All-State lineman commits to Hawai'i

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

One of the University of Hawai'i football team's top Christmas wishes was granted yesterday when it received a verbal commitment from All-State defensive tackle Rocky Savaiigaea from 'Aiea High School.

Savaiigaea

"Ever since I was a little kid, I dreamed of going to UH," he said. "My parents had (UH) season tickets before I was even born. There was always something about UH that I loved."

Savaiigaea can bench press 385 pounds and run 40 yards in 4.97 seconds.

He said he canceled recruiting trips to Utah, Nevada-Las Vegas, San Diego State and Idaho. He also was recruited by Colorado.

Savaiigaea said his recruiting visit to UH was on the weekend the Warriors upset Michigan State to clinch a berth in the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl.

"We got to go on the field with four minutes left," he said. "I wanted to commit right there. But I wanted to make sure I made the right decision. It came down to a family decision."

Savaiigaea said he was impressed with the Warriors' "family atmosphere."

He said he was amazed when fans cheered as the police-escorted bus carrying the UH football team approached Aloha Stadium.

He said his friends who played at Mainland schools are greeted by a handful of people after home games. Amosa Amosa, a former UH player, told Savaiigaea that "when he used to come out after the game, his whole family was there. They were having big tailgating parties."

Savaiigaea added: "My family is pretty tight, and I want to experience that."

Savaiigaea said UH assistant coach Ron Lee and UH freshman defensive tackle Keala Watson were helpful in addressing his questions.

"Keala Watson was a big recruit (last year)," Savaiigaea said. "He told me why he stayed home, the benefits of staying home. He told me about his transition from (Nanakuli) high school to a Division I school. It was good to hear it from a player's standpoint."

Savaiigaea, who began playing the sport as a freshman, said he looks forward to playing at his football idol's alma mater.

"I really liked Isaak Sopoaga," he said of the former UH defensive tackle and the San Francisco 49ers' fourth-round draft choice. "He was my role model when I started playing. I used to look at the intensity he brought, his ability, how strong he was."

Savaiigaea will help UH rebuild a defensive line that loses two starters from this season and six overall in the past two years.

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