Jack Sula and Nathan Mageo hope to contribute right away when they join the Hawaii football program, and will get a head start in that pursuit.

Both Sula, a running back, and Mageo, a defensive tackle, have committed to sign with the Warriors and plan to enroll at UH for the spring semester.

The early start gives them a chance to acclimate academically and familiarize themselves with the Warriors' system in spring practice.

“;It's going to be crucial to be there for the spring to get to know the plays better,”; said Mageo, who committed to UH after making his official visit over the weekend.

Mageo (6-foot-3, 278 pounds) is originally from American Samoa and played the last two seasons at New Mexico Military Institute, where he was a defensive captain this season.

Mageo was also recruited by North Carolina State, Kansas State, Baylor, Troy and Arizona before choosing Hawaii. The Warriors lose four of their top six defensive tackles after this season.

Sula (6-0, 215) signed with Boise State but didn't enroll there following a prolific career at Carson (Calif.) High. He was planning to attend a junior college when the opportunity with the Warriors popped up.

“;They gave me a call out of the blue, they told me they were interested and from there we kept in contact,”; Sula said. “;I felt real comfortable talking to the coaches and I can't wait to go.”;

Sula said the opportunity to play running back at UH figured into his decision. He had been recruited as a linebacker last year and is eager to compete in the Warriors' offensive backfield instead.

“;This has been the longest period I've been away from football since before I started playing,”; he said. “;But I've still been working out and staying in shape.”;

Saint Louis receiver Billy Ray Stutzmann will also enroll at UH in January after completing his high school requirements this semester.