Warriors to sign multi-purpose back

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

The University of Hawai'i football team yesterday received a verbal commitment from a multi-purpose high school player from California.

Matt Kirschner, who played running back and cornerback at Campbell Hall in North Hollywood, told the UH coaches he will sign a letter of intent next Wednesday, the first day NCAA recruits may put their commitments in writing.

Kirschner, who is 5 feet 10 and 175 pounds, was named to the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section Division XIII all-star team as a running back.

As a senior, he led the Delphic Conference in rushing (1,652 yards), total offense (150.2 yards per game) and touchdowns (17). He averaged 8.0 yards per carry.

As a cornerback, he had a league-high five interceptions last season. He also had five interceptions as a sophomore in 2001.

Kirschner is projected to compete at cornerback at UH.

Last Sunday, Kirschner completed a 48-hour recruiting trip to Hawai'i. He was one of four recruits visiting UH that weekend who received a scholarship offer. Two others — defensive lineman Austin Jackson of Mount San Antonio College in California and long-snapper Bryce Runge of Fullerton (Calif.) College — accepted UH scholarships Tuesday night.

A third recruit — wide receiver Greg Prator of Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. — is leaning toward committing to UH. Prator is scheduled to visit Washington State this weekend, but he told The Advertiser that UH is his top choice. He also is being recruited by Toledo.

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