Kiesel-Kauhane joins
Aiea teammate in
committing to Warriors

He says playing in front of family and
friends was a key factor in choosing Hawaii

RJ Kiesel-Kauhane, a linebacker from Aiea High School, orally committed to accept a football scholarship from the University of Hawaii yesterday.

"I want to play in front of family and friends," said Kiesel-Kauhane, who was also recruited by Tulane and Idaho. "Playing for coach June Jones, as well, is a reason I picked UH."

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Kiesel-Kauhane is projected to play outside linebacker. He visited the UH campus over the weekend.

"I've been told I could get a lot of playing time, or possibly even start right away if I work hard," he said.

He joins Aiea teammate Rocky Savaiigaea, a defensive tackle, on the list of high school players who have committed to the Warriors.

"He's a good friend, so that's a benefit, too," Kiesel-Kauhane said.

Kiesel-Kauhane has a 3.4 cumulative grade-point average and plans to major in nursing or architecture.

Antwan Mahaley, a 6-foot-4, 195-pound wide receiver, also gave an oral commitment to UH yesterday, sources said.

At Carson High (Los Angeles), Mahaley played in an offense similar to the Warriors' run-and-shoot.