That roar was Campbell High School football player Solomon Matautia being introduced during Wednesday’s signing ceremony at the Waikiki Sheraton.

"That was my family," said Matautia, who signed a Letter of Intent with the University of Hawaii. "That’s one of the reasons why I’m going to UH."

Matautia, an All-State safety, was one of three local recruits to sign with the Warriors on Wednesday, the first day commitments could be put in writing.

"It was hard to sleep," Matautia said of his pillow-punching night. "I was excited. That’s all I could think about."

In Edmond, Okla., offensive lineman J.R. Hensley had visions of paradise after signing his Letter of Intent.

"I’m more than happy," said Hensley, a Sante Fe High senior who took a UH-hosted recruiting trip two weeks ago. "There’s something about Hawaii I couldn’t resist. The campus had everything I wanted. The coaches were great. The players were family. It was unlike anything I ever experienced."

Hensley, who is 6 feet 6 and 320 pounds, also drew interest from Brigham Young, Memphis and Iowa State. His brother is Ty Hensley, the New York Yankees’ No. 1 draft pick in 2012. J.R. stands for "Jake Ryan," a character in the movie, "Sixteen Candles."

In California, running back/returner Paul Harris of Ventura College wasted little time with his RSVP to the Warriors’ offer.

"As soon as they called, I accepted," said Harris, who was raised in Columbus, Ohio.

Harris, who also projects to play slot receiver, is capable of running 40 yards in sub-4.4 seconds. His nickname is "House Call Paul," a handle he earned after fulfilling a promise to deliver a touchdown in the final minute.

"I love Hawaii," Harris said.

Head coach Norm Chow said it was a hectic first day that began when offensive tackle Austin Webb faxed a copy of his letter at 3 a.m. After that, the Warriors came up empty in their slim pursuit of Saint Louis School lineman Fred Ulu-Perry.

"You know, you never get everybody you want," Chow said.

Chow said this class was constructed over three years. There were two FBS transfers (quarterback Max Wittek from USC and linebacker Makani Kema-Kaleiwahea from Arizona), four returning from church missions, three grayshirts.

"It’s a two-, three-year plan that we have, and not necessarily going out and recruiting a bunch of freshmen," Chow said.

Chow described Wittek as the "jewel of the class." He said his staff rated Mililani’s Jordan Agasiva as the second-best linemen in the state.

The Warriors are not done. They still are recruiting a cornerback, safety and defensive tackle.

"We’ll keep battling," Chow said.

Here’s the recruiting class (not including the grayshirts or returning missionaries Aaron Zwahle and Gus Lavaka):

Jordan Agasiva, offensive line, 6-4, 315, Mililani

Chow comment: "We felt he was one of the top guys in the state of Hawaii. He committed early and he never wavered. He’s going to be a good player real quick. He’s strong, country strong."

Kamuela Borden, offensive/defensive line, 6-4, 240, Iolani

Chow: "He’s a guy leaving on his LDS mission, and in two years, he’s going to come back 260, 265. He’s broad. He’s a very good athlete. We’re going to have to try to find a spot for him."

Dejaun Butler, cornerback, 5-11, 180, Santa Monica College

Chow: "He’s going to have to help us right away. He’s a junior-college corner who originally signed with Washington. We need him to contribute right away."

Dylan Collie, slotback, 5-10, 175, BYU

Chow: "He’s a very confident, young receiver. He went to BYU, and he didn’t want to go back (there) after his mission. We expect him to be a part of it right away."

Mel Davis, running back, 6-2, 235, Santa Monica College

Chow: "He’s a big back, giving us that strong back."

Paul Harris, running back/returner, 5-11, 190, Ventura College

Chow: "He’s another good athlete we’re going to have to find a spot for."

J.R. Hensley, offensive lineman, 6-6, 320, Santa Fe (Okla.) High

Chow: "He’s a young man out of Oklahoma that we took a shot at. He’s a product of some good, hard work by (UH line coach) Chris Naeole. He had a nice trip, and he wants to come."

Sione Kauhi, tight end/defensive end, 6-5, 240, Wilsonville (Ore.) High

Chow: "We expect big things. We’re not sure where to play him. Either defense or tight end."

Makani Kema-Kaleiwahea, linebacker, 6-3, 240, Kamehameha/Arizona

Chow: "He’s a special young man. He played for Arizona, contributed, and he’s going to bring a lot of leadership and toughness to us."

Solomon Matautia, linebacker, 6-1, 220, Campbell

Chow: "We’re elated. He was going to go to Oregon State. He’s going to be a safety or outside linebacker. I think he’s going to make an immediate impact."

Eperone Moananu, offensive line, 6-2, 285, Tafuna High (American Samoa)

Chow: "He’s very, very talented."

Matt Norman, offensive tackle, 6-5, 250, Fullerton College

Chow: "He’s a big lean guy. He’s going to need some time to gain weight. He has a good shot to play because Ben (Clarke) will not go through spring ball (while recovering from surgery). He will be a left tackle."

Alex Trifonovitch, punter/kicker, 6-1, 180, Punahou

Chow: "We’re fired up about him. He comes with nothing but great credentials. We lose Scott Harding. I told him he’ll be our punter."

Russell Williams, linebacker, 6-1, 225, Sacramento City College

Chow: "He was a first-team JC All-American after one year. He’s a qualifier out of high school. He has some family relations here. We were very fortunate to get him."

Austin Webb, offensive lineman, 6-8, 310, Highland Park High (Dallas)

Chow: "He was under the radar. He came out here. Chris (Naeole) really liked him. He has ability. He has a chip on his shoulder because he wasn’t recruited by the big guys in Texas. He’s determined to prove them wrong."

Max Wittek, quarterback, 6-4, 240, USC

Chow: "We expect things out of Max. We get him for one year. He’s an NFL prospect."