Friday, February 8, 2002
As far as June Jones is concerned, the writer Thomas Wolfe had it backwards. Handful of recruits
come back to HawaiiBy Dave Reardo7n
Yes, you most certainly can go home.
As the late letters of intent continue to trickle in, Hawaii's football recruiting class has a definite boomerang quality to it.
Four of the nine players coming in from mainland schools played high school ball in Hawaii.
It will be homecoming every week for defensive tackle Rocky Faga (Kaimuki/Fresno City College), linebacker Chad Kalilimoku (Roosevelt/Santa Ana College), and defensive end Darrell Tautofi (Kaimuki/Dixie College), all junior college transfers. Also, defensive back Kenny Patton prepped at Punahou before his senior year at St. Francis High School in California.
"Sometimes, when kids go to JCs, we recruit them knowing they'll eventually come back," Jones said. "We keep track of them. Our hit ratio with them is 10 times what it is with other guys."
It might sound corny, but players tend to give a little more when they're representing their home state, Jones said.
"There's definitely more to it than just the game for them," he said. "There's a lot of pride and character that kicks in when your friends and family are watching you play."
Chang, Peters get another year: Quarterback Tim Chang and safety Leonard Peters were granted an additional season of eligibility because of medical hardship.
Chang now has three years to play three seasons. In 2000, he was the Western Athletic Conference freshman of the year. Last year, he injured his right wrist three games into the season. He underwent surgery to the wrist last month and will not participate in spring football.
Peters has four years to play four seasons. He suffered from chronic knee pain last fall. He is projected as a possible starter at safety next season.
Purcell's letter arrives: UH received a letter of intent from defensive end Mel Purcell Jr. of Leone High School in American Samoa yesterday, bringing the Warriors' total number of signed recruits to 21.
"We're still waiting on a few more," Jones said.
At least one is expected today, from wide receiver Denny Flanagan of Huntington Beach (Calif.) Edison.
UH Athletics
