Te'o burst upon the scene as a sophomore, making the ILH all-star first team. As a junior, he was ILH Defensive Player of the Year and an Advertiser All-State first-team selection.

Te'o also was a first-team ILH all-star in basketball as a junior, helping the Buffanblu win their first state championship since 1999.

This past football season, he amassed 129 tackles — including 11 sacks — forced three fumbles, tipped four passes and totaled 19 quarterback "hurries." He also had three interceptions, returning one 49 yards for a touchdown, and returned a blocked punt for a TD.

Te'o also was a threat on offense at running back, rushing for 176 yards (5.3 yards per carry) and four TDs and had three receptions, two for TDs.

All of that helped Punahou win its first football state title.

Off the field, Te'o had a 3.5 grade-point average, did volunteer work with the Shriners' Hospital, Head Start preschool, Hawai'i Food Bank and Special Olympics.

And yes, earned his Eagle Scout badge last November.

Widely regarded as the nation's top linebacker prospect and one of the most coveted recruits overall, Te'o accepted a scholarship offer from the University of Notre Dame before a national TV audience on ESPN.