UH's two-year plan starting to pay off

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

In assessing this year's University of Hawai'i football recruiting class, there should be two measurements: How UH did this year and how it did over a two-year period.

That is because this year's class could be considered an extension of the class of '00.

Linebacker Chad Kalilimoku, defensive tackles Darrell Tautofi and Matt Faga, running back John West and wide receiver Jeremiah Cockheran were recruited in 2000 with the wink-wink understanding they eventually would sign with the Warriors after playing two years at junior colleges.

Kalilimoku is a Roosevelt High graduate, Tautofi and Faga are from Kaimuki High, and West is from Leilehua High. Cockerhan was a high school teammate of UH starting wide receiver Justin Colbert.

The three commitments from Kahuku are a result of the improved relationship between the UH coaches and Kahuku head coach Siuaki Livai the past two years.

UH coach June Jones' decision to establish a recruiting base in American Samoa led to a commitment from Mel Purcell Jr. of Leone High.

UH's investment fund appears healthy. Former Kailua High offensive lineman Lokahi Travis, who signed with UH last year, did not meet the requirements to play as an NCAA freshman and is now attending a junior college. Travis is expected to re-sign with the Warriors next year.

Also, several players from American Samoa who are now attending junior colleges in California have indicated they would like to play for the Warriors.

At least one player from this year's recruiting class is expected to go to a junior college in the fall and return to UH in two years.

• Raw gems: The recruiting success in the past three years not only has built depth, it has allowed the Warriors to sign players who might need a few years to develop.

Scouts believe that St. Louis offensive lineman Mesepa Reed can mature into a starting tackle. At a lean 6 feet 5 and 240 pounds, Reed has said he can gain 40 pounds without losing his agility, a needed skill in UH's blocking scheme.

Scouts also like the potential of Punahou offensive lineman Dane Uperesa and Kahuku defensive lineman Tala Esera, who sometimes was as good as his much-heralded teammate, high school All-America Jonathan Mapu.

The most intriguing prospect is Purcell, a 6-foot-5, 230-pound athlete who can dunk a basketball off a 360-degree move and play running back, wide receiver, tight end and linebacker. There are no youth or junior varsity football programs in American Samoa, and scouts believe that, with time and proper coaching, Purcell will develop into a top defensive end.