterday said he is sticking with his original verbal commitment to Washington after visiting Hawai'i over the weekend.
"Washington was there from the get go," Lagafuaina said. "So I chose Washington."
He said both schools offered him during the summer, but Washington was first.
Kahuku defensive end Kona Schwenke and Punahou safety Jeremy Ioane — recruited by both Notre Dame and Washington — were still undecided as of yesterday. Both are Advertiser Division I first-team All-State selections.
Ioane was reunited with former Buffanblu teammates Manti Te'o and Roby Toma at Notre Dame over the weekend.
"They said there's going to be a rough transition, but there's (a program) for all (incoming) students to (help them) adapt to college," said Ioane, who plans to major in engineering.
Ioane's third choice is Boise State.
Schwenke visited Notre Dame, but ended up not going to Washington as planned because the recruiting "dead period" started yesterday and his trip would have encroached into yesterday.
"I really like Notre Dame," Schwenke said. "I had a good time up there."
But Schwenke said plans are in the works for a visit to Washington this weekend, as the dead period ends Thursday. Schwenke could still be undecided on signing day.
"If I go to (visit) Washington, then I (won't have a decision) on signing day," he said.
Schwenke had earlier made a verbal commitment to Brigham Young, which rescinded its offer after learning he was taking a trip to Notre Dame, Kahuku coach Reggie Torres said.
Since Schwenke's Notre Dame visit, Torres said West Virginia and Hawai'i called him to inquire about the defensive end. But Schwenke said he will pick between UW and Notre Dame.
Meanwhile, Kapolei linebacker Shaydon Akuna said he is deciding among Arizona, Oregon State, Florida State, West Virginia and Arkansas. He has visited Arizona and OSU. He was supposed to visit Florida State this past weekend, but did not because his contact there was "busy" last week, he said. Akuna said all five offers are still alive and that he will decide tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Farrington All-State defensive end V.J. Fehoko said he has narrowed his choices to Hawai'i and Utah.
Fehoko has been exposed to the UH program since he was 5. His father, Vili, is the Warriors' mascot and V.J. has played the drums at UH games through this past season. But his father also is a friend of Utah coach Kyle Whittingham.
"I visited UH, Utah, Washington and Texas Tech, and Stanford on an unofficial visit," Fehoko said. "Oklahoma, Notre Dame and Baylor all wanted me to take trips, and they were trying to convince me not to go to UH. But I think my visit to UH shows my loyalty to the program and how interested I am in a school like UH. It's always been one of my dreams to play there, no matter what other schools came into the picture."
There is no exact science to choosing a post-season all star team of Polynesian football players. The team was selected with the assistance of handful of coaches, many former players, and those who are attuned to the Polynesian student-athletes in NCAA FBS football.
In addition to the first team a large amount of student-athletes were noted for their achievements on the field this past fall.
Keep an eye out for brother Jodatoa's blog he may create a multi-media display of the all star team below.
First Team Offense
QB Jeremiah Masoli (Oregon) 5’11, 220, Jr
Second Team All-PAC 10 selection. Versatile quarterback led team to Rose Bowl versus OhioState. Passed for 2147 yards and 15 TDs and also rushed for 668 yards and 13 TDs.
RB Roy Helu Jr (Nebraska) 6’0, 215, Jr
Starting I-Back rushed for 1193 yards on 220 carries and 10 TDs in 14 games. Helu also had 19 receptions for 149 yards and was a Second Team All-Big 12 selection.
RB Harvey Unga (BYU) 6’0, 237, Jr
First Team All-MWC selection led conference with 1087 yards and 11 TDs. Also had 16 receptions and 1 TD. Will return for senior season.
FB Stanley Havili (USC) 6’1, 230, Jr
Rushed for 142 yards, 22 receptions for 298 yards and 2 TDs.
WR Chris Owusu (Stanford) 6’2, 201, Soph
Third team All-American (Walter Camp) kick returner. First Team All-PAC 10 kick returner. Averaged 31.5 yards a return on 37 returns and 3 TDs for the season. Also started 9 of 13 games at wide receiver finishing with 37 receptions for 682 yards and 5 TDs.
WR Kealoha Pilares (Hawai’i) 5’11, 200, Jr
Converted running back had 66 receptions for 690 yards and 4 TDs.
TE Tony Moeaki (Iowa) 6’4, 250, Sr
Finished his career with 4 catches for 75 yards in leading the Hawkeyes (11-2) to a 24-14 Orange Bowl over Georgia Tech (11-3). In 10 games, Moeaki had 30 receptions for 387 yards and 4 TDs. Moeaki, a Big 10 First Team selection is a likely NFL Draft selection in April.
C John Estes (Hawaii) 6’3, 300, Sr
Set NCAA record for most career starts with 54, every game of his career since his freshman year and was a three-time first team All-WAC selection.
G Mike Iupati (Idaho) 6’6, 325, Sr
Selected First Team All-American by the Associate Press, Walter Camp, American Football Coaches Association, and American Football Writers Association. Senior guard did not allow a single sack all season and was an All-WAC first team selection.
G Senio Kelemete (Washington) 6’4, 241, Soph
Honorable Mention All-PAC 10 Selection. Started 11 of 12 games at right guard after switching from defensive tackle last year.
T Shawn Lauvao (ArizonaState) 6’3, 305, Sr
Second Team All-PAC 10 selection. Started 13 games at left tackle and 33 in career at both guard and tackle.
T Michael Philipp (OregonState) 6’3, 313, Fr
Left tackle was the first true freshman to start every game on the offensive line since 1997. Named Freshman All-America by College Football News and Phil Steele.
First Team Defense
DE Koa Misi (Utah) 6’3, 263, Sr
Third on team with 71 tackles, 9.5 for loss, including 5 sacks. First team All-MWC .
DE Daniel Te’o-Nesheim (Washington) 6’4, 263, Sr
Second Team All-PAC 10 selection. Finished season with 37 tackles, 14 tackles for loss (11 sacks), and 2 fumble recoveries.
DT Tyson Alualu (Cal) 6’3, 295, Sr
First Team All-Pac 10 selection. Was third on team with 65 tackles including 11.5 tackles for loss (7.5 sacks).
DT Stephen Paea (OregonState) 6’1, 285, Jr
First Team All-Pac 10 selection. Finished the season with 43 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 4 forced fumbles.
LB David Pa’aluhi (OregonState) 5’11, 233, Soph
Starting middle linebacker and Honorable Mention All-PAC 10 selection. Second on team with 77 tackles and 8 tackles for loss.
LB Blaze Soares (Hawai’i) 6’1, 245, Sr
First Team All-WAC selection. Outside linebacker led team with 107 tackles (fourth in WAC), starting 13 games at outside linebacker. Also had 2 sacks, 1 interception, and 5 quarterback hurries.
LB Manti Te’o (Notre Dame) 6’2, 244, Fr
True freshman started 9 of 11 games totaling 63 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 1 sack. Te’o will forgo an LDS mission and return for his sophomore year under new coach Brian Kelly.
DB Shiloh Keo (Idaho) 5’11, 211, Jr
Starting free safety led team with 113 tackles (72 solo), 4 tackles for loss, and 3 interceptions. Also averaged 10.2 yards a punt return. First Team All-WAC selection.
DB Mana Silva (Hawai’i) 6’1, 220, Jr
Starting free safety led team in interceptions with 6 and had 74 tackles for the season.
DB Patrick Tafua (Ohio) 6’0, 187, Sr
Started 13 games at strong safety, finishing third in tackles with 72 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, 7 pass breakups, and 4 fumble recoveries.
DB Nate Williams (Washington) 6’0, 221, Jr
Started 11 of 12 games at free safety, finished season with 62 tackles and 5 tackles for loss.
Returner Chris Owusu (Stanford) 6’2, 201, Soph
Third team All-American (Walter Camp). First Team All-PAC 10 Kick Returner. Averaged 31.5 yards a return on 37 returns and 3 TDs for the season. Also started 9 of 13 games at wide receiver finishing with 37 receptions for 682 yards and 5 TDs.
Special Teams Suaesi Tuimaunei (OregonState) 6’1, 207, Jr
First Team All-PAC Special Teams player. Had 41 tackles for the season and also started 4 games.
Honorable Mention
QB Bryant Moniz (Hawai’i) 6’0, 190, Soph
Sophomore walk-on started 8 of 10 games, passing for 2396 yards and 14 TDs in addition to rushing for 117 yards and 1 TD.
RB Keola Antolin (Arizona) 5’8, 186, Soph
Led team with 637 rushing yards and 4 TDs. Also had 9 kick returns for 256 yards.
RB Vai Taua (Nevada) 5’10, 220, Jr
Rushed for 1345 yards and 10 TDs in 11 games, averaging 122.3 yards a game. Also had 12 receptions and 2 TDs out of the backfield. All-WAC First Team selection.
FB Zac Pauga (ColoradoState) 6’0, 240, Jr
Starting fullback used primarily as a lead blocker and caught 25 receptions for 219 yards and 3 TDs.
FB Manase Tonga (BYU) 6’0, 238, Sr
Lead fullback for all conference running back Harvey Unga. Rushed for 148 yards and 4 TDs and 30 receptions for 271 yards and 4 TDs out of the backfield. Tonga will likely follow in the footsteps of fellow former BYU fullbacks Naufahu Tahi (Minnesota Vikings) and Fui Vakapanua (Cincinnati Bengals) of the NFL.
WR Aiona Key (Utah) 6’4, 195, Sr
Had 26 receptions for 227 yards and 1 TD.
WR Jon Medeiros (Hawai’i) 5’9, 185, Sr
Slotback finished the season with 47 receptions for 589 yards and 3 TDs.
WR Levasier Tuinei (Oregon) 6’5, 200, Soph
Finished season with 24 receptions and 217 yards.
TE Joe Halahuni (OregonState) 6’2, 249, Soph
Backup tight end finished the season with 35 receptions for 486 yards and 3 TDs.
C Trask Iosefa (San DiegoState) 6’0, 290, Jr
Has started 36 consecutive games since his freshman year. Was preseason Rimington Watch List.
C RJ Willing (BYU) 6’5, 308, Sr
Honorable mention All-MWC selection. Started every game at center.
G Joshua Taufalele (New Mexico) 6’2, 313, Sr
Started 12 games at right guard. Led team with 98 knockdown blocks.
T Xavier Su’a-Filo (UCLA) 6’4, 310, Fr
Honorable Mention All-PAC 10 Selection. Started 12 games at left tackle as a true freshman, a UCLA record.
T Aaron Kia (Hawaii) 6’5, 290, Sr
Starting 13 games at left tackle in 2009 and 24 in his career. All-WAC Second Team selection.
T Ako Poti (PennState) 6’3, 303, Sr
Started 8 of the last 13 games at right tackle.
DE DeQuin Evans (Kentucky) 6’3, 260, Jr
Junior college transfer started 13 games at defensive end, finishing with 38 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss including 6 sacks.
DE Jabaree Tuani (Navy) 6’1, 265, Soph
Starting left end finished the season with 54 tackles for the season, including 5.5 for loss, and 2 forced fumbles helping coach Ken Niumatalolo and the Naval Academy finish 10-4 and #26 in the nation.
DE Will Tukuafu (Oregon) 6’4, 262, Sr
Second Team All-PAC 10 selection. Finished season with 36 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss.
DT Sione Fua (Stanford) 6’2, 305, Jr
Honorable Mention All-PAC 10 Selection. Finished season with 24 tackles, 3 for loss, and 2 quarterback hurries.
DT Romney Fuga (BYU) 6’1, 295, Soph
Had 40 tackles and 3 tackles for loss in 13 games, 7 of which he started at nose tackle.
DT Sealver Siliga (Utah) 6’3, 300, Soph
All-MWC Honorable Mention selection had 49 tackles including 6.5 for loss.
DT Christian Tupou (USC) 6’2, 285, Jr
Honorable Mention All-PAC 10 Selection. Starting 10 of 12 games at nose tackle, finishing season with 25 tackles and 4 tackles for loss.
LB Jojo Dickson (Idaho) 6’2, 229, Jr
Second Team All-WAC. Starting linebacker was second on team with 79 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and two touchdowns on a fumble and interception return.
LB Star Fuimaono (UNLV) 6’0, 210, Jr
Starting strongside linebacker finished third on team with 67 tackles.
LB Kepa Gaison (Utah) 5’10, 220, Sr
Starting Stud linebacker finished the season with 44 tackles and 7 tackles for loss.
LB RJ Kiesel-Kauhane (Hawai’i) 5’11, 225, Sr
Second on the team with 85 tackles and 9 tackles for loss.
LB Luke Laolagi (San DiegoState) 6’1, 225, Sr
Starting middle linebacker finished the season with 46 tackles (fourth on team), a sack, and 2 interceptions.
LB Robert Siavi’i (Idaho) 6’2, 209, Soph
Starting weakside linebacker finished the season with 58 tackles, 3 pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles.
LB Michael Sipili (Colorado) 6’1, 240, Jr
After sitting out the 2008 season, Sipili started 3 of 10 games at MIKE linebacker, finishing the season with 39 tackles.
LB Vuna Tuihalamaka (Arizona) 6’2, 230, Sr
Starting middle linebacker was fourth on the team with 72 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 1 interception. All-PAC 10 Honorable Mention selection.
DB Orlando Misa’alefua (Western Kentucky) 5’10, 206, Jr
Started six of eight games at strong safety, finishing the season with 48 tackles.
DB Manu Ngatikaura (San JoseState) 6’0, 180, Jr
Had 43 tackles for the season.
DB Tiuke Tuipulotu (San JoseState) 5’10, 205, Soph
Starting safety had 52 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 1 interception for the season.
ST Kama Bailey (Idaho) 5’9, 200, Soph
Averaged 20.6 yards a kickoff return totaling 453 yards on 22 returns.
Three players from the University of Oregon’s 2009 football team have departed from the program, according to the Ducks’ head coach Chip Kelly.
Kelly confirmed Monday that wide receiver Garrett Embry, as well as defensive linemen Andrew Iupati and Terrance Montgomery, will not return for the 2010 season.
Iupati , who did not play in any games last fall as a redshirt after transferring from Golden West Community College, has transferred to Humboldt State University (Arcata, CA), where he is expected to have two seasons of eligibility remaining for the NCAA Division II Lumberjacks.
Ricky Heimuli (Brighton HS, Salt Lake City, UT) and Sione Potoa'e (Lakes HS, Lakewood, WA) were both selected to "Best in the West" First Team by the Long Beach Press Telegram. Heimuli and Potoa'e both played in the US Army All-American Bowl.
Others receiving votes include Justin Utupo (Lakewood HS, CA), Kirifi Taula (Servite HS, Anaheim, CA), Bronson Kaufusi (Timpview HS, Provo, UT), and Jesse Callier (Warren HS, Downey, CA).
How sure was Charles Perkins that he wanted to play for Georgia Tech? So sure that he actually committed to Yellow Jackets coach Paul Johnson on Feb. 1, 2009, three days before last year’s national signing day.
“I was actually going to do it before then,” said the 6-foot-1, 210-pound running back, who is already enrolled and attending classes at Georgia Tech. “They were my first offer. It came mid-junior year. I went to a couple of games and a couple of visits. My mom loved it. My dad came up to a bowl practice with me and I pretty much told Coach Johnson then I was going to commit. But I didn’t do it right there. I waited until February.”
In the year since Perkins resisted countless temptations by dozens of recruiters to get him to waver on that commitment. And he gave Tech’s rivals plenty of reasons to want to turn him.
Perkins was a one-man Ramblin Wreck for the Collins Hill Eagles. Despite the fact everybody in the stadium knew he was going to run the football, Perkins plowed through stacked defenses to the tune of 1,646 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns and tacked on another 300-plus yards receiving.
Perkins quickly served notice in the first game of the season against rival Parkview High. The bruising tailback carried the ball 33 times to the tune of 302 yards and scored his team’s only touchdown in a blue-collar 10-7 win. And so the season went.
Auburn, Tennessee and Wake Forest were the most persistent suitors. They continued to recruit Perkins after others gave up and focused their energies elsewhere. Or at least trying to recruit him.
“They were all trying to contact me,” said Perkins, sitting on a bench on the Tech campus between classes this past week. “They were sending me things, sending me letters, inviting me to games and to take visits. But my coach kind of dealt with all that stuff. I was just focused on the season.”
Said Collins Hill coach Billy Wells: “For Charles, what you see is what you get. He’s a first-class kid and a high-character individual. He knew when he made his commitment to Georgia Tech he was going to stand by his word. The coaches who came by the office and wanted to know about Charles, who wanted to know if there was any opening or if he was solid, it was pretty easy to look them in the eye and tell them he was firm with his commitment.”
That doesn’t mean Perkins hasn’t had second thoughts. Not about his decision to attend the Institute, but about playing the recruiting game a little, about prolonging the process and maybe taking a trip or two just for the fun of it.
“At one time there were a bunch of schools coming after me,” Perkins said. “I think I would have been like some of these guys I see that have 30, 40 offers. I think I would have been up there, too, if I would have waited. But I didn’t see the point in it. You can only choose one.”
He took just one official visit and that was, of course, to Georgia Tech on the 12th of December.
“After that, I thought to myself, ‘man, I could have gotten a lot more free food and stuff, seen some nice places,’” he said with a laugh. “But I made my decision and that’s what I was sticking with.”
THE LOYALIST
Definition: A prospect who commits to a school early, sticks with that commitment without so much as a waffle and signs with chosen school on or before national signing day
The example: Charles Perkins, RB, 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, Collins Hill High School, Lawrenceville. AJC’s No. 5-ranked player.
Fun fact: Perkins’ most impressive individual performance came in the first game of the season when he rushed for 302 yards on 33 carries against Parkview. Oddly, Perkins’ longest run from scrimmage that night was 24 yards.
Recruiting situation: Calm as a frozen lake. Perkins is already taking classes at Tech and rising at 5 a.m. twice a week for off-season workouts with the Yellow Jackets.
This isn't Manti Te'o's football recruiting class anymore.
Last season the Notre Dame-bound Punahou School linebacker was not only far and away the best player in the state, he was defensively, at least, considered by some analysts as the best college prospect in the United States.
They were perceptions validated by Te'o starting as a freshman at South Bend where he was among the leading tacklers for the Fighting Irish.
This year the title of top prospect in the Islands goes to ... well it depends on whom you talk to. The Advertiser surveyed seven college coaches from three conferences and got almost as many opinions on ranking the top players.
Kona Schwenke and Hauoli Jamora, mainstays of the Kahuku High defensive line, 'Iolani defensive tackle Sealii Epenesa, Waialua High twin tower linemen Graham Rowley and Micah Hatchie, Kapolei safety Shaydon Akuna ... take your choice.
Overall, the aggregate picture that emerged had Schwenke, Jamora and Epenesa as the top three in a tightly bunched Advertiser Top 25.
For college coaches it came down to, they said, how much you look for down-the-road potential or immediate return, who is a better fit for the needs and systems of the schools that are recruiting them, who is coming off injuries, who may have to switch positions and who has already been academically cleared.
One aspect that coaches did agree on, however, was that while the recruiting Class of 2010 is solid, it is, in the words of one Pac-10 recruiter, "... a good, but not great year." Said another with extensive experience recruiting Hawai'i: "It is a pretty good year."
It is, recruiters say, an especially good year for defensive linemen and safeties.
Last year 27 players from Hawai'i signed with Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly known as Division I-A) schools on national letter of intent day, 10 with Bowl Championship Series member schools. This year the total will be similar.
They are remarkable numbers especially since, once upon a not-so-distant time, only a handful of so-called marquee schools sent coaches here to scout players. These days, however, Hawai'i has been turned into a veritable fishing tournament by recruiters. "It is becoming over-fished," groused one veteran recruiter.
Never before has the University of Hawai'i faced such a heavy or far-reaching onslaught for talent in its backyard. This year Arkansas, Baylor and Florida State joined the perennials — Brigham Young, Colorado, UCLA, Utah, Washington, etc. — in making scholarship offers.
Moreover, Notre Dame, which formerly dipped a line in every decade or so, has shown signs of coming back off its Te'o success by apparently trying to make a pipeline of it.
Increasingly, UH's Western Athletic Conference opponents are also dropping lines in here, something that the Warriors had hoped would have ended when BYU and Utah bolted to the Mountain West.
Instead, Utah State and New Mexico State have stepped up their campaigns and will both have successes this year. Utah State signed one player last year and could have as many as five this year.
While the influx expands opportunities for local players, it can be doubly disconcerting for UH because not only might some of those players have eventually found their way to the Warriors as walk-ons or scholarship players, now they can also be employed against Hawai'i in the WAC. Both Aggies, it seems, will have a promising quarterback to show for their efforts: Leilehua's Andrew Manley pledging to New Mexico State and Saint Louis School's Jeremy Higgins to Utah State.
Also of concern is that some schools, especially in the Pac-10, are offering recruiting visits to players they know they likely won't have scholarships open for this year but are hoping to entice as recruited walk-ons. Some of those recruits being ones UH might have signed or, at least, gotten to join the Warriors' own highly successful walk-on program.
SEATTLE - USA Football, the sport’s national governing body on youth and amateur levels, announced today that Seattle Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu has donated $10,000 to the independent non-profit to assist in its work of establishing American Samoa’s first youth football program. With USA Football’s financial assistance, bolstered by Tatupu’s gift, youth football is being played by youngsters aged 11-14 on the island territory for the first time.
Tatupu is the son of Mosi Tatupu, the first native-born American Samoan selected to an NFL Pro Bowl (1986) as a fullback for the New England Patriots. The younger Tatupu’s pride in his American Samoan ancestry and respect for the island’s people and their affinity toward football compels him to further strengthen the sport there.
Since 2008, USA Football has worked with American Samoa football leaders to establish organized youth football on the island, providing the latest equipment and USA Football’s coaching education resources to serve the new league’s volunteer coaches. USA Football is the official youth football development partner of the NFL, the NFLPA, and the league’s 32 teams.
Tatupu’s gift will be presented by his father, Mosi, to USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck prior to kickoff of this Saturday’s USA Football “Team USA vs. The World” game, presented by Riddell, in Ft. Lauderdale. The 12 p.m. ET game, aired live by NFL Network, features 90 of the world’s best high school-aged football players spanning four continents. Mosi Tatupu is an honorary captain for the World team which has three American Samoa natives on its roster.
Comprised of 77 square miles with 65,000 citizens, there are more than 30 players of Samoan descent in the NFL and more than 200 playing Division I college football. In the past five years alone, the island's six high schools have produced 10 NFL linemen and it is estimated that a boy born to Samoan parents is 56 times more likely to play in the NFL than one born in the United States.
“This is an island and a culture centered around family,” said Lofa Tatupu. “There is a strong sense of togetherness, respect for others, sacrificing for the good of the family, and teamwork woven into American Samoan life – these are the very same values found in successful people and winning football programs.
“These kids deserve a shot, an opportunity. I thank USA Football and everyone who has had a hand in helping American Samoa’s kids enjoy this sport in an exciting way that they’ve not experienced before this year.”
by: MATT BAKER World Sports Writer Sunday, January 31, 2010 1/31/2010 3:55:45 AM
Related stories What areas produce the most college football players? Why the South is king Where are conference players coming from? Where are OU, OSU and TU players coming from? Star search: Read the full series on college football recruiting. Texas, Florida and Louisiana are known as the traditional high school football factories. But none produces talent quite like Hawaii. Neither does any other state. On a per capita basis, Hawaii produced the most players on Football Bowl Subdivision rosters in 2009, a Tulsa World analysis shows. The Aloha State sent 3.8 players on to major college football teams per 1,000 boys age 15-19. That’s 50 percent more than the No. 2 state, Louisiana (2.5). Per capita, Honolulu is the top producing metro area (4.6), with almost 40 percent more than second-place New Orleans (3.2). “Football is a big part of the Polynesian way of life,” said Jeremy Crabtree, the national recruiting editor for Rivals.com. “That’s why we see how well they support things.” Like football at the University of Hawaii. The Warriors averaged 36,725 fans at home games this year. With a state population of 1.2 million, that’s the equivalent of Oklahoma averaging 105,000 fans at Memorial Stadium. The state’s football offerings extend to the Hawaii Bowl and a high school all-star game, the Hawaii/Polynesia Mainland Bowl. The Polynesian love of football comes from a few aspects of their culture, said Steve Lineweaver, the head football coach at Euless (Texas) Trinity High School, which has a large Polynesian population and does a traditional Haka war dance before games. The Pacific Islands’ warrior history lends itself to physical sports like rugby or football. Their culture also values family — which is perfect for a team sport like football. “It’s just what you ordered,” Lineweaver said. Add in a great climate that allows year-round practice, and Hawaii has the seeds to become the most fertile football recruiting ground in the country. “In our neck of the woods, Hawaii isn’t what we think about,” Crabtree said, “but it’s something recruiters have known for quite some time.”
Editor's note: This is the first in a four-part series leading up to Wednesday's National Letter of Intent Day.
Ricky Heimuli dresses the part of a kid who would fit in great at UCLA.
Regardless of the gloomy winter weather outside, the highly-recruited Brighton lineman is almost always wearing shorts, a T-shirt and sneakers. Along with the backpack he's usually lugging around, Heimuli already looks like a Southern California college student.
Then again, why would the extremely sought-after 280-pound lineman want to play for UCLA when he could sign with the University of Utah to play alongside first cousin Latu Heimuli, another highly-recruited lineman who signed with the Utes out of Highland High School last year?
Then again, with National Signing Day roughly 72 hours away, and with all the interest Oregon has shown, why wouldn't Heimuli want to sign with the Pac-10 champion Ducks?
And finally, Washington is a program on the rise, guided by former BYU gunslinger Steve Sarkisian, and what's not to love about spending four to five years on one of the nicest college campuses in America?
These are among the many thoughts racing through the 18-year-old's head with decision day just around the corner.
"I am nervous, because right now I'm still up in the air. I still don't have a clue where I'm going yet," said Heimuli. "But I have a feeling when it comes down to it, I'll make the right choice for what's best for me."
That decision could make or break the 2010 recruiting class for any of the four schools. Heimuli is the 10th-ranked defensive tackle in the country, according to Scout.com, and Rivals.com ranks him eighth.
Heimuli returns from Seattle today after making his last recruiting visit to the University of Washington. Beginning tonight or Monday, Heimuli's father Okusitino Heimuli said his son will begin whittling schools off the list and making thank-you-but-no-thank-you phone calls to the disappointed.
With UCLA, Oregon, Washington and Utah all making official visits to the Heimuli home in Glendale this past week, Okusitino Heimuli has sensed his son is tiring of the recruiting process. Plus, he's still receiving calls from schools like Penn State and West Virginia, wondering if they can sway his decision.
The stress makes you wonder why Heimuli insists on waiting until the bitter end to make a decision when so many of his peers preferred to commit early. He believes weighing his options thoroughly was just the right thing to do.
"Some people rush into it, and when it comes down to that point they feel they may have made a mistake. I feel that using as much time as possible gives me the chance to actually think each school through, give each school the opportunity they deserve for taking the time out and for sacrificing one of their scholarships," said Heimuli.
Heimuli's father is an LDS bishop, and serving an LDS mission like his two older brothers and older sister did after he finishes his freshman year of college is very important to the well-spoken Heimuli. The remaining four schools on Heimuli's list support his desire to take a two-year hiatus from football.
With decision hour nearly here, Heimuli shared his thoughts on the positives that Oregon, UCLA, Utah and Washington have to offer.
"Some of the pros that I feel UCLA has, probably the biggest one is Norm Chow," said Heimuli. "He knows how to work the Polynesian players, he's also LDS just like me, so he'll be sure to help me with the decision of my mission. He's just a big help in every aspect."
Chow is the offensive coordinator at UCLA, but locally he's known best for the 27 years he served as an assistant coach at BYU from 1973 to 1999.
Heimuli's interest in the University of Washington is also tied loosely to BYU.
"Coach Sark, he played here at BYU so he gets the mission process. He knows how to work with Polynesians cause he played a lot with them. Just the fact that he understands the standpoint that I'm trying to go on a mission, and he's very supportive of that," said Heimuli.
As for the Pac-10 champs, Heimuli really likes the Oregon coaching staff, a topic he discussed with Oregon senior defensive end Will Tukuafu, who graduated from East High School in 2002.
"He had a lot of good things to say about coach (Chip) Kelly, coach (Jerry) Azzinaro, pretty much the whole defensive staff," said Heimuli. "He said they're very supportive. He said they have a very nice academic setup as well."
Lastly, the positives of signing with the University of Utah are obvious. The second-youngest of six siblings, Heimuli is very close to his family and he'd love to have them in the stands at Rice-Eccles Stadium for all of his home games.
In addition, he has a unique bond with Utah coach Kyle Whittingham.
"I grew close with the Whittingham family. I played at Brighton with Alex (Whittingham), and pretty much every weekend we would go hang out at the Whittingham house," said Heimuli.
By Wednesday, he'll decide that one of these positives outweighs the others and he'll officially sign his National Letter of Intent at a ceremony at Brighton High School at 10 a.m.
Until then, he's keeping his options open until the last minute.
The two-time All-L.A. City pick enjoyed a strong fall season and also was the South Bay Daily Breeze's Lineman of the Year. Yandell, who helped Carson to a berth in the L.A. City Section semifinals, will play next season at UCLA.
DL Vei Moala (Grant, Sacramento) 6-3, 335, Jr.
With a defense unlike any seen in the Sacramento area for decades, this talented junior recorded 104 tackles and 15 sacks to earn our selection as the state's top junior, which hadn't been awarded to a lineman since 1962. The Pacers' defense opened the season with five straight shutouts, including an impressive one in Washington against perennial power Bellevue with Moala getting three sacks in that game. He now has the attention of every big-time Division I school nationwide.
DL Thomas Molesi (Oceanside) 6-2, 280, Sr.
He was named the San Diego Section Defensive Player of the Year after the Pirates captured their sixth straight section title and ended the season with a win up in Carson over Bellarmine Prep in the CIF D1 bowl game. Molesi played on both sides of the line, but it was on the defensive side where he was the most effective as the Pirates allowed just 116 points in 14 games to end the season with a 39-game unbeaten streak. A three-year starter for the Pirates, Molesi he will head to Oregon State next season.
Despite missing several games this season due to a broken arm, there's no doubt when healthy he was one of the state's best defensive linemen. After waiting until after his senior season was finished before making his college choice, he committed to Arizona. He had to sit out the 2007 season after transferring from Lutheran of Orange to Servite and in 2008 was a first-team All-Trinity League selection.
DL Justin Utupo (Lakewood) 6-3, 250, Sr.
The Los Angeles Times' Lineman of the Year recorded two huge fumble recoveries against Poly of Long Beach as the Lancers defeated the Jackrabbits, 21-14, to end Poly's 80-game league winning streak and give the Lancers their first win over Poly since 1982. In his best game of the season, he recorded four sacks in a the CIF Southern Section Pac-5 Division quarterfinals against Bishop Amat. Utupo ended the year with 16 sacks and 29 tackles for loss and is going to Notre Dame.
MOBILE, AL - Former Cal football player Tyson Alualu contributed a sack for a loss of four yards, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in a 31-13 North victory over the South in the 2010 Under Armour Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on Saturday. Syd'Quan Thompson, a Golden Bear teammate of Alualu for the past four years, was also on the North roster but did not play.
Alualu recorded a sack of 2007 Heisman Trophy winner and former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow on the first play of a South drive early in the fourth quarter. His fumble recovery came in the third quarter when his North teammate Brandon Graham (Michigan) sacked the Sorth's Zac Robinson (Oklahoma State).
Alualu played all 52 games possible with 40 starts over his Cal career (2006-09), including a run of 39 consecutive starts over his final three campaigns. His final career numbers were highlighted by 195 tackles to go along with 26.0 TFL (-134 yards), 16.0 sacks (-111 yards), seven passes defended, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. Alualu earned first-team All-Pac-10 honors for the first time in his career as a senior in 2009 and led all Pac-10 defensive linemen with 65 tackles, while also contributing 7.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss.
Sealii Epenesa, a defensive tackle from Honolulu Iolani High, said he has committed to play at UCLA.
The late-blooming Epenesa hasn’t registered very high around internet scouting websites. But at 6 foot 2 and 305 pounds, he has the size to play inside. Besides UCLA, he also visited Oregon State. Colorado, Baylor, Texas Tech and Washington were believed to have strong interest.
San Bernardino Arroyo Valley linebacker Ofa Fifita has chosen to attend Fresno State on a football scholarship, Hawks coach Marcus Soward said Friday morning (Jan. 29) by phone.
Fifita (6-2, 220, with a 3.4 GPA) is the third Inland football player to choose the Bulldogs within the past five days, the others being Rancho Cucamonga quarterback Greg Watson and Banning athlete Derron Smith.
"We're very excited -- everyone around here is going nuts," Soward said from the telephone in his English class at Arroyo Valley. "We're very proud. He was very impressed (with Fresno State). Pat Hill is a great coach and he came down here a few days ago and was very genuine and down to earth. They win and graduate kids and I think it's a great fit."
Hill is a Lake Arrowhead Rim of the World graduate, who has been mining the Inland area with great success.
The Arroyo Valley standout had 133 tackles this season, averaging 12.1 per game for the 7-4 Hawks. He also had seven sacks, an interception, a fumble recovery and six caused fumbles.
Last season Arroyo Valley blue-chip offensive lineman Michael Philipp accepted a scholarship to Oregon State, where he earned freshman All-America honors in 2009.
Soward had the opportunity to coach both standouts.
"Ofa is very similar to Mike (Philipp) in that he's a very humble, model teenager and a workaholic. Nobody is more deserving."
Fifita is regarded as a three-star recruit by at least one scouting service. He also had scholarshop offers from San Jose State, Nevada and Hawaii.
The Hawk standout visited Fresno State last weekend, along with Watson and Smith. He previously visited Nevada and was thought to be taking a visit to Hawaii this weekend, but changed his mind.
Fifita has an older brother, Sione, who was an all-area tight end for San Bernardino Cajon in 2000. Sione received a scholarship to San Diego State.
Another Fifita brother, Manu, started at linebacker for coach Tony DiThomas at Arroyo in the early 2000s and still another, Foaki, played at Cajon.
DiThomas, now an assistant at Cajon, was the coach at Arroyo Valley when Ofa Fifita entered the program four years ago.
"We could tell as a freshman he was going to be a great player," DiThomas said by phone. "From the time he walked in during the spring as a sophomore, we had him penciled in as a mike linebacker. He's a great kid and a hard worker, from a great family."
Fremont High’s Sione Tupouata, the Oakland Athletic League’s football MVP, is heading to Utah. Tigers coach Isamu Falevai confirmed Thursday that Tupouata, a 6- foot-4, 250-pound defensive end, gave a verbal commitment to play for the Utes. Tupouata is not yet academically qualified, but Falevai is confident he’ll become a late qualifier and Utah apparently was comfortable enough to give him an offer.“They’re going to work something out,” Falevai said. “(Tupouata) re-committed fully (to academics) this year. He’s taking another SAT in March.” Tupouata was not immediately available for comment Thursday night. In addition to this year’s MVP award, Tupouata was the defensive player of the year as a junior.
For a lot of folks, Hawaii and Las Vegas are ultimate destinations.
Beau Yap thinks differently. On Monday, the Kamehameha defensive end gave Baylor an oral commitment to play football.
"He tripped last week (to Baylor) with the 'Iolani kid," Kamehameha coach David Stant said of Yap and 'Iolani defensive tackle Seali'i Epenesa. "He liked it, and he tripped to UH last weekend."
UNLV, Stant added, "is trying to throw a Hail Mary and offered him" yesterday.
Yap, a 6-foot-2, 235-pound senior, was a Star-Bulletin second-team selection at defensive end. Former UH and Radford defensive back Brian Norwood is the defensive coordinator at Baylor.
Timpview linebacker Ofa Latu accepted a scholarship offer from University of Utah coaches Kalani Sitake and Jay Hill on Monday night.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder was a key defensive contributor to Timpview's last two state championships, finishing with 80 tackles and five interceptions his senior season. He was named the Deseret News 4A MVP.
"He understands the game. He has great football savvy as far as field presence and looking at an offense and seeing what they're trying to do and distract and disrupt it," said Timpview coach Louis Wong.
Latu will make his commitment to the Utes official next Wednesday when he signs his National Letter of Intent.
Latu plans on enrolling at the University of Utah this summer before leaving on an LDS Church Mission in the fall.
When he returns from his mission he'll feel right at home playing at Rice-Eccles Stadium, where he led Timpview to four victories the past two years. During the playoffs at the U. last November he recorded four total interceptions in victories over Springville and Mountain Crest.
Latu became the heart of Timpview's defense when teammate Bronson Kaufusi went down with a season-ending knee injury early in the year. His versatility was a big reason why the T-Birds didn't miss a beat without Kaufusi and only allowed 13.8 points per game this season. At times, he even played on the defensive line when necessary.
"His ability to play where we need him based on what an offense is trying to do to us was big for us," said Wong.
After an afternoon spent largely in his opponent's backfield, there would seem to be little doubt that former Washington defensive end Daniel Te'o-Nesheim's performance in the 85th annual East-West Shrine Game Saturday in Orlando was helpful to his pro football prospects.
While Te'o-Nesheim's West team lost the game, 13-10, on a late touchdown by the East squad, it was a solid exhibition by the UW's all-time sacks leader.
With NFL scouting departments and a national television audience watching the game at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Te'o-Nesheim spent the game alternating series at left defensive end with Kansas State's Jeffery Fitzgerald. Te'o-Nesheim also played defensive tackle on the final drive of the game.
Early in the second quarter, Te'o-Nesheim got great penetration and a piece of East quarterback Mike Kafka's arm during a pass. On the following play, he nearly sacked Kafka and, under normal rules, probably would have gotten the sack thanks to intentional grounding. However, all star-game rules, in the interests of protecting players' health, allow intentional grounding without penalty.
Te'o-Nesheim also had a string of good plays late in the third quarter, getting several hits on East quarterbacks and drawing a holding penalty or two as well.
Next up for Te'o-Nesheim is the NFL Scouting Combine, which begins Feb. 27 in Indianapolis.
Ocean View senior Kody Afusia played on an undefeated Pop Warner team in the sixth grade. As the years have passed, those Stanton Raiders – coached by his father, Lee, -- look even better.
Kirifi Taula became an All-County selection and CIF champion at Servite. Mason Pau’u emerged as defensive force at Los Alamitos. Christian Maldonado developed into an excellent defensive back at Mater Dei.
Afusia was among the players who didn’t land at a high school football power.
He picked a school better known for boys basketball but doesn’t regret his decision. And as he proved earlier this month, recruiters find players who perform outside the spotlight.
The active and aggressive two-way lineman committed to his favorite school, Hawaii, during a memorable recruiting trip Jan. 16. The Warriors recruited him as a center.
Afusia’s visit included a luau, accommodations at a hotel on the beach, an on-campus reggae concert, a tour of Aloha Stadium and a chance to surf for the first time.
“I felt Hawaii is the place for me,” he said. “Just the people. ... And I love the environment. It feels like I’m at home. All the guys I met for a day are now my close friends. They all feel like my family.”
Afusia also met an actual family member on his trip. He discovered that Warrior recruit David Lefotu of Pearl City High in Hawaii is a distant cousin.
Afusia had scheduled recruiting trips to San Jose State and Montana State but decided to cancel those plans. San Jose State didn’t go down without a fight. The Spartans called Afusia after he committed to Hawaii.
Yes, the recruiters not only found Afusia at Ocean View, they competed for him.
“I went to (Ocean View) with people saying, ‘That’s not really a football school. You’re not going to get looked at,’ ” he said. “It’s really not about how big your school is. It’s if you give everything you’ve got every play – (then) you will get noticed.”
Afusia played hard but also was proactive with his recruiting. His uncle, Tafa Jefferson, and, Lee, worked on his recruiting DVD.
His mother, Tricia, helped with writing letters.
The Afusia family also had gained valuable experience about recruiting through their daughter, Nikole. She played softball at Ocean View softball and was recruited to Arizona State.
Meet Happy Iona, who if he stays firm in his commitment will become an Oregon State Beaver on national signing day, which is Feb. 3:
Position: Defensive tackle
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 283 pounds
Hometown: Spanaway, Wash.
High school: Bethel
2009 statistics: Not available
Beaver fans should be excited because: Provided he can make it in Corvallis academically, Iona has some physical gifts other players would kill for.
After battling injury problems most of his senior year, Iona will now have to clear another hurdle before he can join the Beavers: Academics.
Gavin Kralik, Iona’s high school coach at Bethel, said that Iona is “struggling” academically right now and that the chance of him being at OSU in the August for the beginning of practice “isn’t looking as hopeful as it once did.” Kralik expects Iona to sign with Oregon State on Feb. 3, but has a hunch Iona will end up at a junior college for at least a year.
But if and when he does don an orange and black uniform, Kralik likes what the Beavers are getting in a player Rivals.com has given four stars.
“He’s just talented,” Kralik said. “He’s very athletic, can move very, very well for his size and he’s got a lot of physical abilities.
“If he gets motivated, he’s got a real high upside.”
ORLANDO – University of Hawai‘i center John Estes will compete in The Asset Protect East-West Shrine Game Saturday at the Florida Citrus Bowl. The all-star game will be televised live on ESPN2 at 3:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. HT).
Estes, the NCAA record holder with 54 career and consecutive starts, did not miss a game in his four-year career. In fact, the Stockton, Calif., native did not miss a down with the first unit due to injury or other reasons. The senior was one of six finalists for the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the best center in college football, and one of five players in UH history to be named to the first-team all-WAC three times.
Estes was also selected to Phil Steele’s All-America fourth team and is the 16th Warrior chosen to the play in the East-West Shrine Game since 1949. It also marks the fourth consecutive year, and eighth time in the last nine years, that UH will be represented at the game. Last year, defensive back Ryan Mouton represented the Warriors.
