KU lands big target on defensive line

The Kansas coaches set out to find immediate help on their defensive line with players who could step in right away. On Monday morning they got a commitment from Isi Holani who fits that mold.

The 6-foot-2, 315 pound defensive tackle from Riverside College in California called Kansas head coach David Beaty and defensive coordinator Clint Bowen this morning.

"They were excited," Holani said. "I am as fired up as they were. I want to go in there and play like they think I can and they said to expect big things."

Holani arrived back home late last night. He wanted to talk to his parents who live in Hawaii to tell them about the visit and recruiting. They talked last night and again this morning.

"When I talked to them I told them I am grateful for the opportunity and to the man up above," Holani said. "I let them know how I felt about my visit. It was my first visit to Kansas and I loved the weather. It is not always hot. Sometimes it is chilly and cold and I like that."

When Holani was younger he said he and his family lived in Indiana for a short while. He played at Hilo High in Hawaii before going to Riverside. It was important for him to get the support about his decision from his parents.

"It has been in the back of my head the whole time," Holani said about committing to Kansas. "I wanted to be able to come home and talk with my family. My parents said they will support me. It was great to have them agree and be behind me."

During the visit Holani was hosted by Kansas cornerback Marnez Ogletree. He got a chance to spend time around the players and coaches. He formed a quick bond with Bowen and it grew from the first visit they had together. Bowen knew about Holani because of Chris Maumalanga, who was an All Big Eight defensive lineman for Kansas. Maumalanga played with Bowen and it helped get everything going.

"Coach Bowen and the rest of the staff are awesome people and great coaches," Holani said. "I'd just like to thank him for finding me and giving me the opportunity. He did a perfect job recruiting me because he made sure all of my questions about KU were answered."

Holani also spent time around Kansas defensive line coach Calvin Thibodeaux who liked what he saw on film.

"He said he liked the way I play and fire off the ball," Holani said. "They talked how they like when I engage with an offensive lineman and use my hands."

Holani will sign in a couple weeks during the junior college early signing period. He hasn't decided if he will take a final visit to Hawaii who recently offered. He said he had offers from Kansas State, Hawaii, Oklahoma State, Colorado State, Boise State, Nevada, and Fresno State.