Proving it's never too late to add defensive talent, the University of Hawai'i football team yesterday received a commitment from a highly regarded strong safety from Texas.

Geoff Hayth of Dripping Springs High School near Austin has withdrawn a commitment to join the Air Force Academy and instead will sign with the Warriors.

"I love everything about the program," Hayth told The Advertiser. "Everybody on the coaching staff is amazing. I'm very impressed with coach (June) Jones, coach (Jerry) Glanville (the defensive coordinator) and the rest of the staff."

Hayth, who is 6 feet 1 and 195 pounds, can run 40 yards in 4.44 seconds and 100 meters in 10.69 seconds.

He can bench press 325 pounds.

This past season, he made 94 tackles and three interceptions.

He was named to the All-Tri-State second team, All-CenTex first team (for the Austin area) and All-District.

Hayth, who has a B-plus average, scored 1,190 on the SAT. His academic and athletic successes helped him receive an appointment to the Air Force Academy.

But soon after accepting that offer last month, Hayth began to question his decision. The arrangement called for Hayth to attend the Air Force prep school for a year and, once he enrolled in the academy, to commit to a career in the military.

"I evaluated everything, and I knew I didn't want to be in the military," Hayth said. "I wanted to be part of the Hawai'i program."

During his recruiting visit to Hawai'i last month, he "realized (Hawai'i) has a great atmosphere and culture and environment."

Hayth also is friends with two other UH recruits — defensive back Lucious Henderson and wideout Mitch Farney.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.