A speedy junior college cornerback from California wasted little time in accepting a scholarship offer from the University of Hawaii football team.

"As soon as I landed, it felt right," said Moorpark College’s Cesar Fermin, who visited Hawaii this past weekend. "I liked it. I decided over the weekend that Hawaii was the place for me."

Fermin said he is 6 feet and 175 pounds.

Fermin will sign a letter of intent on Dec. 18, the first day mid-year transfers may put their commitments in writing, and enroll at UH in January. Fermin will participate in the Rainbow Warriors’ offseason conditioning program, which begins Jan. 29, and compete in spring training in April. He will have two years to play two UH seasons.

Fermin said his decision was eased because of wide receiver Chris Gant, a Moorpark College alumnus who recently completed his three-year UH career; Kevin Lenik, a childhood friend who plays baseball for Hawaii Pacific; and the UH coaches. Gant served as host and tour guide this weekend.

"Chris Gant showed me around, showed me how everything works," Fermin said. "He said football is pretty big in Hawaii. He said: ‘Don’t let the pressure or the word around town get to you. Do what you have to do and stay focused.’ "

Fermin played wide receiver and cornerback at Arieta High in North Los Angeles. At Moorpark, he was used exclusively as a corner.

After suffering a hand injury as a Moorpark freshman, he decided to redshirt in 2011. He was a starter the next two seasons. He amassed four interceptions in 2013.

Fermin said he welcomes playing in paradise.

"I’m coming from a hard background, a tough life, struggles, a lot of tribulations," Fermin said. "That’s why I’m a big family guy. That’s why I’m so hungry for this."

Fermin recalled telling Daronte’ Jones, UH’s defensive secondary coach and the point recruiter: "I’m not going to B.S. you. I’ll be straight up. I’m coming to work. I’m hungry for this. This is an opportunity of a lifetime for me. If it wasn’t for a scholarship, I wouldn’t be going to school."

The Warriors’ recruiting wish list reportedly includes cornerbacks, defensive ends and offensive linemen.

"I can’t wait to get out there," Fermin said. "I’ll literally be back in a month."

Ceremony set for Wilson

The public is invited to a "Celebration of Life" ceremony for Jack Willis Wilson III today in the Stan Sheriff Center.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Teammates and coaches will speak at the service for Wilson, a UH running back who died on Nov. 30 from an apparent drowning off Sandy Beach. He was 21.

Read Stephen Tsai’s Warrior Beat at staradvertiser.com/warriorbeat.