Two more needs were checked off the Hawaii football team’s recruiting wish list.
California residents Trayvon Henderson of Grant High in Sacramento and Matt “Meff” Koloamatangi of Woodside High in East Palo Alto told the Star-Advertiser they will accept scholarships from the Warriors.
Feb. 6 is the first day recruits may sign national letters of intent.
Both players are athletic and provide flexibility. Henderson, who is 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, will compete as a safety. If he gains more weight, he could switch to linebacker. Henderson was used as a safety, receiver, running back, wildcat quarterback and punter this season. He made a team-high 141 tackles in 12 games and averaged 19.0 yards on 25 receptions.
Henderson said his primary goal is not football-related.
“I’m going to Hawaii to get a degree,” Henderson said. “The (UH) coaches are all about academics. It’s not just about football.”
Henderson participated in Nike-sponsored camps in Oakland and Oregon over the summer. He was named the most valuable defensive back at the Oregon camp.
He gained notice after those performances. Fresno State, San Diego State, Nevada, UNLV and Colorado State recruited Henderson. He said the choice was easy.
“Hawaii is the place for me,” Henderson said.
Koloamatangi will be reunited with his older brother Leo, an offensive tackle who redshirted as a UH freshman in 2012. The brothers are best friends.
Matt Koloamatangi said he visited Hawaii in October and “I didn’t want to leave. I really wanted to stay there. My brother told me to finish up (high school) and then come up to UH.”
He was used as a tight end and defensive end this season. He said his preference would be to play on the defensive line.
“I want to go to D-end so I can go up against my brother and get better,” Koloamatangi said.
He said he is 6-6 and 230 pounds. There is a strong possibility he will compete as an offensive lineman if he gains weight.
Boise State, San Diego State and Washington State are recruiting Koloamatangi. But he said he is firmly committed to UH.
“It’s the bloodline,” he said.
Koloamatangi is an active participant in the LEMO Foundation, a program that combines athletic training with life-skills education.
“It’s a foundation that picks me up all of the time,” he said. “It makes me work harder.”