Defensive back Adam Netane has experienced Orlando’s magic. Now he is ready for the magic of Polynesia.

Netane, a recent graduate of Bishop Moore Catholic High in Orlando, Fla., told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser he is joining the University of Hawaii football team. He reports on Thursday, the opening day of the Rainbow Warriors’ training camp.

Netane, who is of Tongan and Hawaiian ancestry, said he has relatives living in Laie. He often visits Hawaii using an airline buddy pass from his mother.

“Honestly, I’ve always wanted to go to UH,” Netane said. “Hawaii is a second home for me. I’m there all the time. If I’m not in Florida, I’m in Hawaii. Playing ball out there is exciting and something I’ve always wanted to do.”

Netane was set to join Army after making an oral commitment during his senior season. “When I committed to Army, I shut down my recruitment (from other schools),” Netane said.

But he said the Army plans “just ended up not working out,” and after signing day “I was kind of left out to dry.”

But then Vae Tata, who played at Saint Louis School and UCLA, visited Netane’s hanai brother, James Thomson. Thomson and Tata knew each other from when they coached at UCLA. After learning Netane was available, Tata called UH defensive coordinator Corey Batoon.

“And they offered me a spot on the team,” Netane said.

Netane said he is 6 feet tall and weighs between 165 and 170 pounds. He said he is open to competing at cornerback, nickelback or receiver for the Warriors. “I’m able to play anywhere I can to help the team,” Netane said.

Netane was a receiver at Dr. Phillips High in Orlando before transferring to Bishop Moore before the start of his senior year. He said the Hornets’ option-oriented wing-T offense offered limited receiving opportunities for the wideouts. He then was allowed to also play defensive back.

Netane said his family has been in the luau business for 30 years.

“If it wasn’t for UH, I’d probably be working at Disney World right now,” Netane said. “I dance and do other things. My family has always been in show business. I’ve always done it since I was little.”

This week, Netane is performing his fire-knife routine at a show in Seattle.