LaCount and
Strickland commit

Kahuku running back Micah Strickland and Kailua offensive lineman Kainoa LaCount have made oral commitments to play college football.

Strickland made an oral commitment Wednesday night to play football for San Diego State. LaCount gave Oregon State his promise Tuesday.

Strickland, a 6-foot, 190-pound running back, rushed for 671 yards in five regular-season games. He scored nine touchdowns and averaged 19.7 yards per carry.

San Diego State was the lone school to make a scholarship offer to the talented transfer from Punahou. Strickland visited the Aztecs' campus Jan. 7.

Utah was among many colleges that were interested in Strickland early in the season. Only Oregon State maintained serious interest, but it was not able to offer a scholarship until this spring at the earliest. San Diego State stepped into the picture in early December.

While Strickland is an NCAA Division I qualifier, LaCount will take the SAT tomorrow. If he qualifies, the 6-7, 305-pound tackle figures to help the Beavers rather quickly.

"I met with Mike Riley, the head coach," said LaCount, who also plays basketball for the Surfriders. "I like them a lot."

LaCount has a grade-point average of 2.7 and is confident about this weekend's test. "I feel like I'll make it," he said.

The senior was a Star-Bulletin All-State first-team selection by coaches and media. Strickland was an honorable-mention pick.