Last week, the University of Hawaii football team announced plans to restructure its defense.

On Thursday, the Rainbow Warriors continued to assemble parts, gaining an oral commitment from middle linebacker Simon Poti of Fullerton (Calif.) College.

"I’m definitely ready to compete and show what I’ve got," Poti said.

Kevin Clune, UH’s new defensive coordinator, is expected to implement a scheme with a four-linebacker formation. The Warriors had a 4-3 base the past six years. Middle linebackers Brenden Daley and Kamalani Alo completed their NCAA eligibility last month, and freshman Drake Miller left the program.

"It’s a fresh start with coach Clune coming in as D-coordinator," Poti said. "It’s definitely exciting."

Poti said he is 6-feet-2, 230 pounds and capable of running 40 yards in 4.5 seconds, bench-pressing 325 pounds, and squat-lifting 415 pounds.

Poti was raised in Southern California but said "I’ve been dreaming about playing for the University of Hawaii since I was little."

He said several relatives attended UH.

"They always told me how great it was to be on the island," Poti said. "When Colt Brennan was playing (for UH), that really got me excited. It made me want to play there."

Poti joined San Jose State as a "preferred walk-on" as a freshman in 2011. Despite redshirting that year, he made six road trips. The following spring, he practiced with the first-team defense. At the end of the 2012 spring semester, he was listed as a No. 2 linebacker, according to SJSU media relations director Lawrence Fan.

But Poti said it was too costly to pay for tuition, housing and school expenses. He transferred to Fullerton College, where he played the past two seasons. He will have two years to play two UH seasons.

"I’ve always loved the game," Poti said. "My dad played (football). All my uncles played. In our family, football is pretty huge. I love the team unity — win as a team, lose as a team. That’s what I love about it."

Then, he added: "My favorite thing (in football) is to hit somebody. That’s for sure."

Poti also received offers from Fresno State, Utah State, New Mexico and New Mexico State.

"It was an easy choice," Poti said. "I’m definitely excited about playing for the University of Hawaii."