Darrian Josey came away from his Hawaii trip with a memorable souvenir — a football scholarship.
Josey, a receiver/cornerback from Florida’s Boynton Beach High, told the Star-Advertiser he accepted the University of Hawaii’s offer.
Defensive end/linebacker Marquis Fairchild of Chaminade Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Fla.; defensive back Daniel Lewis of New Iberia (La.) High; and cornerback Nick Nelson of Suitland High in District Heights, Md., all reaffirmed their oral commitments to the Rainbow Warriors.
All four visited Hawaii this past weekend, and each promised to sign letter of intent on Feb. 5, the first day commitments may be put in writing.
By pledging to UH, Josey is turning down offers from Syracuse and Western Kentucky.
"I like (UH’s) family atmosphere and how everyone is so close," Josey said.
Cornerback Barry Higdon, one of several Florida residents on the UH roster, served as Josey’s primary host on this trip.
"That’s another factor, too," Josey said of UH’s Florida ties.
Josey said he is 6 feet and 174 pounds. He said he is capable of running 40 yards in 4.4 seconds and 100 meters in 10.7 seconds.
He joined Boynton’s track team last year, competing in the 100 and 4×100 events.
Josey said he began playing football in middle school.
"Ever since then, I had love for the sport," he said.
He said all his male cousins played football, including Javon Hosley, who was a star cornerback at Virginia Tech. The New York Giants selected Hosley in the third round of the 2012 draft.
"I talk to him a lot," Josey said. "He gives me pointers and tips on what to do and what not to do."
Josey said he has been following the Warriors for several years. He said it was a pleasant surprise when he received a call from Chris "Demo" Demarest, the UH assistant coach who is the point recruiter in Florida.
"That’s how it started," Josey said.
During his 48-hour visit, Josey said, "We went around the school, we took a tour of the island, and we took a tour of the stadium. It was a lot of fun."
Josey added: "The weather is just like back home. It’s just like how it is at home. It has a family atmosphere. Everyone is close to each other. That’s the best part."
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Read Stephen Tsai’s Warrior Beat at staradvertiser.com/warriorbeat.