Pula picks BYU over UH
| • | UH's two-year plan starting to pay off |
| • | University of Hawai'i prospective signees |
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
In an 11th-hour decision, Kahuku High running back Mulivai Pula, the state's co-Offensive Player of the Year, verbally committed to Brigham Young last night.
In turning down the University of Hawai'i, Pula said, "It was a tough choice, but I prayed about it, and it felt right."
He added, "I want to thank the UH coaches for considering me."
The Warriors followed through on contingency plans yesterday, finalizing a deal on "The House" and moving closer to securing a commitment from a wide receiver from California.
Hausia "The House" Faleofa, a 6-foot-1, 240-pound defensive end from the College of the Canyons in California, accepted a UH scholarship, giving the Warriors 24 commitments entering today's start of the NCAA signing period for football.
The Advertiser has learned that a 25th recruit will be offered a scholarship this afternoon, and that he will sign a letter of intent tomorrow. That recruit is not Denny Flanagan, a wide receiver from Edison High in Huntington Beach, Calif. Flanagan rejected UH last week, then asked for a second chance when San Diego State rescinded its scholarship offer.
Faleofa is expected to contribute immediately, providing perimeter quickness as a pass-rusher. In 11 games last season, Faleofa had 61 tackles, 11 sacks, 14 tackles for losses and 10 quarterback hurries. He can run 40 yards in 4.75 seconds and bench press 400 pounds.
"He's not a character, but he has extremely great character," said Leon Criner, defensive coordinator for College of the Canyons. "He'll be a fine addition for (UH defensive coordinator) Kevin Lempa."
Faleofa is a graduate of Kahuku High, where he played running back. He attended College of the Canyons for one year, then went on a two-year church mission.
"He came back this past year and had great success," Criner said.
Criner said Faleofa was used on the open side, where he "was free to rush. ... He can put pressure on a quarterback. He's very quick."
Livai described Faleofa as "very quiet, but very solid. He's very strong. His strength is his strength. ... I'm proud of him. UH will get one of those hard workers who does what he's asked to do. And if they ever need a blocking fullback, there he is."
Livai had hoped Pula would join Faleofa at UH.
"That was my choice," Livai said. "But he had to make his own decision. I can't choose a school for him. I'm just glad he has an opportunity to go to college, and that he finally made a choice. Everybody is happy it's finally over."
What complicated the situation is Pula has yet to meet the requirements to play as an NCAA freshman.
The NCAA determines eligibility using a sliding scale that factors a player's grade-point average and SAT score. A player who partially qualifies may receive a football scholarship, attend classes and practice with the team, but not play in any games as a freshman.
A non-qualifier can attend classes, but is not permitted to practice with the team, play in any games or receive financial aid from the athletic department during his first year of college. Still, he may apply for financial aid available to other students.
According to Livai, UH and BYU both agreed to admit Pula as a non-qualifier. Pula's uncle, Kurt Fonoimoana, thought Pula would choose UH, even though his son, Ferron Fonoimoana, is a Kahuku High slotback who will sign a letter of intent with BYU today.
"Quite honestly, UH had the better offer," said Kurt Fonoimoana, noting Pula would have saved money by living at home and paying state tuition. "I thought UH did a really good job."
But he said, "There are no losers in this, because Mulivai will always represent Hawai'i where ever he goes."
The 5-foot-11, 215-pound Pula rushed for 18 touchdowns and more than 1,200 yards last season. He can run 100 meters in 10.9 seconds.
In addition to the 25 UH commitments, three players who signed letters of intent last year but did not play last season — defensive tackle Isaak Sopoaga, wide receiver Omar Bennett and utility player Justin Faimealelei — have met eligibility requirements and will compete for the Warriors this season.
NCAA Division I-A schools are limited to signing 25 recruits each year. But the Warriors will not exceed the limit because three recruits will either go on church missions or delay enrolling at UH for a year.
