Hawaii DT lands first offer

It shouldn't be too surprising that there is another defensive tackle prospect from the Aloha State of Hawai'i who is beginning to attract attention from the usual suspects that do a thorough job recruiting the island paradise. The youngster has even picked up his first offer and it is from a Pac 10 school.

The player in question is Sealii Epenesa (6-2, 300, 5.4) from Honolulu (Hawai'i) Iolani and the school out ahead of the pack with an offer is UCLA.

"I was excited when I received my offer from UCLA," Epenesa said. "Two years ago I wasn't thinking that I would get an offer from a school like UCLA."

"I'm pretty fired up about my offer from UCLA," Epenesa said. "I am determined to good in school now."

Other schools in the mix are Colorado, Penn State, UNLV, Arizona State, Oregon, Washington, and Washington State.

Does Epenesa have any early favorite schools?

"UCLA is one of my favorite schools and Colorado is another school high on my list," Epenesa said. "I like UCLA because it is in Los Angeles and I have a lot of family there. With Colorado, I know a couple of guys who play there."

What is Epenesa looking for in a college?

"A good college atmosphere and place where there is family," Epenesa said. "UCLA is perfect because I have a lot of family in Torrance."

"Good academics will also be key," Epenesa said. "You have to have a plan B if football doesn't work out."

"I would like to play for a team that is together like at my high school," Epenesa said. "On our team everybody plays for the team. Don't play for yourself."

The scouting report on Epenesa is, he's tough, plays hard and is a team leader. He plays at a very high level of competition and he's a team first guy.

Epenesa is thinking of taking in some camps on the mainland, but he may not be able to because of the current status in the economy. He is planning on taking in the All Poly camp that will be on Oahu this summer.

In the weight room, Epenesa currently benches 275 and squats 400, he has also recorded a 27.5 vertical jump.

On the gridiron, Epenesa earned first-team all-state and first-team all-league for his junior season.