Posted on: Thursday, January 31, 2002

Kahuku receiver commits to BYU

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Kahuku High slotback Ferron Fonoimoana yesterday accepted a football scholarship from Brigham Young University.

Fonoimoana, who is 5 feet 8 and 165 pounds, was the top receiving threat for the state champion Red Raiders last season.

"He's our playmaker," Kahuku coach Siuaki Livai said. "He's the one who makes things happen. He's not that big, but he can do a lot of things. He's very smart, very elusive."

Last summer, Fonoimoana attended the BYU football camp, where he was named the most outstanding player.

Fonoimoana, who is a guard on the Kahuku basketball team, scored 20 points in a game last night. He also is a professional dancer.

"The kid is very talented," Livai said. "He comes from a great family. There are a lot of good things about the kid."

Fonoimoana was one of six Red Raiders to go on a recruiting trip to the University of Hawai'i last weekend. Three have committed to UH and defensive tackle Jonathan Mapu, widely regarded as the state's top prospect, committed to Tennessee. Livai said Mapu's final choices were Tennessee and UH.

Livai said he was not sure if UH offered a scholarship to Fonoimoana.

Kahuku running back Mulivai Pula, who was named The Advertiser's co-Offensive Player of the Year, remains undecided between Brigham Young and UH.

"I want him to stay home," Livai said. "I believe that would be the best for him. I know the state would love to see him run in Aloha Stadium."

Pula has yet to meet the academic requirements to compete as a college freshman. But UH has indicated it would accept him as a partial-qualifier, meaning Pula would be able to practice but not play in the fall. Still, he would be eligible to receive financial aid from the school.