The Crusaders continue to march onto the University of Hawaii campus.
Linebacker Isaiah Tufaga, a former All-State football player from Saint Louis School, is poised to transfer from Oregon State to UH.
“I can’t wait,” Tufaga told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser in a telephone interview.
Tufaga, a 6-foot-2, 225-pound sophomore, said he finalized his decision on Tuesday, the final day of Oregon State’s training camp. He then called some former Saint Louis teammates who currently play for the Rainbow Warriors.
“It had nothing to do with football,” Tufaga said of his decision. “It had to do with things off the field. I figured coming back home is the best for me and my happiness. Playing in front of my family and friends is also another bonus. I figured it’s the best thing for me to do.”
Tufaga, who grew up in Laie, said he is in the process of submitting his application and transcripts to UH. UH’s fall semester begins on Monday.
Tufaga said he expects to redshirt this year, in accordance with NCAA transfer rules, and then have three years to play three seasons. “I’m fine with (redshirting),” Tufaga said.
When the transfer is finalized, Tufaga will become the ninth Saint Louis graduate on the Warriors’ roster. The other former Crusaders are quarterback Chevan Cordeiro; receivers Jonah Panoke, Kelian Brunn and Chance Beyer; offensive linemen Arasi Mose and Eliki Tanuvasa; linebacker Kila Kamakawiwo‘ole, and nickelback Kai Kaneshiro.
“Most of my friends play there,” said Tufaga, who followed the Warriors from afar the past year. “I kept in touch with them. I’ve seen every update I could.”
After a standout career at Saint Louis, Tufaga was named to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s 2017 All-State first team as a safety.
As a true freshman in 2018, he played in nine games, starting five, as an OSU linebacker. He amassed 36 tackles, including 3.5 backfield stops. He said he projects to compete at linebacker for the Warriors.
Tufaga said he gave deep thought before deciding to leave OSU.
“It’s been a long, ongoing process,” he said. “It wasn’t something that was made overnight. Although it was announced (Tuesday), it was something that was on my mind for a long time.”
He said it was difficult to notify his OSU teammates and coaches. “Especially talking to my position coach,” Tufaga said of Trent Bray. “Me and him are really close. But I have to do what’s best for me and my future and my family.”
Tufaga was in Oregon on Wednesday night. “I’m trying to leave as soon as possible so I can get everything squared away back home,” he said.
