Damien Memorial High senior offensive lineman Sione Tau said he will accept a football scholarship offer to play at Arizona.

"I liked the environment and the athletic and academic programs," Tau said yesterday.

Moreover, the 6-foot-6, 280-pound senior also was told by Damien athletic director Pohai Lee yesterday that he had been invited to play for the West squad in the inaugural Offense-Defense All-American Bowl Jan. 4 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. It is an all-expenses-paid trip. He is the second Hawai'i player invited to the game. Kahuku defensive lineman Kaniela Tuipulotu also received an invitation.

"It's a great opportunity," Tau said.

However, he does not know if he will be able to play in the game because of a fracture in his left leg he sustained Oct. 21 in a game against Punahou. The injury occurred when one of the running backs was tackled and rolled into his leg, Tau said. He will have his leg examined tomorrow, he said.

"When we lost him, we didn't win any more games," Damien coach Dean Nakagawa said. "He's an All-State caliber kid and it was a big loss as far as leadership is concerned, too."

Tau made his official recruiting visit to Arizona over the weekend. He also took trips to Colorado and Arizona State. He canceled a future one to San Diego State.

Hawai'i, New Mexico State, Boise State and Utah also made Tau offers.

Tau said Arizona wants him to play offensive tackle.

"The position coach said if you're physically and mentally ready, they'll play the best, hard-working guys," Tau said.

Tau helped the Monarchs roll up 3,114 yards in offense this past season. Last year, he was on a line that helped Kealoha Pilares rush for 1,741 yards and earn Advertiser Offensive Player of the Year honors. Tau was an honorable mention All-State selection as a junior.

"Sione's best days are ahead of him," Nakagawa said. "He's a raw kid, still learning the game. But his greatest asset is he's a good kid."

Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.