Whether by design or the result of an emphasis on recruiting more prospects with island ties, players of Samoan ancestry now represent a sizeable portion of the University of Hawai'i football roster. Nine of the 20 players signed during last month's recruiting period are Samoan. Offensive guard Vincent Manuwai said UH is attractive to players of Samoan ancestry. Here, Samoans have that special bond. But on this team, I feel we're all brothers.
Every player is a brother.
Tinoisamoa, a heralded high school prospect, said Hawai'i's growing Samoan population was one of the reasons he chose to sign with the Warriors. They see how the Samoan population is growing. Under coach June Jones, the Warriors have expanded their recruiting reach to Samoa and American Samoa. Defensive tackle Isaak Sopoaga, who played for the College of the Canyons in California the last two years, signed with UH last month because of his long ties with assistant coach Rich Miano, who recruits in Samoa and American Samoa. Also, wide receiver Jason Haskell of Samoana High is on the UH spring roster.