Three commit to Warrior football
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
The University of Hawai'i football team yesterday secured verbal commitments from two receivers and a linebacker.
Antwan Mahaley, a 6-foot-4, 200-pound wideout from Carson High in Los Angeles; Marquez Jackson, a 5-8, 150-pound slotback from Gainesville, Ga., and Richard "R.J." Kiesel-Kauhane, a 6-2, 210-pound outside linebacker from 'Aiea High told the UH coaches they will put their commitments in writing Feb. 2, the first day recruits may sign binding national letters of intent.
Kiesel-Kauhane
As a junior in 2003, Mahaley was named to his league's all-star second team as a tight end. He played mostly as a receiver last season, and is projected to compete at wideout for the Warriors.
Mahaley's best friend is offensive lineman Laupepa Letuli of North Torrance (Calif.) High. Letuli verbally committed to UH three weeks ago. After recent trips to Oregon and Nevada-Las Vegas, Letuli reaffirmed his commitment to UH, a move that factored in Mahaley's decision to accept the Warriors' scholarship offer.
Jackson is the starting point guard on the nationally ranked East Hall basketball team. Last year, he was named to Georgia's All-State second team in basketball. He has played in three state championship basketball games. He also competes in track.
"He's a great athlete," said Tim Marchman, East Hall's football coach.
Although he has received several scholarship offers in basketball, Jackson's passion is football.
"I really love the togetherness around here," Jackson said during his recruiting visit, "and I love Hawai'i and the program. The offense is really wide open for the receivers.
As a senior football player, Jackson caught 52 passes for 848 yards and five touchdowns. The Gainesville Times named Jackson to the 2004 All-Area team.
Because of the distance between Georgia and Hawai'i, the UH coaches told Jackson to wait until Wednesday before making a decision.
Jackson decided to commit immediately. "I wouldn't let them finish the sentence," he said. "It's a chance of a lifetime, and I'm going to take it."
Marchman said: "I think he feels he can fit in the offense and really make some things happen. He's really excited about the opportunity."
Kiesel-Kauhane said he will turn down offers from Tulane and Idaho to play for the Warriors.
"Staying home and playing for June Jones is what I want to do," he said. "The huge support from my family and friends is another benefit."
Kiesel-Kauhane had competed in basketball, but decided to give up the sport to focus on football training this semester.
He can bench press a maximum of 375 pounds, and 225 pounds 22 times. He can run 40 yards in 4.6 seconds.
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.
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