Two of the state’s most promising line prospects have pledged to sign with the University of Hawaii football team.
Micah Kapoi, a left tackle from Kapolei High, and Ka‘au Gifford, a defensive tackle from Kamehameha, boost the Rainbow Warriors’ 2014 recruiting class to seven oral commitments. Recruits may put their pledges in writing on Feb. 5, the first day of the signing period.
What’s more, Willis Wilson, a running back at Washington the past three years, is set to join the Warriors as a walk-on. Because he was not on scholarship at Washington, Wilson is eligible to play this season without redshirting. Wilson will have two years to play two UH seasons.
Kapoi and Gifford are on track to full careers with the Warriors.
Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez said Kapoi received interest from Oregon, Oregon State, San Diego State, Pittsburgh, Wisconsin, Kansas and Georgia Tech.
"He’s going to cut to the chase and be a Rainbow Warrior," Hernandez said.
Kapoi started as a 6-foot-3, 215-pound sophomore in 2011. He was 275 pounds as a junior. This year, Kapoi is 6-4 and 298 pounds.
"He plays basketball," Hernandez said. "He’s an athlete. He’s an explosive left tackle. He’s our best pass-protector."
Kapoi was named to the Star-Advertiser All-State third team in 2012. He was named one of the top linemen at last week’s All-Poly camp in Utah.
Kapoi has a 3.4 cumulative grade-point average .
Kapoi’s mother is a former UH softball player.
Gifford said it was an easy decision to remain in Hawaii. He said he wants his parents to attend all of his home games.
Gifford said coach Norm Chow "wants me to be part of the building process. That’s one of the main reasons I committed to UH."
Gifford said he is 6-4 and 255 pounds.
He said he has been told he will compete at defensive tackle.
Gifford first gained widespread attention when he participated in the All-Poly camp last year.
He said he does not have "too many hobbies. I like to focus on football all year around."
Gifford’s father, Steve Gifford, is a former Aiea High lineman who once played against Chow in a high school game.
Earlier, the Warriors received pledges from seniors-to-be Dakota Torres, a tight end/linebacker from Punahou; Samuela Lauaki, a defensive lineman/offensive lineman from Cathedral High in Los Angeles; Daniel Lewis, a running back/cornerback from New Iberia (La.) High; Larry Tuileta, a quarterback from Punahou, and Manly Williams, a linebacker/safety from Farrington.
