Kamehameha’s Pohl
commits to Beavers,
coach Cav

Last year, there wasn't much of a spotlight on Ryan Pohl. Not much at all.

As of today, things have changed. Pohl, a 6-foot-3, 245-pound senior, has committed to play football at Oregon State. The Kamehameha offensive tackle impressed watchers at Oregon and Oregon State camps recently.

At Oregon, there were 2,000 campers, including 50 senior O-linemen. Coaches there selected Pohl Best in Camp among offensive linemen. He repeated his performance at Oregon State, winning the same honor.

Pohl bench presses 225 pounds 13 times and runs the 40-yard dash in 5.1 seconds. His other numbers are also sparkling: 4.78 in the pro-agility drill, 8.09 in the L drill and 39 repetitions in the squat (225 pounds). He has also earned honors as a soccer goalie.

"(Corvallis) is a college town that's small in nature, so he can concentrate on his academics," said Pohl's father, Andy.

Pohl's decision marks the first strike in the islands by former Hawaii offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh since he left the islands after the 2004 season.

"We always liked Cavanaugh's offensive style. We think the way he approaches the game, treats his players, his eagerness, his wanting to succeed for each player, that is critical," Andy Pohl said. "His ability to convey his concern played heavy. Their coaching staff is outstanding."

Academics, however, is a primary concern. Andy Pohl graduated from Embry-Riddle with a degree in aeronautics. His son is interested in OSU's business school.

"The College of Business they have is rated as one of the best in the country," he said.

Utah, New Mexico, Washington, UNLV, Cal and Oregon have shown strong interest in Pohl.

"Oregon was really, really interested but all they said is that they'd monitor him," Andy Pohl noted.

Ryan Pohl made his decision on July 1 but didn't want to disclose it until yesterday. After returning from the Oregon and Oregon State camps, he asked out of the Just Win Camp on Maui over the weekend.

"He wanted to go, but he was worn out from the two weeks of banging," Andy Pohl said of his son, who is already an NCAA qualifier.

He also considers his son a solid commit to Oregon State.

"They offered and when Ryan says he wants to commit, I believe his word will be the same," Andy Pohl said.

Ryan Pohl was not available for comment yesterday.

Camping: A lot of eyes were upon players at the Just Win Camp, which concluded Saturday afternoon. Mililani lineman Micah Kia drew lots of attention, including a scholarship offer from Oklahoma. Kia has chosen to remain under the radar and deferred comment on his future. Kia won the top offensive lineman award.

Whitley Fehoko, who has committed to Utah, won a leadership award. The Farrington offensive lineman is projected as a defensive tackle by the Utes.

Kamehameha's Kapono Rawlins-Crivello was offered a scholarship by Boise State. Another standout at the camp was Elliott Purcell, cousin of UH defensive end Mel Purcell. Boise State has expressed strong interest in Purcell, who plays for Saint Louis.

Both Rawlins-Crivello and Elliott Purcell play defensive end. Boise State projects Rawlins-Crivello as an outside linebacker.