The Hawai'i football team hit the recruiting jackpot yesterday, receiving a verbal commitment from one of the top high school players in the Las Vegas area.

Mike Wadsworth of Silverado High School in Henderson, Nev., said he will join teammate T.J. Alofipo as a future Warrior. Alofipo committed to UH two months ago.

"I like what they have to offer," said Wadsworth, who is projected to play safety for the Warriors. "I like the defense they run, and the style that they like to play."

Silverado has several Division I-A prospects. But head coach Andy Ostolaza said Wadsworth is his team's best overall player, as well as a model student.

"A lot of it comes from his mom and dad," Ostolaza said. "They push him in the right direction, and he takes direction well. When it comes to grades, you don't have to worry about Mike Wadsworth. If I were starting a program, he would be the kind of kid you'd build a program around."

Wadsworth, it seems, never gets any rest. He was named to the 2007 All-State first team as a cornerback, although, at 6 feet 1 and 192 pounds, he often plays safety.

In this week's game, he will align as a weak-side linebacker.

"We move him around," Ostolaza said. "If we play a team with a big-time receiver, we will move him to corner. When we play running teams, we move him to run support."

Wadsworth also plays tailback and wideout on offense.

What's more, he is used as a punt returner, kickoff returner and kick-blocker.

"This year, I'm actually punting, too," Wadsworth said.

Wadsworth is indeed special on special teams. This season, he has scored on punt and kickoff returns. Last year, he scored on three punt returns and a kickoff return. He also blocked five point-after kicks and a field-goal attempt.

He is capable of running 40 yards in 4.5 seconds and 100 meters in 10.9 seconds.

In track, he was the leadoff runner for the 4x100 team that won a regional title.

He is a power forward and small forward on Silverado's basketball team.

And his cumulative grade-point average is better than 4.0. (He takes honor classes.) He is ranked 10th academically in a class of about 600 students.

He earned an NCAA-qualifying ACT score, but will retake the college-assessment test because he wants a higher score.

Wadsworth visited Arizona the past weekend, and has received interest from Oregon State, Brigham Young and Stanford.

"I like Hawai'i the best," Wadsworth said. "I love being around the ocean."

Wadsworth said he wanted to play in the Warriors' defensive scheme. He also wants to reunite with UH director of player personnel Tony Tuioti, who was Silverado's defensive coordinator last year.

Wadsworth is living with a neighbor this season after his family moved to Utah because of business obligations. His father, John Wadsworth, is a food scientist who developed the formula used in Tahitian Noni Juice, a health-promoting beverage.

He spends a lot of his free time talking on the telephone or text-messaging family members.

Wadsworth does not have any relatives in Hawai'i. But he already has a tie. Last year, Silverado learned the haka. He said he wants to learn UH's version of the ha'a. "I love watching it," he said. "I can't wait to learn it."

ALEXANDER TO START

In an announcement that was more of a formality, Greg Alexander yesterday was named the Warriors' starting quarterback for Saturday's road game against Utah State.

"I'm excited," said Alexander, who started the season opener against Florida but then did not receive significant playing time until last week, when he rallied the Warriors to a 38-31 victory over Nevada. In his second-half appearance, he completed 17 of 22 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns.

He said the difference between the Florida and Nevada games is "like night and day. I feel more comfortable with the reads. But then again, it's only one half of football. I still have to focus."

Head coach Greg McMackin said: "You can see Greg has a good feel for things now."

McMackin said Inoke Funaki, who has started six games this season, also will play. McMackin said an offensive package has been crafted for Funaki.

NEWS AND NOTES