Fred Ulu-Perry, who was one of the nation’s top high school offensive linemen a year ago, is now a member of the University of Hawaii football team.

Ulu-Perry told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser he signed a scholarship agreement with the Rainbow Warriors this morning.

Ulu-Perry had signed a national letter of intent with UCLA in February. He played in eight games with the Bruins this season, rotating among offensive guard, short-yardage runner and defensive tackle.

But he twice left UCLA during the season, the final time before the Thanksgiving weekend.

Ulu-Perry said UCLA was not a good fit for him.

“I felt my heart was always here,” Ulu-Perry said.

UCLA initially rejected Ulu-Perry’s request for a scholarship release because the Bruins and Warriors are scheduled to meet in the Rose Bowl on Sept. 9, 2017. Without a release, Ulu-Perry would not be able to receive a scholarship from a second school for a full academic year.

But UCLA coach Jim Mora relented, granting the release and opening the way for Ulu-Perry to sign with UH.

“We worked it out,” Ulu-Perry said. “I was blessed and thankful when coach Mora said he would let me play for Hawaii.”

Ulu-Perry must redshirt in 2016 in accordance with NCAA transfer rules. After that, he will have three years to play three UH seasons.

As a Saint Louis School senior in 2014, Ulu-Perry was named as ESPN.com’s top offensive guard and Scout.com’s No. 1 center.

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