Makaula, Blaze, Austin, Nauahi, Etc.

Dave Reardon has more quotes from Kimo Makaula, who committed to UH yesterday.

"It has been a dream to play at home and I am thankful Coach McMackin and his staff have made this possible for me," said Makaula, who also had an offer from UNLV. "I can play on both sides of the ball, but Coach wants me as a defensive end, so that's what I'm going to focus on at UH. Whatever the coaches want."

In his blog, Reardon praises Makaula and wonders if his commit might help UH in getting another sought-after recruit.

Stephen Tsai talks to Makaula about his dream to play for UH.

Makaula said he has "always been a UH fan. I went to pretty much all of the games. Last season was great, and I'm excited that coach Mack is the head coach."

He said he was inspired when McMackin addressed the campers last week. He also said he received positive feedback in e-mail exchanges.

"After speaking to coach Mack, he made me feel that Hawai'i is my home, and playing for Hawai'i is what I wanted to do. ... I know coach Mack will have a good team this year. I'm excited for that."

Tsai has some news and notes about the health of Blaze Soares, Shane Austin and Viliami Nauahi as they recover from injury.

Soares will become a full-time starter at left-side linebacker this season. He endured injuries during each of his first two UH seasons. Last year, he endured a left-shoulder injury and a stinger.

"It's sore, brah," Soares said of the injuries.

Of the stinger, he said, "You have no feeling whatsoever in your arm."

Despite the injuries, Soares kept playing.

"It's mind over matter," he said. "You have a different mentality. I'm not a wussy."

And Ferd Lewis writes about the talented coaches that have come out of the state of Hawaii.

...forgot to add Dave Reardon's Sports Notebook about Central Arkansas signing the contract for a 2009 game, along with notes from the WAC preview.