One of the state’s top high school football players has accepted a scholarship from the University of Hawaii.
Solomon Matautia of Campbell High said he will sign a letter of intent with the Rainbow Warriors on Feb. 4, the first day prospects may put their commitments in writing.
Matautia was named to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s All-State first team the past two seasons.
Scout.com gave him a 3-star rating.
He played in this weekend’s AIG Foundation Polynesian All-American Bowl.
Matautia said he is 6 feet 1 and 220 pounds. He was the Sabers’ strong safety, although he might project to play outside linebacker for the Warriors.
"Hawaii has always been my team ever since I was a little kid," Matautia said. "When I was a kid, I remember everyone asking me: ‘Who’s your favorite team?’ I always said ‘Hawaii.’ "
Last June, Matautia made an oral commitment to play for Oregon State. Still, Hawaii, Washington and Colorado pursued Matautia.
In September, Oregon State held off UH at Aloha Stadium. Matautia attended that game, and although he was an OSU commit, he silently rooted for the Warriors. UH’s loss, Matautia admitted, "kind of hurt me."
In December, Mike Riley resigned as OSU coach to accept the head coaching job at Nebraska. OSU defensive coordinator Mark Banker was on a flight to Hawaii to meet with Matautia when Riley announced his decision.
Gary Andersen, who left Wisconsin to succeed Riley at OSU, wanted Matautia to grayshirt, delaying his enrollment until January 2016.
By then, Matautia felt he wanted to play for UH. Matautia said assistant coach Lewis Powell, who was UH’s point recruiter, "was in touch with me since I can remember." Powell and Matautia’s mother are relatives.
The homegrown prospect actually is interested in homegrown products. In his family’s large back yard, Matautia grows taro, cabbage, carrots, green onions and corn.
"I think it’s fascinating seeing the process," Matautia said, "and also benefitting from eating the vegetables afterward."
Matautia said he plans to study agriculture at UH.
