Receivers transferring to Hawaii

Two of the state's better high school receivers from the graduating classes of 2004 and 2005 plan to play at the University of Hawaii. Jon Santos and Nate Nasca are transferring to UH and hope to participate in spring practice in 2008.

Santos was a Star-Bulletin All-State second-team selection in 2004 at wide receiver for Mililani. He was No. 19 in Scout.com's ranking of the state's high school football prospects, and was recruited by UH, Boise State and San Diego State.

The 6-foot-1, 194-pound Santos played for Glendale CC (Ariz.) in 2005, when the Gauchos won the NJCAA national championship.

"I'm back home and would like to stay here," said Santos, who is nearing completion of his associate's degree. "And UH throws the ball a lot. I like getting the ball."

Former Mililani teammate Aaron Kia, now a UH offensive lineman, got him in touch with the Warriors coaches. Santos would likely have two years of playing eligibility.

Nasca was a versatile football performer at Pearl City, making the OIA Red first team on offense and defense. Nasca averaged more than 20 yards per catch as a receiver, and was an honorable mention All-State selection.

Nasca, who led Pearl City to a state track and field championship in 2004, pursued track and football at Azusa Pacific, an NAIA school. He missed the 2004 football season with a hamstring injury, but played the past two seasons at receiver. He caught five passes for 113 yards and a touchdown last year and also rushed for a score. The 5-foot-8, 160-pound Nasca plans to compete as a slotback at UH.

"I'm a little bigger and faster than I was in high school," Nasca said. "Our offense at Pearl City was similar to what UH runs."

He will have to sit out a year before being eligible to play in games. With a medical redshirt for 2004, he could possibly play two seasons.