Hawaiian standout getting ready to set trips
Four-star defensive tackle Kaniela Tuipulotu from Kahuku, Hawai'i is fine after an earthquake shook the Island's on Sunday.
"We lost power for most of day," Tuipulotu said. "It didn't come back on until 7:00 PM HST. I think we are okay, now."
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On the field of play Tuipulotu has been slowed this season with ankle sprains and rested some so far in 2006.
Tuipulotu has returned to action over the last three weeks and has recorded 10 tackles and two sacks for a 6-2 Kahuku team that looks to be headed for the playoffs again.
Though Tuipulotu has been played hurt all season so his production is down, he is still hearing from and is setting up visits.
Tuipulotu has eight offers on the table from Tennessee, Arizona, Oregon State, Utah, BYU, Boise State, New Mexico State and the home state school Hawai'i.
"I haven't set any visits yet," Tuipulotu said. "Tennessee wants me to visit the first week of January.
"I'm talking to Boise State, Utah and Arizona regarding other visits," Tuipulotu said. "I'm not sure yet, what other schools I'm going to visit other than Tennessee.
"Tennessee is the only school that I want to visit for sure."
Tuipulotu earned first-team all-state honors after accounting for approximately 50 tackles, an outstanding for an inside guy 15 sacks, one fumble caused and one interception that he brought back 71 yards for a touchdown.
Tuipulotu junior season performance helped Kahuku win the state championship.
Tuipulotu is a member of the Rivals.com Rivals250 for the class of 2007. Rivals.com is rated as the nation's No. 17 defensive tackle prospect and was also on the Rivals.com Hawaii top 20 team and landed as the Aloha State's No. 1 prospect.