Big Blue seems to love the islands.
For the second time this season, Michigan has dipped into the Pacific to offer another fleet-footed pass catcher, making a scholarship offer to Campbell junior Titus Mokiao-Atimalala. He tweeted the news on Friday morning.
“Thankful to receive my first BIG 10 full ride scholarship to the University of Michigan,” Mokiao-Atimalala wrote.
Earlier this year, Michigan got a commit from Saint Louis speedster Roman Wilson. The connection is assistant coach Shaun Nua, who actually coaches the defensive line.
Mokiao-Atimalala, a 6-foot-1, 170-pound junior, enjoyed a pasta plate at the school cafeteria for lunch, then chatted about the latest offer.
“I called my parents. They’re happy and very proud of me. They’ve been preaching to me, I’ve just got to give glory to God,” he said.
In 10 games played, Mokiao-Atimalala has 58 receptions for 1,082 yards and 17 touchdowns while also playing defensive back full time. Last year, he finished with 75 catches for 1,385 yards and 14 Tds in 13 games.
Coach Darren Johnson said the Wolverines made the offer on Friday morning.
“They called on Wednesday and came down today,” he said. “Titus is really happy.”
Johnson isn’t certain Michigan will keep Mokiao-Atimalala on offense. The wide receiver/safety has five defensive TDs this season, including two pick-sixes against O’Connor (Ariz.).
“They haven’t decided yet because he’s so darned good,” Johnson said.
Michigan is 7-2, including 4-2 in conference play. The Wolverines have run the ball on nearly 58 percent of their snaps.
“(Coach Sua) asked me what position do I want to play. I told him I want to play WR. He was happy with it,” Mokiao-Atimalala said. “From what coach told me, they plan on switching it up and getting some receivers who can make plays. They want receivers who can go one on one.”
Campbell (6-5) finished third in the OIA Open Division and will meet Kahuku in the semifinals of the state tournament on Nov. 22 at Aloha Stadium.
“We’re never satisfied. We still have a big game ahead of us. That’s our focus,” Mokiao-Atimalala said. “This gives me more excitement for the game.”
Older brother Tamatoa Mokiao-Atimalala is a commit to Hawaii. Younger brother Titus has offers from Hawaii and Utah in addition to Michigan.
“UH is always there. This is my home. I’m a homegrown kid, raised here. UH will be forever in my heart. Nobody’s on top right now. I just have my options open,” he said. “I just want as many offers as I can to give me and my family more options of where I’ll go to college for four years. When I was younger, my dream school was Oregon, but as I got older, I’m more of a kid who likes certain players from each team. I’m going to the team that’s the best fit for me, where my family is comfortable. Doesn’t matter if it’s East Coast, West Coast, down South. It doesn’t matter.”
Best 2 way players in the state on same team: Titus & Poki’i.
Have they qualified yet?