Kamehameha’s Steven Grace

The 6-foot-2, 270-pounder, who also was offered scholarships by Hawaii and Oregon State, said he chose the Wildcats because "the school's academic programs are wonderful."

Grace, who has a 3.4 grade-point average and is considering a law career, said he is putting a high priority on his academic future.

He said that he'll likely redshirt at Arizona and will play either guard or center when he finally is activated.

"Arizona has not been known as the most explosive offense - the defense is better-known - but I hope to help make its offense better," he said.

He is the lastest local offensive lineman to commit to a mainland school this recruiting season. All-staters Mike Souza of Punahou and Dominic Raiola of St. Louis declared for Northwestern and Nebraska, respectively. Kahuku's Matt Parkhurst said he'll attend the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

Grace, who played three years at center for the Warriors' varsity, joked that his handicaps are"strength, speed and height."

But Iolani defensive lineman Ed Taamu, the 1996 all-state defensive player of the year, said he thought Grace was a formidable opponent.

"He's very disciplined, keeps the block and follows through on the block," Taamu said. "He's really strong."

Grace called going away to Arizona "a big opportunity to mature." I'll have to wash my own clothes for a change," he quipped.

He said the Wildcats' coaching staff warmly received him during his campus visit and their interest helped him make up his mind.

"(Assistant) coach (Duane) Akina was really nice and a definite plus in my decision, and I liked the fact that the offensive line coach, Charlie Dickey, was so enthusiastic," he said.

Grace also said he was impressed with the athletic facilities at Arizona.

Since the end of football season, he has been wrestling as a heavyweight with the Warriors' varsity.

Yesterday, Grace displayed his perseverance by completing the 10-kilometer (6.2 miles) Teen Great Aloha Run from Aloha Tower to Kapiolani Park, despite nursing a cold.

"It's a PE (physical education) requirement in our junior and senior years at Kamehameha," Grace said.

Asked what time he ran, Grace joked, "There are too many numbers in that answer."

Musically talented, he dabbles with the ukulele and sings tenor with Kamehameha's Concert Glee Club.

Taamu, who recently returned from a trip to Colorado, said last night he has yet to decide on a college.

Besides Colorado, Utah, Utah State and UH are also interested in Taamu.

Pac-Five defensive lineman Chris Smith has verbally committed to the University of Hawaii, according to Smith's Pac-Five varsity head coach, Don Botelho. The 6-2, 260-pound Smith is the first local prep player to commit to UH.