Saint Louis center Ethan Spencer commits to University of Hawaii football team for 2022

The centerpiece of the state’s best high school offensive line is set to play for the University of Hawaii football team.

Ethan Spencer of Saint Louis School said he has accepted a 2022 scholarship offer from the Rainbow Warriors.

“I saw it as an opportunity to get my school paid for and taken care of,” Spencer said, “and also to play the sport I love in front of my family, and to play at home.”

Spencer is the third Saint Louis offensive lineman to make a 2022 pledge. Right guard Jonah Savaiinaea accepted an offer from Arizona, and right tackle La‘akea Kapoi is headed to San Diego State. Saint Louis head coach Ron Lee said left-side blockers Gannon Lauer and Dakota Brown are highly regarded.

“We have a tremendous O-line,” said Lee, noting it all begins with the 6-foot-2, 270-pound Spencer. “He’s been a starter for us for three years. He’s really, really knowledgeable about protection. He calls all the blocking. He’s a real solid player.”

Spencer said he has always played center. Lee said Spencer has gone against some of the best in Saint Louis’ practices — Faatui Tuitele, now at Washington; Stanley McKenzie (California); Darrell Masaniai (San Diego State), and Anthony Sagapolutele.

“Every day at practice, he would go at it with the one-on-ones,” Lee said. “He did good. That’s why he’s starting.”

Spencer is capable of bench-pressing 375 pounds. ‘He’s got long arms and he’s strong,” Lee said.

Spencer has a 3.71 cumulative grade-point average. He said he plans to study business or economics at UH.

“He leads by his performance,” Lee said. “You look at his (video) cutups, he always does the job. He’s going to have a hell of a year this year. (The Warriors) are getting a good one, a really good one. I’m glad he committed. They got a winner.”