The562’s coverage of Lakewood Athletics is sponsored by J.P. Crawford, Class of 2013.
“I’m going home.”
That’s how Lakewood offensive lineman Jay Tauala-Harris has felt since making a late decision to sign his National Letter Of Intent with the University of Hawai’i.
“I’m getting a family, someone who really cares about me in a place where I feel like I belong,” Tauala-Harris said of Hawai’i.
Lakewood football coach Justin Utupo hosted a signing ceremony in the gym for Tauala-Harris, who was surrounded by family, friends, teachers, coaches and teammates.
“Jay is a natural born leader,” Utupo said. “He has a servant heart, always putting others before himself. When you meet Jay off the field he’s very humble and one of the nicest guys you can meet. But on the field, he’s looking to finish guys. The reason why the University of Hawai’i signed him is because of the stuff he does on and off the field.”
Tauala-Harris came to Lakewood as a freshman after playing a variety of positions, but has been a stalwart on the Lancers offensive line for the last three years. He even got to play alongside his brother, Jayshaun, this season.
When he was interviewed for a feature story this year, Tauala-Harris answered a question about how he defined himself by saying, “I am a family man. My mom is my number one supporter in my life. And the passing of my grandmother Lika (in 2022 three days before my birthday) changed me as a player and a person in general. It made me want to be the best version of myself.”
Lika was born in Hawai’i so Tauala-Harris also feels like he’s continuing a legacy on the islands.
Tauala-Harris had been verbally committed to San Jose State University, but decommited just after the high school season ended. An official visit to Hawai’i two weeks ago was all he needed to sign.
“It was amazing,” he said. “It matched who I am. A big water guy. Everything came out how I wanted.”
