Warriors' defense gets big boost
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
The University of Hawai'i football team capped the final weekend of the recruiting period by securing commitments from two linebackers, a combination running back/linebacker, and a junior college defensive tackle.
Verbal pledges yesterday were made by Blaze Soares, an All-State linebacker from Castle High School; Solomon Elimimian, a linebacker from Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles; Mario Cox, a multi-skilled player from McClymonds High in Oakland, and Siave Seti, a defensive tackle from West Los Angeles College.
Defensive end Fetaiagogo "John" Fonoti yesterday announced he was accepting a UH football scholarship. He decided on Friday, but delayed an announcement until after yesterday afternoon's family meeting.
Asked why he chose UH, Fonoti said, "Mostly because of the love of the family. I wanted to play here. To me, Hawai'i is the best."
UH also is reserving scholarships for defensive tackle Tyson Alualu of Saint Louis School, linebacker BJ Fruean of Leilehua High and strong safety Kevin Maher of Lake Oswego, Ore. Those three are expected to commit to UH.
The Warriors were rushing to beat last night's deadline. NCAA coaches are not permitted to have face-to-face contact with recruits from today through Wednesday, the first day football prospects may sign binding national letters of intent.
The Warriors brought in 13 recruits this past weekend, offering scholarships to five. The first to accept was the 6-foot-1, 225-pound Soares, who chose UH because of "family and friends. I wanted to show the state what I can do."
Soares said he looks forward to working with linebacker coach Cal Lee and joining "my friends on the UH team. I'm friends with a lot of the recruits, too."
Soares visited Brigham Young University three weeks ago, but "ever since I decided to go to college, I knew this would be the place. Plus, the fan support for the players is so much. This is a great place to play."
Soares said he attended all of UH's home games during the 2004 season. "I can feel the vibe," he said.
Soares can bench press a maximum 405 pounds, and 225-pounds 17 times. He can power clean 300 pounds. He can sprint 40 yards in 4.5 seconds, although that is not how he earned his unique first name. His father, a former Campbell High quarterback, named his son after the football team's center. "He's my dad's good friend," Soares said.
Elimimian, who is 6 feet 1 and 220 pounds, is the younger brother of former UH cornerback Abraham Elimimian.
Elimimian received offers from Utah, San Diego State and Iowa State, but opted for UH because "I felt comfortable on my trip (last week). It's a good place."
He said he was impressed with his host, cornerback Kenny Patton, and head coach June Jones.
"(Jones) helped me make up my mind," Elimimian said. "He told me something I felt, about Hawai'i being a family."
As a senior, Elimimian amassed 125 tackles, 9 1/2 sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception. He was named to the All-League, All-City, All-Area and All-Region all-star tams.
Cox, who is 5 feet 11 and 231 pounds, was a standout two-way player for El Cerrito (Calif.) High as a junior. He was named one of the SuperPrep service's "Hot 100" football prospects in the West entering the 2004 season.
Cox transferred to McClymonds High School in Oakland last summer. As a senior, he rushed for 1,225 yards and 25 touchdowns.
As a linebacker, he amassed 105 tackles, including 20 in an opposing team's backfield, and had 8.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and four interceptions.
Seti, who is 5 feet 10 and 315 pounds, has drawn comparisons to former Warrior defensive tackle Lance Samuseva.
Seti can bench press 225 pounds 25 times.
He also received scholarship offers from San Jose State and Portland State.
Wide receiver Mike Washington of Aliquippa (Pa.) High School yesterday reaffirmed his commitment to the Warriors.
"I love Hawai'i," Washington said as he completed his 48-hour recruiting visit. "I don't want to leave. I'm signing on Wednesday, and I'll be back in August."
Asked about Saturday's downpour, Washington said, "Hey, it rains everywhere. Rain is not a problem for me."
Long-snapper, punter leaving program
Long-snapper Bryce Runge and punter Tim Wright will not return to the UH football team.
Runge, who is getting married, was used solely as a long-snapper on punts and field-goal attempts.
Wright was signed as a punter in 2003, but was used sparingly after Kurt Milne won the job.
Walter Gagnon said his stepson will transfer to Murray State, a Division I-AA school in Kentucky.
Satele to undergo shoulder surgery
Starting left guard Samson Satele is expected to undergo arthroscopic shoulder surgery, UH line coach Mike Cavanaugh confirmed. Cavanaugh said Satele will not participate in spring practice, but should be fully healed for the start of training camp in August.
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.
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