UH lands offensive lineman from junior college champs
FULLERTON COLLEGE ATHLETICS
Emil Graves of Fullerton College said he will sign with the Rainbow Warriors.
The best offensive lineman from the best junior college team in California will join the University of Hawaii football team.
Emil Graves of Fullerton College said he will sign with the Rainbow Warriors on Feb. 1, the first day recruits may put their commitments in writing. He will earn an associate’s degree in May, a requirement to transferring, and will enroll at UH in June. He will have three years to play two UH seasons.
Graves, who visited Hawaii last month, said he based his decision on “the overall atmosphere. … I feel that the bond the players you don’t get anywhere else. You get the family feel. Everyone is committed, and buying into the program. That’s something I want to be a part of.”
Graves played right tackle in 2015 and in the first three games this season. When the left guard suffered an injury, the right guard moved to the left side and Graves started at right guard the remainder of the season. Graves also was used at center. He projects to compete at center or guard at UH.
Fullerton won the California Community College Athletic Association’s title, which is regarded as a national championship.
Fullerton associate head coach Phil Austin, a former UH defensive back, said Graves “will win the award for best lineman on our team.” Graves was named to the All-California Region IV first team.
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“He’ll be a good get,” Austin said. “He’s somebody you can plug into a position you need. … He’s a leader on the team. Emil hangs out in my office all lunch. He eats lunch with us. He’s like one of the coaching staff. He’s a great kid. Everyone loves him. I’m proud to have him as one of the Warriors.”
13 responses to “UH lands offensive lineman from junior college champs”
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What is his size? What other offers did he have? It would be nice to know who we beat in this big signing! Congratulations Coach Rolo and staff!
do your google research
Would be more interested to find out Graves’ 40-yard dash and 10-yard split times.
Why? You can be fast and crappy. If you can ball, you can ball.
6’3 285 lb
Whoah, he got size, Guard is where he fits!
I can definitely see Graves competing at right guard. Even if he doesn’t start right away, he could be used on running plays because of his size, strength, quickness, run blocking skills and overall athleticism.
Here’s some footage of the CCCAA State Championship game where it showcases his run blocking ability @0:27, @0:54 and @2:05 in this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP7IujOrZAc
BTW, Hawaii should also check out Fullerton College’s defensive backs–for the Hornets had six interceptions in this game.
Stephen – can you please list the recruit player’s height and weight? It may not count towards their success or failure, but Football fans are always curious about that. Are we getting another highly touted OL who’s 6’0 260lbs/?
Size no count. It is how you use it. How many times have you been told.
Size counts, especially for linemen. How many times you actually watch football?
watched 2 years of film on Graves. He is tuned in like a pit bull. Good speed and gracefully deadly moving around the corner or turning a block inside out or outside in. His motor doesnt stop once he makes contact–lots of pancake blocks.I like this player. I cannot under estimate the pull out block, many athletes stumble or are not gathered when they turn the corner. Graves is smooth collected and feet squared and zeroed-in to crash. He still mounts a baby face, this kid will grow mean under Naiole.Has all the assests. good get!
opps… Naeole.