Gabe Tuata (w/ Updates)

Stephen Tsai reports that Kealakehe running back Gabe Tuata has committed to becoming a Warrior.

Tuata said he received strong interest from Boise State, Arizona, Colorado and Brigham Young.

Tuata said he was told he will compete at slotback at UH.

"I'm fine with anything," Tuata said.

Tuata was named to The Advertiser's All-State second team as a junior last year.

This year, he has rushed for more than 1,600 yards in 11 games. Against Hawai'i Prep Academy, he gained 275 yards on 10 carries.

Tuata, who is 5 feet 7 and 175 pounds, can run 40 yards in 4.49 seconds.

Sounds like a great player! Glad he decided to stay.

UPDATE: Looks like this race has turned from UH pickup to toss-up. Dave Reardon has an update.

Kealakehe running back Gabe Tuata made an oral commitment to accept a football scholarship from Hawaii on Monday, but also said today that he continues to be in contact with Arizona and will consider the Wildcats if offered a scholarship.

Tuata said Arizona is interested in him, but had not offered yet.

"No, they made me wait. That's why I commited to Hawaii. They gave me a solid offer," Tuata said.

He also said UH wanted him to commit "right away."

Tuata said his tentative plan is to sign with Hawaii on Feb. 7, national letter of intent day. He hesitated when asked how firm his commitment is to the Warriors, then said, "I'm committed to Hawaii."

He also said, "There will be trips," when asked if he planned to make visits to other schools.

Well, I hope Gabe makes the RIGHT choice and sticks to UH. No pressure! Nah, good luck to him in whatever he chooses, but I hope he sticks with his commit and becomes a Hawaii Warrior!!!!

Also, Colt Brennan has been voted USA Today's Player of the Week.

Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan tossed six touchdown against Utah State to earn this week's USA TODAY's Player of the Week honor. Brennan was 18-of-29 for 413 yards in a 63-10 victory that saw him pass Tim Chang for the school's single-season record for touchdown passes at 39. Brennan won the award with the support of the fall balloting and college football editor Erick Smith. Gannett News Service columnist Mike Lopresti sided with Maryland linebacker Erin Henderson.

And as I was writing this, I noticed the Advertiser is reporting that Colt Brennan has been named a semi-finalist for the Davey O'Brien Award.

University of Hawaii junior quarterback Colt Brennan is one of 18 semifinalists for the 2006 Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, presented annually to the nation's beset college quarterback.
The O'Brien Selection Committee, made up of a nationwide panel of sportswriters, commentators and former O'Brien Award winners, will vote later this month to narrow the field again.

The three finalists will be announced Nov. 21 by the National College Football Awards Association in a joint effort among college football award programs.

They just keep rolling in! Excellent news.

UPDATE: Forgot to mention that it was an excellent live chat with Coach Jeff Reinebold today. Thanks to the coach, and thanks again to Stephen Tsai and his crew for giving the fans a good show. Here's a link to the thread.