In what will be remembered as this summer's blockbuster hit, the University of Hawai'i football team yesterday secured a commitment from one of the state's top high school prospects.

"Yes, I'm going to be a Warrior," said wideout Billy Ray Stutzmann, who is entering his senior year at Saint Louis School.

This is one of the earliest a prospect has committed to the Warriors, and it coincides with the hiring of Tony Tuioti as director of player personnel. Under Greg McMackin, who was hired as head coach in January, the Warriors have made a commitment to signing the state's top players.

The Warriors have pledged to recruit with quickness and efficiency — a description that fits the speedy Stutzmann's skills.

Stutzmann, a 6-foot-1, 150-pound wideout, also received offers from Washington, Washington State, Oregon State, Colorado and Michigan State. A Notre Dame coach made a home visit.

"Everything that I wanted in a college is at UH," Stutzmann said. "I just love the coaches there. I got to know all of the coaches there. They're great people and great coaches. I love what they're doing with the place. They're building all new things."

Stutzmann, who was an honorable mention selection to The Advertiser's All-State team, said it also was important "to play in front of my family and friends. That's a big part of it."

His older brother, Craig Stutzmann, is a UH graduate assistant coach and a former Warrior standout slotback.

"I watched every one of my brother's games," Billy Ray Stutzmann said. "Ever since he went to Hawai'i, I wanted to be a part of that. He gave me a few tips."

Bill Stutzmann said his son told him of the decision yesterday.

"He came and sat Craig and I down," Bill Stutzmann said. "Craig said: 'Just tell me why.' He rattled off some some really good, well thought-out reasons. We said, 'All right, it's your choice, go for it.' "

Bill Stutzmann added: "I'm excited about it. I wanted him to go to UH. We're so delighted. I'm so proud of Billy."

He said the early commitment takes the pressure off of his son.

"That's another thing — getting calls and letters every day," Bill Stutzmann said. "The mailbox is always full. He doesn't even open them anymore. He can go out and have fun his senior year."

Billy Ray Stutzmann said he is considering graduating in December, which would allow him to enroll at UH in January and participate in spring training.

"That's another plus," Bill Stutzmann said. "He's trying to get a head start. It's a great situation."

He said McMackin approved his son's request to wear jersey No. 5, which will be vacated by senior slotback Michael Washington after this season.

Billy Ray Stutzmann and Punahou linebacker Manti Te'o, considered to be the state's top prospect, are good friends. When asked what would happen if Te'o also were to request No. 5, Bill Stutzmann said, "Coach Mack said (Te'o) could wear No. 5 on defense."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051. Visit Tsai's blog at warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com.

UH EXTENDS FOOTBALL ROAD PPV PACKAGE

The University of Hawai'i athletics department, in conjunction with Oceanic Time Warner Cable and K5, has extended the deadline for a special discount on a five-game road pay-per-view package during the 2008 football season until Aug. 1.

Fans purchasing football season tickets by Aug. 1 will be offered the five UH road pay-per-view telecasts for just $99, a savings of $181 from the $280 it would cost to purchase the telecasts individually.

This offer is available only to the UH season-ticket holder of record.

Fans will be mailed a letter regarding the pay-per-view discount and will need to submit a form to Oceanic Time Warner Cable to have their cable account activated for the road telecasts.

Fans can purchase season tickets online at www.HawaiiAthletics.com, visit the Stan Sheriff Center box office (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or call 944-2697 during the same hours.