Posted on: Saturday, January 1, 2005

Ex-UCLA receiver commits to Hawai'i

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

A wide receiver who played at UCLA for two years said he made a "solid verbal commitment" to accept a football scholarship from the University of Hawai'i.

Idris Moss, who is 5 feet 11 and 180 pounds, said he looks forward to competing in UH's four-wide offense and living in a community "that shows a lot of love."

Moss and his father, Rick, visited UH three weeks ago. "I love the people there," Moss said. "I was with (UH players) Chad Owens and Lamar (Broadway), and people were showing them a lot of love. I love the camaraderie and togetherness of the team."

Rick Moss said he was impressed with O'ahu's pace.

"It's a major metropolitan area and there are a lot of people, but it's not frantic," said Rick Moss, who is a curator for the African-American Museum and Library in Oakland. "There was a rhythm to the island, and I enjoyed it. All of the people coming in and going out but there was a seemingly relaxed atmosphere. Coming from an intense place, Hawai'i may prove beneficial for him."

As a senior quarterback at Eisenhower High in Rialto, Calif., Idris Moss received scholarship offers from UCLA, Syracuse, Wisconsin, Texas A&M and Fresno State. He chose, UCLA, his father's alma mater.

Moss played sparingly at UCLA. On Aug. 2, he was dismissed from the team for violating "department policy."

"It was nothing illegal," said Moss, who remained in good academic standing.

Rick said he told his son: "You'll learn, things don't always work out the first time. The important thing is to keep your options open."

Last semester, Moss attended Chaffey College, where he was the team's No. 2 receiver. After returning from a recruiting trip to Tulsa, he called the UH coaches and told them he was making a "solid verbal commitment."

Moss said he will earn an associate degree in May, and return to Hawai'i in June. He will have two years to play two seasons at UH.

"I want to get into the weight room and get stronger," he said. Moss, who is projected to play slotback, has been electronically timed running 40 yards in 4.4 seconds on artificial turf and 4.5 seconds on grass.

Rick Moss said his son — who was named after jazz drummer Idris Muhammad — always has been a dedicated athlete.

"He was so intense when it came to competition and sports," Rick said. "He would put on his uniform the night before the game. He would wake us up very early to make sure we were ready to get him to the field or court early. When it came to game time, he would be ready to perform. I've always said sports can teach you about discipline and leadership and about yourself, but when you're out there, have fun. You'll only do this for so long. He always tries to have fun when he plays."

Rick Moss said he believes his approach is shared by UH coach June Jones. "I have memories of June Jones not only when he played, but when he first started coaching," Rick said. "He seemed even-keeled. His players were always prepared."

While watching the telecast of UH's victory in the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl, Rick said, "I was affected by the enthusiasm of the crowd and the support of the team. You can't fake that. It's genuine. While I never try to influence Idris' decisions, I was hoping he would select UH. I think UH is a good fit for him."

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