In the recruiting home stretch, the University of Hawaii football team added speed and power to its 2017 class.
Running back Miles “Bam-Bam” Reed of Centennial High in Corona, Calif., and defensive tackle Doug Russell of O’Dea High in Seattle told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser they will sign binding National Letters of Intent with the
Rainbow Warriors on Wednesday, the first day of the written-commitment period for football recruits.
Reed rushed for 2,198 yards, an average of 8.2 yards per carry, and 34 touchdowns to lead Centennial to an 11-2 record last season. Russell was named as the Seattle Times’ top defensive lineman.
Reed said it was a “no-brainer” to choose the Warriors. “There’s no place like (Hawaii),” Reed said. “It was an ideal situation. I trust the coaches there. The football team is on the upswing. I feel like I can relate to (coach Nick Rolovich) and the coaches on a personal level. It felt like a fit for me.”
Reed is 5 feet 8, 185 pounds, and capable of running 40 yards in 4.53 seconds. He was at his best against challenging opponents. He rushed for 302 yards and two touchdowns against Chandler, Arizona’s top-ranked team. He had 179 yards and three touchdowns against IMG Academy, which draws players from across the country.
Reed said he trains with UH running back Freddie Holly during the offseason. “It’ll be fun to grind and ball out with someone I’m actually close friends with,” Reed said.
Reed’s brother, Arthur Burns, played at Washington State. “It’s in our blood,” Reed said. “We were always meant to be running backs.”
Reed earned his nickname from his running backs coach. “I just like hitting, I guess, and I don’t like getting tackled,” Reed said. “Usually, when I get the ball, it’s a ‘bam-bam’ sound coming off the pads.”
Russell, who is 6-5 and 295 pounds, is projected to compete at defensive tackle or nose guard at UH. He said he is able to play at a low pad level.
“The trenches are the best part of the game,” said Russell, who preferred the defensive side. “Defense has a lot of passion, and I play with a lot of passion. It fit perfectly for me.”
So, too, did UH. “I took my official visit about three weeks ago,” Russell said. “Coach Rolovich made me feel it was the right program for me. Him and coach Legi (Suiaunoa) had recruited me for quite a bit. I felt at home, and I felt it was the perfect fit for me.”
Russell, who also plays basketball, first dunked the summer preceding eighth grade. He also serves as engineer for his friends’ rap and R&B songs. “I make sure they sound good,” Russell said. “I like helping people.”
