The University of Hawai'i landed two Kahuku High School defensive standouts on National Letter of Intent Day this morning, as linebacker Ben Mamea and safety Tigi Hill signed on to play for the Warriors next season.
In the meantime, Saint Louis offensive lineman Paulay Asiata chose Colorado yesterday and signed with the Buffaloes this morning, while Crusaders linebacker Starr Su'a Passi made a late decision to attend Idaho State.
Kahuku coach Reggies Torres said Mamea and Hill made their official visit to UH last weekend.
"Boise State and Utah were interested, Ben was getting interest from Washington and Tigi from Oregon State," Torres said.
Mamea is a 6-foot, 217-pound middle linebacker, and Hill is a 6-3, 215-pound strong safety who has drawn comparisons to former Kahuku and Brigham Young standout Aaron Francisco, who now plays for the Indianapolis Colts. Hill had been projected by some schools to play linebacker in college.
"He can play anywhere," Torres said.
Asiata (6-5, 295) said he expects to play left tackle at Colorado, which also signed fellow Crusader Juda Parker (defensive end) and Punahou linebacker K.T. Tu'umalo.
"I liked the school, the surroundings," Asiata said. "I liked the O-line coach, Steve Marshall."
Su'a Passi (6-1, 220) chose Idaho State, where former Saint Louis and UH standout Craig Stutzmann is the new receivers coach.