Posted at 1 p.m., Tuesday, December 4, 2001

Kahuku defensive tackle heading for UH

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Defensive tackle Tala Esera of Kahuku High has accepted a football scholarship from the University of Hawai'i.

Esera, who is 6 feet 4 and 265 pounds, was instrumental in the Red Raiders winning their second consecutive state high school football championship last Friday. Kahuku defeated St. Louis, 21-14.

"He makes things happen," Kahuku coach Siuaki Livai said. "He flushes things out."

Livai said he has known Esera "since he was a little kid. Here in Kahuku, we watch these kids grow up."

Livai said he believes Esera has the potential to grow two more inches.

"he's a big kid, and he can get bigger," Livai said.

Livai said Esera has a 3.5 grade-point average and scored 1,000 on the SAT. "He's a great student all around," Livai said. "He's a quiet person, a hard worker. The (UH) coaches will love him. He'll never give you any problems. He comes from a good family."

Esera's mother, Mary Jane, is head of Kahuku High's math department. His father, Naturu, is a nationally recognized rugby player.

Esera is projected to play defensive tackle at UH.