By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Columnist

One by one, the University of Hawai'i's football recruits are beginning to arrive, meaning the curtain will soon be lifted on one of the Warriors' most anticipated preseason camps.

Ever since national signing day in February, when head coach June Jones proclaimed, "We've taken it (recruiting) to a different level; we expect a little bit more," the Warriors' Aug. 9 opening of fall practice has mandated a circle around it on the calendar.

Indeed, not long after the ink was dry on the letters of intent, Jones had said that, with the exception of Vince Manuwai and Pisa Tinoisamoa, who have since gone on to the NFL, none of the signees from his original recruiting class of 1999 was as talented as those who will be on display when this camp opens.

Of course, it seems like every year UH proclaims it has had its best recruiting class in: (a) decades or (b) history. The year Jones doesn't say something along those lines will carry the shock value of the Warriors abruptly dumping the pass and returning to the option offense.

Still, it is an intriguing mix of players that UH is bringing in, harvested from Saint Louis School to South Carolina, with American Samoa in there for good measure. On paper — and even apart from Jones' claims — no UH class has arrived with more accolades. Or, hope.

Whether that someday translates into touchdowns and championships remains to be seen. But, consider a sampling of the resumes involved:

Quarterback Tyler Graunke is Arizona's single-season passing record holder. Quarterback Taylor Humphrey is the San Francisco Chronicle Bay Area quarterback of the year. Receiver/running back Andrew Pearman, whose defection to UH raised the considerable dander of Virginia coach Al Groh, runs a 10.3 100 meters. Linebacker/strong safety Khevin Peoples has a 10.92 100. Quarterback Brandon Satcher is the South Carolina player of the year. Outside linebacker Carl Stokes runs a 10.9...

Well, you get the idea.

What is noteworthy is that some of these guys might be more than "futures" for the Warriors. Some could even be contributors in the Warriors' approaching season. And UH is counting on it, especially on defense. Jones has even said he will consider a freshman as Tim Chang's immediate backup if one can separate himself from the field during two-a-days.

It is a measure of the regard of the linebackers, in particular, that the Warriors say they have set things up to have them compete for playing time right away.

"We adjusted some things in the spring to hopefully give them an opportunity as true freshmen, which I think they can," Jones said.

"We never attracted Mainland athletes of this caliber (before)," Jones said. "I mean, my two freshmen linebackers have already clocked (10.9) in the 100 meters. We don't have wide receivers that can run 10.6."

Of course, speed and resumes are no guarantee of success. Wide receiver Mark Tate, he of the 10.6 100-meter clocking and Florence Griffith Joyner bloodlines, was the most celebrated recruit four years ago, spurning Kansas State, Wisconsin and Washington State for UH. But, as the result of a moped accident, hamstring and other problems, he played only sparingly for the Warriors and has left school.

Meanwhile, cornerback Abraham Elimimian, who was little-hyped in Tate's shadow, emerged as a three-year starter and should be an impact player this season.

Hype or quick-help, the tale of UH's most anticipated freshman class soon begins to unfold.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.