Moanalua DT Scott Pagano commits to Clemson


Moanalua senior defensive tackle Scott Pagano has given a verbal commitment to play football at Clemson University in 2013, Na Menehune coach Arnold Martinez confirmed Tuesday afternoon.

Pagano, who is 6-foot, 4 inches and 280 pounds, is considered by most recruiting services as the top player in Hawaii for the upcoming high school season.  He made his announcement on his Facebook page, choosing Clemson over Southeastern Conference powers Alabama, Florida and LSU.

He recorded times of 5.31 seconds in the 40-yard dash and 4.47 seconds in the 20-yard shuttle run. His listed vertical jump is 24.2 inches and is the 20th ranked player at his position nationwide.

Pagano, who was born in California, is rated as a four-star recruit by Scout.com and is the 263rd ranked prep player by ESPN. He reportedly had scholarship offers from over 50 schools across the country, including the University of Hawaii.

Clemson won the Atlantic Coast Conference with a 7-2 record last year and finished 10-4 overall after an Orange Bowl loss to West Virginia.