All-State linebacker/safety Dylan Toilolo was all set to enroll at the University of Utah when he decided to make a Ute-turn.

He now will join the University of Hawaii football team.

Toilolo said he will begin taking classes on Monday, the first day of UH’s second summer session, and report to the Rainbow Warriors’ training camp on July 26.

“It’s just better for the family,” Toilolo told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

As a Saint Louis School junior in 2016, Toilolo was named to the Star-Advertiser’s All-State first team as a linebacker. Last year, he transferred to Kapolei High. He was named to the 2017 All-State second team as a safety. At the signing ceremony at the Sheraton Waikiki in February, Toilolo pledged to attend Utah. He exited the event wearing a Utes hat.

But Toilolo said his mother, who had planned to also move to Salt Lake City, received a promotion at her job in Hawaii.

Toilolo also said he was impressed with UH’s new defensive staff and proposed schemes. This offseason, Corey Batoon was hired as defensive coordinator. Batoon also will coach the safeties. Mark Banker was hired as assistant head coach in charge of linebackers. Toilolo can play linebacker, safety or rover.

“I love the island,” Toilolo said. “They have a bunch of new coaches that I like. They have a defensive scheme I’m looking forward to being a part of.”

Toilolo, who is 5 feet 11 and 200 pounds, said he began playing the sport in the third grade. “I always played defense,” Toilolo said, noting, “I take all my anger out on the field. I leave it all on the field.”

He played on the defensive line before moving to linebacker and then safety. He also has been used as a running back. At Saint Louis, he was an inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. At Kapolei, he was a safety who often moved into the tackle box in the Hurricanes’ 4-4 defense.

Saint Louis coach Cal Lee praised Toilolo for his football IQ. That creative thinking has been helpful in Toilolo’s other passion. He is an accomplished chess player.

“I like the strategy,” Toilolo said. “I like that you have to be a step or two ahead of your opponent.”