After delaying his college football career to serve in the Maryland Baltimore Mission, former Elite 11 QB Aaron Zwahlen is joining the Rainbow Warriors for the 2015 season. The quarterback from Modesto, CA was rated as a three-star prospect by 24/7 Sports, and was recruited by BYU, Duke, Northwestern, Oregon State, Texas Tech and Washington State before signing with UH in 2013.
Here's what ESPN recruiting had to say about Zwahlen:
Zwahlen in our opinion has been the most undervalued and overlooked quarterback prospect in the 2013 class. This is potentially an elite passer down the road with the measurables, arm strength and accuracy to blossom into a BCS starter with a high level of production. He has very good height and a wiry, but well-built frame that is only going to grow and could develop into a 225-230 pounder in time. His release and arm power are on pace to be in the elite category down the road. He can make every throw on the field -- even some when his feet are not set with a quick release. He can put a lot of velocity on the ball when he needs to and fit the ball into some tight creases in coverage. Is primarily a shotgun passer. Is a good athlete, not great. Shows good pocket movement and savvy to elude and buy a second passing chance. He is a tough guy to sack, not only because of his quick feet, but he also gets the ball out extremely fast. Can beat the rush with his arm. He has a quick set, terrific feel for the pocket around him.
And here are highlights from his senior year at Thomas Downey High School (Warning: AWOLNATION incoming):
Zwahlen coming into the mix at quarterback definitely makes things interesting for coach Norm Chow on who he picks as his signal caller. He's got options across the board, ranging from the experienced Senior Max Wittek, his starter from 2014, Ikaika Woolsey, or the two freshmen with no college starts in Beau Reilly, and now, Aaron Zwahlen. If Hawaii wants to improve off last season's 4-9 campaign, one of these four will need to step up in a big way.