Thursday, January 7, 1999

McKinley’s Tipoti
says Colorado
his top choice

By Pat Bigold
Star-Bulletin

Francisco Tipoti, McKinley's 6-foot-6, 320-pound all-state offensive tackle, said last night he told Colorado head coach Rick Neuheisel the Buffaloes are his No. 1 choice.

But Tipoti said he will finish his trips and leave the door slightly open to reconsideration.

He said Neuheisel urged him to make the rounds and be certain about his commitment.

Tipoti said he would be competing with six returnees on the Buffs' offensive line.

"But I'm going to strive real hard because I don't want to bench (redshirt) in my freshman year," said Tipoti, who will also visit Oregon, Oregon State, Washington and Washington State. He said Hawaii offered him a scholarship but he wanted to go away.

He has been timed at 5.4 in the 40 and leg-presses 950 pounds. "The coaches emphasize leg strength more than anything," said Tipoti.

McKinley head coach David Tanuvasa awarded helmet stickers for each knockdown block during the season. Tipoti received 32 playing left tackle in the six-game regular season and the Oahu Interscholastic Association playoffs.