One of the best blockers on the state's best high school football team in 2006 has accepted a scholarship from the University of Hawai'i.

"I'm going to be a Warrior," declared offensive lineman John Manu-Olevao of Kahuku High School.

Manu-Olevao, who is 6 feet 3 and 312 pounds, made his commitment during yesterday's face-to-face meeting with UH head coach June Jones on the North Shore.

UH assistant Jeff Reinebold also attended.

"I went to all of the (UH home) games last year, and I always talked to coach Jones after the games," Manu-Olevao said. "We got to know each other."

Manu-Olevao said he was impressed with the program and the coaches. He also said he wanted to play in front of family members.

"They can see all of my games," he said. "My family is happy."

He said he turned down an offer from Nevada-Las Vegas.

He said he will sign his national letter of intent Wednesday, the first day of the NCAA football signing period.

His uncle, Samson Kela, played for the Warriors in the mid-1980s.

Kahuku coach Reggie Torres said Manu-Olevao, even at his size, was an agile right tackle.

"We were successful running to his side," Torres said. "Even when we ran to the other side, we were pulling from the backside. He was leading the blocking. On one counter play against a good team, he had a pancake."

Torres added: "He's as ferocious as he wants to be."

Manu-Olevao said he has been told he will play either tackle or guard at UH.

"Whatever they choose, I'll play," he said. "It doesn't matter to me. I just want to help the team."

Jeremy Crabtree, the national editor for the recruiting service Rivals.com, rated Manu-Olevao as one of the state's top prospects. Crabtree gave Manu-Olevao a 2-star rating.

"I like that he can play either guard or tackle," Crabtree said. "That versatility allows him to be a pretty nice little player. We see too many guys who only specialize at one position."

Manu-Olevao was named to The Advertiser's 2006 All-State second team.

Crabtree praised Kahuku, which won the 2006 state football championship.

"He plays for a great high school, one of the best — maybe the best — for producing talent," Crabtree said. "He's another in a long line of really good players from that school."

The commitment also shows UH and Kahuku have strengthened ties, a relationship that was rejuvenated when Jones attended banquets and camps in Kahuku last year.

Jones was the pointman in recruiting Manu-Olevao.

"He's a good guy," Manu-Olevao said of Jones.

Manu-Olevao stays fit playing baseball and rugby. He is a first baseman/pitcher for the Red Raiders.

After baseball practices, Manu-Olevao, some teammates and several neighbors play pick-up rugby matches.

"It's a good way to stay in condition," he said.

Manu-Olevao is one of eight who will take recruiting visits to UH this weekend.

Meanwhile, UH apparently remains in the running for Kahuku defensive lineman Kaniela Tuipulotu.

He is mulling scholarship offers from Utah, Arizona and Oregon State.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.