The University of Hawaii football team received a defensive boost with commitments from two junior college players.
Tavion Allen, a defensive back from Scottsdale (Ariz.) Community College, and Djuan Matthews, a defensive lineman from Blinn College (Texas), told the Star-Advertiser they will sign with the Rainbow Warriors on Wednesday, the first day of the spring-semester signing period for football prospects.
Allen, who is 6 feet 1 and 165 pounds, is projected to compete at free safety in the Warriors’ 4-2-5 defense. Matthews, who is 5-11 and 280 pounds, is expected to reprise his multi-position role of nose tackle, 3 technique and end. He also was used as a power back at Blinn. Both will earn associate degrees in May and join the Warriors this summer.
“I felt most comfortable out there,” said Allen, who took a recruiting visit two weeks ago. “I liked the atmosphere out there.”
Allen will add speed to UH’s secondary. In high school, Allen ran 40 yards in a laser-timed 4.5 seconds. He also sprinted 100 meters in 10.9 seconds and 200 meters in 22.3 seconds.
Allen’s speed and long strides are useful skills at free safety. “In their defensive scheme, they wanted somebody back there who’s rangy and can cover ground,” Allen said. “That’s where they want to put me.”
Of Allen’s 85 tackles this past season, 59 were solo stops. He also had six interceptions.
Allen’s father, Jason, is a trainer who worked with former UH cornerback Jalen Rogers. Through Rogers, UH cornerbacks coach Abraham Elimimian began to recruit Allen.
Matthews also was impressed with the Warriors following a recruiting visit last month. “I think it’s a very good school,” Matthews said, adding the trip “was a very good experience for me and my mom. They treated us like family.”
Matthews said he is willing to play anywhere on the defensive line. “Wherever the team needs me,” Matthews said.
Matthews was a starter in his two Blinn seasons. He was named to the 2018 All-Southwest Football Conference first team. Two Blinn graduates — cornerback Ryan Mouton and safety Jacob Patek — were instrumental in the Warriors’ 12-0 season in 2007.
“I made the right decision playing for Blinn,” Matthews said.
Matthews was born and reared in New Orleans. Hurricane Katrina forced his family to find refuge in the Superdome. After that, they moved between Houston and New Orleans. Matthews said he eventually befriended a group focused on sports and academics.
“They made me change my perspective on life,” Matthews said. “I went with the flow. Now God blessed me to attend Hawaii.”
