Illini Land In-State Tight End

Some kids grow up dreaming of playing for an elite football power such as USC or Michigan but that’s not the case of Bloomington (Ill.) Central Catholic tight end Michael Hoomanawanui. He grew up dreaming of playing for the University of Hawaii. However, distance was a major factor in Hoomanawanui’s recruitment and he’s decided to stay home and play for the Fighting Illini.

“Oh yea, I definitely wanted to play for Hawaii,” Michael Hoomanawanui said.

“I grew up in Hawaii and my mom’s family is still there. We take a family vacation back to Hawaii every summer.

“My dad moved to Arizona to play juco football and later he transferred and played for Illinois State and we never left.

“Hawaii doesn’t use a tight end in their offense so they were looking at me on the defensive side of the ball. I still get letters from them and they want me to come visit in the fall but that was before I committed to Illinois.

“I picked Illinois because it’s close to home and my family and friends will be able to come watch me play. I developed a great chemistry with the Illinois coaches and I just feel good about the program.

“Illinois is recruiting me as a tight end. That’s another reason why I chose Illinois. I think I’ll get the chance to play early.”

Hoomanawanui has been on the varsity at Central Catholic since his freshman year and has started at defensive end and tight end since his sophomore year.

Michael was an all-conference selection on both sides of the ball in 2004. He caught 23 passes for 477 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Hoomanawanui chose Illinois over Purdue, Northern Illinois and Illinois State. All schools offered a scholarship.