Hawaii DT is seeing stock rise

Defensive tackle Lawrence Lagafuaina (6-1.5, 310, 4.9) from Aiea, Hawai'i was one of the best defensive line prospects at the recent NIKE Camp held in Los Angeles last month and because of his performance, his star is definitely on the rise. It is a sure bet that white sandy beaches won't be the only attraction that will lure D-I coaches to the Aloha State this spring.

UCLA and UNLV are ahead of the curve with Lagafuaina with offers. Schools that are catching up and are showing interest in Lagafuaina are Arizona State, Cal, Oregon State, USC and Colorado.

The talented defensive tackle earned second-team all-star and all-state honorable mention. There are those in Hawai'i who feel he should have earned first-team on both teams.

Lagafuaina is a very athletic big man who went from football strait to basketball where he played at the four spot averaging 10.0 points per game and 9.0 rebounds per game.

After basketball the very busy Lagafuaina began track where he will be competing in the state meet next week in the shot and the discus.

Does Lagafuaina have any favorites?

"My two favorites are UCLA and USC," Lagafuaina said. "I like both of their football programs and they both have topnotch academics."

"I was at USC for the NIKE Camp and the next week I saw UCLA's Spring Game," Lagafuaina said. "The Rose Bowl was great. It was great watching how the college kids play and fast they were."

Does Lagafuaina plan to attend anymore camps>

"I'm planning on going to a couple of camps," Lagafuaina said. "Cal and UCLA for sure, I'm not sure about any others right now."

Lagafuaina wants to take all five official visits and distance from home doesn't matter.

What is Lagafuaina looking for in a college?

"Good academics and a school that graduates its players," Lagafuaina said. "I want to earn my degree in four years."