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CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM
Student-athletes prepared to sign letters of intent this morning at the Sheraton Waikiki. Kapolei’s Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa, in blue, was seated at the top table.
Kapolei High defensive lineman Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa signed a national letter of intent with Notre Dame, one of the spotlight signings at this morning’s Education-1st signing session at the Sheraton Waikiki.
Today is the first day that high school seniors can make binding scholarship commitments.
Running back Hekili Keliiliki of Arkansas and linebacker Paul Scott of Oakland were among the highlights of the University of Hawaii’s 2017 recruiting class. The Rainbow Warriors have scheduled an afternoon press conference to discuss their signings.
(Where they signed)
1. Tua Tagovailoa QB Saint Louis Alabama
2. Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa, DE Kapolei Notre Dame
3. Aliki Vimahi DE Kahuku Utah
4. Isaac Slade-Matautia OLB Saint Louis Oregon
5. Morris Unutoa OT Kapaa Utah
6. Miki Suguturaga DE Punahou Utah
7. Michael Minihan OG Saint Louis Georgia Tech
8. Charles Watson S Leilehua Oregon State
9. Kesi Ah-Hoy RB Kahuku Oregon State
10. Christian Mejia DE Kailua Washington State
11. Andrew Aleki OLB Kamehameha San Diego State
12. Kekaula Kaniho CB Kahuku Boise State
13. Adam Stack PK Kamehameha Oregon
14. Onesimus Lutu-Clarke OT Waianae Oregon State
15. Feleti Afemui ILB Maui Vanderbilt
16. Mango Finau OG Baldwin BYU
17. Nakoa Pauole DL Kamehameha Air Force
18. Seyddrick Lakalaka ILB Punahou San Diego State
UH SIGNINGS
Marcus Armstrong-Brown WR 6-3 Napa, Calif. Diablo Valley College
Donovan Dalton DB 6-4 Scottsdale, Ariz. Saguaro HS
Jay Dominique DB 6-2 Montréal, Canada Old Montreal Cégep
Eugene Ford DB 6-2 Los Angeles, Calif. University HS
Akil Francisco DB 6-0 Alameda, Calif. Encinal HS
Emil Graves OL 6-3 Lynwood, Calif. Fullerton College
Kade Greeley TE 6-6 Murrieta, Calif. Vista Murrieta HS
Hekili Keliiliki RB 6-2 Bentonville, Ark. Bentonville HS
Brandon Kipper OL 6-6 Nampa, Idaho Columbia HS
Josaiah Maama OL 6-4 Sunnyvale, Calif. Kings Academy
Damario Mclean DB 6-1 Elk Grove, Calif. Elk Grove HS
Isaia Mullen WR 6-4 Portland, Ore. Madison HS
Kalepo Naotala DL 6-3 Newport News, Va. Menchville HS
Penei Pavihi LB 6-3 Pago Pago, American Samoa Tafuna HS
Manu Rasmussen DB 6-0 Tigard, Ore. Riverside City College
Miles Reed RB 5-8 Corona, Calif. Centennial HS
Paul Scott LB 6-1 Oakland, Calif. McClymonds Senior HS
Drake Stallworth WR 6-2 Folsom, Calif. Folsom HS
Blessman Ta‘ala DL 6-1 Faga‘itua, American Samoa Faga‘itua HS
Jamie Tago DL 6-3 Pago Pago, American Samoa Garden City College
Micah Vanterpool OL 6-6 Phoenix, Ariz. Central HS
Scott had de-committed from California before signing with UH.
However, Kahuku running back Kesi Ah-Hoy, who had verbally committed to UH in December, signed with Oregon State, joining Leilehua safety Charles Watson.
Tagovailoa-Amosa, the No. 2-rated college prospect in the state, chose the Fighting Irish over several schools, including USC and Vanderbilt.
“It (Notre Dame) just felt good, it was right for me,” he said.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa from Saint Louis School, the No. 1 prospect, has already enrolled at Alabama and made a video speech to the gathering.
Punahou defensive lineman Miki Suguturaga signed with Utah, one of three local players to commit to the Utes, joining Kapaa offensive tackle Mo Unutoa and Kahuku defensive end Aliki Vimahi.
Kamehameha linebacker Andrew Aleki and Punahou linebacker Seyddrick Lakalaka both signed with San Diego State.
Saint Louis offensive lineman Michael Minihan signed with Georgia Tech and Kailua defensive end Christian Mejia signed with Washington State.
OK enough coverage for these recruits who chose to go away, good luck and god bless. But from now, I only want to read about the recruits who chose to play for Hawaii. Defend Pride Rock!!
Exactly!
Who are we going to get is the question that should be addressed.
I can understand how some kids want to get away and experience life outside of the aina, but, it also seems people from the aina seem to have a inferiority complex about our university.
We have a terrific university and if more kids could see that, it would go a long way to keeping some of the exceptional talent her.
Case in point-We all have fun with Allie and her quirky ways, but, she is proud of what we have here as should all residence be.
Too many times I hear people talking about how the mainland has this or that or the other. Like they say, “the grass is always greener”. Well, NOT ALWAYS!
Hawai’i is my home and proud of it, it’s people and the manner in which we live together. No place on the mainland like here!
Sorry, “residents”
agree 100% this should be the last report or article on these players. PLEASE StarAdvertiser, can we focus all of the reports and articles on the HOME TEAM!! Rolo got a great bunch of recruits. Just by player rankings, this group is equal or even better that the listed local boys list. Plus Rolo got size and SPEED.
congrats and good luck to the local boys who are going away.
GO BOWS!!!
The question is how does anyone know when a player just wants to go away for the experience versus when a player has an inferiority complex regarding UH? It’s not like they come out and say UH is a terrible place to go to school versus some university on the mainland.
Exactly, the UH recruits left their own home state to come to Hawaii. Good luck everybody and study hard for your degree.
Doesn’t matter what the reasons are because I love this class that Rolovich is bringing in. A lot of them committed a while back and stuck to it. Give them all the credit in the world for being loyal. With that said I really feel their personalities will make this a fine team.
Agree.
I agree – – however, Rolo will keep in contact with players who were seriously considering UH so WHEN they are homesick or things don’t work out over there, they will still have him as a supporter and feel comfortable coming home. We need to support all island-grown athletes and let them know they will have our support no matter where they go. Of course, we would love to have them ALL stay!
I have no problem having them back as a walk-on unless they can start.
Football exploits the talents of these young people and exposes them to serious injury. Coaches are paid well but the players who garner the profits get nothing.
Allie, so do most of the world’s CEO’s and major companies, that’s life. Whatcha gonna do. No one is forcing anyone.
Agree. After today on, the local TV stations, radio stations and newspaper should focus on the UH recruits and forget about the local kids who did not sign with UH, unless they come back. Homegrown section in the Star Advertiser is fine, but nothing else in the future as well, except for any local Heisman Trophy candidates. If people want to know about the ones who didn’t sign, they can login to those universities websites. Good luck to them.
Yup lets build up the guys who signed with UH and give them all the publicity so they can send it home to their families and show how much we all appreciate them for coming.
well said oahuan, these kids that left had a big chance leave something and build a legacy like the colt brennan days which is why his name will always stand out in hawaii, in 3 years they built something. this year not a single top 20 stayed home, if was me and you wanted to come back i would decline, you left to play for alabam who has 5 QBs on the roster you went notre dame who has a lot of talent but instead of building something that was theres they chose to leave. we got just as good recruits with size n speed something we lacked, rolo will make this draft class count. you chose to leave don’t come back crying when you don’t get playing time. can’t wait for next season. welcome all new recruits to what you can now call home…UH pride and defend pride rock.
Not a single star advertiser top 20 athlete stayed here in Hawaii! Something is very wrong with this. I like Rolo, he’s a good coach, but keep Hawaii Athletes here. I understand that some will leave, but all 20?
I love UH Athletics, but if it was my kid who has a chance to get a full ride on the Mainland. I’d push for the Mainland. If it doesn’t workout on the Mainland, they can always comeback and try as a walkon. The in state tuition is still reasonable. The players that stay in Hawaii out of high school must have true love of the islands and we should support whole heartedly.
Yeah play out of state for a year, find out it’s not what I thought it would be. Come back to play for second option UH Manoa. Okay walk on no scholarship offered and need to pay out of state tuition….ouch! Play on scout team for a year and maybe, yes maybe you can get on the field when the Warriors are blowing away another PAC 12 team
So can’t blame Rolo for not getting them probably a lot of pressure from their parents to leave.
Unfortunately the hype and so called promise to play by big name schools is all it takes to convince not only the players but in my opinion, their parents as well. As GoneGolfin said earlier, the grass is NOT always greener! While Im happy that most of these kids have a great future to look forward to in sports at the collegiate level, there will be some that are quickly disillusioned by the reality of sitting on a bench because there is someone better than they are. I think that an example of this is Tua Tagovailoa; while he is an amazing athlete, he chose to go to Alabama, a program that already has a very good YOUNG, only going to be a sophomore QB. Honestly his playing time even if he redshirts next season is going to be limited at best. While I never expected him to comit to UH, he may have better suited going to a program like Oregon where he probably would start as a freshman. Oh well, heres wishing all the recruits a very prosperous and awesome college experience!
I’m sure Tua knew about the Alabama QB situation before he enrolled there. You don’t know what his playing time will be like, you’re only guessing. There’s a decent chance he could become the starter as soon as this fall, even better chance next fall. Just because someone’s good, young and a returning starter doesn’t mean they’ll be a starter for the rest of their career. Tua chose to challenge himself against the very best because he wants to be the best. Sure he could have gone to another school, but it’s not in his nature to back away from any competition.
I never said he was backing away from any competition! Honestly I hope he does get his time to shine. All I was saying is that Alabama is not the highest rated program in the nation for nothing! But believe me, Nick Saban is not in this to make any athlete feel like they are going to start or even play for that matter. All he is concerned about is putting the very best he has…and he has ALL the best on his team to get to a national championship every single year!!! And if that means that a highly rated QB from Hawaii sits on the bench, then so be it!
Agree; I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts next season.
Valleyisle57, you said that Tua is an example of: “some that are quickly disillusioned by the reality of sitting on a bench because there is someone better than they are.” I disagree with that statement as I think Tua knows very well what awaits him and the challenges he faces. Therefore, even if he does sit on the bench he will in no way be “disillusioned”.
As I said, in no way do I wish him bad. On the contrary I said I wish him the very best. I’m just basing My opinions on what I see based on Alabamas present starting lineup.
I’m sure if he didn’t think he can beat out the starter he wouldn’t have chosen them maybe he went there to get a ring.
It’s based on needs. Rolo is not going to extend an offer to every one of the top 20. While its good that we keep some of the top local recruits home, I don’t see it as a failure on Rolo’s part if none chose to stay home. Look at some of the recruits he was able to come to Hawaii. Some are better than some of the locals here.
I don’t feel anything is “wrong” that non of these local boys will play for UH. Looking at player ranking, this listed local group has 2 4 stars, 10 3 stars, and 6 2 stars. So far Rolo’s signed recruits 11 3 stars, and 12 2 stars.
Like mentioned before, besides Tua, this local class is average. I like Rolo’s recruits. We got size and speed now.
So they want to leave, and not play for Hawaii, so be it. Forget about them, they are not true Hawaii kids anyway. Hawaii does not run in their blood. StarAdvertiser this is a warning, DO NOT WRITE ANYTHING ABOUT THESE KIDS ANYMORE, NOT A WORD. Hawaii people only care about those players that have the University of Hawaii, in their hearts. These kids that have decided to go away definitely DO NOT have Hawaii, in their hearts.
Disagree, step away from athletics, what about all the Hawaii kids that go away for school then return to make Hawaii better. Some student – athletes know they are not going to the next level. Instead choose to get their education with their god given talent. They also bring home different experiences , those that don’t go to college but choose military service.
Norm Chow really messed up . period. UH admin and regents have on going issues. period
Why you blaming him? Got more Aloha then some of the previous coaches.
My guess is Rolo’s walkon program will bring some local players on board.
Very sad. Not one of the Top 18 chose to sign with the University of Hawaii. I blame this on the StarAdvertiser for doing their HomeGrown articles. No more do I want to see the StarAdvertiser writing about kids that have gone away. Just write about the ones that have chosen to stay home and play for the University of Hawaii. Where is your loyalty StarAdvertiser. If these kids want to go away to play, so be it. StarAdvertiser just forget about them already. They do not care about Hawaii, so why care about them.
agree!! when reading those homegrown reports or highlighting a local kid doing well on the mainland, haven’t you noticed its a lot of private school kids,i.e. punahou, iolani etc. these are the types of parent that have connections to run stories of their child.
None of the top local athletes chose to stay home. I have no problem if an athlete wants to go away but not sure what it says about the state of UH football. Either Rolo couldn’t convince them to stay home or it just happened to be all of the top recruits this year had the mindset that they were going away no matter what UH offered.
Geesh, calm down folks. It’s NLI signing day news. Stephen Tsai of the Star-Advertiser does an excellent job of covering UH Football. As a fan, I am very pleased with the players coach Rolovich and his staff signed today and have all the confidence this coaching staff will continue to deliver an exciting and winning program.
Some of these guys harbor a lot of angst lol! Rolo did fine in his recruiting. We just need more stable supporting leadership from upper Manoa. Rolo needs to be here for the long haul or else the return of the Chow days will again be a possibility:(
Isn’t this about Hawaii athletes? Why only list local football players and not all of our local HS graduates that are signing for different sports? And why list out-of-state recruits for UH?
Going to go against the grain a bit here and say that it’s OK to go to the mainland for school, especially if the school is offering free tuition. It’s a chance for a Hawaii kid who may never get to see the mainland otherwise. If you think about it, we live on islands so it’s almost like living in a bubble. We cannot just drive to the next state. I do not see why it is wrong to want to see what’s “out there.” Or, are you afraid to let your children see it? If your child does not like it, as some mentioned, they can always come back to Hawaii. Four years go by really quick. I know. Both of my kids went to mainland schools and the years just flew by. Both enjoyed their time away. My daughter wants to remain in Hawaii while my son is hoping to land a job on the mainland because he liked the variety of opportunities. I’m OK with either choice. You cannot shelter your child forever. They will be their own person and, as a parent, I felt it was my duty to try to show them what else is available; otherwise, they would forever wonder, “what if…” As for saying we should forget about the kids who go away….they’re still OUR kids! If YOUR child moved to California, do you forget about him? One of “our kids” just won a National Championship in football a few weeks ago with Clemson. We should all be proud and happy for him! There seems to be a lot of tension in Hawaii nowadays where people are telling others to “go home” because they came from the mainland. Why aren’t we doing the same for UH athletes? Most are not from Hawaii, yet we cheer for them as if they were our own. Double standard? It’s only college athletics, and the scholarships being offered are a viable way to earn a college education. It’s not life or death!
i believe that player who won a national championship did grow up in hawaii, was a mainland transfer during his high school years.
We didn’t get any from the islands of Hawaii, but we did get some talent from the islands of Samoa and the very big island of Australia. In the past, we’ve gotten New Zealanders, Tongans, etc. We’ve even gotten mainlanders with Samoan ethnicity like Pisa T. Maybe they didn’t go to school here, but they quickly become adopted sons.
ditto
I’m very pleased with every recruit that signed with UH. Looks like some will make immediate impact on the team. TE’s got taller and heavier. WR’s taller and faster. RB’s look like ready to roll. DL and OL got some help there. LB core also got help there. What’s not to be happy about?
I’m disappointed UH got no DE’s to stay home; but other than that, UH did a bang up job on recruiting. As long as UH is able to recruit as in this years group, I think the Warriors will do just fine.
besides that DE from Kapolei, all of Rolo’s DE recruits better than any on that local list
In Coach Nick I trust. I’m backing Coach Rolovich and his staff, and the team,. Buy season tickets.
Rolo and his staff did a great job with the incoming 2017 commits. Can’t control the top local wanting to go away, but it’s great that these outside commits are coming in and wanting to play and represent the state of Hawaii. Rolo came in years ago from the continent to play quarterback at UH. Later did he know that he would have a great playing career here and fell in love with Hawaii. Today he is the head coach because of what he learned on and off the field at UH. Hope the cycle continues with this 2017 group and keep the program going down the road.