Punahou linebacker Savaiinaea commits to Stanford

Isaac Savaiinaea has committed to Stanford, but it’s not in writing and it isn’t a lock.

The 6-foot-3, 230-pound junior linebacker helped Punahou reach the state championship game last fall. He was busy off the field with schoolwork and constant attention from Division I college programs, fielding offers from most Pac-12 schools.

But Stanford is where he plans to go. “I feel good. It was the best choice for me school-wise and football-wise,” said Savaiinaea, a first-team pick to the Star-Advertiser All-State team. “They have the best education after the Ivy League schools.”

He won’t make his official visits until later, but after meeting with their coaches on unofficial trips, it’s almost a done deal.

“Their coaches feel like family in the little time I’ve spent with them,” Savaiinaea said.

He has inclinations toward medicine or business — making Stanford a logical choice. Stanford is ranked No. 4 nationally for medical research by U.S. News & World Report. The school’s MBA program ranks No. 1. But letter of intent day is what matters most, and that’s more than 10 months away.

“It’s not 100 percent. I’m still looking at Texas A&M. It’s about 95 percent. Texas A&M would really have to impress me to change my mind,” Savaiinaea said.

Hawaii is somewhat in the picture. “I might visit them because they’re here, so I might as well,” Savaiinaea said.

By committing early, he might avoid some of the ups and downs that come with recruiting efforts.

“I want to get over the drama. Talking for hours with coaches can be hard,” he said.