Warrior football team's wish list nearly fulfilled

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

If all of the promises become written commitments today, the first day football prospects may sign national letters of intent with NCAA Division I-A schools, the University of Hawai'i will have fulfilled most of its wishes during this recruiting drive.

As of last night, the UH coaches were awaiting word from defensive end Amani Purcell of Leone High in American Samoa. Several publications reported that Purcell, the younger brother of UH defensive end Melila Purcell Jr., had committed to Penn State. But Purcell had not notified the UH coaches, according to people familiar with the situation, nor family members in Hawai'i.

Even without Purcell, the Warriors were able to meet most of their recruiting needs. They were seeking offensive linemen, defensive backs, defensive linemen and a punter.

The Warriors received verbal commitments from six offensive linemen, including three members of The Advertiser's All-State team (Xavier Ho'olulu of Kailua High, Jeremy Inferrera of Saint Louis School and Michael Lafaele of Farrington High) and an All-California player (Hercules Satele of Long Beach Poly High).

In addition to Orlando Wong, a former Kahuku High standout who has returned from a church mission, and A.J. Martinez, who signed last year but will report in August, the Warriors received commitments from four other defensive backs.

The Warriors added four defensive linemen, but three are former Hawai'i high school standouts who last played during the 2001 junior college season. UH coaches have said the scarcity of premium defensive linemen creates more competition for Hawai'i prospects. This year, UH competed against Penn State, Nebraska, Washington, Washington State, Oregon and Tennessee for defensive linemen.

Still, the Warriors held their own, inducing Kahuku High safety Viliami Nauahi to renege on a commitment to BYU, and out-recruiting Oregon and Southern California for offensive lineman Larry Sauafea.