---

Lineman commits
to Hawaii

McKinley OL Ieru will switch
to defense at UH

McKinley senior Raphael Ieru wanted a chance to explore new ground, which is why Arizona State was the favorite on his list of potential colleges.

As of last night, Ieru has decided to test the waters right here in Hawaii. The 6-foot-3, 325-pound lineman gave UH his oral commitment after visiting the campus over the weekend.

That may break some hearts at Arizona State.

"I know he's always wanted to go away. I'm happy for him. Whatever he decided to do, I backed him up 100 percent," said his mother, Kat. "I'm sure he feels comfortable staying home."

Ieru was a Star-Bulletin All-State second-team selection by media and coaches as an offensive lineman. He will switch to defense for Hawaii, which is in need of help in the trenches.

Three other recruits who visited last week also committed to the Warriors yesterday:

» Tomi Halai (6-4, 240, defensive end), who was also offered a scholarship by Michigan State. He is a junior college transfer from College of the Canyons (Calif.).

» Erik Pedersen (6-1, 195, safety) of Rancho Palos Verde, Calif. He was also a standout running back in high school.

» KB Stevenson (6-0, 170, cornerback), who also played running back at Chandler High School (Ariz.)

After receiving those four oral commitments, the Warriors hope for more good news on the final weekend before recruits can sign Wednesday.

Several big recruits make their visits this weekend, led by a speedy receiver from a Pennsylvania high school full of football tradition.

Aliquippa High School's Michael Washington, who can run 40 yards in 4.3 seconds, could help fill UH's needs at slotback. Second-team All-American Chad Owens, Gerald Welch, Se'e Poumele and Britton Komine -- who all started at slotback at various times at UH -- completed their eligibility at the end of last season.

Washington initiated contact with UH after he saw Owens score four touchdowns in the Warriors' 41-38 victory over Michigan State on ESPN on Dec. 4. Washington is 5-feet-8 and 160 pounds, which is just a few pounds lighter than Owens was when he walked on at UH four years ago.

Aliquippa High School is the alma mater of Mike Ditka, Ty Law and Sean Gilbert, who all went on to NFL stardom. Joe Montana, Dan Marino and Tony Dorsett are just a few of the other standouts who came from Aliquippa or other towns in Western Pennsylvania.

Washington, who also played defensive back, helped the Quips to a state title as a junior. Despite an injury that caused him to miss two regular-season games and the playoffs last season, Washington caught 17 passes for 341 yards and five touchdowns.

Washington is a strong student who was recruited by Ivy League schools, according to Jim Equels, who covered Aliquippa for the Beaver County (Penn.) Times.

One of the top local players visiting this week is Blaze Soares of Castle, a 6-foot-1, 210-pound linebacker who started three years.

Taumua picks UNLV: Aiea defensive tackle Malo Taumua, a 6-foot-2, 295-pound senior, accepted a scholarship offer from UNLV on Tuesday. He retook the SAT over the weekend, after falling just 20 points shy of becoming an NCAA Division I qualifier the last time he took it. If he does not qualify this time, he can retake the test through the spring.

UNLV is willing to grayshirt Taumua, meaning he would enroll next spring without losing any eligibility, Na Alii coach Wendell Say said. Taumua has a 2.9 grade-point average.

"He was high on their list. He's excited," Say added. Taumua was an Oahu Interscholastic Association Red West first-team pick by coaches. He was also a Star-Bulletin All-State honorable-mention selection.

Colorado and Utah had shown interest in him. "Colorado liked him, but they couldn't wait anymore," Say said.