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."

Raiola commits to Lions for 4 years

His immediate future secure, Dominic Raiola is returning to his roots to continue his preparation for the coming season.

Raiola was 15 when he started working out with fellow Saint Louis lineman Olin Kreutz at the home of Kreutz's grandfather in East Oahu. With a contract extension finalized, Raiola's summer plans include training at the same site when he returns to Hawaii.

"That's a big reason I got this today," Raiola said after his four-year extension with the Detroit Lions was announced yesterday.

Raiola, the Lions' starting center, said he's scheduled to arrive in Hawaii today having signed the extension valued at $20 million, including $9 million guaranteed. He was entering the final year of his contract and will make $13 million this season. It'll be his ninth year with the Lions, the team that drafted him in 2001.

"I'm definitely excited," said Raiola, who is represented by Kenny Zuckerman of Priority Sports. "They brought it up and we wanted to get it done because I really didn't want to go anywhere. At least I know where I'll be after next year.

"I'm not a big fan of moving. My family's here, Olin's not too far down the road (in Chicago). Who knows what can happen in the free-agent market. That wasn't really an option."

The Lions just finished a mini-camp . Next up will be training camp in late July.

With a new coaching staff led by Jim Schwartz in place, Raiola said the Lions are ready to move on from last season's 0-16 campaign.

"I think it's behind us," Raiola said. "It happened, and like I said at the end of the season, the only thing that's going to erase it is winning."

Chicago Bears Getting Used to a Little Island Flavor

Center Olin Kreutz has been a staple in the Chicago Bears organization since the team drafted him out of Washington St. 12 years ago. Kreutz, a leader both on the field and in the locker room, leads by example through hard work and determination. He keeps players in line and commands respect from not only his teammates, but opposing players as well.

Kreutz was raised and played high school football in Hawaii for St. Louis High, a team consistently playing for the island title, where he was all-state in both football and wrestling. Hawaii was his kickoff point for a prosperous and productive NFL career.

And Kreutz isn't the only one to bring the island madness to the team.

The Bears selected safety Al Afalava in the sixth round of the 2009 draft. Afalava grew up in La'ie, located on the north shore of Oahu, and played high school for the Kahuku Red Raiders, a perennial powerhouse, before moving on to Oregon St.

If you look closely, there are quite a few connections to the pacific islands throughout the Bears roster:

Undrafted free agents Will Ta'ufo'ou (FB from Cal) and Johan Asiata (OG from UNLV) are both in contention for roster spots. Asiata, originally from New Zealand, actually grew up in Hawaii.

Reserve defensive tackle Matt Toeaina played high school football on the tiny island of American Samoa, which is located east of Fiji and North of Tonga before he moved on to play college ball at the University of Oregon.

Newly acquired linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa played for the University of Hawaii for four years. He made first team all WAC his senior year and was drafted in the second round of the 2003 NFL draft by the St. Louis Rams.

The Bears even have had a couple Hawaii players represented on the practice squad and in training camp. Safety Leonard Peters, also a Kahuku graduate, was on the Bears practice squad for the 2007 season. And former UH standout wide receiver Ryan Grice-Mullens was added to the Bears roster last season in training camp to add some depth, but failed to make the final cut.

And it doesn't end there, lets kick it back a little further.

Anyone remember tight end Gabe Reid? He played four years for the Bears from 2003 through 2006 and recorded a total of seven receptions—okay, not exactly stellar numbers but Reid was also a product of American Samoa and was a competent third stringer for the team.

And if you want to go old-school, how about Lakei Heimuli? Heimuli was a running back out of BYU who grew up in Tonga and played one season for the 1987 Chicago Bears. He only made it into three games that year, but to be fair, his numbers weren't terrible: 34 carries for 128 yards (for a 3.8 average), and five receptions for 51 yards and one lone touchdown.

So really, this island theme from the Bears is not a new one. And judging from recent trends, look for more and more of these Polynesian products to follow in the footsteps of Kreutz, Pisa, Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu, and Steelers safety Troy Polamalu.

2008 AIGA Foundation All Star Football Team: First Team Defense

DEFENSIVE LINE

Talia Crichton (Lakewood, CA) 6’4, 245, Sr

First Team All-State DI (Cal-Hi Sports). Second Team All State DI (Max Preps). All CIF-SS (Pac 5 Division). Long Beach Press Telegram “Dream Team.” Moore League Co-Defensive Line Player of the Year. Had 92 tackles and league-high 18 sacks. Will attend Washington.

Bronson Kaufusi (Timpview-Provo, UT) 6’7, 240, Sr

First Team All-State 4A (Deseret News and SL Tribune), Daily Herald Elite 11 and Defensive MVP. Father Steve Kaufusi is an assitant coach at BYU. 2010 verbal commit to BYU.

Iuta Tepa (Poly-Long Beach, CA) 6’2, 220, Sr

First Team All-American (Max Preps). First Team All-State DI (Cal-Hi Sports). First Team All-State DI (Max Preps). All CIF-SS (Pac 5 Division). First Team All-Los Angeles Times. LA Times Defensive Player of the Year. Long Beach Press Telegram “Dream Team.” Moore League Co-Defensive Line Player of the Year. Tepa had 102 tackles and 14 sacks. Will attend UCLA.

Siosaia Tuipulotu (Trinity-Euless, TX) 6’2, 275, Sr

Second Team All-State (5A). FW Star Telegram First Team. FW Star Defensive Player of the Year. Second Team All-Area Dallas Morning News. District 5-5A Defensive Player of the Year. Stuffed offensive line for Dallas-Forth Worth area’s top defense. Finished the season with 85 tackles including 15 tackles for loss and 4 sacks. Will attend Utah. Video Link

LINEBACKERS

Steven Fanua (Milpitas, CA) 6’3, 215, Sr

First Team All-State (Cal-HI Sports). Second Team All-State DI (Max Preps). First Team All-Metro (SF Chronicle). First Team LB (San Jose Mercury News). Santa Clara-De Anza Division MVP. Had 124 tackles and three sacks this season. 2008 Hawai’i/Polynesia vs. Mainland All Star Game participant. Will attend California.

Liloa Nobriga (Del Sol-Las Vegas, NV) 6’1, 220, Sr

First Team All-State (LV Review Journal), Sunset-Northwest Division Defensive Player of the Year. Led state with 185 tackles (36 solo) and 4 sacks according to Max Preps. Will attend Colorado.

Manti Te’o (Punahou-Honolulu, HI) 6’2, 235, Sr

USA Today All-American (Defensive Player of the Year). Max Preps All-American. First Team All-State (Honolulu Advertiser and Star Bulletin). State Defensive Player of the Year (Honolulu Advertiser and Star Bulletin). ILH Defensive Player of the Year. Butkus Award winner (Nation’s Top Linebacker). Registered 129 tackles, 11 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. Under Armour All-American All-Star Game participant. 2008 Hawai’i/Polynesia vs. Mainland All Star Game participant. Will be the second Samoan linebacker to attend Notre Dame.

Jeremiah Toma (Grant-Sacramento, CA) 6’0, 215, Sr

Second Team All-State DII (Max Preps). Third Team All-State (Cal-Hi Sports). First Team All-CIF Sac-SJ Section. First Team All-Metro (Sacramento Bee). Metro League Defensive Player of the Year. Had 165 tackles and 10 sacks this season. Will attend Fresno State.

DEFENSIVE BACK

Jamal Atofau (Bellevue, WA) 5’10, 190, Sr

First Team All-State (3A), Seattle PI First Team, Seattle PI Defensive MVP, First Team All Area Seattle Times. Bellevue Reporter Defensive Player of the Year. King Co (3A) Defensive MVP. Will attend Washington State.

J’Ray Galea’i (Kahuku, HI) 6’0, 177, Sr

First Team All State (Honolulu Advertiser and Star Bulletin). 2008 Hawai’i/Polynesia vs. Mainland All Star Game participant. Will attend BYU.

Jordan Poyer (Astoria, OR) 6’0, 172, Sr

Class 4A Offensive (QB) and Defensive (DB) Player of the Year. 2007 4A Second Team quarterback. Led Astoria to its first state football title as a senior. Passed for 2,362 yards (118-196) and 23 touchdowns last season, and added 1,770 yards and 39 touchdowns on the ground. Will attend Oregon State.

Aulola Tonga (Kahuku, HI) 6’3, 205, Sr

First Team All State (Honolulu Advertiser and Star Bulletin). 2008 Hawai’i/Polynesia vs. Mainland All Star Game participant. Will attend Hawai’i.

2008 AIGA Foundation All Star Team: First Team Offense

QUARTERBACK

Kipeli Koniseti (Grant-Sacramento, CA) 6’3, 215, Sr

Led Grant to California State Open Division Championship over Long Beach Poly. First Team All-State All-Purpose selection by Cal-Hi Sports. Second Team All-State Division I (All-Purpose) selection by Max Preps. All-Metro All-Purpose (Sacramento Bee). Metro League Player of the Year. He finished the season with 1,602 yards passing and 19 touchdowns (93-170). On the ground, he added 808 yards and 10 touchdowns on 99 carries. Recruited to Arizona State as an athlete.

RUNNING BACK

Harvey Langi (Bingham-South Jordan, UT) 6’1, 220, So

First Team All State (5A) selection by Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News. Ran for 1,377 yard and 17 Touchdowns. Class of 2011. Younger brother of Snow College running back Sam Langi. You Tube Link

Charles Perkins (Collins Hills-Suwanee, GA) 6’1, 205, Jr

Second Team Region 7-AAAAA. Rushed for 1,244 yards and 12 TDs as a junior. 2010 verbal commit to Georgia Tech.

Isi Sofele (Cottonwood-Salt Lake City, UT) 5’7, 160 Sr

First Team All State (4A), Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News. 4A MVP (Tribune). Ran for 1,916 yards and 30 touchdowns. He also caught 19 passes for 300 yards and another four touchdowns and was named 6A Region MVP. Hawai’i/Polynesia vs. Mainland All Star Game participant. Will attend Cal.

RECEIVERS

Morrell Presley (Carson, CA) 6’3, 207, Sr

Second Team All-American (Max Preps). First Team All-State (Cal-Hi Sports). First Team All State Division I (Max Preps). First Team All City (Los Angeles). First Team LA Times. First Team All Area Daily Breeze. 2009 Under Armour All-American All-Star Game participant. Had 35 catches for 605 yards and five touchdowns despite being injured. Enrolled at UCLA in January. You Tube Link

Levine Toilolo (Helix-La Mesa, CA) 6’8, 247, Sr

First Team All-State Division II (Max Preps). Third Team All-State (Cal-Hi Sports). First Team All-Section (San Diego), First Team All-San Diego (Union-Tribune). Caught 27 passes for 395 yards and 7 TDs and also played defensive end where he was an all league (Grossmont South) selection. Will attend Stanford. You Tube Link

ALL PURPOSE

John Timu (Jordan-Long Beach, CA) 6’1, 195, Jr

Long Beach Press Telegram “Dream Team.” Had 2,037 total yards (1395/642 rushing) and 20 TDs and was named Moore League Player of the Year in a league that includes Poly’s Iuta Tepa (UCLA), George Daily-Lyles (Hawai’i), Lazzari Middleton (Nebraska); and Lakewood’s Talia Crichton (Washington) and Trevor Erno (Arizona).

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

Jon Halapio (St. Petersburg Catholic, FL) 6’4, 302, Sr

St Petersburg Times 2^nd Team All-Suncoast, 1^st Team All-Pinellas County. Will attend Florida.

Stan Hasiak (Kapolei, HI) 6’6, 320, Sr

Under Armour All-American All-Star Game participant. First Team All State (Honolulu Advertiser and Star Bulletin). Hawai’i/Polynesia vs. Mainland All Star Game participant. Will attend UCLA.

John Martinez (Cottonwood-Salt Lake City, UT)

Under Armour All-American All-Star Game participant. First Team All-State (4A) selection by Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News. Hawai’i/Polynesia vs. Mainland All Star Game participant. Brother Keni Kaufusi will attend California. Will attend USC. You Tube Link

Michael Philipp (Arroyo Valley-San Bernardino, CA) 6’4, 295, Sr

First Team All-State DI (Cal-Hi Sports). First Team All State DI (Max Preps), First Team All CIF-SS (Central Division). First Team Los Angeles Times, PE Riverside All Area First Team, First Team San Bernardino Sun. Brother Hans plays defensive tackle at Arizona. Will attend Oregon State.

Xavier Su’a-Filo (Timpview-Provo, UT) 6’4, 285, Sr

Max Preps All-American (Second Team), Under Armour All-American All-Star Game participant. First Team All-State (4A) selection by Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News. 4A MVP Selection by Deseret News, Provo Daily Herald Elite 11 Selection. Hawai’i/Polynesia vs. Mainland All Star Game participant. Will attend UCLA.

2008 AIGA Foundation All Star Football Team: Second Team Defense

DEFENSIVE LINE

Latu Heimuli (Highland-Salt Lake City, UT) 6’4, 305, Sr

First Team All State 4A (Deseret News and SL Tribune). Region 6 Defensive MVP. 56 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 3-year, 2-way starter. Will attend Utah.

Wade Keli’ikipi (Wai’anae, HI) 6’3, 280, Sr

First Team All State (Honolulu Advertiser and Star Bulletin). OIA-West Defensive Player of the Year. 2008 Hawai’i/Polynesia vs. Mainland All Star Game participant. Brother Wes played for Hawai’i. Will attend Oregon.

Mana Rosa (Baldwin-Wailuku, HI) 6’3, 245, Sr

First Team All State (Honolulu Advertiser and Star Bulletin). MIL Defensive Player of the Year. Hawai’i/Polynesia vs. Mainland All Star Game participant. Will attend Oregon State.

Sione Tuihalamaka (Serra-Gardena, CA) 6’3, 265, Sr

First Team All State-Medium Schools (Cal-Hi Sports) First Team All State D3 (Max Preps). Daily Breeze All-Area. Del Rey Defensive Line Player of the Year. Had 83 tackles and 13 sacks this season. Brother Apiata and cousin Vuna plays for Arizona. Will attend Arizona.

LINEBACKERS

Elikena Fielo (Trinity-Euless, TX) 5’11, 200, Sr

Second Team All-State (5A), First Team All Area (FW Star Telegram). First Team All District (5-5A). Racked up 106 tackles with 10 for loss, plus two sacks and three forced fumbles. Will attend Sam Houston State.

LT Filiaga (Bingham-South Jordan, UT) 6’0, 230, Sr

First Team All-State 5A (Deseret News and SL Tribune). 96 Tackles, 8 hurries, 5 sacks. Will attend Utah.

Sekope Kaufusi (Woodside, CA) 6’4, 220, Sr

First Team All-Metro (SF Chronicle). San Mateo County Defensive Player of the Year. Peninsula-Bay Division Defensive Player of the Year. Will attend Washington State.

Patrick Su’a (Highland-Bakersfield, CA) 6’2, 210, Sr

First Team All State-Medium Schools (Cal-Hi Sports). Second Team All State DII (Max Preps). All-Area Bakersfield Californian (Defensive Player of the Year). Compiled 75 tackles, 44 assists, 2 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries. Will attend Fresno State.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Leo Aukusitino (Service-Anchorage, AK) 5’9, 195, Sr

First Team All-State Running Back/Linebacker. State Defensive Player of the Year. Cook Inlet Conference (CIC) Defensive Player of the Year, Co-Offensive Player of the Year. Rushed for 1330 yards and 17 TDs.

Asi Hosea (Cottonwood-Salt Lake City, UT) 5’10, 177, Sr

First Team All-State 4A (SL Tribune), Second Team All State 4A (Deseret News). Will attend Washington State.

Levi Levasa (Tualatin, OR) 6’0, 189, Sr

First Team All-State (6A). First Team All-Pacific League. Also was starting quarterback. Was second team all-state quarterback as a junior. Father Roger played at Oregon State.

Rene Siluano (Oceanside, CA) 5’10, 180, Jr

First Team San Diego Union Tribune LB, Second Team North County Times DB. Also rushed for 804 yards and 10 TDs.

2008 AIGA Foundation All Star Football Team: Second Team Offense

QUARTERBACK

Moses Alipate (Jefferson-Bloomington, MN) 6’5, 225, Sr

2009 Under Armour All-American All-Star Game participant and AP All-State Honorable Mention selection. Son of former NFL and Washington State linebacker Tuineau Alipate. Will attend Minnesota.

RUNNING BACKS

Anthony Heimuli (Mountain View-Orem, UT) 5’11, 229, Sr

4A All-State Second Team Deseret News. Provo Daily Herald Elite 11 selection. He rushed for 1,234 yards on 139 carries and scored 12 touchdowns. He also had eight catches for 120 yards and a touchdown. He had six games with over 100 yards and three games where he rushed over 200 yards. On defense, he had 40 tackles and six sacks. Will attend BYU.

Taimi Tutogi (Chula Vista, California) 6’2, 255, Sr

Second-Team San Diego Union-Tribune Running Back. Mesa League Offensive Player of the Year. Rushed 95 times for 490 yards and 3 TDs, and caught 26 passes for 404 yards and 3 TDs despite missing the first two games of the year. First Team All-San Diego Section Defensive Lineman. Will play defensive end at Arizona.

Simione Vehikite (Kapolei, HI) 6’1, 243, Sr

First Team All-State All Purpose (Honolulu Advertiser), First Team All-State Linebacker (Star Bulletin). Hawai’i/Polynesia vs. Mainland All Star Game participant. Transferred from Lahainaluna (Maui) after junior season to Kapolei, led team with 119 tackles and 10 sacks. Ran for 610 yards, averaging 10 yards a carry and had 10 TDs. Hawai’i/Polynesia vs. Mainland All Star Game participant. Will play fullback at USC.

RECEIVERS

Alo Moli (Cottonwood-Salt Lake City, UT) 6’5, 200, Sr

First Team All-State (4A)-Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News. 48 receptions, 680 yards, 3 TDs. Will attend Wyoming.

Myles Muagututia (Parker-San Diego, CA) 6’2, 210, Sr

First Team All-State Division IV (Max Preps). Caught 37 passes for 492 yards and 12 TDs. Finished the season with 75 tackles. Two-time All league selection (Coastal). Muagututia is a also a top volleyball recruit, was named Student Sports National Junior Player of Year. Will play volleyball and football at Stanford.

ALL PURPOSE

Kimo Makaula (Punahou-Honolulu, HI) 6’3, 225, Sr

First Team All-State All Purpose (Honolulu Advertiser). First Team All-ILH All Purpose. Played wide receiver, filled in as a back-up quarterback for first team all state Cayman Shutter. Also punted for the Buffanblu and will play tight end at Washington.

OFFENSE LINEMAN

Benson Ma’afala (Mililani, HI) 6'3, 305, Sr

First Team All-State (Star Bulletin), Second Team All State (Honolulu Advertiser). Hawai’i/Polynesia vs. Mainland All Star Game participant. Father Benson Sr and Uncle Nick played football for Hawai’i. Will play at Hawai’i.

Chauncey Winchester Makainai (Kailua, HI) 6'4, 325, Sr

First Team All State (Honolulu Advertiser and Star Bulletin). Hawai’i/Polynesia vs. Mainland All Star Game participant. Will play at Hawai’i.

Tomasi Mariner (Washburn Rural, Topeka, KS) 6’4, 290, Sr

Named class 6A All-Atate defensive lineman by Topeka-Capital Journal and the Kansas Football Coaches Association. Was an All-City Top 11 pick. Will attend Kansas State.

Percy Taumoelau (Cottonwood-Salt Lake City, UT) 6'4, 313, Sr

First Team All-State (4A) selection by Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News. Hawai’i/Polynesia vs. Mainland All Star Game participant. Will attend Utah.

Jeremiah Tofaeono (Cheyenne-North Las Vegas, NV) 6’5, 320, Sr

First Team All-State (Las Vegas Review Journal), Second Team All State (Defensive Line), First Team All-State (Nevada Prep). Brother Ailao plays for San Jose State. Will attend Utah.