Signing day
It’s signing day, and the Warriors showed their reach with their first commit coming from Australia.
Running back Hekili Keliiliki, who won an Arkansas state championship in 2014, made his commitment official today. Keliiliki is serving a church mission in Australia.
As a senior at Bentonville High in 2015, he received offers from Stanford, Arkansas, Harvard, Dartmouth, Columbia and Penn.
In the biggest surprise, linebacker Paul Scott of Oakland’s McClymonds High de-committed from California to sign with the Warriors this morning.
The Warriors already had a running start to recruiting. Quarterback Cole Brownholtz, punter/holder Stan Gaudion and offensive lineman Chris Posa (an Alambama graduate) joined the Warriors as walk-ons in August and eventually received scholarships during the 2016 season.
The 2017 class (feel free to add):
> *Marcus Armstrong-Brown, WR, Diablo Valley CC — Video
> Donovan Dalton, DB, Saguaro HS (Scottsdale, Ariz.) — Video
> *Jeremie “Jay” Dominique, CB, Old Montreal Cegep — Video
> *Eugene Ford, DB, University HS (Los Angeles) — Video
> Akil Francisco, DB, Encinal HS (Almeda, Calif.) — Video
> Emil Graves, OL, Fullerton College — Video
> Kade Greeley, TE, Vista Murrieta HS — Video
> *Manu Hudson-Rasmussen, S, Riverside City CC — Video
> Hekili Keliiliki, RB, Bentonville HS (Arkansas) — Video
> Brandon Kipper, OT, Columbia HS (Nampa, ID) — Video
> Josaiah Maama, DE, Kings Academy (Sunnyvale, Calif.) — Video
> Damario Mclean, CB, Elk Grove (Calif.) HS — Video
> Anthony Mermea, DL, Vista Murrieta — Video
> Isaia Mullen, WR, Madison HS (Portland) — Video
> *Kalepo Naotala, DT, Menchville HS (Virginia) — Video
> Penei Pavihi, LB, Tafuna HS (American Samoa) — Video
> Miles Reed, RB, Centennial HS (Corona, Calif.) — Video
> Doug Russell, DT, O’Dea HS (Seattle) — Video
> Paul Scott, LB, McClymonds HS (Oakland) — Video
> Drake Stallworth, WR, Folsom HS (Nevada) — Video
> Blessman Ta‘ala, DL, Fagaitua HS (American Samoa) — Video
> *Jamie Tago, DE, Garden City CC — Video
> Micah Vanterpool, OL, Central HS (Phoenix) — Video
* — Enrolled in 2017 spring semester
Signing day! Go Warriors!
Watched Hekili’s video. Looks like he might play outside linebacker with his speed and size. A great catch.
Exciting time for our Warrior Ohana
Watching ever so intensely. Nice addition out of Ark/AUS. On a side note biggest name in all of college football-Kobe Buffalomeat an OL signed with Illinois State!!!
Great Morning All!
Exciting morning.
Did anyone remember to put pepah in da fax machine?
#5…no fo’get da ink!
Hekili was offered by Stanford, known for its powerful running backs in recent years, and by 4 Ivy League schhols. He must be very smart as well as being a good player. Impressive! There must be an interesting story behind his recruitment.
Farrington Gov in da house:
https://twitter.com/slkalani/status/826838979949457408
Coach Rolovich and his staff. Congratulations on a job well done. To our new warriors, thank you for becoming Warriors and welcome to the great state of Hawaii. Aloha.
Another one under the radar…can see him and Ikem Okeke knockin’ heads around.
Paul Scott
https://twitter.com/HawaiiFootball/status/826842451239243777
@7 Haleakala: According to his video, Hekili had a 4.0 GPA and 30 ACT. So, yes, he’s apparently an intelligent young man. He also was a first-team all-state player in Arkansas. Great job by coaches for keeping this gem undercover and away from the hyenas.
Keliiliki had the coaches sweating it out.
First, he’s on a mission, so that means he has limited Internet use and contact. Second, well, as BYU’s slogan goes: The world is our campus. But UH did a good job with the collective poker face, and it could exhale after the Keliiliki’s parents faxed a copy from Arkansas.
Nice to poach one from a PAC-12 school
Keliiliki is the cherry to top this recruiting class off!!!!
But not done yet!! #addsprinkles
Go Warriors!!!
Paul Scott originally committed to the Cal Bears which is in his backyard. There must another interesting story about his recruitment.
Go Warriors!
What happened to these:
DL Russell
DE B. Taala
DL A Mermea
LB P Pavihi
OT E. Kavepalu
It’s nice UH is reviving the Oakland pipeline.
Some notables:
> Davone Bess
> Desmond Thomas
> Phil Handy
> Jamal Mayo
Still waiting to hear about Doug Russell. With Anthony Mermea de-committing we really need Russell to shore up the D-line depth.
“What you do have is my word … and it’s stronger than oak” — Matt Cushman
Eh Russell, you get pen?
He get pen!
https://twitter.com/ODeaHighSchool/status/826822946836533248/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Just a few more to go!
Some real nice surprises here….that Arkansas kid is legit if he had pending offers from ARK and Stanford.
And the original Oakland OG player, teammate Daryl “”reb” Williams….
Mr. Russell and his word are stronger than oak!
Fa’a Samoa and a couple surprises and Hawaii nei will be all smiles of rainbows!!!!
Blessman highlight video (a la signing day videos) is on Hawaii Football twitter page … I assume they have stopped updating live list for the moment. Of course, they might also have gotten ahead of themselves. Wondering too about other Samoan recruits … decommit, grades or what?
Doug Russell just called to say he signed with UH and is sending his LOI.
He said he was delayed because he had to attend mass at his school.
Stronger than oak.
Disheartening that no top-prospect, Hawai’i-born player has signed to stay home …. again…. gotta up the ante to keep dem home….
As to no local boys staying, mark my words, at least 3-4 of these guys will be back on our campus within a year or two.
No worries: when you discover the “freshmen 15” really doesn’t look appealing on gals from the Midwest, or that you got to get to 7:30am World Civ class and its 18 degrees out, or you just missed 5 relatives baby luaus, or they just recruited 4 more kids to play your position in the class under you, or there is coaching change, or you just plain miss home.
No worries, some will be right back here….
Very impressed-when all said and done the players ranked we will or should finish under 80 rank. Lost one three star and 2 or more. It is a great group as it stand, don’t think there is any more room-GoWarriors!!!!
RoyGBivs:
All the top-tier local players were offered by UH.
Whether they choose to stay or go, they can’t say they were shunned by the home team.
Come September, people will care about how they play and not where they went to high school.
Maybe some of the local kids will return home after awhile-with classes like this don’t expect to move to the depth chart anytime soon!
Yup, they were offered and turned us down. If the coaching staff recruits this well in the future, there might be no schollie for them to come back to. Have to walk on.
I can’t wait to hear mainland TV commentators butcher “Hekili Keliiliki”. The last name isn’t the hardest to pronounce, but try saying his full name fast…
Congratulations to coach Rolovich and his staff for securing a very successful recruiting class; a class that IMO is one of the best in several years.
There might be one surprise to go.
#39…that’s the Master Tsai-ko I like see. Hanapa’a Coach Rolo! Bring ’em!
I like surprises!
Stephen: okay it’s signing day. Isn’t it about time we knew the status of Ulu-Perry? Is he going to play next year or not? Mostly, is he doing okay?
I’m liking to OL recruits so far. Both Hekili and Miles must be lickin’ them chops right now running behind these guys in the future. Go get ’em Coach Naeole! #bumbaiUlearn
Really nice class. But there’s more?
Any word on Ralph Taufa’asau?
Are we still in the running for Dean Sise? I don’t think they had their signing ceremony yet…
There might be one more (and not the guy who recently tweeted)
Luke Wilson still out there too huh…
I love that! 😀
Dean Sise signed with Navy.
Welcome to all of the new Warriors!! Mahalo for chosing UH!!
From Corvallis (OSU) gotta go drive 90 mins to Portland for get any poke. Don’t know about any poke in Spokane (90 min drive from WSU), but probably get.
Got the sprinkles…get surprise…..
Luv’n it!
ST What State? Need some clues.
True.
However, some do remember when it’s time to send in real $$$ for season tix.
OSD,
Can get poke. Lotsa locals in Corvallis…probably one of the biggest “luau’s” on the mainland.
But you gotta be into salmon poke! 😈
But agree wit Boo
Going always get “bouncebacks”
No make too much pilikia now, bumbai dey learn
Solid class so far. I feel in a few seasons more local kids will stay home after they see the program turn around. It’s not Rolo and Co. lack of effort, it’s the black cloud Chow left on Manoa
N E Way
Plenny videos fo watch…maybe gotta do one “parts run” soon!
heheheh
Akamai: That’s true. UW, UO, and OSU have huge luaus with many of the kids families flying up to celebrate (and bring all of the ono food). Uwajimaya has good kaukau selections in WA & OR.
I knew a kid from Japan attending school in the Rockies back in the 70s. Homesick for food, he wanted to go fish some trout and eat it sashimi style. I told him about parasites and the like. Fortunately he changed his mind.
57.
I don’t know, it’s hard to compete with schools that can come at the athletes with 3-4k in cost of attendance stipends a year vs. UH with 1,000.
Haven’t seen where Mermea signed with.
My friend in Cali just text me about a kid named Tyler Rogers. RB, DB. Full offer to Cal Poly, waiting on Fresno & Colo. St. Offered by Navy, but doesn’t want to go there. Scout **. Kid is an athletic stud. Any room to be a Warrior…Coach Rolo wanna take a look? Just putting it out there.
Nice class! I like the size! Only bummers were Mermea and Kapavalu, I really liked both. Ah Hoy is nothing special I like the LBs we got better.
Kavapalu next year
The two local kids recruited at DBs going to Oregon State, at least in my opinion, are going to end up playing in the box, or even outside linebacker. We are actually pretty loaded at linebacker….longwinded way of saying, that I wish them both only the best, but we are solid…thank you.
Hawaii Athletics site says:
11:02 a.m.: Top 10 California defensive lineman Anthony Mermea (Murrieta, Calif.) submits his paperwork.
#hanapaa
Means Tago, Naotala, Taala, Mermea, and Russell at DL… I like.
Now that is nice surprise!
It’s huge that a day after de-committing, Anthony Mermea signs with Warriors.
Class is pau.
Nice. Real nice class.
There was a tight end whom UH offered. He seemed interested until he claimed Oregon or Oregon State might make an offer. They didn’t. He’s out of luck. Hey, when they yell “all aboard,” you’d better make sure you have a ticket somewhere. This isn’t Stub Hub.
Good looking class! Congrats to coach Rolo and all involved. Welcome to the Warrior Ohana!
Over the Rainbow with this class!
Go Warriors!!!
Excellent class…High school heavy to help build a foundation,New Warriors from across the country and even from different ones…Pride Rock Is Back!
Coaches! Players! Recruits! Bringing Pride back to the Rock!
Big ups to the staff for a great looking staff!
RE: Mermea…big time surprised. God is good all the time and all the time, God is good!!
This in class of interior linemen looks damn good! Coach Naeole and Coach Legi doing the work!
Too bad, some folks waited for the BIG GIFT to be offered, but only got the ribbon…Too bad, so sad. I’m glad that Mermea committed. His folks don’t have to worry, cause the Ohana will take care of him for the next 4 years as becomes a Warrior…
Whoa, Mermea a super big surprise. And many big thanks to all the players that signed to play for the Warriors !!!
Great looking class of recruits I meant to say! See – I stay so exhileratedtedted I can’t type! Our coaching staff looks great too! 😆
Damn sucks for Wilson. Liked his tape better than Greeley, but both tall and athletic so moving on… Go Bows!!!
Anthony Mermea if you read this-great move!!!! Kiko, Kau, Zeno and Viane will welcome you!!!! Great to have you finally. You won’t regret it! GoWarriors!!!!
Guud Morning Tsaikos…Bootiful Day!
Very Bootiful Day! or should I say Bountiful Day!
Aloha and Welcome to our new WARRIORS! You the beginning of the future and it loooooking GUUD!
Can’t wait to see our new Warriors on the field.
1. Study Hard
2. Train hard
3. Play Hard
IMUA WARRIORS!
This group makes me feel so happy and thankful. Just like whenever I see
my two and a half year old granddaughter.
ST…sad story. Hope he can catch on some place. Possibly he lost some tuition $’s.
Like they say, grass seem greener on the other side but snooze, you lose.
So do you give bounce backs scholies or go forward with new talent? New recruits, keep pipelines open for future recruits.
Have followed multiple sights several times a day for months including this blog-I think almost two-thirds of the signees will be three stars. By my count there are either 12 or thirteen now! When has that happened? Big Chicago congrats to Coach Rolovich and staff! Buy your tickets now folks, don’t be left out…..GoWarriors!!!!!!
I like Greeley. He is not only taller but looks more athletic. Soft hands, runs well. Looks more fluid. Plus he is Hawaiian.
The local quarterback commitment a preferred walk on offer? Didn’t see his name on UH list.
So we left that last scholie for Mermea. Good move.
Besides the Farrington QB who else will walk on, grey shirt, and the like?
Maybe we bring in Wilson on a grey shirt for 2018?
Now that it’s over…Rolo is working on next year.
Kinda thankful Rolo kept the scholie for Mermea. Prob waited to see if he officially signed else where and then offer it to another player. Whew!
Fantastic news about Mermea (mahalo Anthony for taking the leap of faith!), excellent recruiting class overall. Really looking forward to Rolo’s comments this afternoon!
Best class in the last decade..
Hawaii is still in play for TE Luke Wilson . He’s a unicorn recruit Hawaii will wait it out for..
Funny how karma can work sometimes. Kesi de commits and Hawaii ends up with a spot for Paul Scott who was the number 1 option at LB from beginning . Great day
I kinda like the Farrington QB (by way of Kaiser/St. Louis). Give him a year or two tutelage he could be somebody.
This class complements everything we needed. This is how recruitment should go, filling in all of the positions every year.
This is how balance, competition, and depth is developed.
Great Jon by the entire staff.
As dey say on da southside “trilled”. Way to go Coach!!!
(((I hate auto spell)))
Speaking of staff…it is rare that you don’t have any turnovers in that department.
I’m glad the staff stuck together for a second season. I kind of expect Lempa to leave/retire after this coming season.
No joke…. Minus the QB position, Hawaii class is probably better than Oregon State, Cal, and Arizona.
al,
Lots to “chew” on.
heheheh
Liked how the 2017 class filled out. More likey now that Jeezy gave his approval.
I think next year we target qb’s.
Boy, doesn’t Hekili video remind you of Manti Teo durning his Punahou days
Seems like Mermea was holding out for a Power 5 school that was taking too long. Rolo probably told him he can’t wait any longer and he bit the hook.
Akamai O…yup.
We actually end up with only two decommits.
Reinwald to Cal. Can’t blame him.
That Kahuku boy to , er. Where was it?
WOW, oh, WOW!!!!!
Great job by Coach Rolo and his staff!!!
and, congratulations and welcome to the players who chose Hawaii — make your family proud!!!
the aunties and uncles are happy you will be here soon
Wow we got Mermea! Great day!! In Rolo we trust! #PrideRock
Besides a speedy pass rusher I think we nailed all needs. Thought we could have used a game ready JC corner but hopefully we got some youngsters ready to step up.
Congratulations to the new recruits and the coaching staff!
Coach Rolo is building for the future.
This will be an exciting year for UH football!
Whoa! Just got home to see that Mermea stayed true to his word and signed. Thought he was surely gone to San Diego State. Maybe Greeley played a part in this?
Great class; some nice size on OL and DL. And wonder what the backstory to Keliiliki is? How did they find (and follow) him the past couple years? And he committed without a visit; maybe he’s the one Naeole visited a couple months back.
Kudos to Rolo and staff…a very solid group. And bringing back Mermea in the fold is huge. Mermea, when you take close look on film, is super stout at the point of attack, plays with a punch, but also is very fluid and has impressive get off, past the first two steps. He gets another 20 pounds on and he will a force.
Who is the guy that tweeted he’s coming home – Braddahh Luc – @lucbeddow72?Looks like more muscle in the trenches.
If Greeley works half as hard as his sister he will contribute.
ST earlier said Mermea said he is 6’3″ 305 now I believe.
Whoa, Alrighty then!
Lucas Beddow
Positions: G, T
Height & Weight: 6’4″ 305lbs
great job coach rolo and staff !! only getting better over time !! ST how do you rate this class to past years?
Might play DT! Sweet!
Baka…I believe as a walk-on.
Haka…sorry. I think I need to disable the auto spell
Hanapa’a!! UMass here we come!
A house…our up the middle offense should be amazing this year.
Agree.
Congrats Coach Rolo and staff. Building Pride Rock one wall at a time. At least we heading forward. Welcome gentlemen!!
al, whoa, I like those kinds of walk-ons!
Are we ready for 2019 ???? …….
Aug 24 (Sat) TBA
vs Arizona
Honolulu, O‘ahu Aloha Stadium
Oregon State University
Sep 7 (Sat) TBA
vs Oregon State
Honolulu, O‘ahu Aloha Stadium
University of Washington
Sep 14 (Sat) TBA
at Washington
Seattle, Wash.
University of Central Arkansas
Sep 21 (Sat) TBA
vs Central Arkansas
Honolulu, O‘ahu Aloha Stadium
Army
Nov 30 (Sat) TBA
vs Army
Just wondering. Is this Lucas Beddow guy a late addition after Mermea?
If so we have another starting Oline.
Great day Coach Rolo.
WOW! Nice job Rolo and staff!
For QB, maybe a summer transfer from JC from a family that had a lot of UH history…..
#125: AK?
How about the QB who made an unofficial visit with local ties that was considering Harvard? I wonder if he’ll be a late addition. I’d be surprised if the AK referenced would come to Hawaii.
“Seems like Mermea was holding out for a Power 5 school that was taking too long. Rolo probably told him he can’t wait any longer and he bit the hook.”
Nah, don’t think so. It was the late offer from SDSU (his hometown school) that made him re-think his options. Yesterday, he decommitted from UH, but did NOT commit to SDSU, and said he wouldn’t answer any calls or texts. After thinking it over overnight, probably talking with family/friends, he decided that he was sure UH was the best fit.
Where did the TE from Samoa end up going?
Clyde – yeah that is what I am thinking.
#120:
UH up-da-middle works only if opponent does not stack the “box” with 7 or 8 players and OL can create “pukas” for the RBs, “the red-shirt” frosh and the new RB, should be able to move the chains
must wonder if the future OL will be able to create pukas against the Power5 “D” front 3 or 4?
Kavapalu and Faalele would be great additions to the 2017 class in 2018.
seems new OL recruits have size in their favor
must continue to keep up good health to see it happen!!!
Wow!
Right on, Coaches!
Welcome, New Warriors!
Watching Paul Scott’s video….Holy Moses !!!
Great job coaches. Don’t forget to look for the over looked local players who can walkon to the program.
Niele minds would like to know how Ulu-Perry is doing. I hope all is well with him and he is taking care of his academics.
GOOD AFTERNOON, HAWAII!
Congratulations to Coach Rolo and all the UH Coaches – Great job!
Does anyone know when Coach Rolo will have his press conference on the new recruiting class?
Tom, the presser was at 11:00 a.m. It’s available on YouTube. Honestly, it is not essential viewing. Rolo made some general introductory comments, then fielded questions (ST, couldn’t hear you!), and that was it. Can tell Rolo is happy, though.
Tom: the presser was at 1:00 p.m. today on MWC tv and Facebook live.
18. Oakland pipeline, also includes Roderick Bobbitt.
Only 4 O-linemen…
Got to beef up Offense to get the run going
and to protect the quarterback.
But Defense was our BiG Need—
so good catch Rolo.
Reed reminds me of Chad Owens with the ball in his hands. Hope the give him a shot and punt and KO return duties.
From Rolo’s desk to you; lots of great info and video.
http://hawaiiathletics.com/news/2017/2/1/uh-football-signs-23-on-2017-signing-day.aspx
Here’s an interesting article about what a player (Anthony Mermea) goes through in making a decision on where to play. It’s not always easy on a young man. http://www.pe.com/articles/early-824546-fast-anthony.html
YEAH BABY … WE GOT 23 GUYS WHO WANT TO BE WARRIORS … TO YOU I SAY ALOHA & MAHALO … !!!!! Hopefully they will be able to compete for playing time and push our returning guys to work harder … Can’t wait for the ’17 season to start w/ plans to go to the Nevada game … speaking of Nevada … that gutless new coach of theirs has Timmy Chang do his “dirty work” and tell a recruit we aren’t going to offer you a scholarship even after the AD said they’d honor it … If Jay Norvall had any “B***S” he would have made the call himself. If I were the Nevada AD I’d reprimand Norvall for that …
Anyway to all the top local guys who “shunned” Hawaii … as Neil Everett says “Aloha means good-bye” and when you decide you made a mistake and want to come home, let’s hope we have room for you … got 23 “new bruddahs” we’ll be pulling for at Aloha Stadium in ’17
Congrats Coach Rolo, staff and players for bringing in an awesome recruiting class!
GO BOWS!!!
Just wondering if Kade’s brother Karson will be enrolling at UH as well? Bugga looked pretty solid in his Hudl video.
Karson Greeley
6’5″ 220 lbs QB c/o 2017
Career 229/379 3727 total yards
32 TDs 9 INTS
Anyone who consistently follows recruiting knows that the defensive line is hardest position to recruit. Watching the film on the young men we signed….I am super impressed with Rolo and his staff. Congratulations on a job VERY well done. To ALL the new recruits, welcome to Pride Rock! Welcome to the family.
The current Scouts scorecard does not have Kelihi on it. Kalepo is not scored. I assume when the dust settles these will come in at 3 stars and 2 stars respectively which would add at least 60’points to the final tally
What a great class! Can’t be more proud of the coaches for their hard work and the new Simbas deciding to come to #PrideRock. Celebrate because you deserve it! The moment you see the islands from the airplane, the hard work begins! The Aloha State is counting on you and supporting you!
Should be Hekili Keliiki is not listed on Scouts as of today
Not trying to stir the pot. I would really like to understand…
When I went to the Star-Advertisers Sports page on-line this morning, the first thing I see is a kid with a Utah hat. When I went to my local paper’s on-line sports page, the first thing I see is a kid from Texas wearing the local home team hat and jersey. If you wanted to see which out of state school a local recruit decided to go to, you could scroll down the page
It seems the University of Hawaii (Hawaii’s flagship university), plays second fiddle at times. Seems topsy turvy to me. Can someone help me…
By the way, great recruiting class!
Hekili Keliiliki is a 3 star on 247 Sports. In the south, 247 Sports is followed a little more than Scout or Rival
I think Scout has Hekili listed in Hawaii’s 2015 recruiting class.
808Sec could not agree more. No I’ll will at all for those departing, I have but one team! GoWarriors!!!!
Although Scout has Kalepo Naotala listed in Hawaii’s 2017 recruiting class as unranked, they also list him in Hawaii’s 2016 recruiting class as a 2 star recruit.
808SEC, the S-A is simply reflecting the level of interest that will sell newspapers. Hawaii is interested in which schools its top football players are choosing. It’s always been that way.
H-Man, thank you very much for sharing your insights…
This leads me to ask other questions, but that is for another time and place.
The picture of Punahou’s Miki Suguturaga wearing a Utah hat is a reflection of which schools are now considered the preferred, high-profile schools. It used to be BYU, USC, Washington and UCLA. then Manti Te’o sort of broke the tradition by choosing Notre Dame and it has expanded to includes schools like Alabama, Clemson, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt…. So now its Utah that scored big in Hawaii with 3+1 choosing the Utes (Miki Suguturaga, Morris Unutoa, Aliki Vimahi, plus Jordan Agasiva/Pima College). BYU came up with zero and Vanderbilt with two. Who would have thought this ten years ago?
H-Man, interesting points. I think the one that most surprises me is Vandy. It has no real history of local players–I mean we don’t have the historical connotations of Bob Apisa at MSU, or Mosi at USC, nope–its a school in Nashville, mostly known, and rightly for so, for its upper level academic offerings.
I counted at least 6 local kids being wooed that way….That said, any kid that has an offer from Vandy, local or not, I would say, seriously consider it—you are getting an education on par with Ivy plus schools, worth retail about 250K, you play in the SE, and you will graduate and get a couple fantastic job offers.
Boola: Vanderbilt’s focus on Hawaii likely comes from assistant coach C.J. Ah You. Kapolei OL Sean Auwae became the school’s first scholarship player from Hawaii when he signed last year.
#160 Utah’s had a few gems from Hawaii, including Chris Fuamatu-Maafala and the Kemoeatu brothers.
Looks like a solid recruiting class for Hawaii. Lots of hard work by ROLO & Staff. I see many in this recruiting class that can switch to D or O. Hekili Keliiliki is a prime example of that “switch” talent. He looks awesome on D. We need to have superior athletes on D to progress to the elite teams of the MWC. Like many on this blog site I share the excitment expressed for the future of warrior football!
Mahalo nui Clyde–good info. In short, a really smart move by CJ; even in times of the ups and downs of a football program, if you can offer stellar academics, well it can basically off-set everything.
UH signed 13 three-star players. Impressive and no wonder Coach Rolo looks very happy. Like the inroads being made to Canada, Samoa, the Bay Area, the Pac NW.
Utah’s recruiting class is highlighted by players from Texas, California, and Hawaii (3). BYU seems to have gotten most of the in-state players in the Beehive State.
Remember when Kahuku’s Jonathan Mapu broke ranks and signed with the Volunteers. Mapu was a 3-year starter there. The late Jesse Mahelona (Kealakehe) also played/started at UT after stops at UH, and a Cali JUCO.
Incoming new Warriors: WELCOME! WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU,
#166, In Hawaii’s football history, did they ever sign 13 three star players? Great job by the coaching staff.
Rolo put this link to Akil’s story out and I thought I would put it out here because it is a great story and testament to the back stories and events of young athletes that we sometimes never know about. Aloha Akil!
http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/02/01/high-school-football-star-fulfills-moms-dying-wish-with-college-scholarship/
haka: Thanks for sharing the story. I was aware of Akil’s situation, but this particular article was thorough, with comments even from coach Hynson. The author is an award-winning writer, and it showed … down to the reference of Akil flashing the shaka (“hang-loose”) in one of the photos.
Can’t help but pull for this family, particularly since his cousin is now a UH graduate and his uncle will be moving here, too. Keep striving, Akil.
New post: http://hawaiiwarriorworld.com/?p=41457