Hawaii has its eye on Radford’s Feagai

There will be no official comment from June Jones about his favorite prospect among local high school offensive linemen.

In fact, there will be no official comment about any high school player, per NCAA rules. But that won't stop Fred Salanoa from beaming about one of his many college prospects at Radford High School.

The one Jones covets is Ramsey Feagai.

"He said that Ramsey had the best feet of the O-linemen at the all-star game," Salanoa said, referring to the HUB Goodwill Senior Bowl.

"I'm not really sure about that, but for him to offer me a scholarship, I was shocked," Feagai said. "He told me he likes my footwork, a big guy with good feet."

The 6-foot-2, 330-pound right guard did plenty of work on his feet in Salanoa's complex offense. Though the system was pared down from a shotgun/run-and-shoot attack over the past few years, the Rams still offered foes multiple threats.

As a pulling guard for shifty running back Alex Daniels, Feagai was a 4-ton truck going downhill on defenses. Though Radford was primarily a run-first team in the past two seasons, the run-and-shoot elements were still part of the attack, which is why Feagai feels like he's a natural fit for the Warriors.

"My pulling is pretty good. We run some things the same as UH, so I'll feel comfortable if I go there," the soft-spoken giant said. "I like pass blocking better."

Feagai also likes the fact that UH has sent many players to the NFL. Still, he won't commit to UH just yet. He'll visit UNLV on Jan. 13, followed by visits to Hawaii and New Mexico State.

Hawaii is his first choice, but NMSU has a graphic arts program that appeals to the artistically gifted Feagai. San Jose State was interested initially, but has not made contact for the past two months.

"I looked at their roster. They have a lot of returning O-linemen," Feagai observed.

He carries a 3.5 grade-point average and scored 1,100 on the old SAT, making him an NCAA Division I qualifier.

Here's a look at some other local prospects.

Quarterbacks

Kapolei's Brad Padayao produced huge numbers in his team's hybrid offense. He can also thank former Kapolei quarterback Kaipo Noa Kaheaku-Enhada for paving the way. The ex-Hurricane signal-caller is being groomed to take the reins for Navy next season, and Padayao has similar potential as a Division I option quarterback.

Air Force, master of the flexbone offense, is keen on the 5-10 185-pounder. What makes Padayao even more attractive to the Falcons is his 3.8 GPA.

Iolani's Kiran Kepo'o is definitely on the radar of UH quarterbacks coach Dan Morrison. The longtime assistant has remained in contact with Kepo'o, who started and excelled for three seasons in Iolani's run-and-shoot offense. At 6-2, 220 pounds, he never shied away from contact.

The left-hander saved most of his focus for the Raiders during the season. He had a meeting after the HUB game with his small circle of family and coaches to prepare for potential recruiters.

Running Backs

Utah State is taking a close look at Radford's standout running back, Daniels. However, the Aggies would like to move him to slotback or cornerback. The 5-7 160-pounder showed tremendous toughness running between the tackles for the past two years. His acceleration on the perimeter was matched by few locally.

Kealoha Pilares has scholarship offers from Hawaii, Air Force, Boise State and San Diego State. The prolific runner was the cornerstone of Damien's offense and had a record-setting season that included a 300-yard, 50-carry game at Iolani.

Hawaii could move Pilares to wide receiver, where his speed would be beneficial. Air Force is in the running primarily because one of Pilares' goals is to become a pilot. He has already visited Boise State.

Kapolei's Radford Raquedan has received interest from Air Force. Raquedan has a 3.5 GPA.

Wide Receivers

Aaron Nichols of Kamehameha, Cameron Bayne of Saint Louis and Cody Silsley of Konawaena are among many quality players at this position.

Silsley recently caught the eye of Boise State. The 6-foot 175-pounder caught 60 passes for 1,051 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.

Jon Santiago, Kapolei's blazing-quick slotback, is getting interest from Air Force. Santiago is a 4.0 student.

Tight Ends

Devin Unga, a 6-foot-1 201-pounder, has a scholarship offer from Utah. He is currently playing on Kahuku's defending Oahu Interscholastic Association champion basketball team.

"I'll probably have to change positions," said Unga, who expects to play linebacker at the next level.

Radford's Mike Goodman, a 6-6 300-pounder, has a scholarship offer from New Mexico State. However, his better sport is probably baseball. The transfer student throws 93 mph, and better yet, he's a lefty.

"He's probably going to be drafted," Salanoa said. "But New Mexico State told him that if he ever changes his mind, they have a scholarship for him."

New Mexico State cut 10 players during the season, opening up a horde of opportunities for potential recruits.

Offensive Linemen

Three have already committed and several more are weighing offers.

Ryan Pohl of Kamehameha committed to Oregon State in July. His teammate, Kawika Shook, committed to New Mexico State on Dec. 6, shortly after returning from a school visit.

Walter Kahaiali'i committed to BYU on Dec. 5, turning down offers from Oregon and Weber State.

Ian Scheuring, a 6-5 300-pounder, has a scholarship offer from New Mexico State and will visit the campus on Jan. 13.

Two of the more popular targets of recruiters are Micah Kia and Whitley Fehoko. Kia (6-5, 270) has quietly gone on trips and tried out for the Mililani basketball team, where he surprised coaches with a deft 3-point stroke.

Though he suffered a broken fibula early in the season, he has recovered nicely. The scholarship offers are plentiful: Hawaii, UCLA, Boise State, Washington, New Mexico State, Utah, Colorado, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Oregon State, Cal and San Diego State.

A recent visit to UCLA had Dylan Rush nearly interrogating Kia. Rush, a defensive end from Konawaena, committed to UCLA last summer.

"I think the visit was a 10. I think Micah was very impressed. He did mention to me that there were some things about UCLA that other schools can't compete with," Rush said. "But he's liked other places he's gone. Every chance I could, I was asking, 'What are you thinking? What are you thinking?'"

Fehoko (6-0, 290) played both ways at Farrington. He made a soft commitment to Utah last summer, but has trips lined up to San Diego State, Boise State, Washington, UNLV and Utah this month and next.

Playing time is a key factor for Fehoko, which is partly why Utah is attractive. UNLV and SDSU also have playing opportunities. Those two schools, as well as Washington, want Fehoko as an offensive lineman.

Utah and Boise State want him as a defensive tackle.

Fehoko will play in the All-American Bowl in Lafayette, La., on Jan. 5.

Defensive Tackles

Kahuku's Joseph Faifili returned to Utah after the season, where he will be under the watchful eye of his father. Faifili's academics suffered while away from home, but he remains a prospect.

San Diego State offered him a scholarship before coach Tom Craft was fired.

Utah State is intrigued by Kapolei lineman Ben Kahalehoe, who isn't a qualifier. If the Utes offer the energetic Kahalehoe (6-2, 220) a scholarship, they will bring him in as a Prop. 48 candidate.

Damien's Michael Sipili committed to Oregon State on Dec. 16, turning down an offer from New Mexico State.

Lahainaluna's Peni Fiuangaihetau committed to Division I-AA Weber State on Dec. 2. The 6-1 250-pounder also has interest from San Diego State. Weber State's local recruiter is former Baldwin coach Chad Kauhaahaa.

Other coveted prospects include Kamalu Umu of Saint Louis and Kamehameha-Hawaii's Ikaika Mahoe.

Defensive Ends

Talent galore at this position, more so than other seasons. Two have already made commitments.

After making a trip, Elliott Purcell committed to New Mexico State on Nov. 27, turning down a late offer by Hawaii.

Kapono Rawlins-Crivello committed to Boise State last summer, turning down a trip from -- guess who -- New Mexico State.

Konawaena's multi-talented, UCLA-bound Rush will play in the All-American game on Jan. 5, though he will line up as a tight end.

"They're not going to have me play any D-end in that game. MaxPreps thought I was only a tight end, but that's cool. I like defense better, but I like both sides of the ball," he said.

Russell Wantowski of Radford has a scholarship offer from New Mexico State. San Diego State, Utah State and Portland State have shown interest in the 6-foot 210-pounder.

Kahuku's Micah Wily also has a scholarship offer from NMSU.

His teammate, B.J. Beatty (6-2, 220), has scholarship offers from Hawaii, New Mexico State and Utah.

Pac-Five's Russel Fisher (6-2, 250) has drawn interest from Utah and Hawaii.

Justin Hunt (6-1, 220) of Aiea and Vasa Kuresa of Radford are also drawing interest. Navy, Utah State and Portland State have inquired about Kuresa.

Linebackers

Quinton Tang accepted a scholarship offer from Hawaii recently, though he is not yet a qualifier. The 5-11, 220-pound middle 'backer committed at the same time as teammate Stanford Leti.

Kevin Unga (6-2, 220) of Kahuku has a scholarship offer from Utah, just like his twin brother, Devin.

Utah is also interested in Kamehameha's Mana Lolotai, who also hails from Kahuku.

Saint Louis' Jared Silva has drawn interest from Nevada.

Defensive Backs

Leti, the bruising athlete from Moanalua, committed to Hawaii recently. He is close to becoming a qualifier. The 6-foot 190-pounder is likely to move to safety.