The Hawaii football team added a "B" to what is becoming a successful recruiting class.

Barry "B" Higdon, a cornerback from Chaminade Madonna High in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., told the Star-Advertiser he has accepted a scholarship offer from the Warriors.

"I really like the environment," Higdon said. "I like the city. I like the people. I like the atmosphere. I like the coaches. It’s different from my home state. That’s why I picked Hawaii."

Higdon said he is 6 feet 2 and 190 pounds. He is capable of running 40 yards in 4.47 seconds.

Higdon is the latest to join the pipeline from the Sunshine State to the Aloha State. There are three Florida residents in UH’s defensive secondary — cornerbacks Tony Grimes and Ne’Quan Phillips and safety Marrell Jackson — plus receiver Allen Sampson. Tight end Ryan Hall, who was raised in Orlando, recently retired from football.

"I don’t mind coming all this way," Higdon said. "It’s better for my education. It’s better for my future. My parents are 100 percent behind this."

Higdon was a dual-sport star at Chaminade through his junior year. He used to compete in track, running in the 200-, 400- and 4×400-meter races.

He said he will not compete in track this spring.

"I’m just working out (for football)," Higdon said. "I’m working on my craft."

Al Brown, a volunteer in his neighborhood, has served as his football mentor.

"He’s really inspired me," Higdon said. He’s helped me a lot."

Higdon said he received offers from Cincinnati, Kent State, Bowling Green, Akron, Western Kentucky and Mississippi.

Higdon will compete to fill the vacancy created when cornerback/returner Mike Edwards decided to forgo his senior season and apply for the 2013 NFL Draft.

"He left some big shoes," Higdon said.

Higdon said UH is "the right fit."

"I want to come over here and start my life," Higdon said. "I want to get a degree. I want to become a successful student-athlete."