honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, December 8, 2008

Punahou QB commits to UH

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Cayman Shutter

spacer spacer
Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser
spacer spacer

It was a perfect weekend for quarterback Cayman Shutter of Punahou School.

Friday night, he passed for 400 yards to lead the Buffanblu to a 38-7 victory over Leilehua in the state Division I championship football game.

Saturday night, he accepted a football scholarship from the University of Hawai'i football team.

"It's been unbelievable," Shutter said of the past weekend. "It's been like a dream come true."

The past summer, Shutter had made a verbal commitment to attend New Mexico. After that, he received an offer from the Warriors.

Although UH "was always my first choice," Shutter felt obligated to honor his commitment to New Mexico.

But last month, Rocky Long, one year removed from a bowl season, resigned as the Lobos' head coach. The Lobos finished 4-8 this season.

"I felt it wasn't the same school I committed to," Shutter said. "I felt that gave me an opportunity to play for my home. That's what I decided to do."

Shutter called UH head coach Greg McMackin.

According to Shutter, McMackin said the Warriors had decided they were done recruiting quarterbacks for the 2009 class. Four UH quarterbacks were returning, including starter Greg Alexander, and the Warriors had received a verbal commitment from Corey Nielsen of Gahr High School in California.

"I held on for a little bit," Shutter said.

But Saturday morning, Shutter received a voice-mail message from McMackin.

"He said he needed to talk to me before the game (against Cincinnati)," Shutter said. "I went in before the game. He said he really liked me, and he thought he'd open it up again and give me a scholarship. I committed on the spot."

Of his situation, Shutter said: "I was really impressed with how coach McMackin really did everything with me. I appreciate that he's done a great job with recruiting, and I'm very excited about joining."

Shutter yesterday notified the New Mexico coaches that he was de-committing.

Shutter was born in Saskatchewan, and lived there until his family moved to O'ahu when he was in the fifth grade. He enrolled at Punahou in the seventh grade.

"I've been in the football program since then," Shutter said.

Shutter helped lead the Buffanblu to their first state football championship.

"Punahou has a great athletic program, but that's never been done before for the school," Shutter said. "It's a great way for the seniors to give back to the school. It's been a great school for me. It's been a long time coming for a state title."

VEIKUNE NAMED MVP

Defensive end David Veikune yesterday was named the winner of the Alec Waterhouse Award as the Warriors' most valuable player.

The presentation was made at last night's annual team banquet at the Sheraton-Waikiki Hotel.

Long-snapper Jake Ingram and defensive back Ryan Mouton were selected co-winners of the Ben Yee Most Inspirational Award.

Running back/slotback Kealoha Pilares was named the top scholar.

The top scout players were quarterback Shane Austin (offense), defensive end Alasi Toilolo (defense) and cornerback Ryan Perry (special teams).

The Warrior Club winners were center John Estes (offense), middle linebacker Solomon Elimimian (defense) and punter Tim Grasso.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.

• • •