Hanohano, Correa, Walker, Tuiasosopo and Vasconcellos commit to the Warriors

HA Note: "With speed and efficiency, the University of Hawai'i football team concluded its first recruiting weekend by securing verbal commitments from highly regarded defensive tackles Geordon Hanohano of Saint Louis School and Haku Correa of Damien Memorial School. Lewis Walker, a cornerback from Judge Memorial High in Salt Lake City, also accepted a Warrior scholarship offer. What's more, All-State offensive lineman Tui Tuiasosopo of Saint Louis reportedly has made a verbal commitment to UH. And Damien safety Christian Vasconcellos reaffirmed his UH commitment."

Hanohano said that he considered Arizona and UNLV, but::
"I always had UH on the top of my list." (HA)

About committing to play for UH, in part to Cal Lee who he used to be a waterboy for a St. Louis, 6'2", 270-pound Geordon Hanohano said:
"It's kind of a full circle I've made, going from a waterboy to becoming one of his players." (HSB)

About GM, Hanohano said:
"He's a really good person and he seems sincere with everything he said. He's not just talking to you like you're just another recruit. He means everything he says." (HSB)

About how he gave up basketball to try to get his grades and SATs up so that he can qualify to play in college, Hanohano said:
"I'm officially retired from high school basketball, but I miss every second of it. I know I need to focus on academics." (HSB)

About how Arizona was his first choice until they dropped him, Hanohano said:
"They filled their slots with scholarships before they could bring me up (on a visit), so they kind of let me go. That was kind of a heartbreaker." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Hanohano turned down offers from New Mexico State, San Diego State and UNLV."

About choosing UH, Hanohano said:
"There were a lot of reasons. I felt it would be best if I stayed home. It seemed like (the UH coaches) really wanted me to come to UH." (HA)

After comparint Hanohano to Fale Laeli, a former St. Louis DT who starts for UH, St. Louis head coach Delbert Tengan said:
"He's an aggressive inside player, with good quickness, good agility." (HA)

Correa, who is 6 feet 1 and 270 pounds, was recruited by Arizona and San Diego State. He visited San Diego State.
About selecting UH after visiting SDSU and being recruited by Arizona, Correa said:
"I felt I needed to stay at home." (HA)

HA Note: "Correa said his maximum bench press is 375 pounds. He ran 40 yards in 4.9 seconds. He was named to The Advertiser's 2007 All-Division II first team."

About Correa, Damien coach Brian Derby said:
"They're getting a good, well-rounded young man who can help them on the d-line. He's not as tall as La'anui, but he moves well and he's very athletic. He's just a hard worker. And he has one of those God's-gift athletic abilities. It's a matter of refining those skills at the next level. He'll do it. I expect good things from him." (HA)

About Cal Lee, who recruited Hanohano and him, Correa said:
"He's super cool. Plus, he coached my brother (at Saint Louis). I know what he's about." (HA)

About his commit to the Warriors, Haku Correa said:
"I felt like the Hawaii coaches believe in me. I trust them and trust that they can take me to the next level." (HSB)

About committing to UH, 5' 11.75", 170 pound Walker said:
"I'm a Warrior." (HA)

HA Note: "He has been timed sprinting 40 yards in 4.49 seconds. Walker attended the invitation-only Nike combine in Eugene, Ore., where he was named the most outstanding defensive back."

Walker was impressed with the "atmosphere" at UH, saying:
"I like the players, the coaches and the fans. And it's really nice out here. It's Hawai'i. You can't beat the weather. It never gets cold." (HA)

Praising his host Adam Leonard, Walker said:
"He's an all-around great guy. I was impressed with the way the fans reacted to him. They were just so into him. You can imagine how they are to the rest of the guys." (HA)

About how the 6'1" 285-pound Tuiasosopo is a fit for UH's power offense, Tengan said:
"His two greatest assets are his tenacity and his strength. He's a very strong individual. They'll probably put him inside. We had him on the left side (at guard). UH will emphasize the run more, and Tui will fit in that mold." (HA)

HA Note: "Tuiasosopo bench pressed 185 pounds 35 times at last year's U.S. All-Army Combine in San Antonio. That was the second-highest number of repetitions at the event."

About how Tuiasosopo's father, Ana, is a former UH player, Tengan said:
"He has good bloodlines." (HA)

About how his recruiting trip reinforced the commitment he made to UH last summer, Vasconcellos said:
"The trip was fun. We ate a lot." (HA)

About how he is 6'2" but weigh more than 190 pounds now, Vasconcellos said with a laugh:
"After this trip, I might weigh more." (HA)

About Vasconcellos, Derby said:
"He can jump and he can run. He'll hit you. I really like him. He'll be a safety at the next level. But he can play receiver. He was our kicker, too. He can play on both sides of the ball. He can play wherever they want him to play. And he has a great attitude." (HA)