A self-styled "lifetime" University of Hawai'i football fan yesterday accepted a scholarship offer from the Warriors.

Jared Lene, an offensive lineman from Altus High School in Oklahoma, said he will put his commitment in writing Wednesday, the first day recruits may sign binding national letters of intent.

"This is a dream come true," Lene told The Advertiser. "I've always wanted to play for UH."

Lene, who is 6 feet 4 and 240 pounds (he was 260 during the football season), was born in Hawai'i and lived here until he was 8, when he moved with his mother to Oklahoma. His father, Mualeava Lene, manages shows in Waikiki.

Lene's cousins are former UH offensive linemen Amosa Amosa and Lene Amosa. "I used to take him to UH football games to watch my nephews," Mualeava said. "He always wanted to play for UH."

Lene said he has attended a few UH road games. He also has watched their nationally televised games.

"Sometimes their games will be on at midnight," Lene said. "A lot of people come over to watch the Warriors. I built a little Hawai'i fan club here."

He said he owns several UH memorabilia, including two jerseys, three shirts and five hats. "A couple of years ago, I took a picture with (former UH quarterback) Timmy Chang, and he signed it, too," Lene said. "That was pretty cool."

The Warriors, in turn, have become strong fans of Lene. He was named to Oklahoma's Preseason All-State team. He also was selected to the All-District and All-Area teams.

He can bench press 315 pounds, and run 40 yards in 4.79 seconds. He has throws of 54 feet, 9 inches in the shot put and 163 feet in the discus.

Although several other schools inquired about Lene, "I wanted to steer him to being a Warrior," Mualeava said.

Mualeava added that this will also be an opportunity for his son to be reunited with his maternal grandparents — Terry and Pat Healey.

Lene visited Hawai'i this past weekend. "I just loved it there,' he said. "The players really take you into the family. The program is really good, and the facilities are excellent."

AZTECS LAND FEHOKO

Farrington senior offensive lineman Whitley Fehoko said yesterday he will sign a letter of intent to play football at San Diego State.

Fehoko said he told SDSU coaches yesterday of his decision. Earlier, he had a verbal commitment to play at Utah.

"When I took my trip to Utah (this past weekend), it wasn't too enjoyable," Fehoko said. "When I came home, I talked it over with my family and eliminated Utah."

Fehoko, who is 6 feet 1 and 315 pounds, said he canceled a recruiting trip this weekend to Louisiana State.

"San Diego State had the best coaching and offered the best education," said Fehoko, who wants to major in criminal justice.

Fehoko, an Advertiser All-State second-team pick, said the Aztecs want to see him practice on offense and defense.

"Whatever gets me on the field, I'm cool with wherever they want me to play," he said.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com and Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.