Ex-Punahou athlete to play for Warriors

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Kenny Patton, a former Punahou School student who is attending a high school in California this year, has accepted a football scholarship from the University of Hawai'i.

Patton, who is 6 feet and 170 pounds, yesterday made a verbal commitment to the UH coaches.

He told The Advertiser he will sign a national letter of intent Feb. 6, the first day of the NCAA signing period for high school seniors.

"I wanted to come home and play in front of my family and friends," he said.

Patton played wide receiver and cornerback at St. Francis High in Pasadena, Calif. He was named the Mission League's Most Valuable Defensive Player and was chosen to the area all-star team as a defensive back.

He also caught two scoring passes, and was used on punt and kickoff returns.

"He was our main speed threat," St. Francis coach Jim Bonds said. "He had a great year for us."

Patton attended Punahou for six years before moving to California this summer.

"I wanted to see how I measured up against California athletes," said Patton, whose family still lives in Hawai'i. He is scheduled to take an official recruiting visit to UH next weekend.

Last February, Patton attended the Nike football combine in San Diego, where he ran 40 yards in 4.4 seconds.

"He's a good athlete and a good student," Bonds said. "He comes from a good family."

Patton already has met the NCAA requirements to play as a freshman. He has a 3.8 cumulative grade-point average and scored 1,090 on the SAT.

"He's very serious about academics," said Bonds, who is one of Patton's teachers. "Hawai'i made a great choice in offering him a scholarship."

Patton is expected to compete at either wideout or cornerback for the Warriors.

Patton holds a black belt in karate. He will compete in track this semester.