O'ahu prep linemen commit to UH
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
Two of the state's top offensive linemen have decided to accept football scholarships from the University of Hawai'i.
Kahuku High's Kalavi Blanchard, the top blocker on the state high school championship team, and Punahou School's Dane Uperesa, the nephew of former Isle football standout and Southern California assistant coach Keith Uperesa, will put their commitments in writing Feb. 6, the first day high school seniors may sign national letters of intent.
"He's our best lineman," Kahuku coach Siuaki Livai said of Blanchard. "He's very quiet, but he's a hard worker. He's very coachable. The (UH) coaches will love him."
For two seasons, Blanchard started at right tackle, and Livai said 80 percent of the Red Raiders' running plays went to Blanchard's side.
"That's our strong side," Livai said.
Blanchard, who is 6 feet 4 and 290 pounds, is the second Kahuku lineman to commit to UH this month.
"It all started with his best friend, Tala Esera, committing ," Livai said. "(Blanchard) wanted to stay home, too. We want some home-grown guys over here. I think (UH coach) June Jones' program is going to get better and better."
Livai said Blanchard is a good student who already has met the academic requirements to play as a college freshman.
"He's very disciplined," Livai said. "I know he'll do a good job. He has a great work ethic. These guys will do anything for you. They'll do what it takes to be the best."
Blanchard turned down offers from Washington and Utah.
Uperesa, who is 6 feet 5 and 300 pounds, was expected to take a recruiting trip to Southern California. Two summers ago, he attended a football clinic on the USC campus.
He said he was impressed with UH and its football program after a recruiting visit last week, then decided to verbally commit after attending the Warriors' 72-45 victory over Brigham Young Saturday at Aloha Stadium.
"During the game, I was positive I wanted to play for UH," Uperesa said. "It was such an exciting game. I wanted to jump on the field and play already."
He said he was pleased with UH's patience and support.
"Coach Jones told me to do what's best for me," Uperesa said. "He didn't try to pressure me. I was thinking about my future, and I realized UH would be the best school for me."
Uperesa played right tackle, but is projected to play left tackle at UH. His footwork has been enhanced by his basketball skills. He can dunk a basketball.
Uperesa has a cumulative 3.2 grade-point average, and already has scored high enough on the SAT to play as a college freshman. He plans to major in business.
"I'm glad I'm going there," he said. "I'm glad my family and friends will have the opportunity to watch me play. That had a lot to do with my decision."
