Saint Louis' Rivers commits to UH

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

The University of Hawai'i football team today secured a verbal commitment from Saint Louis School wide receiver Jason Rivers, one of the state's top prospects.

"After weighing all of my options, I decided I want to go to UH" Rivers said. "If you're a receiver, what better place to be? Everyone gets to touch the ball. It's paradise for a receiver."

"He's the No. 1 draft pick," Saint Louis athletic director Cal Lee said.

Washington, Washington State, Oregon and Arizona State also pursued the 6-foot-2, 193-pound Rivers, who will sign a national letter intent with UH on Feb. 5, the first day of the NCAA signing period for football recruits.

Despite a pulled hamstring, Rivers caught 47 passes for 646 yards and four touchdowns in 2002. During a three-game stretch against Kamehameha (twice) and Farrington, he amassed 29 receptions for 397 yards and three touchdowns.

"I think he's got great athletic ability and great speed to match it," Crusader coach Delbert Tengan said. "He's a hard-working individual."