A week after securing an oral commitment from a safety from Virginia Beach, the University of Hawaii football team went coast-to-coast to land a cornerback from Maryland.
Nick Nelson of Suitland High in District Heights, Md., reaffirmed his pledge to sign with the Rainbow Warriors on Feb. 5, the first day recruits may put their commitments in writing.
Last week, safety Aaron Glover of Princess Anne High in Virginia Beach made a similar promise to UH.
Nelson and Glover said Daronte’ Jones, who coaches the UH defensive secondary, was the point recruiter.
“Coach Jones is a cool dude,” Nelson said. “He lets you know everything up front.”
Glover agreed, adding: “He keeps everything real with me.”
Nelson said he is 5 feet 11, 185 pounds, and capable of running 40 yards in sub-4.5 seconds. He competes in track as a triple-jumper, but football is his passion.
“I’ve been playing football since I was 6 years old,” Nelson said. “I’ve loved it since I was little.”
Nelson said West Virginia, Wake Forest and Old Dominion were among the schools expressing interest. But Nelson said he was impressed with UH’s program and coaching staff. He said he wanted to help build the Rainbow Warriors.
“It was a great opportunity,” Nelson said. “Why not take it? I like challenges.”
Nelson played both receiver and cornerback at Suitland. He was told he will compete at cornerback at UH.
Glover, who is 6 feet and 205 pounds, said he had offers to remain on the East Coast.
“When it boiled down to it, I decided to try and experience a new life outside of Virginia,” Glover said.
“That’s why I chose Hawaii.”
Glover, who can play linebacker, has been told he will compete at strong safety.
Deon Glover said his son has the character to match his athletic skills.
“The one thing I will say also is he will not embarrass the program of Hawaii,” the elder Glover said.
“There are players who go places and then end up embarrassing the coach and the program and school because they’ve done something stupid. You won’t get that out of Aaron. You won’t.”
The Warriors apparently expanded their recruiting reach. Kwamane Bowens is from Virginia Beach and fellow receiver Keith Kirkwood is from Neptune, N.J. There also are five players from Florida.
FULLBACK IS LIKELY TO PLAY
Fullback Marcus Langkilde has a small fracture on the top of his left hand, but is expected to play in Saturday’s regular-season finale against Army.
“I’m not missing it,” said Langkilde, one of 22 seniors who will be honored before and after the game.
The seniors and their family members will be introduced at the end of pregame warmups. After the game, the seniors will take the traditional senior walk.
TURKEY DAY SCRIMMAGE
Remember the Turkey Day game of Hawaii’s prep football history?
The Warriors will stage their version of the Turkey Day game in an intrasquad scrimmage on Thursday. The game will involve redshirts and developing players.
