From the Arizona desert to the Wasatch Mountain Range, a significant part of the Hawaii football team’s reloading will be cemented with today’s start to the spring-semester signing period.
Soon after the regular season’s conclusion, the UH coaches spoke of “Phase 2,” the next step in the program’s development. The Rainbow Warriors qualified for the Hawaii Bowl twice in Nick Rolovich’s first three seasons as UH head coach.
This offseason, the Warriors sought to replace two departed playmakers — slotback John Ursua and linebacker Jahlani Tavai — reinforce the offensive and defensive lines, add quickness to the secondary, and create further competition at quarterback.
In the early-signing period in December, the Warriors inked three speedy receivers (James Phillips, Jared Smart and Melquise Stovall), three linebackers (Zach Bowers, Tauivi Ho Ching and Darius Muasau), two offensive linemen (Arasi Mose and Kaimana “Bubba” Wa‘a), a defensive end (Mason Vega), two athletic defensive backs (Cortez Davis and Tiger Peterson), and a quarterback (Zach Daniel).
Boone Abbott of American Fork (Utah) High will join the quarterback mix when he signs today. Cole McDonald and Chevan Cordeiro are the leading returning quarterbacks.
“I’m pumped about it,” Abbott said of his signing. He said he spent Tuesday deciding which UH apparel to wear to the ceremony at his high school.
“I was going to text (quarterbacks) Coach (Craig) Stutzmann for the playbook after I sign,” Abbott said.
Free safety Tavion Allen said he will sign his letter at his home in Scottsdale, Ariz. “I’m very excited to see what the future holds,” said Allen, who will move to Hawaii in May. Allen played last season at Scottsdale Community College.
Two-way lineman Caden Hilborn of Highland High in Salt Lake City also will sign today. Hilborn is a consideration at both defensive line and offensive tackle. Defensive lineman Djuan Matthews of Blinn College (Texas) said he will put his commitment in writing today.
The Warriors also are favored to land Lincoln Victor, a multi-skilled player from Union High in Washington. Victor played quarterback this past season, leading Union to a 14-0 record and the Class 4-A championship. He was named Washington’s state player of the year. In the Polynesian Bowl, Victor caught five passes for 51 yards and a touchdown.
