The commitments — to be put in writing Feb. 1, the first day recruits may sign binding national letters of intent — provide a boost to the Warriors' defense. Of the 20 members of this year's recruiting class, 15 are defenders.

Cornerbacks had topped the Warriors' wish list. Newberry, Henderson, Salas and Jones address that need. Last month, UH also received a commitment from cornerback Chris Camacho.

And UH might not be done. Jonathan Batson, a Junior College All-America cornerback from Texas, said he is mulling the Warriors' offer.

Henderson and Salas also might be used on offense.

"I'll do whatever they want me to do," said Henderson, who can run 40 yards in 4.46 seconds. "I'll play on special teams, maybe a little receiver or corner."

Henderson chose UH because of "the atmosphere and the people and my future teammates. They're all wonderful."

Salas, who also was a receiver and quarterback in high school, probably will compete at cornerback at the start of training camp. He had wanted to commit to UH last week, but delayed an announcement until fulfilling a promise to visit New Mexico.

"I went with my gut," said Salas, who can run 40 yards in 4.5 seconds. "I just love everything about Hawai'i and the program. Hawai'i was the best choice for me. I'm happy to say, 'I'm going to be a Warrior.' "

Newberry wasted little time in choosing UH, notifying the coaches during yesterday's recruiting trip.

"I think it's a great place for me," said Newberry, who can run 40 yards in 4.36 seconds. "It's very family-oriented. That's what I like. I've always played on a family-oriented team. I bonded with the players."

Newberry said he is on track to earn an associate degree, an NCAA eligibility requirement for a junior-college transfer. "I should be back here at the start of the summer," he said.

Patek will help fill the Warriors' need for a pass-rusher. Patek was named to the all-conference team after leading Blinn with 88 tackles and six sacks. Patek, who can run 40 yards in 4.5 seconds, was a 2005 Preseason Junior College All-American.

By committing to UH, he turned down offers from Texas A&M and Kansas.

"The environment is nice, and the people are nice in Hawai'i," Patek said. "I thought it would be a great opportunity. And I wanted a chance to play under coach (June) Jones, coach (Jerry) Glanville and the other coaches on the staff. I felt it was the place for me."

Ma'o, who projects to play inside linebacker, played in the recent all-star game in American Samoa. "When I got here" for the weekend recruiting visit, Ma'o said, "I basically knew some of the players. It's like a family out here. My host Rocky (Savaiigaea, a defensive lineman) was really cool. He treated me like a brother."

Farney, who will compete at slotback, also was impressed during his recruiting visit.

"I just love the people in general and the coaching staff," said Farney, who can run 40 yards in 4.5 seconds. "I like the whole island itself. The weather is ideal. I'm looking forward to being a part of it."

Keenan Jones and Smith also did not want to return to the Mainland yesterday without giving verbal commitments. Asked about his other suitors, Smith said: "It doesn't matter. There's only one school that matters now: Hawai'i. I'm looking forward to playing over here."

Smith is projected to play free safety. Jones will compete at cornerback. Both can run 40 yards in 4.5 seconds.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.