Christmas came a week early for Kapolei High senior Simione Vehikite.

The 6-foot-1, 243-pound fullback/linebacker accepted a scholarship offer to play football for the Southern California Trojans yesterday.

"Feels great," Vehikite said. "Feels fabulous. ... It's been my dream to go over there."

He chose the Trojans over Washington, UCLA and West Virginia. And he hasn't even made his official recruiting trip to USC; his scheduled visit is Jan. 16.

Vehikite said USC linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. called before handing the phone over to Trojans head coach Pete Carroll.

"He said he liked the way I played," Vehikite said. "He then asked me if I wanted to be a Trojan. 'We'll offer you a scholarship.' "

Vehikite transferred from Lahainaluna last December after helping the Lunas take second in the Division II state football tournament. He was an Advertiser Division II All-State selection as a defensive lineman. He said USC is recruiting him as a fullback.

He rushed for 478 yards (9.8 yards per carry) and eight touchdowns for the Hurricanes this past season. He was an O'ahu Interscholastic Association West second-team all-star at linebacker. He also played in the Hawai'i/Polynesian-Mainland Bowl last week, starting at linebacker.

"He's the total package," Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez said. "I knew once someone saw his film, they would be impressed with him. He has the ability. It was just a matter of someone taking a look at him. Ken Norton took a look and was impressed. They like the way he hits, runs with authority. They like his athleticism and toughness. He plays with pain. He's mentally and physically a tough kind of guy."

Vehikite said he is awaiting his SAT scores and still needs to pass a math class to be eligible to play as a freshman.