It just takes two to tango, and Cameron Friel found his match in UNLV.
The Kailua junior gave the Running Rebels his commitment on Monday night, just three days after receiving a scholarship offer to play football for new head coach Marcus Arroyo.
"I am blessed," Friel said.
At the time of UNLV's offer on Friday, Friel expressed his approval of Arroyo, who coached Jared Goff and Justin Herbert. He also noted that offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Glenn Thomas coached Matt Ryan.
"I am blessed," Friel said.
At the time of UNLV's offer on Friday, Friel expressed his approval of Arroyo, who coached Jared Goff and Justin Herbert. He also noted that offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Glenn Thomas coached Matt Ryan.
“Those are some big-time players,” Friel said on Friday. “I’m a firm believer in what they told me about the things they can do to get me ready.”
Friel also has offers from Navy, San Diego State, Nevada and Fresno State. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound slinger has a 3.7 grade-point average.
The first point of contact with UNLV came through former Baldwin coach Chad Kauhaahaa. Thomas was the offensive coordinator at Oregon last season, where Herbert became a Heisman Trophy candidate.
Friel, a constant with daily workouts that he loads to Twitter, has become a stronger downfield passer in the offseason. He credits QB guru Kelii Tilton for developing his skills.
Friel had said earlier on Twitter that he would have “big news” at 6 p.m., Hawaii time. He gave no indication that he would commit. When speculation veered toward the possibility of transferring, he remained mum.
On Friday, he mentioned that he met Coach Thomas during a camp at the University of Redlands last year while he was still at Oregon.
Friel had efficient, modest statistics last season for Kailua, but was the focal point with accuracy and quick decisions out of Kailua's shotgun spread set. His mobility was a key factor for the competitive Surfriders. His performance in offseason camps prior to the COVID-19 pandemic was key, and 247sports.com elevated him to a three-star rating in the spring.
The Friel brothers, from left: Lyon (nephew), Colson, Calen, Makanui, Cameron, Colin, Corey, Shayden.
Photo courtesy of Lukas Young
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