The University of Hawai'i football team yesterday received verbal commitments from Kapolei High School linebacker Po'okela Ahmad and defensive end Alasi Toilolo.

"I wanted to stay home and play in front of my family," said Ahmad, who is 6 feet 2 and 199 pounds.

Toilolo, who is 6-4 and 230 pounds, said: "The (UH) coaches and the players made me feel like I was part of a family. I liked that."

Ahmad was named the Hurricanes' most valuable player. He earned a similar award for last month's high school all-star game.

In 2005, Ahmad had a team-high 80 tackles, including 16 in the backfield, five sacks, three fumble recoveries and two pass deflections.

"He can really run," Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez said. "This may be high praise, but he's similar to (former UH linebacker) Pisa Tinoisamoa at this stage. If we had larger guys, he would have been our starting safety. He can play the run and he can play the pass. He can do it all."

Ahmad competes on Kapolei's 4x100 relay team.

Last season, Toilolo, who has overcome several injuries, made 51 tackles, including seven for losses, and had two sacks and forced four fumbles.

"His potential is unlimited," Hermandez said. "He's such an athlete. He can be stout against the run, or he can be a rush-the-passer defensive end. His best football is ahead of him."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.