[ RECRUITING ]
UH recruiting expands
to East
Hawaii football's national television exposure over the past couple of seasons seems to be paying off in recruiting, especially east of the Mississippi.
It used to be extremely rare for UH to get players from the other side of the Rocky Mountains. But the Warriors have oral commitments from Maryland linebacker Carl Stokes, Florida linebacker Khevin Peoples and, as of yesterday, North Carolina running back Andrew Pearman.
The 5-foot-9, 165-pound Pearman said one of the reasons Hawaii piqued his interest is he watched the Warriors on TV and noticed UH has small running backs.
Pearman -- who by all accounts was the fastest high school football player in North Carolina last year -- accepted Hawaii's scholarship offer yesterday, and is expected to sign with UH on national letter of intent day Wednesday.
He picked Hawaii over Virginia, South Carolina, Army and Wake Forest. Florida State was also interested in Pearman until he committed to Virginia after a visit there. Pearman withdrew his commitment to Virginia after running backs coach Kevin Ross left for a job on the new staff of his father, Bobby Ross, at West Point.
But coaches and schools aren't the only contestants in recruiting. Sometimes parents are, too.
Pearman told the Star-Bulletin on Saturday that he intended to accept an offer from UH coach June Jones yesterday. Several sources confirmed yesterday that he did so, and with much enthusiasm.
"Hawaii is the right fit for me," Pearman said Saturday night.
But his mother, Aidee, has a different perspective, as quoted on a Virginia fans Web site.
"We decided that he wouldn't make his decision until he's come back home and compared all his favorite schools," she was quoted as saying. "I know that he's not committed to Hawaii. He'll make a decision in the next few days, once he's back home."
Pearman has changed his commitment once already, so another reverse before Wednesday would seem to be possible -- especially since he is back in North Carolina, which is much closer to Virginia than Hawaii. But when asked if Pearman's commitment to UH is shaky, a person close to the program said "Absolutely not."
Pearman might be one of the fastest players in the UH program's history. While 40-yard dash times are often suspect, it's been reported he ran 4.3 back-to-back, with several coaches timing him. Also, he has been electronically timed at 10.3 in the 100 meters at a track meet.
Quarterback Tyler Graunke (Salpointe Catholic, Ariz.) and offensive lineman Keith Ah Soon (Tafuna, American Samoa) both also said yesterday they will sign with Hawaii.
The 6-foot, 180-pound Graunke broke the Arizona 5A (large schools) career passing yardage record last fall. Ah Soon, 6-2, 265 pounds, draws comparisons to former UH star Vince Manuwai in strength and demeanor.
Sources said 6-foot, 170-pound all-purpose player Ryan Grice-Mullins will join the Warriors. Grice-Mullins played cornerback, quarterback and tailback at Rialto High School in California, but will get his first look at UH at receiver.
On the trail: Last night the Warriors were awaiting word from Chaffey College receiver Greg Prator, who visited Washington State a week after touring Manoa. ... UH did not offer a scholarship to Junipero Serra (Calif.) defensive back Terry Wilson at the conclusion of his visit yesterday. ... Kahuku offensive lineman Jeremy Perry, the most prized recruit in the state, remained undecided yesterday among Hawaii (which he just visited), Michigan, Arizona and several other schools. ... North Augusta (S.C.) athlete Brandon Satcher's decision might hinge on whether he's willing to play a position other than quarterback at UH, or quarterback at Tennessee-Chatanooga. ... Vallejo, Calif., commit Desmond Thomas might play safety at Hawaii. ... Offensive lineman Terrence Aphet, Samoa's top recruit this year, had not decided as of yesterday. He visited UH late last month.
Oral commitments
University of Hawaii
Other commitments by Hawaii high school players
Player Pos Ht., Wt. High School/Jr. College Keith Ah Soon OL 6-2, 265 Tafuna, American Samoa Tyler Graunke QB 6-0, 180 Salpointe Catholic, Ariz. Ryan Grice-Mullins AP 6-0, 170 Rialto, Calif. Taylor Humphrey QB 5-11, 204 Miramonte (Orinda, Calif.) Austin Jackson DL 6-4, 300 Mt. San Antonio Coll., Calif. Matt Kirschner DB 5-10, 175 Campbell Hall, Calif. Fale Laeli DL 6-1, 295 Saint Louis Turmarian Moreland CB 6-2, 195 Los Angeles Valley College Andrew Pearman RB 5-9, 165 Providence, N.C. Khevin Peoples LB 6-0, 205 Blake (Tampa, Fla.) Bryce Runge LS 6-0, 235 Fullerton CC, Calif. Carl Stokes LB 6-2, 220 Aberdeen, Md. Desmond Thomas DB 6-2, 175 Vallejo, Calif. Clarence Tuioti-Mariner DL 6-0, 280 Corona, Calif. Keala Watson DL/OL 6-4, 310 Nanakuli Lawrence Wilson DL 6-1, 300 Farrington/Dixie
Player Pos School College Brennen Carvalho OL Kamehameha Portland State Jordon Dizon RB Waimea Colorado Randy Faletoi DL McKinley Utah Afa Garrigan DB Kahuku Utah Desmond Hanohano WR/TE Saint Louis Utah Hinano Lino OL Kealakehe Southern Utah Kealii Perbera QB Saint Louis Montana Western Raynold Stowers RB Iolani Utah Max Unger OL Hawaii Prep Oregon David Veikune DL Campbell Colorado