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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Friday, October 31, 2003

UH's Cavanaugh to recruit Samoa

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh is excited about visiting American Samoa.

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The University of Hawai'i football team plans to use next week's open date to open recruiting opportunities in American Samoa.

Mike Cavanaugh, who coaches UH's offensive linemen, is scheduled to make his first recruiting trip to American Samoa. He plans to meet with up to 10 prospects.

"I'm excited about this trip," said Cavanaugh, who was the point man in the recruiting of slotback Nate Ilaoa and starting offensive linemen Uriah Moenoa and Samson Satele.

American Samoa is a fertile recruiting area, attracting coaches from Southern California, Penn State, Fresno State, Oregon State and Utah.

Since June Jones was named head coach in December 1998, UH has signed three prospects from American Samoa — defensive tackle Isa'ako "Isaac" Sopoaga, defensive end Melila "Mel" Purcell and offensive tackle Larry Sauafea. Sopoaga is considered to be one of UH's top pro prospects. Purcell was named the Western Athletic Conference's Defensive Player of the Week on Monday. Sauafea is redshirting.

In the past, Rich Miano, who coordinates the pass defense, was UH's point recruiter in American Samoa. Because most of this year's top prospects are linemen, it was decided to send Cavanaugh to make the initial recruiting visit.

American Samoa does not have youth football leagues or junior varsity teams. But Cavanaugh said many of the best football players are skilled from playing several sports. At 330 pounds, Sopoaga can dunk a basketball. The 280-pound Sauafea, who has gained 30 pounds since enrolling at UH in August, is one of the Warriors' most agile linemen.

Who: Hawai'i (5-3, 4-1 in WAC) at San Jose State (2-5, 1-3 in WAC)

Kick-off: 10 a.m. tomorrow

TV: Live on K5, Channel 5
Cavanaugh said UH is looking at safeties, linebackers and linemen. The plan is to convert safeties into linebackers and linebackers into defensive linemen.

Miano and Jones are expected to visit American Samoa later in the year.

Travel plans: For the second time in five trips this season, the Warriors will practice in the same city as the site of the road game.

The Warriors, who were scheduled to arrive last night in San Jose, will have a light practice this afternoon.

For the Sept. 13 game against USC, the Warriors practiced once in the Los Angeles Coliseum. But they practiced in Houston for games in Ruston, La., and Tulsa, Okla., and spent five days in Ontario, Calif., to prepare for the Nevada-Las Vegas game.

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