Posted on: Sunday, December 21, 2003

Calif. quarterback gives UH verbal commitment

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Less than 24 hours after completing a recruiting trip to Hawai'i, quarterback Taylor Humphrey yesterday made a verbal commitment to play for the University of Hawai'i football team next year.

"I called Coach (June) Jones and told him I was committing," said Humphrey, a 6-foot, 205-pound senior from Miramonte High in Orinda, Calif.

Two weeks ago, Humphrey told The Advertiser he would commit during his recruiting trip. But during his visit that ended Friday afternoon, Humphrey was told by the UH coaches to discuss the scholarship offer with his parents before finalizing a decision.

But Humphrey said after meeting the UH players and academic counselors, "I knew that's where I wanted to go to school."

He said he took the trip because "I wanted to make sure I fit in. After I met all of the players and the coaches, I saw where I could be for the next four or five years, and (committing) seemed like the right thing to do."

As a two-year starter, Humphrey broke Ken Dorsey's Miramonte record by amassing more than 5,500 passing yards in a career. Humphrey also threw for 46 touchdowns during that span.

Miramonte has produced several standout quarterbacks, including Dorsey, who played at the University of Miami; Drew Bennett, who is a receiver for the Tennessee Titans, and Duke's Adam Smith.

UH's Jones learned of Humphrey through a Northern California scout who runs an area football combine. Humphrey and his father attended UH's road game against San Jose State Nov. 1. Two days later, after reviewing Humphrey's highlight video, Jones extended a scholarship offer.

UH is not recruiting another quarterback.

Inoke Funaki, a former Kahuku High quarterback, will join the Warriors in August after completing a two-year church mission.

Fresno State, Washington, Kentucky, Syracuse and Oregon expressed interest in Humphrey.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.