Hawaii football commit grateful to represent home state
MILILANI TOWN, Hawaii (BVM) – The University of Hawaii’s 2021 recruiting class is shaping up to be a well-rounded and impactful one. Four Texas commits, including Lancaster’s DQ James and Highland Park’s Brayden Schager, and junior college transfer Tyriek Bell make up the Rainbow Warrior’s 2021 core along with two local products.
Just 10 days after James Campbell High School standout and Ewa Beach native Peter Manuma announced his commitment to Hawaii, Mililani’s Sonny Semeatu became the second in-state prospect to do so.
The three-star pass rusher is grateful for the opportunity to stay on the Big Island and represent the Rainbow Warriors.
“It meant everything to me, honestly,” Semeatu said. “I was just beyond grateful and blessed to stay home and play for my home state. My parents are proud and it takes a lot of stress and weight off their shoulders that their son can go to school without paying for anything.
“It meant everything to me and my family.”
‼️I AM VERBALLY COMMITTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII‼️ @RealCoachGraham @CoachYoro #DefendPrideRock #GOBOWS🌈 #WarriorAIGA pic.twitter.com/GHxV44h9TR
— Sonny T Semeatu Jr (@S4M4ATU) June 23, 2020
Semeatu is ranked as 247Sports’ No. 99 inside linebacker in the nation, the No. 3 inside linebacker in Hawaii and the No. 19 overall recruit in Hawaii. The sack artist was a key cog on Mililani’s defense that became one of the state’s best by season’s end, holding opponents to just 15 points per game.
Despite interest from other schools, Hawaii was the only program to offer Semeatu a scholarship. It’s something he won’t soon forget.
“It motivated me greatly, other schools were kind of sleeping on me,” Semeatu said. “But Hawaii recognized my talents, skills and gave me the opportunity to play for them which I’m truly blessed to have.”
Semeatu and other football players across the state of Hawaii would have had an entire training camp under their belt by now under non-pandemic circumstances, but the HHSAA is aiming for Aug. 17 as the first day of camp. Whether the football season can be played in the fall per usual or it’s moved to the winter or spring, Semeatu said he just hopes to play.
A winter football season would likely coincide with when the soon-to-be-senior can make things official in December, the opening of the NCAA signing window.
“I just hope I can be an asset to Hawaii and benefit the team on and off the field,” Semeatu said.
#SENIORSZNCOMING #S4M4ATU pic.twitter.com/pVeM5XJLCl
— Sonny T Semeatu Jr (@S4M4ATU) June 6, 2020
