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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, February 2, 2007

UH lands California offensive lineman

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

The University of Hawai'i football team continues to restock its offensive line, securing a commitment from Austin Hansen of Valencia High School in Placentia, Calif.

"Yes, I'm a Warrior," Hansen declared Thursday.

He is the fourth offensive lineman to commit to UH in the past three weeks.

Hansen said he will sign Wednesday, the first day of the NCAA signing period.

Hansen said he is 6 feet 4 and 285 pounds.

He said he runs 40 yards in 4.9 seconds, completes the shuttle drill in 4.49 seconds, and bench presses 345 pounds.

He will play either right guard or right tackle at UH.

Bryce Runge, a former UH long snapper, alerted the coaches to Hansen.

Hansen visited UH two weeks ago.

"I love the people over there," he said. "I love the family atmosphere. It's close to my Italian heritage of family and everybody taking care of each other."

He said offensive lineman Aaron Kia was his host.

"Aaron Kia is awesome," Hansen said. "If anybody had an influence on me, it was Aaron Kia. He's a solid dude, just awesome."

One of his recruiting visits was to the Hard Rock Cafe. "All of the pro surfers were in there," he said. "I had a good time."

Hansen should make an easy adjustment to Hawai'i. His hobbies include bodyboarding and long-board surfing.

"We have a place called the Wedge," Hansen said of his favorite bodyboarding spot. "It's not quite like Sandy's, but it's a lot of fun. My goal is to go to Sandy's this summer."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.