Kamehameha’s Williams
picks Utah

Sometime between the flight to Ohio University and the third lobster-tail dinner in Salt Lake City, Tyler Williams felt completely at home.

During this weekend's visit to Utah, the Star-Bulletin All-State first-team pick from Kamehameha made an oral commitment to play for the Utes. Williams, a 6-foot-1, 280-pound center, told coach Herb Wittingham during breakfast yesterday.

Utah (12-0) finished fourth in the Associated Press Top 25 and fifth in the coaches poll.

"Coach (Herb) Wittingham pulled me aside and we talked. I told him this is where I want to be," Williams said. "He didn't pressure me at all. I just told him straight that I'm gonna cancel all my trips."

Williams called off visits to Tennessee and Washington. He visited San Diego State, Dec. 17-18, and last Monday took a trip to Ohio, where former Nebraska coach Frank Solich was hired recently.

Williams returned Thursday at 8:30 p.m. By 11 p.m., he was onboard a flight to Utah.

Once he arrived in Salt Lake City, everything fell into place. He was hosted by Randy Faletoi (McKinley) and Raynold Stowers (Iolani).

"I felt real comfortable at Utah. I feel like I fit there. The coach was real nice. The area is real nice. The stadium is real nice," he said. "I have a good chance to play next season."

Utah's academics were key for Williams, who wants to major in criminal justice. His father, George, is a retired HPD sergeant.