Warriors set to add receiver

Bishop Alemany receiver DeSean Holmes made what could be termed a soft commitment to the Warriors yesterday — a pledge, he expects, that will be solidified during this weekend’s recruiting trip. He said his mother, who is accompanying him, wanted to meet with the counselors and tour the campus.

In December, Holmes, a four-star receiver, de-committed from an oral commitment he made to USC in July. Holmes said head coach Norm Chow and point recruiter Lewis Powell held true during the recruiting process.

Here are his highlights: Holmes videos

* * * * *

The volleyball Warriors do not play this weekend, but they will be back in the Stan Sheriff Center on Sunday for the fifth A‘o Koa Scholarship Dinner.

There will be food, drinks, and a silent auction. Proceeds will be used to pay for summer-session scholarships, recruiting, video equipment and volleyball camps.


One ore thing: A portion of the cost is tax deductible.

Here’s the link: Warrior Volleyball Dinner


* * * * *

Several years ago, a UH kicker confiscated the game footballs, then manipulated them to make them smoother, figuring a smooth football would be easier to kick. Unfortunately in that game, the QB was intercepted several times. Later, the QB noted the football felt slippery.

COMMENTS

  1. haka January 22, 2015 8:13 am

    Aloha DeSean. Hope you and your mom have a great visit!


  2. Marleysdad January 22, 2015 8:13 am

    Great get if he stays true. Welcome DeSean!


  3. Shoko January 22, 2015 8:14 am

    Just remember the weather in Hawaii can’t be beat and being a big fish in a small pond does have it’s benefits such as playing time.


  4. Shoko January 22, 2015 8:15 am

    And Warriors will play Ohio State and Wisconsin this season on national TV.


  5. jeezy33 January 22, 2015 8:20 am

    Was hoping this story would stay silent… Signing day right around corner and didn’t want to attract other schools who looking to add speed.


  6. kapakahi January 22, 2015 8:21 am

    Will believe it when he’s enrolled in school in the Fall……and in uniform for the season home opener against Colorado.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG9v7UdI-lQ
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQxnm9dtvjk


  7. graham January 22, 2015 8:22 am

    This is the biggest recruit we have got in a while. Im surprised Coach Powell has not received interest from other schools, he seems to be a great recruiter. Maybe we should look to give him the AHC title and pay raise.Welcome Desean!!!


  8. gigi-hawaii January 22, 2015 8:22 am

    Too bad the scandal is still haunting the Pats.
    I wonder what effect it will have on the Super Bowl.
    Anyway, I want Seattle to win.


  9. jeezy33 January 22, 2015 8:24 am

    6. Me too… Should have waited till signing day to break this story to be safe…


  10. BigWave96744 January 22, 2015 8:35 am

    Scout posted Desean’s commit last night so Stephen holding off on this story wouldn’t have mattered.


  11. hatakeman January 22, 2015 8:37 am

    At first, I was ecstatic, but on further review, this might just be a nice, 2-day Hawaiian visit. Still hoping he signs with Hawaii on Feb. 4.


  12. letsgowarriors January 22, 2015 8:38 am

    nice get by Chow and Powell.

    Tsai u mentioned “renovated offense.” does that mean we will run more 4 wide? stretch the field horizontally and vertically.


  13. jm2375 January 22, 2015 8:38 am

    Good morning Tsaikos!

    The A‘o Koa Scholarship Dinner is a great way to meet the players and coaches. UH MVB is instituting some things that make games much more fun to watch, like the radar guns on serves.

    Now, if they could only use the video review for conference games. There were several calls on Sunday where it would have been beneficial.


  14. hatakeman January 22, 2015 8:43 am

    Before you start beating the drum to elevate Lewis Powell, take a look at the recruiting results for D-linemen over the past three seasons, as well as the current season, and compare the results to other successful D-line coaches in other programs that actively compete for the same players from the same recruiting areas.


  15. jeezy33 January 22, 2015 8:47 am

    10. No they didn’t. Doug kimmel updated it this morning


  16. jeezy33 January 22, 2015 8:50 am

    14. Kaau gifford, Kennedy tulimasealii… and is it his fault that Norm converts his d lineman into tes? Gus lavaka should be a dlineman and I think he’s a Powell guy. Tui unga a possible 6-5 270 dl getting moved to Te


  17. man eating apple January 22, 2015 8:50 am

    WR recruit:
    First off, it takes more than speed to be a good receiver. He has to know how to get open, it’s not just a matter of running away from the cover guy. Can he find spots in a zone defense?

    Secondly, not too impressed with his game speed. Maybe he’s fast in gym shorts. But in that Crespi High game, is #5 that catches him from behind a linebacker? WR does not seem to have any moves, just runs in a line and even then he’s not that fast.


  18. Shoko January 22, 2015 8:54 am

    Scout’s Doug Kimmel mentioned both Holmes and Hawaii didn’t want this news coming out. Tells me that he may have made a harder commitment at another school and didn’t want to jeopardize it with the news of taking a visit to another school.


  19. jeezy33 January 22, 2015 9:00 am

    17. Lol…. Maybe because in that highlight, #5 is running downfield at full speed and Holmes chops down his feet at a complete stop almost before making his move to get down field.


  20. BigWave96744 January 22, 2015 9:01 am

    #15 thanks. I went to sleep and he was uncommitted, in the morning I saw scout had him as a commit. I didnt know who came first (scout or ST), but was told that some writer on Scout was following the progress so I figured he had the inside scoops before this story was posted.


  21. Ipu Man January 22, 2015 9:03 am

    Hope this 4-star recruit exhibits 4-asteroid speed and shine 🙂


  22. seewhy January 22, 2015 9:05 am

    @kapakahi
    Same here. Not until he’s wearing that UH jersey.


  23. Ipu Man January 22, 2015 9:05 am

    Somebody mentioned that the Patriot’s running backs had zero fumbles
    the entire season—probably due to soft balls.


  24. ponojr January 22, 2015 9:22 am

    Just need a QB to get him the ball


  25. Warbow January 22, 2015 9:29 am

    #18 Maybe he wanted to do one of those hat ceremonies on signing day and shock the world as to why they wanted to keep it silent. Seems Boise has 3 of those big time silent commits who will do those signing day hat ceremonies.


  26. Da Punchbowl Kid January 22, 2015 9:31 am

    If we get ’em and got ’em – good!
    Thanks for all the up to the minute reports, gangeez!

    I join post one and others in wishing DeSean and his mom a great visit!


  27. al January 22, 2015 9:40 am

    Hey man…stop eating those rotten apples.


  28. al January 22, 2015 9:41 am

    I like his hands and long arms.


  29. Maddog50 January 22, 2015 9:42 am

    DeSean Holmes would be a great addition. Hands speed and gets open underneath in cover 2 out of respect for his speed and quickness. Not all that common for a parent to go on recruiting Trip. This is a good sign. This kid does not act up after he scores just goes about his business. Would love to have him. Go Warriors!!!!


  30. al January 22, 2015 9:44 am

    Do we have a legit shot at RJ3?


  31. graham January 22, 2015 9:47 am

    TJ Fehoko decomitted? Any shot at him or no


  32. al January 22, 2015 9:47 am

    His focus on the incoming pass in to his hands is something many last year lacked.


  33. jeezy33 January 22, 2015 9:55 am

    30. Probably not a fit. Must remember Hawaii runs a 3-4 D now and won’t be recruiting traditional 4-3 DEs like Beau Yap or Tommy Woo…

    Salanoa Wily is visiting Reno this weekend.


  34. jeezy33 January 22, 2015 10:01 am

    While likely Hawaii has a lead, I’ve heard Holmes hasn’t committed “yet”


  35. BigFan January 22, 2015 10:02 am

    I thought I read somewhere that Fehoko decommitted because of his interest in Wazzu.


  36. Stephen Tsai January 22, 2015 10:02 am

    Hawaii ran a 3-4.
    But that coordinator has left.
    Don’t be so sure it doesn’t go to a 4-3 this year.


  37. BayAreaWarrior January 22, 2015 10:04 am

    Off topic — any rumblings about potential DC candidates? What are defensive recruits being told with respect to what the system/alignment will be?


  38. jeezy33 January 22, 2015 10:07 am

    35. Would make sense but it doesn’t reflect how we’ve been recruiting. And it is very important to recruit specifically to your system. A major flaw so far in how Hawaii has recruited. If there is any chance going back to 4-3, we need to find a way to keep Tommy Woo on board and look at TJ Fehoko


  39. Stephen Tsai January 22, 2015 10:12 am

    As Freud noted, there are no accidents.
    In recruiting, there are reasons for everything. Details will emerge after signing day.


  40. Stephen Tsai January 22, 2015 10:14 am

    Woo is still in the mix.
    From what I understand, something happened a while back that made UH ease up on the other guy. Not sure about the details.


  41. kapakahi January 22, 2015 10:15 am

    #32,

    Reno or Vegas?

    https://twitter.com/DougKimmelScout/status/558095357348171777
    http://recruiting.scout.com/player/181410-salanoa-alo-wily/recruiting

    Vegas would make sense now that former Oregon State DL coach Joe Seumalo……who was recruiting Wily for the Beavs…..is now the UNLV DL coach.


  42. Stephen Tsai January 22, 2015 10:18 am

    Anyway, I”m just hanging out in Kailua, waiting for the new Target to open, but sometimes you hear things.


  43. kapakahi January 22, 2015 10:19 am

    Sounds like….Woo and Cronk will decide together…..as a package deal.


  44. Warbow January 22, 2015 10:27 am

    Looks like grades are why the big boys backed off on Mr. Holmes, hopefully he can qualify this year or maybe just be a 1 semester greyshirt.


  45. kapakahi January 22, 2015 10:28 am

    Might’ve been a good idea for UH to also pursue Desean’s Alemany HS teammate too…..so that Desean might be more comfortable with choosing UH……

    https://twitter.com/GregBiggins/status/558334139863035904
    http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2011316/brandon-pierce


  46. Old Diver January 22, 2015 10:32 am

    What does it matter when a known player gives a verbal. The hype has been that 10 or 11 PAC-12 schools have offered him.


  47. kapakahi January 22, 2015 10:34 am

    #39. ST,

    That would explain why UH is tripping an uncommitted HS OL this weekend……


  48. hitman January 22, 2015 10:34 am

    let hope this come true!! and good job coaches!! can get one or two more would be nice!!
    for UH any 4 or 5 star should be playing from day one even a 3 star!! need 5star qb or running back


  49. kapakahi January 22, 2015 10:39 am

    #32 & #40,

    Turns out that it’s both…….Vegas…..then Reno.

    Sure not looking like Wily is a solid commit to UH……since tripping UNLV and UNR……and not sure if even tripping UH.

    https://twitter.com/DougKimmelScout/status/558315263624749056
    http://nevada.scout.com/player/181410-salanoa-alo-wily/recruiting


  50. jeezy33 January 22, 2015 10:45 am

    Warbow, unless you know, hope you’re not just making up information..


  51. PONO January 22, 2015 10:54 am

    Finally some excitement in recruiting!


  52. dannyp January 22, 2015 10:56 am

    46

    I think he’s talking about Fehoko not Cronk.


  53. dannyp January 22, 2015 10:59 am

    44

    If we’re going after another receiver I want 3 star Jake Smeltzer. Sparq verified 6’3 and runs a 4.5. Pretty sure we can poach him from Cal Poly. He’d be a good TE project imo.


  54. kapakahi January 22, 2015 11:01 am

    #51. @dannyp,

    Thanks for the clarification!

    Woo & Cronk still probably a package deal…..and an uncommitted HS OL still tripping this weekend……


  55. dannyp January 22, 2015 11:02 am

    Smeltzer even has his own website lol

    http://jakesmeltzer.com


  56. oldyobo January 22, 2015 11:03 am

    Let’s get real here – we’re in the 4th year of the “Chow Dark Ages” in which there has been NOT ONE Chow recruit who has made an impact to winning. Does Schroeder, Graham, jar your memory? There will be NO recruits this year (and certainly no assistant coaches), who will prevent Chow from leading UH football to another disaster year. You can all stop foaming at the mouth now!


  57. dannyp January 22, 2015 11:08 am

    53

    That HS OL coming in needs to lose some weight and move to guard. Doesn’t have the feet for tackle imo. But he’s a big boy and def worth the project.


  58. jeezy33 January 22, 2015 11:10 am

    52. Not saying he is bad or anything but the SPARQ verified is in green and he didn’t run a 40 at the SPARQ combine. It doesn’t show up documented on the ESPN testing results for running a 40. He just added it to his HUDL profile which are in blue.


  59. jeezy33 January 22, 2015 11:13 am

    But I actually like him. Knows how to get open and use his length.


  60. kapakahi January 22, 2015 11:14 am

    #53,

    Plays nasty though…..which is what Naeole likes…..which might explain why not pursuing the Kapolei HS LT…….more a finesse/technique guy…..being pursued by Texas Tech, BYU, Utah State, Nevada, Wazzu.


  61. PONO January 22, 2015 11:15 am

    Who is this mystery high school OL?


  62. jeezy33 January 22, 2015 11:17 am

    56. If were talking about Hensley then I think his weight is actually fine for being a 6-4 / 6-5 guy. Not sure how good the competition is in Oklahoma but I like all state guys. Athletic family

    http://newsok.com/all-state-football-edmond-santa-fe-lineman-j.r.-hensley-knows-where-his-impact-shows-up/article/5381348


  63. kapakahi January 22, 2015 11:18 am

    #52,

    Doesn’t seem that UH recruits much at all in the OC any more……except for mostly Fullerton College…..though that HS SB/WR (who committed to Wazzu) was offered by UH this year.


  64. jeezy33 January 22, 2015 11:19 am

    Not really a secret and didn’t commit yet so thought I post his info.


  65. Warbow January 22, 2015 12:00 pm

    #49 Jeezy33…I don’t know for sure on his academic status but that’s the word coming out of the Fresno camp, who was also recruiting him. Could be just sour grades they loss him but it would also explain the USC de-commit and why no other major school have jumped into his recruitment after he de-commited.


  66. jm2375 January 22, 2015 12:12 pm

    Season home opener vs Colorado moved to Sep 3 @ 7pm(???).
    Seems like a late start for a weeknight game. Maybe they’re trying to lessen the effect on rush hour traffic. 🙄

    http://www.hawaiiathletics.com/news/2015/1/22/FB_0122153311.aspx?path=football


  67. dannyp January 22, 2015 12:17 pm

    62

    And IDK why thats the case. They’re a bunch of solid players in Cali and we’re letting them slip to the Cal Poly’s of the world… #Fail


  68. dannyp January 22, 2015 12:19 pm

    61

    I was thinking like 10 lbs just to improve his lateral quickness a tad. I do like him though. He just mauls his opponents.


  69. kapakahi January 22, 2015 12:20 pm

    #65,

    JMHO that the 7PM start time for a Thursday game doesn’t make much sense……since tailgaters having to compete against rush hour traffic.

    JMHO that the 5PM start time for 2010 and 2013 Thursday season home opening games against USC made more sense…..especially for tailgaters.


  70. FormerOLB January 22, 2015 12:23 pm

    Norm Chow is actually a good recruiter, but no way a good head coach! He should be a recruiter because he has the skills to do so. He kind of reminds me of Charlie Weis. Charlie Weis had all the talent in the world at Notre Dame but he sucked as a head coach. Oh, and Charlie was a offensive coordinator as well.


  71. PONO January 22, 2015 12:27 pm

    I think that the 7PM start time is better to attract a bigger crowd. Gates open early so you can still avoid the traffic if you want to tailgate early.


  72. jeezy33 January 22, 2015 12:28 pm

    I think fortunately this is a strong class of WRs and many teams don’t have big needs there at the moment. Every year is a good class for RBs.. We just always miss on them.


  73. Andrew January 22, 2015 12:33 pm

    65. 69.

    Traffic coming from town will be ridiculous that day regardless when people leave. Thank god I work central. That rules out any tailgating though.


  74. bowwar January 22, 2015 12:37 pm

    Nice to see a bit of excitement on the recruitment front…Anytime we can get some “speed” into our lineup, that’s an improvement. As said by many, you can’t teach “speed”, you either have it or don’t. Same can be said about size, especially height, we can always use “big boys” with a nasty disposition.

    Still waiting on word of kicking and punting prospects…We gotta have a good kicking game to compete.


  75. PONO January 22, 2015 12:46 pm

    I like the prospects of Ursua, Holmes, Ewaliko and Stubz as a group. However, I think they are one year away from being a good group. Of course its assuming Holmes sticks to his soft commitment.


  76. hatakeman January 22, 2015 12:49 pm

    Can’t worry about guys de-committing. So looking at the recruits that still have Hawaii on their radar, hoping Nela Otukolo picks Hawaii. He would fit perfectly as a MLB in a 4-3 alignment. A beast.


  77. bowwar January 22, 2015 12:55 pm

    It would be nice, although unlikely, that we have a Fehoko playing for UH…Unbelievable, but we had Vili as a mascot for a number of years, but we still don’t have a mascot for UH…Even “dough boy” would be welcome, as the Warriors lacks an identity.


  78. jeezy33 January 22, 2015 1:17 pm

    74. Too slow and stiff. Easy to stand out on #1 team in nation.


  79. duffer January 22, 2015 1:59 pm

    If anyone wants to send their best wishes to Riley, this maybe a good way to do it. Just send a note to him via his website. Hopefully someone will monitor the site and give it to Coach.

    http://www.coachrileywallace.com/forum.php


  80. man eating apple January 22, 2015 2:11 pm

    Lol… just saying, that’s his own highlight film of getting tackled by a linebacker. Props to the LB for taking a great line. But he overcompensated, and actually ran past the “speedy” Holmes, lucky (or good) to end up making that tackle, no?

    Even watch the Mater Dei video, he has a 5 yard beat on the DB, then runs into the tackle. Seems to lack field awareness, so just tries to outrun guys.


  81. Maddog50 January 22, 2015 2:18 pm

    Would love to get that OL from Ok and toss in Whisenhunt. Think that would be enough. At least two or 3 freshman OL will have an impact. Playem!


  82. jeezy33 January 22, 2015 2:36 pm

    78. I didnt know highlight videos needed to be 50 yards TDs + only. The LB was already ahead of him when Holmes broke down to make his move. This isn’t the OIA.


  83. bowwar January 22, 2015 2:51 pm

    At this point in recruiting, it looks like UH is basically settling for “table scraps” that other programs have “passed over” or the athletes failed to qualify for admission. It will be nice to have Holmes become a Warrior and I’m sure his mom will appreciate the community embracing him…


  84. PONO January 22, 2015 3:38 pm

    Hawaii fans love complain. How can we complain about a recruit like Holmes. He’s not perfect but he’s a great get. I wouldn’t consider our recruits table scraps.


  85. warriorsanddolphins January 22, 2015 3:47 pm

    We always going get armchair quarterbacks that think they know everything and will talk crap even though they know nothing. Tell them go for a pass with their 10.5 forty and not to trip on their pot belly.


  86. Tanman January 22, 2015 3:54 pm

    Mr. Holmes is legit!! It’ll be nice to have a four star receiver for Wittek to throw the football to!! Even though we have turnovers in coaching. Let’s hope that defense can maintain level of plays… Potentially, with an improved offense, we may be able to make at least the Hawaii Bowl!!


  87. David J. January 22, 2015 4:08 pm

    ALOHA & WELCOME to Hawaii Mr. Holmes! I hope you really enjoying your staying with your son’s DeSean!. I really hope you really love the University of Hawaii campus and the community with it. If you decides that? Hawaii is a right place for your son DeSean to play and go to school. He also makes the same decision just like you!. Don’t worry about your son he in great hands with coach Norm Chow!. He is a great father figures for your son. He will make sure that your son will graduate and get his degree in the University!. Like all parents always say that? If you don’t make it in any other sports like football!. You will have something to fall back with!. Like some pro football players and other sports. They have to go back to school to finish up or get a less pay job. But worst part being homeless!. So don’t worry he be fine in Hawaii and becoming a Big part of the WARRIORS FAMILY!


  88. warbow January 22, 2015 4:09 pm

    Much rather have “table scraps” than leftovers.


  89. Rodney January 22, 2015 5:22 pm

    OMG “fans” lets be positive!
    Max to Holmes
    Max to Collie
    Max to Q
    Max to Stubs
    Max to Haynes
    Max to Unga
    OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


  90. kapakahi January 22, 2015 5:33 pm

    #59,

    UH apparently in the mix after all……with Texas Tech, BYU, Utah State, Nevada, Wazzu……

    https://twitter.com/AmuMumuX/status/558392763897495553


  91. Z January 22, 2015 5:48 pm

    87. I agree. To da max.


  92. hitman January 22, 2015 7:31 pm

    why are we not trying to get bigger name like RB bryce love , RB soso jamabo, and damarkus lodge ? this typle of player are special !! and they want to play from day one !! some thing that we can offer big time !! some times we got to dream big !! you never know !! we look like we dont want to take a chance on big names players like there out of reach !! want to win you got to try!!


  93. Marleysdad January 22, 2015 7:37 pm

    Chillin in the SSC, watching Warrior BB. Took advantage of the 50% off for season ticket holders. Only $14 for Marley and me. Funny my beer($9.50) cost more than my ticket($9) & our food cost more too($16.75). What’s reall funny is for the same coat, I get double the beer here as compared to No-Aloha Stadium, 32oz/16oz. Anyway, close game so far. Nothing exciting yet.


  94. PONO January 22, 2015 8:09 pm

    When we go after big time guys people complain that they are just taking trips for free vacations and we shouldn’t go for these types of players b/c they don’t sign. Then you have the other crowd that complains that we aren’t going after these more elite players and dream big. Coaching staff can’t win with the armchair QBs.


  95. shoichi84 January 22, 2015 10:13 pm

    Amen Rodney! Being habuteru now isn’t gonna accomplish anything so might as well be excited about next season!


  96. champ January 22, 2015 10:40 pm

    Having 4 and 5 star athletes are fine but cant win with lousy coaches.


  97. Maddog50 January 23, 2015 2:57 am

    Never engage stupid people-they drag you down to their level. . . . .then overwhelm you with experience—I think this will be a good recruiting class including transfers and I see a much improved Warrior Team in 15. I honestly believe we will acquire no less than 8 -10 additions that will have immediate positive impact. Here’s to a great weekend and final close to recruiting. Go Warriors!!


  98. Maddog50 January 23, 2015 6:54 am

    As we move through the final phases of recruiting some food for thought…..JJ Watt was a 2 star high school player recruited to play TE at Central Michigan. Walked on at Wisconsin. Clay Mathews had no FCS offers walked on at USC…..Mike Iupati of the Niners played for that Juggernaut Idaho, Jared Allen Idaho State. Point being some of these guys we are bringing in are bound to be much better than anybody would think—–so why you might ask? Just because I have faith in a number of coaches on this staff regardless of what some others may think—-Go Warriors!!!!!!


  99. Bugaz January 23, 2015 7:51 am

    Way to go Basketbows!


  100. jeffdman2000 January 23, 2015 8:05 am

    Hawaii is ranked #4 in millionaires in the country and #1 in haters of their own team.


  101. Stephen Tsai January 23, 2015 8:54 am

    New post: http://hawaiiwarriorworld.com/?p=27276


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