Just about every year, Tom Lemming makes his way to the islands from Chicago.

And just about every year, the college football recruiting guru is amazed by what he sees.

On Sunday at Kapolei High School, Lemming was all smiles once again.

"I like to come here almost every year because it’s such a great state for football talent," said Lemming, who started coming to Oahu in 1986 at the invitation of former coach Skip Akina. "There’s guys here that if they lived in Chicago or L.A., they would almost certainly be All-Americans. I’d say there are four or five guys who definitely should be All-Americans."

Talent at the elite level in Hawaii, Lemming said, might have been highlighted by the emergence of Manti Te‘o (Notre Dame) a few years back. But he points to Saint Louis offensive lineman Reeve Koehler and Punahou linebacker Isaac Savaiinaea as two current players who are among the best nationally.

Koehler was one of the 200-pound-plus athletes to run in the 6-x-67 relay at the Punahou Relays the day before. He might be one of the faster offensive linemen in the state, as well as one of the strongest.

"Reeve Koehler has improved every year. He’s one of the best linemen in the country," Lemming said. "Isaac is fantastic, one of the better linebackers in the entire country.

"Manti sort of paved the road at Punahou for linebackers. He’s one of the players I’m considering for the Butkus Award. He’s that good."

Among those who visited with Lemming on Sunday were players from as far away as Lahainaluna and as nearby as Moanalua. Defensive lineman Scott Pagano (6-3, 263) is another standout attracting more attention. Elite running backs Tyler Taumua (Farrington) and Aofaga Wily (Kahuku) were also there.

Lemming snapped photos of the group. He had already seen some, like Koehler and Savaiinaea, on video. Talking with them face to face, Lemming noted, makes all the difference.

"It’s not only having great size, it’s about heart. When I meet someone, I’ll see how much passion they have for football. If the heart isn’t into it, they won’t do well no matter what," he said.