Gerard Lewis, a cornerback from Tyler Junior College in Texas, said he has accepted a football scholarship from the University of Hawai'i.

Lewis, who is 5 feet 9 and 170 pounds, can run 40 yards in 4.44 seconds and has a vertical jump of 36 inches. The National Junior College Athletic Association named Lewis as a 2005 Preseason All-America honorable mention.

Lewis said he chose the Warriors because of the "program and the coaches. They do it right over there."

Tyler coach Jamie Critchlow said Lewis, who goes by the nickname "G-Lew," is "a heck of a player and a good person."

Lewis, who redshirted in 2003, made 42 tackles and deflected six passes in 2004. Last year, with opposing quarterbacks often throwing to the other side, Lewis was limited to 25 tackles. He also played on special teams.

In accepting UH's offer, Lewis is rescinding his commitment to Eastern New Mexico, a Division II school. Lewis said he received a release from the letter of intent he signed in December.

NCAA rules limit recruits to signing one letter of intent. Even though the first one was voided, he cannot sign another one with UH. Instead he will sign a scholarship agreement. Division I-A coaches are permitted to comment only on players who sign letters of intent. UH cannot announce Lewis' commitment on Wednesday, the first day of the NCAA signing period, or comment on the cornerback until he enrolls in school in August.

But Lewis confirmed to The Advertiser he indeed will play for the Warriors.

"No doubt about it," he said.

In December, Lewis earned an associate degree, an NCAA eligibility requirement for a junior-college transfer.

He will have two years to play two seasons.

Lewis had tried to enroll at UH this semester, but those plans fell through because of the extended procedure in securing his release from his Eastern New Mexico commitment.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.