Recruit Info:
Matt ***a, DT 6.3 325, Fresno City College, CA
Signed with Hawaii in 2002, but did not earn his associate degree in time to enroll at UH. Is on track to play this fall. JC: All Central Valley Conference selection the past two seasons for Fresno City College. Credited with 11 quarterback sacks and 17 tackles for losses over the past two seasons. Fresno City College won 20 games during that span. Coached by Tony Caviglia. Strong player on the inside who can bench press 480 pounds. He has 2 seasons to play 2. Plans to major in education at UH. Graduate of Kaimuki High School in Honolulu. Was an OIA White division All-Star pick playing both offense and defense.
From Honolulu Bulletin:
"Matt ***a, a player who figures to do more with less this season, is expected to contribute heavily -- but lighter. ***a weighed close to 380 pounds last year, but is down to under 320 after nearly a year on the low-carbohydrate Atkins Diet. That's a tough road for a local boy who loves his rice.
"The job Matt ***a has done is unbelievable," Jones said.
***a said he didn't want his senior season to be like last year, when he played briefly in four games and made two tackles.
"I want to play," said ***a, a Kaimuki graduate who played at Fresno City College before transferring to UH. "I don't want to just stand on the sideline and just watch everyone else have the fun. Lately I've been working out with Lui and he's been helping me learn all the techniques."
Bits and Bobs:
Used to known as "Rocky."
"Coach June Jones thinks ***a will do fine. He gushes about many of his players, but it's obvious ***a falls into a special category.
"He's been a real leader," Jones said. "Worked probably harder than anyone we've had. I know he'll be real excited to get some game time because he's put in so much to get to this point."
DL coach Vantz Singletary said.
"Matt is starting to be more vocal. He's really communicating with all the guys up front. He's leading in his own little way. Normally guys at the tackle position don't speak out. We've got two guys doing it. Singletary said pro football is not out of ***a's reach, as long as he continues on his current path. He has a chance at his weight now. He just has to go out and execute, make plays. Scouts are already starting to ask about him, because there aren't enough big guys. And here's a guy who's athletic, can move, he's smart and has a personality. I saw his challenges and struggles, remember taking him down to the scale when he didn't believe he weighed 400. He's come a long way."
More Bits and Bobs:
***a also enjoys talking to students at elementary schools, especially in underprivileged areas.
***a's weight loss is largely due to the Atkins Diet, which denies him his favorite food, rice.
