UH commit rushes for 464 yards

In planning for the long run, the University of Hawaii football team secured an oral commitment from a player who is proficient in long runs.

Harris Ross of Pittsburg (Calif.) High told the Star-Advertiser he accepted a scholarship offer from the Rainbow Warriors.

This past weekend, Ross rushed for 464 yards and seven touchdowns in a victory over Monte Vista High.

"My goal going into that game was to get seven touchdowns and more than 300 yards," Ross said. "I told my line that, and they were, ‘OK.’ All they had to do was block for me. If it wasn’t for my line, I wouldn’t have been able to do anything."

Ross not only could talk the talk, but he ran the plan.

"When you set yourself to high standards, you want to do it," Ross said. "I set that goal, and my mind-set was to accomplish that goal. With the help of my teammates, I did."

His best runs covered 94 yards and 74 yards.

"At the time I was doing it," he recalled, "I was, like, ‘Man, this is really happening.’ "

Ross began playing organized football as a Pittsburg freshman.

"I started off as a receiver," he said. "I really didn’t know what I was going to do with football. Toward the middle of the season, I moved to running back. I really didn’t get that much playing time."

In the offseason before his sophomore year, he ran track and studied videos of running back LaMichael James.

Pittsburg’s junior varsity team went unbeaten in 2011. Ross did well as a junior.

"Now I’m in my senior year," Ross said ."Our goal is to win a championship."

Ross said UH assistant coach Lewis Powell was the first to make a recruiting pitch.

Since last week’s game, Ross has received inquiries from other schools. Still, Ross said, "I’m committed to Hawaii."

Ross is 5 feet 11 and 198 pounds. He is capable of running 40 yards in sub-4.5 seconds.

In two games this season, he has rushed for 778 and 12 touchdowns.

Pittsburg’s public-address announcer refers to Ross as "Home Run."

It is a fitting description.

"I like to hang out at home with my family," Ross said. "I’m a real family person."

No decision yet on Colorado

The Warriors will decide this weekend whether to accept an offer to play Colorado on Oct. 19 in Boulder.

The Buffaloes are seeking a 12th game to replace the scheduled game against Fresno State that was canceled this past weekend because of area floods.