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Feb. 6—Back in the day, college football recruiting could be practical.
In 1999, a wide receiver was debating between Hawaii and a school in the Midwest. June Jones, who was UH’s head coach at the time, told the player: “Do you want to catch touchdown passes with us or block the safety 10 times a game?” Mark Tate chose the Rainbow Warriors.
It could be spiritual.
In 1993, a linebacker was deciding between UH and BYU. His father told him to pray on it. After a few days, the linebacker said he chose the Warriors. His father said: “Pray some more.” The linebacker eventually picked BYU.
It could be instinctual.
In 2002, a UH coach’s wife recommended a friend’s son. Tala Esera signed with the Warriors and four years later was named to the All-WAC’s first team as an offensive tackle.
A surfer/photographer told a UH coach that defensive end David Veikune, who transferred from Colorado to Fresno State, could sign with the Warriors without redshirting. Veikune joined UH — initially without a scholarship — and developed into a menacing pass rusher and eventual second-round pick by the Cleveland Browns.
It was radio personality Randy “Rand the Man” Miyamoto who alerted UH to the availability of a junior college quarterback. Colt Brennan became one of the greatest players in UH football history.
During a trip to American Samoa, Rich Miano, who was UH’s associate head coach at the time, saw a 240-pound Samoana High student smashing kills on a dirt volleyball court in the pouring rain. Two years later, then Navy coach Kenny Niumatalolo told Miano to sign that student, who completed work on an associate degree at the College of the Canyons. Isa’ako “Isaac” Sopoaga turned down offers from USC, Miami and Washington to sign with the Warriors. Sopoaga, a defensive tackle, went on to play for the San Francisco 49ers.
But times have…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/stephen-tsai-recruiting-getting-more-170500878.html
Author : The Honolulu Star-Advertiser
Publish date : 2024-02-06 17:05:00
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