Recruiting updates in the Advertiser

About 6'0, 190-pound RB/WR/P John Lessary, who will join UH as a preferred walk-on, Kahuku coach Reggie Torres said:
"He can run, and he can catch. They're getting the whole package. He brings versatility to the program." (HA)

At Kahuku, Torres said that Lessary kicked a:
"few 60-(yard)-plus punts — not rolling, but in the air." (HA)

HA Note: "Lessary's punting earned him the Most Valuable Player honor for a victory against Farrington."

HA Note: "Palo Verdes (Nev.) High's Liloa Nobriga, a defensive end who attended 'Iolani School as a freshman and sophomore, is split in deciding between UH and Colorado. Wai'anae High defensive tackle Wade Keli'ikipi, whose older brother West Keli'ikipi was a UH running back, is now mulling a late offer from Oregon."

About how he will sign with UH despite a late recruiting pitch from Missouri, Destin Stewart said:
"Hawai'i is a different environment, and I want to try something new. And I really like the Hawai'i program." (HA)

HA Note: "Linebacker Chad Lopati of Kapolei High and George Daily-Lyles of Long Beach Poly also rebuffed other offers."

HA Note: "In accepting the head coaching job in January 2008, Greg McMackin vowed to improve the recruiting efforts. Athletic director Jim Donovan doubled the recruiting budget, and Hawaiian Airlines donated 100 roundtrip tickets. McMackin hired Tony Tuioti as director of player personnel. McMackin also started a football camp. That enabled prospects from across the country to tour the Manoa campus. And McMackin also changed UH's recruiting strategy. In the last few years of June Jones' tenure as head coach, the Warriors, who were under financial constraints, brought in the majority of the prospects in the three weekends before the signing day."

HA Note: "The Warriors were the first to make offers to defensive players from Long Beach Poly, a traditional powerhouse. Sometimes the early offers paid off (Daily-Lyles); sometimes they invited competition from area schools such as USC and UCLA (Tepa)."

HA Note: "Running back Jack Sula and defensive tackle Jesse Williams need to fulfill academic requirements. They will not sign tomorrow, although there is a possibility they might still join the team this summer. Cornerback Kevin Williams also does not meet the requirements to play for the Warriors. Overall, this could be one of the most talented UH recruiting classes. Junior college wideout Rodney Bradley, offensive tackle Brett Leonard, defensive tackle David Hafoka, and cornerbacks Lametrius Davis and Tank Hopkins already are enrolled at UH."