350-pound running back David Fangupo earned himself and Division I scholarship to Hawaii because he is faster than anyone could imagine for someone that size.
The 6-foot-2 350-pound recruit is coming out of Kailua-Kona (Hi.) Kealakehe High and will play at his home state's university after agreeing to sign a letter of intent. Fangupo would be one of the largest running backs to ever play for Hawaii and one of the biggest in all of Division I.
The video shows that just because he is big doesn't mean he is slow. While playing his senior season, Fangupo rushed for 538 yards and 10 touchdowns and helped his team to a 10-2 record and Big Island Interscholastic Federation championship.
Fangupo shows agility and is a matchup nightmare for cornerbacks and linebackers trying to tackle him.
"I felt like it was not real at the moment," Fangupo told West Hawaii today. "I'm excited and feel blessed that [Hawaii would offer Fangupo a scholarship].
"It's just pretty much playing for my home team and family and being around people I know. It goes from going to home [on the Big Island] to home again. All the support from my family is still there."
There have been a number of large players in the past, including former Texas running back turned Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton as well as William Perry, who was used mainly in the Super Bowl for the Bears.
"He was an impact player on the football field for his size and athleticism," Kealakehe coach Sam Papalii told West Hawaii Today. "Aside from his physical attributes, he was well-liked. He was charismatic, and the players gravitated toward him."
Hawaii coach Norm Chow will have to figure out how to use him effectively, but with his size and speed he could be a force on the field. The Warriors went just 3-9 last season, finishing 1-7 in the Mountain West.
