Manti's dad, Brian (a.k.a. COACH BEE), expressed his thoughts after his son announced his top five schools last week. None are UH.

A few thoughts...

1. Coach Mac was swamped with public-appearance requests at the time. We know the man was working 24/7 on that front. He had to, and the public devoured his time and attention. Frankly, he may not have even known Manti without seeing him in full uniform.

2. Low budget. UH didn't have a recruiting coordinator at the time. Can you imagine USC or Florida not having that position on staff? It explains in part why position coaches weren't always there, especially at the camp. At the previous PIAA Combines, schools sent head coaches and/or position coaches to check out the talent. (Since outlawed by the NCAA.) UH doesn't usually send more than one or two coaches to any destination in regard to recruiting. Ideally, they would be able to send the staff. Realistically, maybe one coach. You can where the lack of familiarity and relationship with different recruiting prospects can happen.

3. It's important, I think, to differentiate between father and son. COACH BEE says straight out that he had some hope for UH since the family has strong ties. I'd feel the same way if I had a son in Manti's position. But again, that's separate from Manti's perspective. He's been willing to ride or drive in from Kahuku, getting up before sunrise daily, and then the long ride home, full load of homework from a very challenging school. That dedication, leaving your hometown school, makes the choice of a mainland university a natural next step in many ways.

Of course, if he reversed field and asked UH for an opportunity to be on the team, I'd be thrilled.

UH's local recruiting has steadily improved in the past two years, and it'll be outstanding in time. The commitment -- and recruiting coordinator -- is there now.

Previous Article: A maverick view of the economy
Next Article: Fantasy Logic: Warner or Edwards