The University of Hawaii football team received oral commitments from two Kahuku High seniors.

Salanoa-Alo Wily and Soli Afalava said they called the UH coaches on Monday night to accept scholarships.

They said they will put their commitments in writing on Feb. 4, the first day 2015 recruits may sign binding National Letters of Intent.

Both have ties to the Rainbow Warriors. Wily’s elder brother is Aofaga Wily, the state’s 2012 offensive player of the year who played two games for the Warriors last year as a true freshman before suffering a season-ending concussion. Two months ago, he retired from football due to medical reasons stemming from the concussion. He will remain on scholarship but is not on the active roster.

Afalava’s uncle, Kesi Afalava, is a former UH offensive lineman.

Wily said he made the decision on his own.

"I’ve been watching (the Warriors’) practices," Wily said. "It feels right. I feel like staying home."

Wily said he is 6-foot-1, 270 pounds and bench-presses 400 pounds. He projects to play defensive end at UH.

"Anywhere on defense is good," Wily said.

Scout.com gave Wily a 3-star rating. For his performance at the All-Poly Camp this summer, the scouting service wrote: "The Kahuku defensive lineman is a terror for opponents. Wily fires off the ball really well.

"During one-on-ones, very few offensive linemen could keep up with his quickness and, if they could, he displayed the strength to have his way with them."

Wily said he has received offers from Oregon State and Colorado.

Afalava said he is 6-2, 202 pounds and is capable of running 40 yards in 4.56 seconds.

He plays running back and safety for the Red Raiders.

He said his preference is to play safety for UH, although he has been told he can compete at either position.

Afalava said he has received offers from Colorado, Oregon State, Nevada, Washington and California.

Warriors want to keep Hadden on his toes

The University of Hawaii football team is counting on kicker Tyler Hadden to be successful this season.

But as insurance, kickers Ryan Weese, who was with Oklahoma State in the spring, and Punahou graduate Kainoa McDonald were invited to training camp.

"You always look for competition," said Chris Demarest, who coordinates UH’s special teams.

"It breeds success. It brings out the best if they’re competitors. What I want to see happening is happening. That’s good."

Hadden, a fifth-year senior, has been healthy for more than a year after undergoing a procedure for a sports hernia in 2013. He has reached his goal of weighing between 188 and 192 this camp, and improved his overall strength.

Demarest said Hadden has kicked well this training camp and that he is emphasizing consistency.

"I don’t want any up-and-down thing," Demarest said.

Woolsey takes over for Harding as holder

Quarterback Ikaika Woolsey is serving as holder. He recalled being asked to hold for place kicks as a Salesian High football player.

"I was pretty bad," Woolsey said, smiling. "My coach kicked me off. I wasn’t allowed to hold."

Last year, the UH coaches sought to ease Scott Harding‘s workload. For most teams, the punter serves as the holder. Harding not only was the punter and holder, he also was used at slotback, punt returner and offset kickoff returner.

"We had to take some heat off Scotty," coach Norm Chow said. "We wanted to take something off his plate."

Chow offered the holder’s job to Woolsey. As a quarterback, Woolsey provided options as a passer or runner on fake kicks.

"Last year was my first year really holding," Woolsey said. "I felt I got better."

Woolsey praised Hadden as "a cool dude. We have a good relationship on and off the field."

Woolsey also has worked well with short-snapper Brodie Nakama.

"Brodie makes my job easier," Woolsey said. "All I have to do is put the ball down and keep the laces out."