A prolific quarterback from Utah told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser he is joining the University of Hawaii football team.

“I just want to get out there and play ball,” said Boone Abbott, a senior at American Fork High. “That’s the plan.”

Abbott, who is 6 feet 2 and 178 pounds, said he will put his commitment in writing on Feb. 6, the first day of the NCAA’s spring-semester signing period for football prospects.

In 14 games this past season, Abbott threw for 4,438 yards and 47 touchdowns against 12 interceptions.

He received inquiries from several schools, including Utah and and Brigham Young, but favored Hawaii following a recruiting visit in December.

“Honestly, just the culture,” Abbott said of his choice. “Being out there, being able to go on my visit, it felt like the right place for me. It really clicked when I got there, and I connected with the coaching staff and the players and the community and the culture. It all seemed perfect for me. It felt like the perfect fit.”

His mother also embraced the decision. As a traveling nurse, Shannon Abbott worked in the delivery room of a Hawaii hospital for three months last year.

“My mom was super pumped about it,” Abbott said. “She’s always been in love with Hawaii. From the moment they offered, she said she was pushing me to commit. … My parents were super happy about it. They love the coaches and the program.”

Abbott said UH’s pass-friendly offense, which features run-and-shoot elements, was an attraction.

Abbott said he has been a quarterback since he first started playing football in the first grade.

“I wanted to be the dude that gets the ball every play,” he said. “That’s always been my position. That’s always what I wanted to do.”

Abbott also is an accomplished pitcher whose fastball topped at 90 mph last year.