Future Warriors Update

Eric Sondheimer of the LA Times has an article with accompanying video featuring Long Beach Poly defensive end Iuta Tepa, who has committed to UH.

Tepa is the latest standout for the Jackrabbits' defense. Last season as a junior, he was hardly noticed playing on the same line with Jurrell Casey, now a freshman at USC. As a senior, he's in constant attack mode. He made an early commitment to Hawaii, but lots of schools are now trying to enter the recruiting competition, and for good reason.

"He's been dominating," Turley said.

Tepa's training in volleyball allows him to leap so high that when a quarterback tries to throw a pass he becomes an imposing obstacle, his arms reaching to the sky.

"During the summer, when they ran our offense against us, Coach [Lara] goes, 'I can't get anything done when he's here,' " Turley said. "His speed is amazing. He understands now the little things we've been teaching him."

Tepa and fellow UH commit George Daily-Lyles are mentioned in this Long Beach Post story about last week's Poly vs Lakewood game.

And give credit to the stifling Jackrabbits defense, who have allowed three touchdowns in four games on the season (including the two tonight). Led by defensive end Iuta Tepa (with five tackles) and middle backer George Daily-Lyles (four tackles, two of them for losses), the 'Rabbits locked down in the first half, allowing just under 70 yards.

And here's a link to season stats for Gahr HS quarterback Corey Nielsen, who has also committed to UH. And here's a picture: