SIGNING DAY BLOG: Faumui signs with Virginia

Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez stood next to Aaron Faumui, who will announce his college decision between Hawaii and Virginia this morning. Photo by Paul Honda/Star-Advertiser.

7:30 p.m.: Kapolei’s Aaron Faumui, who had committed to UH just seven days ago, has signed with Virginia.

Virginia beats out UH, Florida, Oregon, Nebraska among others.

He says the No. 1 reason was the Virginia coaching staff.


Former Kahuku running back Mark Atuaia, who is on the Virginia staff, played a big role in Faumui’s recruitment.

Here’s more from Faumui, Jonah Panoke (Hawaii) and Alama Uluave (SDSU).

For a list of all of the student-athletes signing in each sport, click here.

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Hectic morning getting things out. Here are some updates:

Kahuku running back Enoch Nawahine, who received a late offer from Boise State during the week of the Polynesian Bowl, has signed with the Broncos.

Kamehameha quarterback Thomas Yam is headed to Adams State while ‘Iolani quarterback Tai-John Mizutani will attend Central Washington. Both participated in signing day events at their respective high schools.

Kamehameha OL Dayne Hall is headed to Dixie State.

St. Francis’ Scott McLeod signs with UH.

Here is our football recruiting tracker with a list of all Division I recruits including junior college players.

Kahuku’s Samson Reed and Micah Mariteragi will join Faumui at Virginia.

Kahuku’s Samson Reed and Micah Mariteragi will join Aaron Faumui at Virginia. Photo courtesy Tanoai Reed.

St. Francis’ Micah Fernandez, a 6-foot-4, 280-pound OL, headed to Montana.

Konawaena’s Austin Ewing is headed to Southern Utah. Ewing, a three-year starting quarterback for the Wildcats, led Kona to its first state final this past season.


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7:30 p.m.: The media is still waiting to talk to Faumui, who signed his letter but gave no indication on who he has signed with. Most people have put on their hats. They are taking a group photo now.

7:20 p.m.: Uluave chooses San Diego State.

Punahou’s Alama Uluave to San Diego State. Photo by Paul Honda/Star-Advertiser.

6:25 p.m.: You can never trust the name tags, as we’ve learned in the past, but here you go if you’re waiting. Signing actually begins around 7.

Here’s the one for Punahou offensive lineman Alama Uluave. Uluave’s known offers included Air Force, Army, Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Hawaii, San Diego State, Syracuse, Texas Tech, UNLV and Washington State.

As of 5:45 a.m. today, Hawaii and Virginia are the last two schools with the most hope for landing Aaron Faumui.

The Kapolei scholar-athlete — he has a 3.48 grade-point average — has not indicated whether he will select Hawaii or Virginia. The defensive/offensive lineman did indicate to his high school coach, Darren Hernandez, that he was no longer interested in Florida or Wisconsin.

“It’s been a wild push by these schools since Wednesday,” Hernandez said, noting the day his senior standout orally committed to Hawaii. “Virginia brought a bunch of coaches. They won’t take no for an answer.”

Faumui’s church has been fasting and praying on his behalf. He doesn’t have a cell phone, so contact with recruiters has been different.

Kapolei’s Aaron Faumui and his old defensive line coach at Radford, Allen Fortson. The Rams won the Division II state title in an undefeated season when Faumui was a sophomore. Photo by Paul Honda/Star-Advertiser.

Saint Louis product Tristan Nichols, who was once a UH commit, is headed to Nevada after playing at Arizona Western.

COMMENTS

  1. Education First February 7, 2018 6:28 am

    It’s an exciting day for all of these students athletes and I just hope they make the best decision for their futures. I had read somewhere that coaches actually announced verbal commitments to schools when their own players haven’t yet.
    With a 3.8 GPA, It sounds like Faumui is a smart kid who will make the right decision for the best education he can get. Best of luck to all of these hard working young men!


  2. Tomas February 7, 2018 6:39 am

    Hernandez is a chump. He said Hawaii the other day. Yes all talk, just like his teams. All the talent, no championships.


  3. Praise The Lord!!!! February 7, 2018 6:41 am

    With thevery look of attire he choose to wear, I’m guessing he will pick Virginia. It’s just my guess. But, whatever he decides to go, I know his family has his back… fasting and praying for this kid, that’s what’s it all about. I hope for nothing but the best for this kid throughout his next journey.


  4. ??? February 7, 2018 8:27 am

    Another big Hawaii recruit LOST. Time to bring back June Jones, the only guy that can win and recruit Hawaii’s best players!!


  5. Ranette Rogers February 7, 2018 2:00 pm

    BLESSINGS TO ALL OUR YOUTHS WHO SIGNED…


  6. Clyde February 7, 2018 2:09 pm

    Great to see John Tai Mizutani joining the Central Washington University Wildcats!


  7. bob February 7, 2018 3:35 pm

    Payton Yanagani commits to Oregon Ducks


  8. fuds February 7, 2018 6:36 pm

    Hawaii will be fine with coach Rolo. Bring back JJ? Im past that already, he wasnt that great.


  9. ??? February 7, 2018 7:13 pm

    @fuds
    JJ wasn’t that great? What are you smoking?
    Name a Hawaii coach that was better than him?
    Undefeated 12-0 season, numerous Bowl wins, most Hawaii produced NFL players, best win lost turn around in history at the time, most sponsors in UH history! Nuff Said…


  10. ??? February 7, 2018 7:28 pm

    @fuds
    Hawaii will be fine with Rolo?
    You the same guy who probably backed
    Von-Oppen & Norm Chow for Head Coach😂


  11. jason saunders February 8, 2018 4:21 am

    Is there another date to sign?


  12. Education-1st Hawaii Volunteer February 25, 2018 2:44 am

    Aloha,

    For the record, please know that the person who is responding and has responded to these comments as Education First, does not represent the views and statements of Education-1st Hawaii, the organization that volunteers their time for the community i.e. with the Hawaii National Letter of Intent Signing Day.

    Mahalo!


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