StarBulletin.com

California prep DB will join cousin at Hawaii


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POSTED: Thursday, January 21, 2010

Hawaii recruit Bubba Poueu-Luna has seen John Hardy on the other side of the line of scrimmage numerous times from Pop Warner through high school.

The cousins are now planning on teaming up once they get to college.

Hardy, a defensive back from Vista Murrieta High School in California, joined Poueu-Luna, who gave an oral commitment to Hawaii last summer, in pledging to sign a letter of intent to join the Warriors when the signing period opens Feb. 3.

“;When I went there I really liked the coaches, the area and the people,”; said Hardy, who made his official visit last weekend.

Hardy (6-foot-1, 165 pounds), who is interested in pursuing computer engineering in college, was named to the All-CIF Inland Division team. Playing primarily cornerback, he was also named to the Riverside (Calif.) Press-Enterprise's All-Area team as a utility player after racking up 65 tackles and 10 interceptions.

Poueu-Luna also earned all-star honors playing quarterback at Great Oak High in Temecula, Calif., and has first-hand knowledge of Hardy's strengths in the secondary.

“;He's a great corner,”; said Poueu-Luna, who also visited UH over the weekend and is expected to compete at slotback or wide receiver for Hawaii. “;He plays with you. He's a really smart corner and he's physical, he's not afraid of contact. He got me a couple of times.”;

Along with his production on defense, Hardy was a playmaker on special teams. He blocked 26 kicks in his three-year varsity career.