Speedy DB from Florida commits to Warriors
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
A speedy defensive back from Florida has accepted a scholarship offer from the University of Hawai'i football team.
"I love what coach June Jones has done with the program," said Turmarian "Pooh" Moreland, who was raised in Palm Beach Lakes, Fla., and played the past two seasons at Los Angeles Valley College. "I wanted to be a part of that program."
Moreland, who is 6 feet 2 and 195 pounds, said he is turning down offers from Brigham Young, Syracuse and South Carolina.
He was named to the 2003 Western State Conference Northern Division all-star first team.
He will have three years to play two seasons with the Warriors.
As a freshman in 2002, Moreland started the first six games at wide receiver before being moved to cornerback. In the final three games, he made seven interceptions.
Last season, opposing teams rarely threw in his direction, L.A. Valley coach Ron Ponciano said. Still, Moreland made four interceptions, returning two for touchdowns, and broke up seven passes.
"He has that ability to score at any time," Ponciano said. "He's that good. I think the biggest attribute is he's a great character guy. I've been coaching for a long time, and those guys are hard to find in community college. When you run into one, it's very special. He's very special. His parents have done a great job of raising him, and he happens to be a great football player. It's win-win for them."
Moreland took a recruiting trip to Hawai'i last weekend.
"I had a good time," he said. "They've got a good team coming back, with (quarterback) Timmy Chang."
Moreland said he was impressed with the professional football background of Jones, a former NFL quarterback and head coach, and assistant coach Rich Miano, who played in the NFL for 11 years. Miano coordinates the Warriors' pass defense.
"I know I'll learn a lot over there," he said, explaining his decision. "I mean, BYU is a good school, but I chose Hawai'i because of the tradition. The (UH) coaches have a lot of experience."
As for his unique nickname of "Pooh," Moreland said he got it from his mother. Her name is Winnie.
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.
