Decision comes easy for Sai
Kiha Sai has known the Utah coaching staff for years because his brother, Kapua, was recruited by the Utes and now plays there so when they offered on Friday the Honolulu (Hawaii) Kamehameha School offensive guard committed on the spot.
"It's a dream come true," Sai said. "It's been pretty awesome. I've known them since like seventh grade when they first offered my brother when he was a freshman. I grew up knowing them and knowing all the coaches that have come through Utah. They've been recruiting for almost five years.
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"It was a no-brainer. I always wanted to be at Utah even when they were in the Mountain West and now that they're in the Pac-10 it's even better."
Utah was always the favorite for Sai, a 6-foot-4, 300-pound guard who had also been hearing from Arizona, Colorado and Idaho State.
Since the Utes started recruiting his brother years ago, they became Sai's favorite and he was hoping for an offer throughout his playing days.
When it finally came, Sai made a snap decision.
"When they first recruited my brother, my brother went up there and I started to get to know the coaches and they're all funny, they crack jokes and at the same time they're serious and they win bowl games," Sai said.
"I'm really excited because I wanted to be at Utah ever since I was a little kid and be like my brother. The offer just came through Friday at noon. The second after they offered, I decided to commit because I always wanted to be a Ute."
When his older brother heard that Utah had offered, Sai said he started getting pressure to commit right away. But he had planned to make his pledge the whole time and so now he's excited to play guard just like his brother for the Utes.
"There is a great brother legacy there," Sai said. "I'll be able to continue that with my brother and that's really awesome."