For her 10th University of Hawaii reunion, Donna Moananu might be able to watch her son play in a UH football game.
Her son — offensive tackle Eperone Moananu of Tafuna High in American Samoa — agreed to be part of the Rainbow Warriors’ 2015 recruiting class.
He accepted a scholarship offer, promised to sign a letter of intent in February and plans to enroll at UH in July 2015.
"I’m very excited for him," said Donna Moananu, who earned a bachelor’s degree in special education at UH in 2005. "I know the campus and how to get around."
Eperone Moananu is considered one of American Samoa’s top football prospects. He is 6-foot-2 and 290 pounds. Under head coach Okland Salave‘a, Tafuna — also nicknamed the Warriors — won the past two prep championships.
Offensive line coach Chris Naeole, UH’s point recruiter in American Samoa, was a Colorado player when he first met Salave‘a, a Buffaloes alumnus. They became friends, and were reunited when Naeole and UH intern Ed Ta‘amu arrived in the territory this week to evaluate prospects.
Moananu did not waste time in accepting UH’s offer.
"It’s a good opportunity for me," Moananu said. "I was always very interested in Hawaii’s program. I’m looking forward to helping them."
Moananu said he does not play any other sport.
"Growing up," he said, "I always knew I only wanted to play football."
Moananu is the third 2015 recruit to make an oral commitment to UH, following offensive tackle Jordan Agasiva of Mililani High and linebacker Jonah Moi of Riverside (Calif.) Community College.
What’s more, quarterback Aaron Zwahlen, running back/receiver John Ursua and offensive lineman Gus Lavaka return from church missions next year and will be eligible to play for the Warriors in 2015.
Moananu’s second cousin is UH right guard Dave Lefotu.
Donna Moananu said her son made his own decision.
"I respect his decision," she said. "He has the opportunity to go to school."