In a case of mutual enthusiasm, one of the University of Hawai'i's prized football recruits, cornerback Ryan Mouton of Blinn College, yelled: "Yes! I'm a Warrior."

The UH coaches would be equally pleased as, one by one, commitments were confirmed yesterday, the first day of the NCAA signing period.

There were no surprises as earlier verbal pledges became binding written agreements.

Fourteen UH recruits told The Advertiser they signed their letters yesterday.

Running back Leon Wright-Jackson, who played at Nebraska in 2005, said he will sign his letter this weekend after completing his UH recruiting trip. Wright-Jackson had postponed the visit to get married last week.

Mana Lolotai, a 2006 Kamehameha Schools grad, will sign a scholarship agreement by the end of the week. Lolotai, a 6-foot, 235-pound linebacker, had signed with Oregon State last year. But he did not attend OSU, instead staying in Hawai'i to complete academic work. He will join the Warriors in August.

Kevin Konrath, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker from Brother Rice High in Chicago, will sign his letter after he returns from a school-mandated senior retreat.

Wai'anae High linebacker George Kauwalu also is expected to sign a letter within a week.

Two other 2007 recruits, nose tackle Ray Hisatake and linebacker Francis Maka, already are enrolled at UH. Both transferred from the College of San Mateo.

Running back Kealoha Pilares of Damien, quarterback Kiran Kepo'o of 'Iolani, defensive back Kenny Estes of Waimea, and wideout Eric Shaffer of Springdale Shilo High in Arkansas are 2006 recruits who joined the Warriors last month.

YESTERDAY'S COMMITMENTS:

AUSTIN HANSEN, OFFENSIVE LINEMAN, 6-4, 285, VALENCIA HIGH (CALIF.).

All-league selection. Runs 4.9 40. Avid bodyboarder.

Why UH: "I just loved the atmosphere and the program."

RAY HISATAKE, NOSE TACKLE, 6-4, 315, COLLEGE OF SAN MATEO (CALIF.).

Earned 3-star ranking from Rivals.com. Turned down offers from New Mexico, San Jose State. Competed in discus, shot put and basketball in high school, which did not field a football team.

Why UH: "I feel Hawai'i is the best place for me."

CHRIS LEATIGAGA, DEFENSIVE END, 6-5, 260, FOOTHILL COLLEGE (CALIF.).

Named to the All-America first team. Sister and newborn niece live in Hawai'i.

Why UH: "It's a Polynesian school, and I felt it was a comfortable place for me to adjust to. It feels like home."

MATAGISILA LEFITI, OFFENSIVE LINEMAN, 6-1, 290, MATER DEI HIGH (CALIF.).

Named to All-Trinity League second team. Bench presses 375 pounds. Former Mater Dei students are Matt Leinart and Colt Brennan.

Why UH: "I like the people over there — the coaches, the players, the fans. The island life is cool."

LEVI LEGAY, OFFENSIVE LINE, 6-3, 270, KEALAKEHE HIGH.

Competed in the shotput and discus, and played in the school's jazz band. Once caught a 500-pound marlin.

Why UH: "I feel I'm right for that school. It's a good school. The offense is great. The school is on its way up."

JOSH LEONARD, DEFENSIVE END, 6-3, 285, SIERRA COLLEGE (CALIF.).

Named to 2006 All-California first team and JC Grid-Wire All-America third team. Earned 4-star rating from Scout.com. Runs 4.7 40, and benches 475 pounds.

Why UH: "It's a great football program. There are great people who support the program. The fans are great."

ELIJAH LESU, DEFENSIVE BACK, 5-10, 180, FARRINGTON HIGH.

Named to Advertiser's All-State first team as an all-purpose player. Was the O'ahu Interscholastic Association's Offensive Player of the Year. Caught 43 passes for 713 yards and nine TDs.

Why UH: "I wanted to stay home and play in front of my family."

FRANCIS MAKA, LINEBACKER, 6-3, 245, COLLEGE OF SAN MATEO (CALIF.).

Runs 4.75 40, and benches 350. Played at Arizona as a freshman.

Why UH: "I just like the whole atmosphere."

JOHN MANU-OLEVAO, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, 6-3, 312, KAHUKU HIGH.

Named to Advertiser's All-State second team. Played rugby and baseball. Uncle Samson Kela is a former Warrior.

Why UH: "It's a friendly program. And my family gets to see me play."

VAUGHN MEATOGA, DEFENSIVE LINEMAN, 6-2, 274, KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS.

Named to Advertiser's All-State second team. Listed as state's No. 7 prospect by Rivals.com. Benches 365 pounds.

Why UH: "The coaching staff is really great. I like my d-line coach (Jeff Reinebold). I met the other coaches, and I really like them, too. The best thing is I get to stay home and play in front of my friends and family."

RYAN MOUTON, CORNERBACK, 5-9, 180, BLINN COLLEGE (TEXAS).

Named to NJCAA All-America team. Received 4-star rating from Scout.com. Ran 40 in 4.28. Blinn went 12-0 in 2006 and was named as JC Grid-Wire's national champion.

Why UH: "I picked Hawai'i because of the coaches and the players and the atmosphere. It's Hawai'i. What else is there to say about it?"

JEREMIAH OSTROWSKI, SLOTBACK, 5-9, 170, PUNAHOU SCHOOL.

Named to Advertiser's All-State first team after leading the state with 81 catches for 1,313 yards. Also three-time All-State basketball player.

Why UH: "One, I chose UH because my family is here. I have a big family and I wanted to play in front of them. And two, I want represent and play for my state."

KOREY REYNOLDS, DEFENSIVE END, 6-3, 250, HOOVER HIGH (ALA.).

Played in the Max Emfinger All-American Bowl. Benches 350 pounds, squats 550 pounds and runs 40 yards in 4.7 seconds.

Why UH: "It's a good program with a good tradition."

ERIK ROBINSON, SAFETY, 5-11, 193, NAVARRO COLLEGE (TEXAS).

Named to JC Grid-Wire's Preseason All-America teams in 2005 and 2006. His 115 tackles were the most by a defensive back in 2006. Runs 40 yards in 4.46 seconds.

Why UH: "The coaching staff is nice. I bonded with the players. The team is cool. It's a good opportunity."

GABE TUATA, SLOTBACK, 5-7, 170, KEALAKEHE HIGH.

Named to Advertiser's All-State first team as a running back. Rushed for more than 1,600 yards and scored 32 touchdowns in 11 games. Runs 40 yards in 4.49 seconds.

Why UH: "First of all, their football program is really strong. I like the offense. I like the way they spread it out. Second, the business school is very good. That will be my field of study."

DREW UPERESA, OFFENSIVE LINEMAN, 6-2, 245, PUNAHOU SCHOOL.

Named to Advertiser's All-State third team. Runs 40 yards in under 4.9 seconds. Won the Interscholastic League of Honolulu's 2006 shotput title.

Why UH: "It feels right for me."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.