Two California junior college linebackers and a speedy wide receiver made oral commitments to join for the Hawaii football team in 2013.
Linebackers Julian Gener of Mount San Antonio College and Tevita Lataimua of College of San Mateo told the Star-Advertiser they will sign letters of intent on Dec. 19. They will enroll at UH in January, and participate in the Warriors’ offseason conditioning program and spring training.
Wide receiver Stacey Howard of San Benardino Valley College also accepted a UH scholarship offer. Howard will sign his national letter of intent on Feb. 6. He will join the Warriors in June.
All three completed UH recruiting trips on Sunday. All three were quick to pledge their allegiance to the Warriors.
"It’s everything," Gener said of his choice. "It’s the feeling. It’s the state. It’s the people. It’s where I want to be.
Lataimua, who has relatives in Pearl City, cited Hawaii’s "vibe."
"I was looking for the right fit," Lataimua said, "and Hawaii is the perfect fit."
Gener said he is 6 feet and 230 pounds. He was told he will compete at the inside and outside linebacker positions.
In 12 games this past season, Gener amassed 102 tackles, including 13 for loss and four sacks. He forced three fumbles and recovered four. He also had an interception.
Gener received several offers, most notably from Wyoming. He said UH was an easy choice.
"All of the coaches are really cool," Gener said. "I really like Coach (Norm) Chow. I like the experience he brings. I like Coach TK (defensive coordinator Thom Kaumeyer), too."
Mount San Antonio, a traditional power, finished 11-1, losing in the CCCAA’s Southern Championship game.
Lataimua said he is 5-foot-11 and 230 pounds. He fashions himself as an inside linebacker.
He turned down an offer from Brigham Young.
"I like Hawaii’s program," Lataimua said.
Lataimua was raised in the Bay Area. During this recruiting trip, he said, "I went surfing. That’s my new hobby. No way you can surf (in the Bay Area). It’s too cold."
Howard is expected to provide a vertical threat to the Warriors’ offense.
In 10 games, Howard caught 64 passes for 1,082 yards and 14 touchdowns. He had 11 catches and three touchdowns against Victor Valley and 165 receiving yards against Chaffey.
Wide receiver Terrance Polk, who also visited this weekend, reaffirmed his commitment to the Warriors.
Polk finished fourth in the CCCAA, which consists of 70 community colleges in California, with 108.4 receiving yards per game. He averaged 22.1 yards per catch.