Punahou School senior J.J. Autele has made a verbal commitment to play football for San Diego State University next season, according to Pacific Islands Athletic Alliance director Doris Sullivan.

Autele, a 6-foot-1, 230-pound linebacker/defensive end, chose the Aztecs over Hawai'i.

"As much as I hope coach (Greg) McMackin and UH have a great season, I just felt the need to go away to college," Autele told Sullivan. "After my official visit to SDSU, I felt it was the right place for me. The coaches, the school and the area all just felt right."

Autele was named to the Interscholastic League of Honolulu's all-star second team this past season.