Jared Lene, an offensive lineman from Altus High School in Oklahoma, said he will put his commitment in writing Wednesday, the first day recruits may sign binding national letters of intent.

"This is a dream come true," Lene told The Advertiser. "I've always wanted to play for UH."

Lene, who is 6 feet 4 and 240 pounds (he was 260 during the football season), was born in Hawai'i and lived here until he was 8, when he moved with his mother to Oklahoma.

Lene's cousins are former UH offensive linemen Amosa Amosa and Lene Amosa.

Lene said he has attended a few UH road games. He also has watched their nationally televised games.

"Sometimes their games will be on at midnight," Lene said. "A lot of people come over to watch the Warriors. I built a little Hawai'i fan club here."

He said he owns several UH memorabilia, including two jerseys, three shirts and five hats. "A couple of years ago, I took a picture with (former UH quarterback) Timmy Chang, and he signed it, too," Lene said. "That was pretty cool."

The Warriors, in turn, have become strong fans of Lene. He was named to Oklahoma's Preseason All-State team. He also was selected to the All-District and All-Area teams.

He can bench press 315 pounds, and run 40 yards in 4.79 seconds. He has throws of 54 feet, 9 inches in the shot put and 163 feet in the discus.

Lene visited the Warriors this past weekend. "I just loved it there,' he said. "The players really take you into the family. The program is really good, and the facilities are excellent."

While reuniting with family members "played a small part" in the decision, Lene said, "the program was the main thing. I wanted to be part of the program."