Red Raiders Close in on Decision

KAHUKU, Hawai'i - Kahuku's Paipai Falemalu was all set to go to the mainland for college, but something interesting happened on the way to the airport - June Jones moved to Texas. And that move prompted Hawai'i to hire Greg McMackin as the Warriors' new head coach, and everything has changed in regards to UH and North Shore football.

The Honolulu Advertiser reported Sunday that Falemalu, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound linebacker, and teammate Alema Tachibana, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound linebacker/rush end, had verbally committed to McMackin and the Warriors after a successful official visit.

Falemalu told Scout.com that afternoon that - while the visit to the Manoa campus was definitely a big hit, the two have yet to formally declare their intentions.

"I almost did (commit)," Falemalu said with a laugh. "I'm leaning there. It's mostly the family. I need to talk to my family right now to see how everyone feels. And I know he (Tachibana) is in the same thing as me. He wants to make sure the family is all good with it. When it comes down to it it's my choice, but I want their input too."

So with offers and official visits from mainland schools like Oregon State, California and Washington, what was it about UH that piqued Falemalu's late interest?

"Being around their new coaching staff, they are really down to earth people and I felt really comfortable with them, especially being home," he said.

"Also, Me and him (Tachibana) want to play ball together." Alema's only other current standing offer is Utah, so the home school is the only one to have offered both Red Raiders.

Falemalu expects to firm things up on his decision one way or another in the next 24-48 hours, and I anticipate both Falemalu and Tachibana will stay home and play their college ball for the Warriors.

The first day high school players can sign binding letters of intent is this coming Wednesday, starting at 7 AM.

Paipai Falemalu Scout.com Profile