Posted at 11:53 a.m., Tuesday, November 7, 2006
Top offensive prep player commits to play for Warriors
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
Gabe Tuata, a running back at Kealakehe High School, said he notified the UH coaches of his decision Monday night.
"It was a hard decision," Tuata said. "My first option was to the Mainland. But I like Hawai'i. I like (the Warriors') offense, just the way they spread it out."
Tuata said he received strong interest from Boise State, Arizona, Colorado and Brigham Young.
Tuata said he was told he will compete at slotback at UH.
"I'm fine with anything," Tuata said.
Tuata was named to The Advertiser's All-State second team as a junior last year.
This year, he has rushed for more than 1,600 yards in 11 games. Against Hawai'i Prep Academy, he gained 275 yards on 10 carries.
Tuata, who is 5 feet 7 and 175 pounds, can run 40 yards in 4.49 seconds.
He said he attracted interest from UH when he attended a "couple of camps" on the Big Island. At the camps, he met UH players Leonard Peters, Davone Bess and Ikaika Alama-Francis. "They're great guys," Tuata said.
Kealakehe is 11-0 and ranked No. 8 in this week's Advertiser high school football poll.
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.
