Tuileta commits to UH in 2 sports

One of the state’s top high school athletes — Punahou School’s Larry "Tui" Tuileta — has told the Star-Advertiser he will accept an offer to play for the University of Hawaii’s football and volleyball teams.

Tuileta, who will be a senior in the fall, said he will sign a letter of intent on Feb. 5, 2014, the first day of the next signing period. By NCAA rule, the football program will pay for Tuileta’s scholarship.

Tuileta received several volleyball offers. But the NCAA restricts Division I-II volleyball teams to spreading the financial equivalent of 4.5 scholarship among their rosters. Tuileta will get a full ride from his football scholarship.

"They gave me an opportunity where my parents would be in a good situation financially," Tuileta said.

The football and volleyball programs worked in tandem to recruit Tuileta, who is a quarterback in football and an outside hitter in volleyball.

In 2012, Tuileta completed 156 of 246 passes for 2,588 yards and 28 touchdowns. He was intercepted only one time during the regular season. Between mid-September and Nov. 1, Tuileta threw 21 scoring passes without an interception.

He was named to the All-State first team the past two years.

For all of his football accomplishments, volleyball might be his best sport. His vertical jump and ball-handling skills project him to play several positions in college.

"Tui’s combination of skill and athletic intangibles has been meticulously crafted by his family, club and high school coaches, and also by circumstance," said Rick Tune, Punahou’s volleyball coach. "He cares deeply for his many siblings, and transfers that caring for community to his friends and teammates."

Tuileta has a 3.0 grade-point average. He also volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, which helps build homes for families in financial need.

"He is a wonderful example of all that is right in the world of athletics," Tune said.

Tune said Tuileta plays with "machine-like execution that never craves the spotlight. He is an absolute joy to coach and a pleasure to be around."

The football Warriors already have received 2014 oral commitments from Daniel Lewis, a defensive back/running back, from New Iberia (La.) High, and Manly Williams, a linebacker/safety from Farrington High.

The volleyball Warriors earlier received an oral commitment from Kalaheo junior Luke Owens.