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The University of Hawaii football team exited its fall semester by welcoming two junior college transfers.
Cornerback Cesar Fermin of Moorpark College and rush end Luke Shawley of San Diego Mesa College signed national letters of intent on Wednesday, the first day mid-year transfers were allowed to put their commitments in writing.
Both players are expected to begin classes at UH on Jan. 13 and participate in the offseason conditioning program and spring practices.
"I’m officially a Warrior," said Fermin, who is 5 feet 11 and 170 pounds.
Fermin said he signed his letter during a small ceremony at Moorpark’s athletic complex.
"It’s official now," Fermin said. "I’m going to come in January and do what I do best. I’m ready to go."
Shawley, who is 6-3 and 255 pounds, will compete at the hybrid position of defensive end/outside linebacker.
Shawley is capable of running 40 yards in 4.58 seconds, bench-pressing 400 pounds, and squat-lifting 600 pounds.
In 10 games this past season, Shawley had 74 tackles, including 10 sacks. He also recovered two fumbles. Shawley visited Hawaii this past weekend.
"It was pretty awesome," Shawley said. "Coach (Norm) Chow is a great guy. I wanted to play for him."
With encouragement from his girlfriend, a member of the San Diego Chargers’ dance team, Shawley joined Mesa’s football team two seasons ago.
"I gave it a shot, and really loved it," Shawley said.
He will have three years to play two UH seasons.
Linebackers Tui Unga and Rashaan Falemalu also will join the Rainbow Warriors in January.
Unga is a 2012 Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.) High graduate who initially signed with Fresno State. Unga did not join the Bulldogs while awaiting approval for a two-year church mission. Unga did not receive an assignment and, after a year, became eligible to commit to another school.
Unga’s older brother — J.J. Unga, an offensive lineman with the Baltimore Ravens — and UH defensive line coach Lewis Powell are friends. His cousin is Reno Mahe, a former running back at Brigham Young and with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Falemalu is a 2013 Kahuku High graduate and the younger brother of former UH defensive end Paipai Falemalu, who completed his eligibility at the end of the 2012 season.
The Warriors are holding scholarships for linebackers Ualesi Sale and Jamie Tago. Both are 2013 high school graduates who are awaiting NCAA clearance to join UH in January.
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