On the final day of his Hawaii recruiting trip last Sunday, wide receiver Keith Kirkwood recalled thinking: “I don’t want to go home.”

Beginning this summer, Kirkwood will spend at least the next four years in Hawaii.

Kirkwood, a senior at Neptune (N.J.) High, told the Star-Advertiser he has accepted a football scholarship from the Warriors. He will sign a letter of intent on Feb. 6, the first day recruits may put commitments in writing.

“From taking my official to hearing what coach (Norm) Chow had to say to the Warrior staff to the players, it was a great experience,” said Kirkwood, who answers to the nicknames “Kirk” and “Captain Kirk.”

Kirkwood was a star basketball player with college offers when he was asked to join the football team last summer. He had not played organized football since competing in Junior Pee Wee.

Kirkwood, who is 6 feet 4 and 210 pounds, had a breakout season. He averaged more than 22 yards per catch and had seven touchdown receptions.

After the season, he was faced with two choices. The first was whether to pursue a college career in football or basketball.

“To be honest with you, I felt I could build a better career in football,” Kirkwood said. “I fell in love with the sport. I love every aspect about it. This is something I want to do.”

The second decision was easier.

“Hawaii is where I want to be,” Kirkwood said. “From the first day (of the recruiting trip), I felt the camaraderie of the players. It felt like a family.”

Kirkwood is a multitalented athlete who could be a big target as a receiver or a versatile tight end. Kirkwood said he does not know his vertical jump, but he can touch the top of the box on a basketball backboard.

Kirkwood also served as Neptune’s punter and place-kicker. He said he lobbied for the punter’s job after telling the coaches he was a youth soccer player.

Connecticut, Louisville, West Virginia and Penn State were among the schools recruiting Kirkwood. The pursuit has ended.

“I’m a Warrior,” he said.