Hawai'i is in the running for Farrington all-state linebacker Vili-Andrew "V.J." Fehoko, ranked third in this year's recruiting class out of this state by http://www.rivals.com.

The 5-foot-11, 215-pound senior also said Texas Tech, UCLA, Utah and Utah State are among his five finalists. Fehoko has about 18 offers.

Hawai'i is a natural finalist on his list because he was literally raised by a Warrior. His father, Vili Fehoko, is the Hawai'i Warriors' football mascot.

"Being in the program for many years and seeing the program up close (as one of his father's drummers), every athlete wants to play in front of his family," the younger Fehoko said.

Fehoko said he has been to the Speed and Quickness camps and over the years has developed strong relationships with Warriors coaches, including defensive coordinator Cal Lee.

Fehoko also has ties to his other choices. His brother, Sam Fehoko, is a linebacker at Texas Tech, while Punahou alumnus and former Waialua High coach Norm Chow is the offensive coordinator at UCLA.

"They were one of the first schools to offer me," Fehoko said of UCLA.

Utah defensive coordinator Kalani Sitake is Fehoko's cousin. Fehoko said he also developed strong relationships with several Utah State coaches who used to coach at Utah.

On the http://www.rivals.com Hawai'i top 20 list, Kahuku's Kona Schwenke and Waialua's Graham Rowley, both defensive linemen, have verbally committed to Brigham Young, both players confirmed. Campbell slotback Samson Anguay has verbally committed to Hawai'i.