The University of Hawaii football team went deep into the heart of Texas to secure an oral commitment from a high school safety.

Dany Mulanga, a senior at Trinity High in Euless, Texas, told the Star-Advertiser he has accepted a scholarship offer from the Rainbow Warriors. He will sign on Feb. 5, the first day football recruits may put their commitments in writing.

Mulanga said he is 6 feet 4 and 206 pounds.

He said he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds a year ago, but "I think I’m faster now."

Mulanga said he received offers from Utah State, New Mexico, Louisiana Tech and Montana State. He said he wanted to experience living outside of Texas. Euless is considered a "mid-city" between Dallas and Fort Worth.

Trinity used to perform the haka before games, but now uses a version known as "Sipi Tau."

This past summer, Mulanga attended the All-Poly camp in Euless, where he met Lewis Powell, UH’s defensive line coach.

"We worked on one-on-one drills," Mulanga said. "We talked. Coach Lewis offered me (a scholarship) right on the spot."

This past week, Mulanga said, "My family got together and talked about it. Hawaii felt like the right fit for me."

Mulanga is expected to compete at free safety. Safeties John Hardy-Tuliau and Charles Clay completed their UH eligibility following the regular-season finale against Army on Nov. 30.

Mulanga said he often studies videos of Arizona Cardinals defensive back Tyrann Mathieu.

"We’re like an inverse," Mulanga said. "I play like a small guy and he plays like a big guy."

Malunga also is a skilled musician who plays drums for a church band. He said his group performs gospel songs at concerts and events in Texas.