In a build-for-the-future move, the Hawaii football team reinforced the trenches with a 2020 commitment from a Mililani High lineman.

Jake Tuatagaloa, who will be a senior this fall, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser he has accepted a scholarship offer from the Rainbow Warriors. He will put his commitment in writing on Dec. 18, the first day of the early signing period for NCAA football prospects.

Tuatagaloa said he finalized his decision after attending UH’s “Junior Day” on Sunday.

He said he chose UH because of the football program, the coaches, and school’s curriculum. “For me, academic wise, they have everything,” Tuatagaloa said. “That’s what made me seal the deal with them.”

Tuatagaloa plays on both sides of the line as an offensive guard and defensive end. He is projected to compete as an offensive lineman after he enrolls at UH in June 2020. He said he enjoys both positions. His preference on offense is to “just eat. I like to pancake people.” He said he likes the versatility that defense offers.

He received honorable mention on the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s 2018 all-state team.

Tuatagaloa said he is 6 feet 2 and 305 pounds. He will not be participating in any football camps this summer after suffering a foot injury three weeks ago. He said he should be fully healed for the start of Mililani’s 2019 season.

Tuatagaloa will be reunited with linebacker Darius Muasau and offensive lineman Arasi Mose at UH. Muasau is a 2019 Mililani graduate who joins the Warriors this summer. “I’m close with Darius and his family,” Tuatagaloa said.

Tuatagaloa and Mose have known each other since middle school, when they played on a youth team that traveled to California. “That’s how I got to know him,” Tuatagaloa said.

Tuatagaloa said his interest in football and academics were heightened after meeting with Maa Tanuvasa a few years ago. Tanuvasa is a Mililani High graduate and former UH defensive lineman who won two Super Bowl rings with the Denver Broncos. “He basically broke it down for me,” Tuatagaloa said.

Tuatagaloa is the third Hawaii high school player to commit to UH for the 2020 season. Ezra Evaimalo, a linebacker from Kamehameha Schools, and wideout Tamatoa Mokiao-Atmalala of Campbell High have pledged to sign with UH in December.