WARRIOR FOOTBALL
Warriors wooing walk-ons
Hawaii has finished its football recruiting for the upcoming season ... sort of.
Before the weekend, the Warriors had already received 21 oral commitments from athletes who were offered scholarships, completing the allotment for this year.
So no scholarships were offered yesterday after a final weekend of visits at UH before Wednesday's signing day. But the player procurement process continues, as the Warriors try to woo potential walk-ons.
Five players from Kahuku were among the weekend visitors, and the Warriors hope some of the state champions will turn out in August.
Offensive lineman Ken Livai, a Star-Bulletin first-team All-State choice, is the most acclaimed among the Red Raiders who toured Manoa the past two days. But Livai won't be playing college football anywhere for at least two years: He intends to go on a religious mission after graduation from Kahuku.
Defensive backs Afa Bridenstine and Chico Ramirez are among those who completed visits and might find their way to fall camp as invited walk-ons.
Kamehameha offensive lineman Ikaika Rodenhurst also visited. The 6-foot-4, 315-pound All-State pick has no scholarship offers, despite coach Doss Tannehill's efforts.
"A lot of tire-kickers, but UH is the only one that's shown interest," Tannehill said.
It's not known how far up the ladder Rodenhurst is for an offer if guys on the commit list fall through.
The UH coaching staff now has to wait and see if all of those 21 oral promises become written agreements on Wednesday. That's the first day letters of intent, formally binding athletes to colleges, can be submitted.
Not everyone goes through that process, though. Tyler (Texas) College cornerback Gerard Lewis (5-9, 165) committed to Eastern New Mexico on the JC early signing day in December. But he was offered by UH earlier this month and decided to become a Warrior instead.