The University of Hawai'i football team made a contribution to its future by adding a versatile defensive lineman.

Bo Montgomery, a 2005 graduate of Kealakehe High School, has finalized arrangements to transfer from Weber State.

"I've always wanted to play for UH," said Montgomery, who was born in Colorado but raised in Kona.

After his senior season at Kealakehe, Montgomery was invited to join the Warriors as a non-scholarship player. He turned down that opportunity, opting to accept a scholarship from Division I-AA Weber State.

He started five games as a sophomore last season, playing defensive end, defensive tackle and nose tackle. Partly because of family reasons, he requested — and received — his scholarship release last December.

He had to relinquish plans to enroll at UH in January because he did not have enough transferrable credits. He earned those outstanding credits through online courses this past semester, and has been accepted to UH for the fall semester.

In accordance with NCAA transfer rules, Montgomery is required to redshirt this season. He will be allowed to practice, train and attend meetings. After that, he will have two seasons of eligibility.

This summer, Montgomery is training under Sam Papali'i, a former Kealakehe head football coach. Papali'i, who was an assistant coach at Utah, Iowa State and Arizona, recommended Montgomery to UH defensive coordinator Greg McMackin.

Papali'i created a 10-week training program that focuses on endurance drills and repetitive weight lifting. After four weeks, Montgomery can bench press 405 pounds. He can bench 225 pounds 30 times. Montgomery, who is 6 feet 2, lost 15 pounds and now weighs 260.

"He's in great shape, stronger than he's ever been," Papali'i. "He's really focused. He's training like a mad man."

Montgomery said he weighed as much as 280 when he played nose tackle. He said he is trying to improve his quickness to play defensive end.

"Ever since high school, this is where I wanted to be," Montgomery said. "I feel I have more to offer now that I've got a solid foundation of collegiate football. It should be a lot of fun."

Papali'i said: "He's driven. He wants to be a contributor. He's working his tail off."

SPEED AND QUICKNESS CLINIC AT UH COMPLEX

Hawai'i Speed and Quickness program has sessions tomorrow and Sunday at the UH athletic complex.

Popular local athletes will serve as guest instructors.

The clinics are open to all ages. Each session is from 8:30 to 10 a.m.

The $10 entry fee includes instruction in plyometrics, resistance training and running techniques. Each camper receives coupons from Jamba Juice and Jack in the Box. Scholarships are available.

For information, log on to www.hawaiispeedandquickness.com or call 739-5444.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.