Running back to sign with Hawaii

A prolific high school running back from California has accepted a scholarship offer to play for the University of Hawaii football team in 2018.

Khoury Bethley, who will be a senior this fall at Don Antonio Lugo High School in Chino, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser he will sign a letter of intent on Dec. 20, the first day of the NCAA’s early-signing period for football.

“I have a great relationship with the Hawaii coaches,” said Bethley, who is 5 feet 11 and 195 pounds. “They made me feel at home. I just want to go over there and help. It’s a program that’s on the rise.”

In 13 games in 2016, Bethley rushed for 2,089 yards, averaging 8.7 yards per carry and 160.7 yards per game. He rushed for 25 touchdowns. He also made two scoring catches.

“He’s a good-sized, quick-twitch kind of player,” said Brandon Huffman, national recruiting director for Scout.com. “He’s a solid three stars since the early part of the recruiting process.”

Huffman said Bethley is regarded as a “top 12” back in the West.

Bethley might be a consideration as a hybrid safety at UH. He also played that position for the Conquistadors.

“He’s probably a guy, if he plays defense, they’ll find a way to get the ball in his hands as a returner,” Huffman said. “He’s a real explosive guy.”

Bethley also excelled in baseball as a center fielder. As a junior, Bethley hit .356. He was named the most valuable player of a spring tournament after going 8-for-12. Bethley said he expects to focus solely on football at Manoa.

“I love football,” Bethley said. “I got into it when I was 5. One of my dad’s friends coached flag football. He told my dad to sign me up. I ended up falling in love with the sport.”

He also received tips from his brother, Steven, who played at Montana State.

“He showed me the ropes,” Bethley said. “He guided me through what I needed to do and how to get better.”