Posted at 3:18 p.m., Saturday, January 5, 2002

Kamehameha's Lucas heading for Oregon

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

Advertiser all-state offensive lineman Enoka Lucas of the Kamehameha Schools said today he will accept a scholarship offer to play football at Oregon.

The 6-foot-4, 290-pound senior guard gave Ducks' defensive line coach Steve Greatwood an oral commitment yesterday. He made an official recruiting visit to the Eugene, Ore., campus in early December.

"Eugene is really family-oriented," Lucas said of his decision. "Hawai'i will always be my home, but going away was one of my goals."

He said Oregon's No. 2 finish in the national rankings aided in his decision. Oregon beat Colorado, 38-16, in the New Year's Day Fiesta Bowl. Ironically, Lucas' other recruiting trip was to Colorado.

Lucas said he canceled a trip to Wisconsin and turned down offers from Washington State, Utah and San Diego State. But like Iolani all-state defensive lineman Donny Mateaki, Lucas said he still plans to make an official visit to Hawai'i next weekend.

What also helped in his decision is that he has relatives in Oregon. Linfield assistant Doug Hire, a Pearl City High graduate, is Lucas' uncle.

Lucas said he was told he will likely play guard or center at Oregon. He said he had never played center before. "I'll be training at center at the Derby camp," he said.

He was referring to an offseason camp conducted by former UH lineman Brian Derby. A number of other high school, college and even pro players attend the camp. Last year's attendees included Chicago Bears center Olin Kreutz, who will make his first Pro Bowl appearance next month at Aloha Stadium, and Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola.

Besides the camp, Lucas credited Warriors' coach Kanani Souza and all of his assistants with helping improve his game.