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HAWAII OUTLOOK 2003

There was a time when Hawaii football was known for stalwart defense. That time has come again-or so it seems. Hawaii is 3 and 4 deep at every defensive position. It will be the D that will bring Hawaii a WAC championship this year.

Offense by position

QB

Hawaii returns Junior QB Timmy Chang who has already thrown for over 8500 yards and is on pace to break former WAC QB Ty Detmer’s NCAA career passing mark of 14,655 yards. Hawaii is promoting TC as a Heisman candidate. To succeed, TC must remain healthy, eligible and cut down on INTs.Back-up QB Jason Whieldon holds the California high school all time records for career yards and TDs. Soph QB Jeff Rhode is also ready if called upon.Newcomer Jack Rolovich is former Hawaii star Nick’s younger brother . At 6’3” “Little Rolo” is not so little.

RB

Hawaii’s run and shoot offense uses only one back.The competition to be that back is fierce with Michael Bass having the inside track due to his blocking skills. Bass has also bulked up and the new field turf field should help him make his cuts. Right behind him is John West and Michael Brewster.

O-Line

This is the main question for the team. Will the young O-line perform? Hawaii lost Vince Manuwai and Wayne Hunter to the NFL. In their place are freshman Samson Satele and Dane Uperesa. The number one backup is also a freshman, Jeremy Inferrera. Holding down center will be Derek Faavi with Ryan Santos and Johnathan Ekno at the guard positions.

Slots

Britton Komine will move over to wideout to make room for Chad Owens.  Nate Ilaoa will be the other starting slotback.

WR

Top newcomer Jason Rivers will compete for time with Britton Komine.. At the other wide receiver position, Jeremiah Cockheran will present a tall target for the R&S attack.

Defense by position

D-Line

The line will be anchored by Outland and Nagurski candidate, Isaac Sopoaga. Other outstanding linemen include Lance Samusava, DE Travis LaBoy, Houston Ala and Kevin Jackson.

LB

Hawaii lost outstanding LBs Pisa Tinaosamoa(Rams) and Chris Brown (Ravens). Stepping up to take their place are Chad Kalilimoku, Ikaika Curnan and Keani Alapa. Also Ray Bass (Mike’s brother)

Safeties

Hawaii is fast, deep and strong at this position with All WAC performer Hyrum Peters returning along with Kelvin Millhouse and Abe Eliminian.

Special Teams

Hawaii lost All WAC Punter Mat McBriar (Seashawks).  Replacing him will be a task. In line are JC transfer Tim Wright with a leg up on walk on Kurt Milne. Super kicker Justin Ayat will return to handle FGs and extra points Hawaii’s secret weapon on special teams will be “Tony” Akpan, a basketball player who at 6-7 with a 40" vertical can block kicks.

Top Newcomers to watch:

Jason Rivers, Lamar Broadway, Orlando Wong, Lenny Boatner, Daniel Inferrera, Denny Flanigan, Ray Bass, “Tony” Akpan, Se'e Poumele

Projected Season

Aug 30 App State.  Div 1AA TC will miss this game but J Whieldon will be up to the  task

Sept 13@ USC A loss to #8 USC on the road.

Sept 19 @ UNLV 15K Hawaii fans cheer this win which will seem like a home game

Sept 27  Rice. The option always gives Hawaii fits but the D steps up to stuff the Owls

Oct 4 @Tulsa ‘Cane has a new coach but Hawaii blows them away any way.

Oct 10 Fresno  Hawaii’s main rival. Another great battle and 4th Q win for the Hommies

Oct 18 @La Tech. Hawaii is 1-0 against Tech. Look for a great QB battle but Hawaii’s D wins.

Oct 25 UTEP Miners are resurgent this year but Hawaii is too much @home

Nov 1 @SJSU Spartans tough at home. Hawaii barely wins on a sloppy field.

Nov 15 @Nevada cold and altitude take their toll but the depth of Hawaii’s D wins as Hawaii subs freely

Nov 22 Army Caissons do not roll for the cadets. Local Warriors win

Nov 29 Alabama Tide does roll-again

Dec 6 Boise State. Hawaii is 1-2 vs the Broncos. Time to even things up.

Dec 25 Hawaii Bowl vs Cinncinatti round 2 same as round 1

final result 12-2 and WAC Champs!

Roster: