StarBulletin.com

Sapolu's son lines up to play for Warriors


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POSTED: Wednesday, July 08, 2009

London Sapolu's latest move follows his father's path in multiple facets.

Sapolu, the son of former Hawaii offensive line great Jesse Sapolu, plans to join the Warriors in 2010, adding his name just under his father's on UH's all-time roster. And like his father, he turned down an offer from a “;big name”; school to do so.

London Sapolu said he accepted a scholarship offer from UH Monday night and will enroll in school for the spring semester. He will play his second season at Orange Coast College this fall and enter UH as a junior.

“;I'm excited to see one of my sons play for the school I committed to,”; said Jesse Sapolu, owner of four Super Bowl rings he won as a center with the San Francisco 49ers.

A highly recruited prospect coming out of Farrington in 1979, Jesse Sapolu was all set to continue his career at Arizona State. But a last-minute change of heart led him to stay close to home.

He said London received an offer from Tennessee about six weeks ago. But London was swayed to commit to Hawaii by, “;being around family and being in a situation where I'm comfortable.”;

London Sapolu played offensive line at Costa Mesa (Calif.) High School, but switched to defensive tackle last year. He plans to cross over again this season to play either center or guard at Orange Coast, where he's coached by former NFL center Doug Smith.

“;I have my dad teaching me and my offensive line coach helping me now,”; London said. “;(Playing offensive line is) more technical and more controlled than on defense.”;

Another of Jesse's sons, Roman, will be a senior at Edison High School in Huntington Beach, Calif., and has committed to Oregon State. But Jesse Sapolu said Roman hasn't closed the process just yet and plans to take his recruiting trips.