Sometimes it isn’t just the blue chip recruiting years that provide a revealing measuring stick of football talent in Hawaii.

It might be the so-called "off" or "sandwich" years, like this one, which, despite an absence of heralded four-star prospects or can’t-miss All-Americans like Manti Te’o, still could produce 12-18 major college scholarship recipients, pending final academic results.

"That’s a lot of kids," said Kapolei High coach Darren Hernandez, who figures to have three of them — defensive tackle Kalani Vakameilalo (Oregon State), defensive end Kingston Fernandez (Washington State) and offensive tackle Micah Kapoi (Wisconsin) —signing Wednesday on National Letter of Intent Day.

Vakameilalo, a 6-foot-4, 300-pounder, "looks like he might be the most college-ready of the bunch," said a coach who regularly recruits Hawaii.

Coaches from four major conferences who recruit here were asked to help evaluate this year’s prospects with anonymity because the NCAA prohibits them from discussing players until after they have been signed. Wednesday is the first day that high school players may sign binding commitments.

Vakameilalo committed to the Beavers in November, but that hasn’t stopped the pursuit of him.

"In the last month we’ve heard from schools from the Southeastern Conference, the Big 12 … you name it," Hernandez said. "It got crazy."

While Vakameilalo has stood above the crowd, there has been little consensus on this year’s recruiting crop overall.

"I’m sure if you ask 10 different coaches, you’ll get 10 different answers," a Pac-12 coach said.

Baldwin’s Jordan Hoiem, who had been projected to be a top prospect for 2014 and had verbally committed to Oregon, gave up football in 2013 and will not sign, a school official said.

Part of the reason for a difference of opinion on this year’s prospects is that schools had different needs and, in a year of so-called "tweeners" — players who might fit in at a couple of positions — projected some players differently.

For example, Kaiser’s Fitou Fisiiahi, a 6-2, 240-pound Oregon State commit, could find a home at fullback, linebacker or defensive line, coaches say. Dakota Torres, a 6-2, 240-pound linebacker at Punahou, could become a tight end for Norm Chow at UH.

UH said it snared six of the seven local players it has targeted, apparently missing out on only Lamone Williams, a Kahuku defensive end bound for Oregon State.

"There are a lot of tweeners and some guys who have yet to qualify academically, so you’ve got to do your homework in projecting them," a coach said.

While this year’s juniors — the class of 2015 — already have recruiters talking about a blue-chip crop next year, coaches said there was still much to be gained prospecting here.

"You are always going to find some good players in Hawaii. It is just that, sometimes, like this year, you just have to look a little harder and project a little further (into the future)," said a coach. "Some of the best ones you end up with are that way, while some of the four-star guys don’t make it in the long run."

HEAD OF THE CLASS

Scouting reports by Paul Honda, phonda@staradvertiser.com

QUARTERBACKS

Honda report: Has good arm strength and better accuracy, rarely held the ball longer than three seconds in the pocket. A true leader on the field and court, always composed. Has decent speed.

The buzz: The college game today is more liberal and accepting of non-prototype athletes in the pocket, thanks to quick-strike systems. That’s good news for passers like Noah Brum (Kalani) and Micah Kaneshiro (Moanalua). A read-option team looking for an athletic slinger who has a strong arm would prefer Isaac Hurd, the 6-1, 195-pound playmaker from Campbell. Lii Karratti of Kaiser showed remarkable endurance in a huge season at Konawaena as a junior, then became a maestro of different offenses at Kaiser. Cody Lui-Yuen of Radford had many huge performances for Radford and has the kind of size (6-4, 210) that offensive coordinators like.

RUNNING BACKS

The buzz: As usual, a lot of talent, but no serious D-I attention so far. These backs should be contributors at the next level, just a matter of where they get opportunities: Brandon Kahookele, Kainoa Simao (Kamehameha), Adam Noga (Saint Louis), Kotoni Sekona (Punahou), Jemery Willes, Mahvan Tau (Waianae), Triston Pebria (Kapolei), Sanele Lavatai (Farrington), Devin Preston (Waiakea), Tobias Powell (Radford), Bobby Lum (Hawaii Prep), Tristan Spikes (Hilo), Polikapo Liua Jr. (Kahuku). Some are strong runners between the tackles, like Lavatai, Sekona and Kahookele, who is coming off a knee injury. Others are more gifted as pass catchers out of the backfield, like Noga. Ikaika Piceno of Leilehua fits in that kind of an offense, too.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Honda report: Stubblefield has unique skills: great hands, good route runner, breakaway speed and always eager to make a big block for teammates. Also has very good kick return ability.

Honda report: Lambert accumulated 51 receptions for 660 yards and eight touchdowns his senior season. Arguably the strongest, most physical receiver in the OIA. The upside is intriguing.

TIGHT ENDS

Honda report: Though his number wasn’t called often, Torres had reliable hands and good footwork. Punahou’s running game gave Torres an opportunity to show his skill as a run-blocker. As a playmaker, he was at his best in the most clutch moments: four grabs for 66 yards and a touchdown in the state final against Mililani; four catches for 83 yards, a touchdown and 2-point reception against Farrington in the state semifinals.

The buzz: Tyrell Tuiasosopo (McKinley) missed much of the season with a foot injury, but his length and athleticism plus breakaway speed are uncommon. Brandon Roberts (Kalani) was as good as any receiver last fall, a downfield playmaker who could also fight for the ball and make big plays. He also plays basketball and baseball. Bronsen Ader (Mililani) and Chad Aragon (Moanalua) were prolific and could fit in as good slotbacks in the right system. There was a truckload of highly productive senior pass catchers who should land in a program somewhere. Among them is Shaenen Hernandez-Fonoti, a high-flying, glue-fingered receiver from Aiea who averaged 22 yards per reception. Trevor Yamashita, a speedster from Kalani, is a late bloomer. Allan Cui was a very sure-handed slotback at Saint Louis. Leilehua’s Tristin Kamaka has committed to Midland University (Neb.).

OFFENSIVE LINE

Honda report: Played center and guard for the Hurricanes. Also plays basketball.

The buzz: This year’s class of O-linemen may lack marquee names, but it is deep with serviceable talent or better. Kaiwi Chung was the top vote-getter in the All-State voting and is technically superior. He may eventually emerge as a Mana Greig (Oregon) type, a combination of brains and skill who thrives at any level. Among the rest — Davis Miyashiro-Saipa’ia (Punahou), Stansen Fonoti (Waianae), Mason Semisi (Farrington), Adam Amosa (Campbell), James Roy (Damien), Louis Vailopa (Saint Louis), Mike Eletise (Kaiser), Marcus Malepeai (Kailua), Kai Kubera (Kahuku), Dallas Garringer-Kaapuni (Nanakuli) and more — only some are currently qualified academically by the NCAA Clearinghouse. There are many others with sheer size and potential, like Kauai’s Devan Ferreira, and some who are considered small by FBS standards but could show up on a college roster.

DEFENSIVE END

Honda report: One of the quickest linemen in recent memory. Anchored the Lunas’ dominant defense. Will probably fill out and play DT at the college level, but was outstanding as the edge guy when LHS went to a 3-4 look.

Honda report: Athletic, rangy and disciplined.

The buzz: Kelii Padello — Mililani’s 5-11, 200-pound sack machine — was hardly noticed by D-I programs despite 26 sacks and All-State defensive player of the year honors. Other notable playmakers include Calen Scot Holt (6-1, 200) of Kamehameha, a tough player who was effective in coverage and pass rush. Hilo’s Jon Salzman and Michael Williams are also stout D-ends, as is Jeff Tuuga of Campbell.

The most coveted is Punahou junior Canton Kaumatule, a 6-7 275-pounder who missed more than half the season with injuries.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

Honda report: The gifted athlete caught Michigan’s attention after attending its summer camp. Wisconsin started calling after assistant Chad Kauhaahaa, the former Baldwin coach, got a look at Vakameilalo’s tape. Rivals.com rated Vakameilalo as the top prospect from the islands.

Honda report: An intriguing prospect because of his acceleration — when he gets a lane, he gets to the quarterback swiftly — and hands. The Warriors lined him up at tight end in their goal-line offense and he proved he can catch the ball and block, too.

Honda report: Leo Beas, a writer for Nevada fan site SilverandBlueSports.com, noted that Meyer’s run-stopping skills are a good fit in the Wolf Pack’s Tampa 2 scheme.

The buzz: Motu Heimuli (6-2, 266) of Farrington was outstanding and earned defensive player of the game honors for the East squad in the HUB Senior Goodwill Bowl. Tavita Eli (6-4, 280) of Kealakehe has an offer from Hawaii at last check. Other standouts as seniors were Nolan Eseroma (Farrington), Peter Sagapolutele (Saint Louis), Marc Ma (‘Iolani), Isi Holani (Hilo), Salanoa Wily (Kahuku), Toese Tia (Campbell), Ratu Mafileo (Moanalua) and Maake Muti (Leilehua).

The most pursued of the underclassmen at this position is Breiden Fehoko of Farrington. The 6-3, 280-pound junior has offers from more than 20 colleges.

LINEBACKERS

Honda report: Turned down visit to USC. He has been a standout performer since sophomore year at Kaiser, when his closing speed and pure power from the linebacker position were eye-popping. An offseason rugby injury (foot) hampered his junior year, but he regained his health and motor by senior year. He lined up sometimes as a down lineman, and was one of the top running backs in the state.

Honda report: Had a stellar season for the defense-oriented Hurricanes. He had offers from Arizona State and Washington State, but opted to commit to the Cougars in mid-November.

The buzz: This is a solid group, as usual, with Division I college firepower as well as depth. There are at least a handful who could eventually start at the D-I level. Several are somewhat under the radar, but could develop into top-shelf college players. Think guys in the mold of Blaze Soares, who starred at Castle and went on to a stellar career at UH. Jacob Afele and Dayton Furuta, Mililani’s first-team, All-State ‘backers are in that mold. So are Kapolei’s Micah Paris and Farrington’s Aaron Kesi. Mathias Tuitele-Iafeta (McKinley) is looking at Mount Sac Junior College (Calif.).

CORNERBACK

Honda report: Emerged as a senior to become an elite cornerback. His pure speed on downfield routes was superb. Still learning the position, but his footwork and hands are very good. Very good hops, to boot.

Honda report: An excellent cover guy who is solid on run support, very physical. Could double up at the next level and play some safety, too.

The buzz: Bronson Panui (Kamehameha) and Gerime Bradley (McKinley) had solid seasons. So did Roger "Tre" Boyd (Farrington) and Melvin Kahunanui (Kaiser).

SAFETY

Honda report: Recovered from an ACL injury as a sophomore to perform at a great level as a senior. He lined up everywhere, sometimes as a linebacker. Very physical, great instincts as a rover type.

Honda report: Rangy, moved from safety to linebacker at times, and has a great knack for making plays. A dangerous punt blocker, too.

The buzz: Other defensive backs in the mix who should contribute at the next level include Ian Namu (Mililani), Joseph Augafa (Punahou) and Mata Leota (Mililani). Arguably the best of the safeties is junior Solomon Matautia of Campbell, a 6-2, 205-pound playmaker who was also an excellent kick returner. Castle’s versatile Ikaika Urasaki also projects as a potential defensive back and/or kicker at the college level.

ATHLETES

The buzz: Chazz Troutman of Nanakuli starred at quarterback, running back, corner, kick return and anything else asked of him. At 5-10, 160, his vitals don’t pop off the roster, but he will fill out and become a formidable college player thanks to his athleticism and smarts. Kaiser’s Thomas Buntenbah-Leong was a cornerback as a junior at Kailua, but blossomed as running back for the Cougars. His breakaway speed was breathtaking. Makena Johnston, Kalaheo’s speedy senior, could develop into a solid college player, too. He was a shifty running back who also made a lot of plays on defense from the secondary.