UH lands defensive ends

For the second year, the University of Hawai'i football coaches are employing a strategy of targeting recruits before the start of their senior seasons.

The Warriors believe the ends — Calen Friel of Kailua High and Charles Tuaau of Leilehua High, in this case — justify the means.

The two defensive ends accepted football scholarship offers, bringing to 10 the enrollment for the Warriors' 2010 recruiting class.

Friel said he is 6 feet 2 and 240 pounds. Tuaau said he is 6 feet 3 1/2 and 275 pounds, and is capable of bench-pressing 365 pounds and running 40 yards in 4.93 seconds.

Friel said his decision fulfilled a long-time dream."I was a Warrior fan since I was a little kid," Friel said. He said an older brother is trying to earn a berth on the Warriors' roster. "I was looking at a lot of schools," Friel said. "I think Hawai'i is the place to be." Friel said he could not pass on an opportunity to play games in front of family members. "I come from a family of brothers and sisters," Friel said. "I like to stay home and hang out with my family."

Tuaau said going to UH will be somewhat of a reunion. Several of his cousins attend UH, including defensive tackle Chris Leatigaga. He also is friends with linebacker Art Laurel, offensive lineman Clayton Laurel and quarterback Bryant Moniz. "They said a lot of good things about the program," Tuaau said. "I'm anxious to go to UH, and play for the Warriors." Tuaau said he received interest from Oregon, Washington State, San Jose State and Idaho.Tuaau also competes in wrestling and track and field. In his free time, he hunts or free dives. "I go all over (to hunt pigs)," Tuaau said. "Sometimes I go to Maui or the Big Island. I hunt with dogs. That's one of my main workouts."

Friel and Tuaau both participated in the recently completed UH Big Man's Camp for offensive and defensive linemen. "It was really good," Friel said. "I learned some techniques from the coaches. They taught me how to do a lot of things." Tuaau said: "It was great. The coaches were positive. I liked how they picked us up."