The Hawaii football team has received a commitment from one of the state’s top high school prospects.
"I’m going to be a Warrior," said Kennedy Tulimasealii, a defensive tackle from Waianae High School.
Tulimasealii drew unabashed praise from Kahuku High head coach Reggie Torres.
"He’s a beast, man," Torres said. "He’s a sideline-to-sideline player. He runs hard on every play. We’ve watched him on film numerous times. We saw it first hand. He’ll run players down from behind. All I can say is: He’s a beast."
Tulimasealii, who is 6-foot-2, was timed at 4.99 seconds over 40 yards as a junior. But that was when he weighed 315 pounds. Through an intensive training program, Tulimasealii is down to 271 pounds.
"It’s just training," he said.
Tulimasealii was destined to be a leader. He was given his first name because he was born on President’s Day in 1995.
Tulimasealii said his family is close. In particular, he always looked for guidance from his father, Sakaria.
"I always wanted to be like my dad," Tulimasealii said. "My dad is a good athlete. He was always there for me. My whole family was there for me, but my dad was like my hero growing up. He was the one I would always think of."
The family ties played a role in Tulimasealii’s decision to pick the Warriors.
"I always wanted to play in front of my family," he said. "Just the fact they can come out and visit me instead of me being out there (on the mainland). I’ll be far enough away (at UH) where I can grow up on my own, but I can still drive down the road, and my family will always be there."
Tulimasealii said he received offers from Pac-12 schools UCLA, Washington, Washington State, Colorado and Utah.
Tulimasealii said UH was always ahead, but he sealed his decision after meeting with the Warriors coaches Sunday afternoon. Sunday was the first day assistant coaches were permitted to make home visits during this recruiting period.
"I have a close bond with some of the coaching staff," Tulimasealii said. "I like them. I like the program. I’m happy with my decision."
