All-State offensive lineman Jordan Agasiva of Mililani High has made an oral commitment to play for the University of Hawaii football team in 2015.
He is the first Hawaii prospect to accept a 2015 offer from the Rainbow Warriors.
"I think he’s the best O-lineman in the state," Mililani coach Rod York said.
York said Agasiva is 6 feet 4 and 280 pounds.
Agasiva played right tackle for the Trojans, who advanced to the state championship game last year.
Brigham Young and USC are recruiting Agasiva.
"He wants to play in front of his family," York said. "He believes in Coach (Norm) Chow."
Agasiva attended the Warriors’ Junior Day on Saturday, an orientation that included meetings with academic advisers, a tour of the campus, and attending the Warriors’ spring practice.
"He hasn’t stopped talking about University of Hawaii football," York said. "I told him to stop talking. I told him to focus on Mililani football."
York said Agasiva did not relinquish a sack in 2013.
York said the defensive formation usually dictates the call. But York acknowledged: "When we needed the yards, we definitely went to his side."
York said Agasiva is equally efficient as a pass-blocker and run-blocker.
"He finishes on his blocks," York said. "He literally can hold a block for eight seconds if he has to. His effort is tremendous. He’s a great teammate. He’s definitely one of the characters that we like on our team. We’re blessed to have him this year, and UH will be blessed to have him as a Warrior next year."
York said Agasiva is a multi-skilled player who is a one-sport athlete.
"What separates him is his footwork," York said. "The dude can move. Too bad he doesn’t play basketball."
Welcome news
Football season will no longer be a series of hunger games for the Warriors. This fall, the NCAA is expected to enact a rule allowing schools to offer unlimited meals to players, including walk-ons. Schools currently are restricted to offering scholarship players one training table each day during the season and fall and spring training.
"We’re all stoked to eat for free," said safety Damien Packer, a walk-on from the Big Island.
Packer said he survives mostly on a variety of meals made from canned tuna.
"I’m the tuna master," he said, smiling. "Any help is greatly appreciated. We’re happy the NCAA is recognizing the struggles we do have, the grind we put in to be part of the team. They’re appreciating it, and rewarding us."
The past two years, the NCAA allowed teams to provide plain bagels, fruits and nuts to all players. Brenden Urban, a walk-on offensive lineman from Colorado, said he often had a bagel as his only daytime meal because of his busy schedule.
Quarterback Jeremy Higgins recalled his time before earning a scholarship last year.
"As a walk-on, life sucked," Higgins said. "Now I’m glad the walk-ons get to eat."
Higgins said Luke Ingram, a former UH long-snapper and roommate, often treated him to a late breakfast.
"I wouldn’t eat (anything else) until I got home at night after the meetings," Higgins recalled. "I was broke."
Higgins said he saved for expenses working part-time jobs.
"I had to pour asphalt," he said. "I had to spread asphalt on the street. It was hard work."