Autele is an Aztec

J.J. Autele, linebacker and defensive end from the Punahou School in Honolulu, has accepted a scholarship offer to play football for San Diego State University, Doris Sullivan from the PIAA announced Sunday night. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound athlete is an academic qualifier.

Autele - Scout.com's No. 9 player regardless of position for the state of Hawai'i - was elected 2007 First Team All-State Defensive Tackle in the Honolulu Star Bulletin and Honorable Mention All-State as a Linebacker in the Honolulu Advertiser.

"As much as I hope (New Hawai'i Head) Coach (Greg) McMackin and UH have a great season, I just felt the need to go away to college," Autele said when he asked why he chose SDSU over the home school. "After my official visit to SDSU, I felt it was the right place for me. The coaches, the school and the area all just felt right."

J.J. is the son of Sina and Jerry Autele of Wahipau. J.J. played in the HUB Classic Senior Bowl in December. Autele is the third top-10 prospect from Hawai'i to make his commitment known Sunday. No. 4 Geordon Hanohano (Saint Louis) and No. 5 Haku Correa (Damien) both committed to Hawai'i earlier.

J.J. Autele Scout.com Profile