6-1, 243-pound FB/LB Simione Vehikite was the best kept secret in Hawaii until USC assistant coach Ken Norton Jr. stopped by Kapolei HS to talk with the versatile recruit on Monday.
Less than a week after the visit and Vehikite is a Trojan.
“Coach Norton called and then he gave the phone to Pete Carroll,” Vehikite said. “Carroll asked me if I wanted to be a Trojan and I said 'yes.”
"USC was very impressed with his ability to block and run between the tackles and his versatility on both sides of the ball," Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez told Scout.com. "He was the best-kept secret in Hawai'i and they wanted to jump on it before anyone else started to crowd him."
Vehikite, who was also being recruited by Washington and UCLA, said he was drawn to USC because of the academics and their tradition of having Polynesian players.
“I have always liked the program. I have heard that the academics are good there,” Vehikite said. “Also, Kaluka Maiava is from Maui and I am from Maui.”
Vehikite played both linebacker and fullback at Kapolei HS and said he is being recruited as fullback by USC.
“He could be a West Coast/I-Formation fullback that can run between the tackles,” Hernandez said.