Dream comes true for UH football recruit

The University of Hawaii football team has landed a “Dream” recruit.

Eugene “The Dream” Ford, a receiver/defensive back from University High in Los Angeles, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser he has accepted a football scholarship from the Warriors.

“I’m counting down the days until I sign with Hawaii,” said Ford, who may put his commitment in writing on Feb. 3, the first day of the signing period for 2016 high school seniors.

Ford said he is 6 feet 2 and 185 pounds.

Ford drew praise for his performance at UCLA’s Skills Camp this past summer. In 2015, he had 68 catches for 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns. He also made 87 tackles, and intercepted two passes.

Ford is projected to compete at safety for the Warriors with the intent of developing into a nickel-linebacker.

On a lark, Ford tried out for University’s soccer team as a freshman. He became the Wildcats’ goalie.

He also was on the track and field team, competing in the long jump, triple jump, 200-meter sprint, and 4×100 and 4×400 relays.

But football has been his most impactful sport.

“Football was put on me as a discipline teacher,” Ford said. “I was a rough kid. My mom thought it would be a good sport to let out all my anger and energy. It became a really big passion for me. I grew to love football. Now it’s the love of my life.”

Defensive backs coach Abraham Elimimian served as UH’s point recruiter.

“He saw my competitiveness,” Ford said. “He talked to me through the whole process. I did my homework on Hawaii. It was No. 1 in my heart.”

Ford also praised UH head coach Nick Rolovich, noting, “He’s a good dude. He seems like a really good coach. I can’t wait to work with him.”

Ford will be the sixth newcomer to the 2016 recruiting class. Wideout Trey Hoskins of Dougherty Valley High, defensive lineman Netane Muti of Leilehua High, and quarterback McKenzie Milton and wideout Kalakaua Timoteo of Mililani High also made oral commitments. Offensive lineman Fred Ulu-Perry, a Saint Louis School graduate who played at UCLA this past season, signed a scholarship agreement with the Warriors two weeks ago.