LaCount commits to Hawaii

Making it to the Sugar Bowl paid Hawaii a sweet dividend.

When UH recruited him at midseason, Kainoa LaCount had no intention of becoming a Warrior. That changed with a 12-0 regular season and appearance in a BCS bowl game.

"When I saw the Georgia game, the Sugar Bowl, it kind of hurt seeing that game, and it made me want to come home," the 6-foot-7, 290-pound offensive tackle said yesterday, after announcing his oral commitment to UH.

"I'm ready to come home," said LaCount, who chose the Warriors over Kansas State and several other BCS conference opportunities.

He can make his commitment binding tomorrow on letter-of-intent day.

LaCount was a two-year starter at College of the Canyons (Calif.) after graduating from Kailua High School and originally signing with Oregon State. He is a prototype offensive tackle who can conceivably step in to start at either side.

"First year I was on the right, second year on the left. I feel more comfortable on the left now," said LaCount, who missed nearly half of his freshman season with a knee injury.

UH returns starting tackles Keith AhSoon and Keoni Steinhoff. But both allowed multiple sacks against Georgia, and they may be more suited for guard, where Hercules Satele and Larry Sauafea completed their eligibility on Jan. 1.

LaCount is the brother of former UH lineman Kahai LaCount and the cousin of current center John Estes.

"I really wanted to go somewhere comfortable," LaCount said. "It helped talking to my brother, and I know a lot of the guys. He told me (to) go wherever it makes me happy. My cousin is happy I'm coming."

LaCount said new quarterbacks coach Nick Rolovich sealed the deal with him.

"Kansas State has a real good program and coaching staff, nothing against them," LaCount said. "I like everything about them and I was ready to go until Hawaii called again."

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