Saint Louis all-state defensive tackle Ryan Eastman said yesterday he has verbally committed to play football at Weber State.

"I felt like I was at home when I went on my recruiting trip," said the 6-foot, 265-pound senior.

In the process, he has declined an offer from New Mexico State, which he had previously gave a verbal commitment.

At the Ogden, Utah, campus, he will be with other players from Hawai'i, such as former Crusaders Oren Long, his host for the trip, and brothers Cameron and Zack Higgins. Also, his future defensive line coach Chad Kauha'aha'a, is a former Baldwin High player and coach.

"He's cool," Eastman said of Kauha'aha'a. "He visited my house the other day."

Weber State is a Big Sky Conference member in the Football Championship Subdivision, formerly known as I-AA. The Wildcats will play the University of Hawai'i on Sept. 6.

The first day players may sign binding letters of intent is Feb. 6.

In a recruiting matter in another sport, Mid-Pacific all-state catcher Aaron Fujiki signed to play at San Diego State, the Mountain West Conference school announced on its Web site.

Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.