Decision day: Radford's Feagai opts for UNLV over Hawaii, NMSU

The offensive lineman almost didn't visit the Rebels' campus last week, but he's glad he did

A month ago, Ramsey Feagai couldn't decide between the University of Hawaii and New Mexico State.

Two nights ago, the highly-touted Radford lineman opted for none of the above. His choice: UNLV.

Feagai is among dozens of Hawaii high school football players who were to sign letters of intent today. He was the last top local recruit to make his intention known, telling the Star-Bulletin yesterday he'd picked the Rebels.

UH expected to sign eight or nine local players today among a total group of around 24 to either national letters of intent starting with the coming season or scholarship agreements beginning in 2007 (grayshirts).

The Warriors' incoming class is dominated by defense, with 18 expected to be looked at first on that side of the ball -- including nine defensive backs.

Only one offensive lineman, Jared Lene of Altus High School in Oklahoma, is among this year's class.

Feagai visited the UNLV campus last weekend and liked it.

Radford coach Fred Salanoa played for UNLV offensive line coach Keith Uperesa when the two were at Dixie State, a junior college in Utah. But it was the visit that changed the landscape of Feagai's future.

"I wasn't expecting anything from them. I wasn't going to take the trip this past weekend," the 6-foot-2, 330-pound senior said. "But I found that the players are like a real big family. I feel more at home, more comfortable at UNLV."

He returned and sat down with his family for a heart-to-heart talk. UNLV had been on his list, but basically off the radar since last summer. That's when the Rebels offered Feagai a scholarship.

UH approached Feagai with a solid offer during HUB Goodwill Senior Bowl practices in December.

Jones visited Feagai at a practice and told him that he had the best footwork of the linemen in the game. Jones offered him a scholarship right there.

"I would've had more time to think about it (but) UNLV offered me a scholarship last summer," said Feagai, who had been interested in New Mexico State due to its graphic arts program. "Getting off the island is a good idea, the best way to go."

Feagai, who often was the pulling blocker for running back Alex Daniels in Radford's run-heavy scheme, informed NMSU of his decision yesterday morning. He also planned to give Jones a call yesterday.

"I've made my final decision. I'm ready," Feagai said.

Feagai admitted that the departure of former UH offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh, now at Oregon State, was a slight factor.

"Yeah, somewhat," he said. "(But) I think if he was still there, I would still want to go away. It wouldn't affect my choice drastically because I look at it as playing for the team, not just a coach."

Local commitments Island players who had orally given oral commitments to colleges as of yesterday QUARTERBACKS » Cameron Higgins, Saint Louis to Weber State » Kiran Kepo'o, Iolani to Hawaii » Kaulin Krebs, Kahuku to Oregon State » Kali Kuia, Aiea to Northern State (S.D.) » Brad Padayao, Kapolei to Air Force RUNNING BACKS » Kealoha Pilares, Damien to Air Force » Malosi Te'o, Kahuku to UNLV WIDE RECEIVERS » Jon Santiago, Kapolei to Air Force OFFENSIVE LINEMEN » Chris Anakalea, Aiea to Northern State » Arthur Bridenstine, Kahuku to Weber State » Ramsey Feagai, Radford to UNLV » Whitley Fehoko, Farrington to San Diego State » Walter Kahaiali'i, Kamehameha-Maui to BYU » Micah Kia, Mililani to UCLA » Ken Livai, Kahuku to Weber State » Eserom Pascual, Saint Louis to Mississippi Valley State » Ryan Pohl, Kamehameha to Oregon State » Nekova Sueoka, Aiea to Northern State » Eddie Williams, Damien to Hawaii DEFENSIVE TACKLES » Joseph Faifili, Kahuku to Utah » Peni Fiuangaihetau, Lahainaluna to Weber State » Clayton Laurel, Leilehua to Hawaii » Lolomana Mikaele, Damien to Arizona » Jonathan Overton, Punahou to Utah State » Kawika Shook, Kamehameha to New Mexico State » Michael Sipili, Damien to Oregon State » Alasi Toilolo, Kapolei to Hawaii DEFENSIVE ENDS » B.J. Beatty, Kahuku to Colorado » Ian Dulan, Kamehameha-Hawaii to BYU » Russel Fisher, Pac-Five/Mid-Pacific to St. Francis (Pa.) » Elliott Purcell, Saint Louis to Hawaii » Kapono Rawlins-Crivello, Kamehameha to Boise State » Dylan Rush, Konawaena to UCLA » Russell Wantkowski, Radford to New Mexico State » Micah Wily, Kahuku to New Mexico State LINEBACKERS » Po'okela Ahmad, Kapolei to Hawaii » Mana Lolotai, Kamehameha to Oregon State » Jared Silva, Saint Louis to Nevada » Quinton Tang, Moanalua to Hawaii DEFENSIVE BACKS » Afa Bridenstine, Kahuku to Hawaii » Kenny Estes, Waimea to Hawaii » Stanford Leti, Moanalua to Hawaii » Jensen Somera, Baldwin to Weber State » Drew Ueno, Kamehameha to Mississippi Valley State UNDECIDED » Aaron Nichols, WR, Kamehameha considering Hawaii Total commitments: 45