St. Louis' Rivers Jason Rivers wasn't mentioned by name, but the Saint Louis School receiver has known for months that Hawaii football coach June Jones thinks highly of him.
commits to UH
The receiver was one of Hawaii's
top recruiting prioritiesBy Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.comLast season, Jones was asked on his weekly radio show about recruiting priorities. He answered that there is a local receiver who could be a four-year starter for UH. It was no secret that Jones was referring to Rivers.
"I assume he was talking about me," said Rivers, who orally committed to the Warriors yesterday during his official recruiting visit at Manoa. "But I'm not assuming I can just walk in and take over. I know I'm going to have to work hard."
Rivers, the best offensive football prospect in the state, said he told Warriors assistant coach Ron Lee he will sign a letter of intent to accept a scholarship from UH. Feb. 5 is the first day high school players can make their commitments binding.
River drew interest and scholarship offers from top West Coast schools including Arizona State, Oregon, Washington and Washington State. But Washington State was the only other school he visited
"A lot of things played into (choosing Hawaii)," Rivers said. "UH runs a similar offense to what we do at Saint Louis, so that helps. It will be easier to get the hang of things. Being at home will also be nice, playing in front of family and friends."
Rivers is 6-foot-2 and 193 pounds. He is the reigning state champion in the 100 and 200 meters and a four-year varsity letterman in basketball in addition to football.
He caught 47 passes for 646 yards and four touchdowns last season for state champion Saint Louis, despite missing five of 13 games with a hamstring injury. Rivers was a second-team Star-Bulletin all-state player last year, and a first-teamer in 2001.
"I think he's probably the No. 1 prospect coming out of the islands," said Crusaders athletic director Cal Lee, who coached Rivers three seasons. "He's a great addition to UH's program."
Rivers said he enjoyed his recruiting visit two weeks ago to Washington State's campus in Pullman. The Cougars were eager to recruit another standout from the same high school that produced star quarterback Jason Gesser.
"As a matter of fact, I did like it, and I really was considering it. But the coach (Mike Price) leaving kind of knocked them off the list," Rivers said.
Rivers said he doesn't think Jones, who is in the final year of his contract, will leave UH soon.
"Not really. I think he will stay," Rivers said. "I think he's only been here a little while and wants to stay for a long time."
Rivers joins offensive lineman Michael Lafaele (Farrington), defensive back George Perry (Kahuku) and quarterback Jack Rolovich (San Marin, Novato, Calif.) in UH's recruiting class.
In other recruiting news, St. Louis defensive lineman Tolifili Liufau, the state's No. 1 prospect, is leaning toward Pasadena City College, where he can work on academics and eventually transfer to a Division I school.
Also, Kamehameha offensive lineman R.J. Willing (No. 4) is expected to decide within the next few days between Brigham Young, Oregon and Washington.
Players who have committed to UH so far, with name, position, school, height, weight and note Commitments
>> Michael Lafaele, OL, Farrrington, 6-1, 275: Mold of Vince Manuwai
>> George Perry, CB, Kahuku, 5-11, 165: Outstanding cover guy
>> Jason Rivers, WR, St. Louis, 6-2, 193: Could start right away
>> Jack Rolovich, QB, San Marin (Novato, Calif.), 6-3, 210: 19 TD passes
Hawaii School Web Sites
UH Athletics
