It was more than the weather and the upward-trending direction of the football program that led to lineman Baraka Beckett’s acceptance of a University of Hawaii scholarship.

“One of the major things was I’m a believer the human brain develops a lot when put in new situations and exposed to new cultures,” said Beckett, a senior at Palisades (Calif.) High. “I wanted to experience something different for college and learn more about myself.”

He recently took a recruiting visit to Hawaii.

“I felt really good about it,” Beckett said. “That’s one of the reasons I committed. I felt I connected with the coaching staff, and I thought it was an authentic place where I can spend four or five years.”

Beckett will ink a National Letter of Intent on Dec. 20, the first day of the NCAA’s new three-day, early-signing period.

Beckett, who is 6 feet 4 and 280 pounds, can play on both sides of the line.

“I always tell people I like offense and defense for different reasons,” Beckett said. “I like offense because you know what’s going to happen before it happens, and you’re able to get the jump on the defense. But I also like how predictable defense is, and how dynamic you have to be. I enjoy both positions.”

In 2016, Beckett amassed 84 tackles in nine games for Windward High in Los Angeles. He transferred to Palisades in January.

“Me and my parents decided we wanted the public-school experience,” Beckett said. “I feel the school I’m at now is more of an academic fit for me. As a family, we were moving, and this was our local school right down the street from where we live.”

Beckett’s parents have strong athletic, academic and entrepreneurial backgrounds. Justin Beckett, who was a three-year starter for the Duke football team, is founder and chief executive officer of Engine Play Technologies, which develops contest-based game platforms. Among the partners are Disney, American Idol and Sony.

Dorika Beckett, who competed in track at Harvard, is CEO of Livewell Care, which provides home care for Alzheimer’s patients. She also chairs a non-profit organization that funds educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged children.

Baraka Beckett said he aspires a post-football career in elderly care. “I enjoy taking care of people,” he said.