Farrington's Fonoti said to be UH-bound

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Farrington High School head coach Randall Okimoto said defensive end Fetaiagogo "John" Fonoti has decided to accept a football scholarship from the University of Hawai'i.

Fonoti

But Okimoto, a former UH running back, said, "He's going to UH. That would be correct."

Fonoti is an intriguing prospect. At 6 feet 3 and 237 pounds he can play linebacker immediately. He also has the quickness (4.7 seconds over 40 yards) and strength (245-pound power clean) to develop into an effective pass-rushing defensive end.

But Fonoti's senior season was abbreviated because of a broken left fibula.

He played in preseason games against Iolani and Punahou before suffering the injury. He missed six weeks of the regular season — five games and a bye — but returned for the playoff game against Leilehua. "He was 100 percent" for that game, Okimoto said. "He's OK now."

Fonoti impressed recruiters with his play in the HUB Goodwill Classic at Aloha Stadium and the Samoa Bowl, which matched players from Hawai'i and American Samoa. He was named the Defensive Player of the Game.

Fonoti, who has a 2.7 cumulative grade-point average, has earned passing grades in all of his core classes, including math and Spanish. He still needs to earn a qualifying score on the SAT to be eligible to compete as an NCAA freshman.

"He can do it," Okimoto said.

Fonoti can take the SAT every month through June.

Nevada-Las Vegas and Utah were interested in Fonoti, but pulled out because they could not wait for him to earn a qualifying SAT score.

San Jose State was willing to accept Fonoti as a non-qualifier, meaning he could enroll in the fall even if he does not have a qualifying SAT score. As a freshman, a non-qualifier is not allowed to play nor receive a football scholarship.

But on Friday, Fonoti said, "I plan on going to UH. ... I want to stay home. ... It's better to play in front of your family and stuff."

Fonoti visited UH last week.

The Warriors are hosting 13 recruits this weekend, including receiver Mike Washington of Aliquippa (Pa.) High school. Washington verbally committed to UH last week.

Linebacker Blaze Soares of Castle High School also is leaning toward accepting a UH scholarship.

Soares, who was named to The Advertiser's All-State first team, said he will announce a decision after consulting with his parents. He also visited Brigham Young University.

Leilehua High school linebacker B.J. Fruean, also an Advertiser All-State player, did not visit UH this weekend because he was awaiting verification of his SAT application. Fruean is mulling offers from UH, Nevada-Las Vegas and San Jose State.

Meanwhile, Kevin Maher, an All-State player from Lake Oswego, Ore., said UH has emerged as his top choice.

Maher, who is 6 feet 2 1/2 and 203 pounds, can run 40 yards in 4.5 seconds. As a senior, he played running back, tight end, wide receiver, slotback and strong safety.

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