Not all stars are in the sky.

The Hawai'i football team believes it found a future one Down Under.

The Warriors yesterday secured a commitment from Jesse Williams, a 6-foot-5, 310-pound defensive lineman from Brisbane, Australia.

"I accepted their (scholarship) offer," Williams said. "I like the style of football they play. That tough defense, that's how I like to play. That's the school that won me over."

Williams will become at least the fifth Australian to play for the Warriors. Past countrymen include defensive lineman Colin Scotts and punter Mat McBriar.

Australia has two divisions — Juniors (ages 14 to 18) and Seniors (18 and older). Juniors play nine-to-a-side football; Seniors play 11-on-11. Williams, 17, plays in both leagues.

His Senior team competes in Australia's toughest league. His team has won three consecutive national titles.

Williams, who already has graduated from high school, competes in basketball. He can bench press a maximum 440 pounds.

The UH coaches first noticed Williams during a tour of Australia in May 2007. Williams then paid his own way to visit Hawai'i in September 2007.

Williams said he knew little about Hawai'i until that visit.

"Just the usual — the beaches, surf," Williams said. "I went over there to see for myself."

Williams attended two UH practices during that unofficial visit. He also took a tour of the Manoa campus, and met with some academic counselors.

"I checked it out, and I liked it there," Williams said. "From there, we organized all of the academic stuff."

He added: "It's a nice place. The weather is pretty similar to over here. It gets a little colder here, but there's not a drastic change."

Williams said he currently works fulltime for a landscaping company.

He said he works mainly on property maintenance, especially backyards.

He said he has played football for several years.

He does not have any football idols. Instead, his father, Arthur, serves as his inspiration.

"It's the way he got through life," Williams said. "He came from a poor background. He changed everything."

Williams said his father runs the sales department for a screen-print company. His mother works for the government.

Williams said he will take an official visit to UH in December. But he already notified UH of his choice. He said he hopes to enroll at UH in January.

Earlier, UH received commitments from wideout Billy Ray Stutzmann (Punahou School), slotback Deondre Powell (Gahr High), quarterback Corey Nielsen (Gahr), defensive ends Kimo Makaula (Punahou) and Veni Manu (Mililani High), and linebacker T.J. Alofipo.