On the frenzied eve of Wednesday’s signing day, the University of Hawaii football team endured the drama of prospects finalizing their college choices.
While waiting on decisions from wideout Desean Holmes, defensive lineman Salanoa-Alo Wily and offensive lineman Fred Ulu-Perry, the Rainbow Warriors appeared to take the lead for one of Utah’s top defensive players and received a call from a quarterback from one of the nation’s top FBS teams.
Wednesday is the first day recruits may sign binding National Letters of Intent.
Earlier, Glendora (Calif.) High offensive tackle Ben Northup told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser he was leaning toward de-committing to UH and signing with Fresno State. He then tweeted: "Not sure if I’m making the biggest mistake of my life right now …"
The Warriors received a commitment from Austin Webb, a 6-foot-8, 312-pound offensive tackle from Highland Park in Dallas.
T.J. Fehoko, a linebacker from Cottonwood High in Salt Lake City, has narrowed his choices to Hawaii, North Carolina State and Nevada. Fehoko’s parents are Kahuku High graduates. Fehoko has known UH defensive line coach Lewis Powell since he was an 11-year-old attending a football camp.
"His relationship with Coach Powell goes back to when T.J. was in elementary school," Sione Fehoko said of his son.
Fehoko was named to Utah’s 5-A all-state first team four times. As a junior in 2013, he set the state’s single-season record with 21 sacks.
"He’s a great young man, a great player, and he can come in right now and start as a pass-rusher," Cottonwood defensive coach Greg Croshaw said.
Fehoko will announce his decision this morning in a ceremony at his high school.
The Warriors also received a surprise call from a former 5-star quarterback who expressed interest in transferring to UH. But the Warriors might not have room. Quarterback Max Wittek, who transferred from USC in August, counts toward this year’s recruiting class.
Aaron Zwahlen, who was ranked in ESPN’s top 300 in 2012, returns from a two-year church mission in May and then will join the Warriors. Zwahlen also counts as a 2015 recruit.
Ikaika Woolsey, who started 12 of 13 UH games as a sophomore last year, and Beau Reilly, who redshirted as a 21-year-old freshman, are returning quarterbacks.
Holmes, who is choosing between Hawaii and San Diego State, said he will announce his choice Wednesday.