Punahou linebacker Tuumalo commits to Boise State

The Christmas season was stressful for K.T. Tuumalo, but not because of long lines at the mall or wasted time stuck in traffic.

Instead, the Punahou linebacker dealt with stress of another kind: picking his college of choice. Tuumalo selected Boise State from a long list of universities that offered him football scholarships.

Among the schools he turned down were Hawaii, Oregon State, Wyoming and San Diego State.

He narrowed his choices down to Oregon State, Colorado, Arizona and Boise State before making a decision on Christmas Eve.

Boise was among the campuses he visited, along with Arizona and Oregon State.

"I'm happy. The recruiting process was kind of hectic," Tuumalo said.

Listed at 6 feet 3 and 210 pounds, Tuumalo said he's actually 6-2 and 195 to 200 pounds.

His speed was a valuable tool for Punahou, which used him as a fly man on offense at times. Boise State intends to use him at outside linebacker and nickel back. They haven't asked him about gaining weight.

"They're a speed team," Tuumalo noted, adding he's not sure if the Broncos will redshirt him. "I'm not sure, but I could go either way."

Former Buffanblu playmaker Jeremy Ioane just completed his first year at Boise State.

"He told me it's a family-based program and everyone is tight with each other," Tuumalo said. "They work hard. Everybody works hard."

Tuumalo, a third-team All-State selection, was initially recruited by running backs coach Keith Bhonapha, a former UH player. Head coach Chris Petersen was also involved directly with recruiting, Tuumalo said.

National Letter of Intent day is Feb. 2, the first day student-athletes can sign binding letters.