After several weeks of recruiting, Ben Northup said "yep" to the University of Hawaii football team after watching its nationally televised game against Washington this past Saturday.
The Warriors, who entered as 161/2-point underdogs, fell to the Huskies, 17-16, in the season opener at Aloha Stadium.
"I’ve done a lot of research on the University of Hawaii," said Northup, an offensive tackle from Glendora (Calif.) High. "After watching the game versus Washington, I was really inspired. It was a great game."
Northup then called point recruiter Lewis Powell, UH’s defensive line coach, to accept the scholarship offer. Northup will put his commitment in writing on Feb. 4, the first day of the national signing period for high school seniors.
"I was really impressed with how hard (the Warriors) came out and how hard they fought and how much more physical they were than Washington," Northup said. "I come from a school where we’re not the best, but our philosophy is we’ll play harder than our opponent. That’s what Hawaii did in that game."
Flip through Northup’s old yearbooks and he is easy to identify.
"I’ve always been a head taller than everyone in my class," Northup said. "I came into my freshman year of high school around 6-4."
Northup is now 6 feet 6 and 320 pounds. He said he hopes to weigh between 305 and 310 when he joins the Warriors next summer.
Northup said he has been an offensive tackle his entire football career.
At UH, Northup said, "I’m willing to play anywhere on the offensive line."
Northup gained notice after competing in several combines and camps the past two summers. Northup and Powell have been in contact for several weeks.
"Coach Powell is a great guy," Northup said.
Northup said he decided not to compete in wrestling to focus fully on football.
"Football is my whole life," Northup said. "I go to school, I practice, I come home, I do homework, rinse and repeat."
Northup said he hopes to study medicine at UH.
The Warriors previously received oral commitments from safety Soli Afalava and linebacker/running back Salanoa-Alo Wily of Kahuku High, offensive lineman Jordan Agasiva of Mililani High, lineman Kamuela Borden of ‘Iolani School, offensive tackle Eperone Moananu of Tafuna High in American Samoa, and linebacker Jonah Moi of Riverside Community College. Offensive lineman Gus Lavaka, slotback John Ursua, and quarterback Aaron Zwahlen return from two-year church missions and will join UH next summer.
Lefotu practices at center
Right guard Dave Lefotu took a turn at center during Wednesday’s practice. Kody Afusia, who has a cast on his right hand, is the No. 1 center. Brenden Urban is the immediate backup.
"It’s another thing to add to my arsenal," Lefotu said.
Moleni feels fleet
Tight end Harold Moleni has fully recovered from offseason knee surgery and has developed into a reliable pass-catcher.
"Now that my leg feels healthy, I don’t favor it when I run," Moleni said. "I feel a little faster. It helps me on my routes. I feel I can break easier."
