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The Rainbow Warriors have secured an oral commitment from running back D.J. Riggins of Oaks Christian High in California.
Riggins, who is 5-11 and 190 pounds, is capable of running 40 yards in 4.46 seconds. He also has a 36-inch vertical jump.
Oaks Christian is consistently one of the top football teams in California. Joe Montana and Clay Matthews Sr. have served as volunteer assistant coaches in the past. Wayne Gretzky and Will Smith are contributors who have reserved parking spaces.
Riggins could provide a boost to the Rainbow Warriors’ running game and overall team speed. He said he will put his commitment in writing on Feb. 5, the first day this year’s high school seniors may sign national letters of intent.
Riggins is the second running back in UH’s 2014 recruiting class. Harris Ross, who rushed for 464 yards in a game earlier this season, is the other. Ross is 5-11, 195 pounds and sprints 40 yards in 4.5 seconds.
Seven other high school seniors have pledged to join the UH in 2014. They are: Defensive tackle Kaau Gifford of Kamehameha, offensive lineman Micah Kapoi of Kapolei High, lineman Samiuela Lauaki of Cathedral High in Los Angeles, cornerback Daniel Lewis of New Iberia (La.) High, tight end/linebacker Dakota Torres and quarterback Larry Tuileta of Punahou, and safety/linebacker Manly Williams of Farrington High.
Happy returns
Freshman cornerback Kwamane Bowens was in a peaceful place when he was summoned to return kickoffs during Wednesday’s practice.
"It feels good to be back there," said Bowens, who was receiver and returner at Salem High in Virginia Beach, Va. "Corner is a work in progress. When I go back there on kick return, it’s natural. I feel I’m prepared. I love it."
Bowens is the top backup to left cornerback Dee Maggitt and kickoff returner Chris Gant. He has emerged as one of the top producers from the 2013 recruiting class, overcoming the cross-country adjustment and the recent death of his stepfather.
"He was part of my life for 14 years," Bowens said of James Lozan. "He came into my life when I was 4. … Growing up, I really didn’t know my (biological) father. When I was 4, he was the one I called ‘Dad.’ He played that father role."
Bowens said improving at UH is a way to honor Lozan’s memory and serve as inspiration for his nephew Kyree Burton.
"I have a nephew who is trying to make it in D-I," Bowens said. "If I were to call it quits, he would be like, ‘Oh, wow, I didn’t know he would be the type of guy to do that.’ Having him look up to me makes me stronger and makes me want to keep pushing. I want to show him the dream of going to D-I is possible if you keep pushing."
As a Salem High freshman, Bowens reconnected with his biological father. Raymond Bowens attended UH’s game against Nevada Saturday in Reno. After the game, the two talked for hours.
"He’s a great man," Bowens said. "He keeps me on my feet."
Bowens is doing well in school, but it’s on the field where he feels truly at ease.
"Football is my release," Bowens said Wednesday. "When you’re out here, you drop everything. Once you get past these gates, everything drops. It’s all about football."
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