Posted on: Friday, July 9, 2004

Warriors looking at Fresno St. coach's son

By Stephen Tsai and Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Writers

A curious development is taking place at the home of Fresno State football coach Pat Hill, where recruiting mail is postmarked from ... the University of Hawai'i.

The Warriors are recruiting Matt Hill, the eldest son of their rival's head coach.

And the father not only doesn't mind, he is encouraging the attention.

Matt, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound safety/wide receiver, is a two-year starter for Central California power Clovis West High, according to the family.

He has joined his father and younger brother, Zachary, in attending some UH practice sessions the past two springs.

Pat Hill said his son has received recruiting brochures from several schools, although no offers have been made yet.

"Like a lot of kids, he needs to have a good senior year," Pat Hill said.

Pat Hill said he welcomes UH's — and coach June Jones' — interest in his son.

"Hawai'i has always been one of my favorite places, and my best friend lives there," Pat Hill said. "I like it over there and have a great deal of respect for June. If it worked out that Matt was good enough to play there and June had a spot for him, that would be great. I think it would be a good school for him to go to.

"If Matt has the type of season he can, hopefully, he can reach his goals this year. Having him play for a guy like June, I'd be in complete agreement with it. I'd know if he was over there and, at least, I'd have someone to call to make sure he's doing the right things, going to class."

And not Fresno State?

"I think it is better for him to go other places and spread his wings," Coach Hill said.

As far as his son's favorites, Coach Hill said, "all schools that are near the beach" — Hawai'i, San Diego State ...

Under NCAA rules, UH coaches are not allowed to comment on prospective recruits.