JC running back commits to Warriors
The University of Hawaii football team is adding to the run portion of the run-and-shoot offense.
Sterling Jackson, a running back from Mendocino (Calif.) College, confirmed he will join the Warriors. He has been added to the 105-player roster for training camp, which begins Aug. 4.
"It’s a nice fit," Jackson said. "I want to be part of the program."
Jackson is 6 feet 1 and 225 pounds.
As a senior at Stephenson High in Stone Mountain, Ga., Jackson ran 100 meters in 10.7 seconds.
He spent the past two years at Mendocino. In nine games last season, he rushed for 737 yards. He ranked 19th in the state in yards per carry (6.0) and 25th in rushing yards per game (81.9). He also rushed for 10 touchdowns.
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There are 71 football teams competing in the California Community College Athletic Association. By competing for the California team in the Triumphant Sports Bowl, billed as an all-star game, Jackson is considered to be a junior college All-America player.
Mendocino runs a four-wide, one-back offense that is, formation-wise, similar to the Warriors’ attack.
The Mendocino coaches sent highlight videos of Jackson to the UH coaches.
"They called my coaches and let me know they were interested," Jackson said.
After several conversations with UH running backs coach Brian Smith, who recruits in California, Jackson agreed to join the Warriors.
Jackson said he will have three years to play two UH seasons.
LB to enlist in Army
Linebacker David Pa’aluhi, a Waianae High graduate who was Oregon State’s second-leading tackler in 2009, has decided not to join the Warriors. Instead, Pa’aluhi will enlist in the Army with the intent of eventually joining Special Forces.
Pa’aluhi, a new father, requested — and received — a release from his Oregon State football scholarship to enlist in the Army. He returned to Hawaii, then had second thoughts, and contacted the UH football coaches.
The Warriors reserved a roster spot for Pa’aluhi, and were awaiting his signature on enrollment forms. But Pa’aluhi’s father notified the UH coaches that he decided to enlist.
Masoli won’t be a Warrior
People with knowledge of the situation said quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, a Saint Louis School graduate who played the past two seasons at Oregon, will not join the Warriors.
Masoli led the Ducks to the 2009 Pac-10 title. But earlier this year, he was suspended for the 2010 season after pleading guilty to misdemeanor robbery. Last month, he was dismissed from the team after being cited for marijuana possession.
He recently contacted UH officials. But it was mutually decided he would not join the team.
