Deep in the heart of Texas, there is a homecoming celebration for the University of Hawaii’s latest football commitment.
Ethan Watanabe, a tight end from San Antonio’s Brennan High School, said he accepted a scholarship from the Warriors during a recruiting trip this weekend.
Watanabe said he is 6 feet 3 and 255 pounds.
He will turn down offers from Utah and Texas State to return to the state where his parents were born.
Watanabe drew attention after a strong performance at the All-Poly combine in Hawaii last summer. Keith Uperesa, who was recently hired as UH’s running backs coach, attended the combine. Uperesa and Chad Watanabe, Ethan’s father, are longtime friends.
At the Austin combine, Watanabe drew praise from recruiting analyst Tom Lemming. In a maxpreps.com story, Lemming said Watanabe "runs very well for a big man."
Watanabe became a better fit for the Warriors after Norm Chow was hired as UH’s head coach last month. Chow is installing the pro-set offense that will feature a tight end, a position the Warriors have not employed for many years.
"He chose Hawaii because of Norm Chow, and the type of offensive coordinator he’s been all these years," Chad Watanabe said.
Watanabe’s mother, Renee Watanabe, said her father, Sione Moeaki, was a rugby coach at Brigham Young when Chow was the Cougars’ offensive coordinator. Two of her brothers, John Moeaki and Larry Moeaki, played for Chow at BYU. A third brother is Tony Moeaki, a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs.
"My brothers played for Norm Chow, and I’m happy my son will play for him," Renee Watanabe said.
Ethan Watanabe said: "Norm Chow is a great coach. I wanted to be part of his (first UH team)."
Renee Watanabe was born in Hawaii. The family then moved to Chicago.
Chad Watanabe played football and basketball for Nanakuli High. He has lived in Utah and Chicago. He said the family moved to San Antonio because of Renee’s job with Southwest Airlines.
Chad Watanabe said his son’s UH commitment has created a buzz in San Antonio’s Polynesian community.
"We’re all excited here," Chad Watanabe said. "Because of the military, a lot of Hawaii people retire and live up here. We have three Hawaii clubs here."
Ethan Watanabe is of Samoan, Hawaiian and Tongan ancestry. Watanabe is the name of Chad’s stepfather.
"I had a good time," Watanabe said following the conclusion of his 48-hour recruiting trip this weekend. "I was with the coaches and players. It was fun."
