Hawaii football: Running back Dayton Furuta undergoes surgery

Dayton Furuta (holding his daughter Sky) underwent surgery on Wednesday morning./ Photo by Stephen Tsai

Running back Dayton Furuta underwent ankle surgery yesterday morning, UH officials confirmed.

Head coach Nick Rolovich said Furuta will miss several games but has not ruled out a return this season.

Furuta suffered the injury on a 6-yard reception off a shovel pass in the second quarter of the Warriors’ 31-28 victory over Oregon State this past Saturday.

Furuta, who is 5 feet 11 and 250 pounds, earned the nickname, “Froot Train,” because of his powerful pinball runs. Last season, Warriors resurrected the run-and-shoot offense, a scheme that best utilizes a power back. Furuta follows the path of West Keli‘ikipi, Regan Mauia, and Nate Ilaoa, among others.


Furuta, a Mililani High graduate, joined the Warriors in January as a grayshirt. He initially was a linebacker and special teams player before moving to running back in 2018. Last year, he led the Warriors with 27 rushes for first downs. This season, he averaged 6.9 yards on seven carries.

In August, teammates voted Furuta as one of four captains.

Oregon State linebacker Hamilcar Rashed Jr. (9) and linebacker John McCartan (6) worked to bring down Hawaii running back Dayton Furuta during the first half on Saturday. Furuta was injured in the game and underwent surgery Wednesday. / Photo by Jamm Aquino, Star-Advertiser

COMMENTS

  1. roygbivs September 12, 2019 4:34 am

    Surgery? What’s da injury? Timeline on returning or is his career over?
    Hope it’s not serious. Speedy recovery there Dayton.
    Always a Bow!


  2. H-Man September 12, 2019 6:04 am

    Didn’t know he was injured. Wishing him full recovery.


  3. iGrokSpock September 12, 2019 8:13 am

    Heal up fast Froot Train!


  4. WarriorFan8o8 September 12, 2019 9:42 am

    Where’s Holly at? Is he in the doghouse or what? I don’t remember seeing him run a lot during the OSU game. Was that fumble against Arizona a big reason why he hasn’t been playing?


  5. sackkabooya September 12, 2019 9:46 am

    I was always worried about how Rolovich was going to replace Furuta next year. I hope FB/RB/H hybrid is on his list of recruiting needs. Holly protects the middle okay but struggles with outside rushers. Reed is diligent but real small. The complexion (pocket trust) will change until Rolo/Stutz/Smith can figure stuff out and adjust. Holly needs to step up and excel now. He can do it. Get well soon Dayton.


  6. seewhy September 12, 2019 10:05 am

    Not the kind of news we like to see. Especially before a big game. Get well soon braddah Dayts!


  7. Kahuna September 12, 2019 10:05 am

    This is where 6-2 225lb Hekili Keliiliki steps in. He have been patiently waiting his turn and the young players man need to go out and show Rolo that he deserves PT.

    Hekili is good size and speed. Question is whether he can block or has the quickness to male it work.

    When he signed on at UH, I was super jacked that we have somebody with that kind of size and speed. Something must be holding him back. Hope he resolved those issues and give us a big back with speed.


  8. H-Man September 12, 2019 10:55 am

    From what little I’ve seen of Hekili in practice, he looks to have quickness and power. Now that Froot is injured, we might see some of Keliiliki.


  9. A View From Afar September 12, 2019 11:01 am

    UH 37 – UW 45


  10. Stephen Tsai September 12, 2019 12:01 pm

    They can go a lot of ways.
    Hekili, of course, is the first option.
    KK Padello also has practiced at running back.
    Justice Augafa was at running back before moving to safety.
    I always thought Derek Thomas would make a pretty good back.
    And I think Ho Ching could do it, too.
    They won’t do it, but it would be intriguing if Ikem Okeke moved to back. He’s fast, strong and very athletic.


  11. ai-eee-soos September 12, 2019 12:03 pm

    real al: what happened to the idea of converting

    DL Djuan Matthews to RB ?

    The idea sounded good to me.


  12. turfwar September 12, 2019 12:48 pm

    Ikem Okeke at RB would be exciting.


  13. turfwar September 12, 2019 12:49 pm

    Would be explosive out of the backfield.


  14. turfwar September 12, 2019 12:51 pm

    And he would knock the snot out of a blitzing LB or DB.


  15. NorthShoreFan September 12, 2019 1:07 pm

    Reminds me of Regan Mauia. Bulldozer extraordinaire. Saw a vid of him going through a double wall.
    In Rolo I trust. He/They will come up with something for sure.


  16. NorthShoreFan September 12, 2019 1:16 pm

    OOps…not a double all but a wall.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBv-qsAibLg


  17. BigWave96744 September 12, 2019 1:51 pm

    Is KK Padello injured?
    He was in street clothes on Saturday.

    What about Pumba at RB?

    I had hoped for UH to offer Jonah Tavai, who is now at SDSU.  He can play RB & NT.   But then there is still a chance for the baby of the bunch, Jaeggar Tavai, who is a 9th grader at Mira Costa High and already looks like all of his older bros


  18. Whitey September 12, 2019 2:08 pm

    Best wishes and speedy recovery Dayton


  19. 808warriorfan September 12, 2019 3:16 pm

    First of all wishing Dayton a very speedy recovery … in his absence I’d love to see Hekili get a shot at the “big back” formations … hopefully he can hang on to the football & most importantly … BLOCK


  20. kahuna September 12, 2019 3:57 pm

    Its kind of a desperate move IMHO to move people away from their position of need to fill a position that is still deep. Moving Okeke or even Matthew away from defense will just weaken the defense. Same with moving Thomas.

    We have three backs now. Just use the three backs we have. If blocking becomes an issue than maybe UH can find a backup offense lineman to do the job. If Kohl Levao comes back, UH can put Tuulima in as the blocking back on third and long.

    NO…to moving defense to offense. Defense still important so do fuss around with it. There is also the issue of ball securities with all the new faces. It would probably takes weeks for those converts to be able to carry the ball without fumbling. It’s not a easy thing to do. Cannot just move to running back and all of a sudden, you good to go.


  21. Da Punchbowl Kid September 12, 2019 4:38 pm

    Very sorry about Dayton. Prayers for healing for him!

    I agree with H-man and Kahuna, Li’iliki is one of the backs of the future, he’s had a red-shirt year and does look good in practice. He’s an RS Sophomore now and will only get better with more reps. Next Warrior up!

    I do think we have others on the team who could fill in at RB. I wonder if Stovall can block? He’s gOt exciting explosiveness.

    Anywhoo… GO WARRIORS!!!


  22. Boolakanaka September 12, 2019 4:39 pm

    Bows 34 dubs 31


  23. SteveM September 12, 2019 7:03 pm

    UH – UDUB blog score predictions

    24 – 23 … cappie the dog
    27 – 21 … NorthShoreFan
    33 – 30 … UH4eva
    34 – 27 … uhwarrior23
    34 – 31 … Boolakanaka
    38 – 30 … hilorain
    38 – 31 … H-Man
    52 – 21 … wafan
    52 – 31 … bg
    55 – 49 … Ipu Man
    56 – 13 … Kekoa
    56 – 14 … Akamai Okole/d1shima
    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
    37 – 45 … A view From Afar

    Here are the ground rules for determining the prestigious prognosticator:

    1) Duplicate predictions allowed (since there is NO prize)
    2) OK to favor the opponent… but we hope you wrong 🙁
    2) Predictions posted by 10:00 am on game day.
    3) Closest score to the actual wins (absolute value total of over and under difference to both scores). In case of tie, closest to UH score wins.


  24. ADG September 12, 2019 7:15 pm

    Nooooooooooo….. Sorry to hear that #7, we (Warrior Nation) would love to have you at every single game. Recover, heal up and hope to see you on the field in late October/November. 🤙🏈


  25. Masatoshi-san September 12, 2019 7:38 pm

    Hawaii 35, Washington 31


  26. izzy September 12, 2019 10:31 pm

    [Pomai]: Huskies Leashed By Road Warriors
    Us guys: 38, Dem guys: 35


  27. azwarrior22 September 13, 2019 3:44 am

    Hawaii 38 Washington 34


  28. Whitey September 13, 2019 4:06 am

    UH 30
    WASHINGTON 21


  29. Maddog50 September 13, 2019 5:57 am

    In Seattle for game with Warriors from 60s and early 79s. Bill Letz, Rick White Larry Sherrer Dave Dworsky et al. Looking to repeat Miracle of 73!


  30. akuhead2 September 13, 2019 6:08 am

    UH 51 UW 34


  31. haka September 13, 2019 8:04 am

    Whoa Maddog50, that’s some all-time greats! Sweet!
    Go Warriors! Past & present!
    Once a Rainbow Warrior, always a Rainbow Warrior!


  32. Bigwave96744 September 13, 2019 10:00 am

    Pomai
    UH 29 – UDUB 28


  33. Kawika September 13, 2019 10:14 am

    Hawaii being isolated and with no opposing college team nearby, it’s helpful to give a perspective of what UH is up against by highlighting the salaries of a couple of UW assistant coaches familiar to Hawaii fans. Sadly, UH Admin and State Officials feel that as long as UH has uniforms and proper equipment to play each week, “that’s nuff” and no need spend money.

    Defensive line coach Ikaika Malloe received a two-year contract and a significant raise, from $355,000 in 2018 to $455,000 in 2019 and $500,000 in 2020.

    Running backs coach Keith Bhonapha also received a raise, signing a two-year contract worth roughly $380,000 annually after making $355,000 in 2018.


  34. Inyoface September 13, 2019 11:06 am

    Hopefully McDonald will run to keep the defense honest. Even though Reed is small he’s a threat and can easily start if not Holly or the bigger backs.


  35. jm2375 September 13, 2019 11:10 am

    Speedy healing to Mr. Furuta. His little girl looks like her daddy. 😀

    33. You cannot compare P5 programs financially with non-P5 programs. That being said, UH needs to raise coaches’ salaries to at least above the median for the conference.

    GO WARRIORS! Beat the puppies!


  36. NotNasti September 13, 2019 11:14 am

    Kawika:
    Which makes the fact that Hawaii kept its coaching staff intact from last season all the more incredible. Assistant coaches in P5 schools make more money than our head coach. We really do have to find a way to increase the salary of our coaches, most importantly, our assistant coaches. Maybe we need more former UH athletes to run for public office. The late Mark Takai, Kai Kahele, who else? Mike Iosua, former FB player and current chair of the Aloha Stadium Authority and attorney would be an ideal candidate. Any other suggestions?


  37. NorthShoreFan September 13, 2019 11:34 am

    Looking at all the former coaches we had here and where they are now and the kind of compensation they receive …. dang we had a lot of good ones…..but all I remember was monku from some fans.


  38. ai-eee-soos September 13, 2019 12:05 pm

    In- depth film study: Warriors vs, beavs,

    ENJOY !!!

    https://www.mwcconnection.com/2019/9/13/20858962/film-study-hawaiis-mcdonald-and-ward-find-their-connectio


  39. clyde September 13, 2019 12:57 pm

    Sorry to see Dayton go down with an injury, particularly on a night when I saw several people wearing T-shirts with FURUTA across the back. Quick healing, and bless your little girl!

    Ordered the Pac-12 Network this morning, and the Spectrum rep said a lot of people have been doing the same.


  40. Inyoface September 13, 2019 1:14 pm

    Hopefully the defense disrupts the line of scrimmage in the first half like they did in the 2nd half of the OSU game instead of dropping back 7 so much.


  41. Kapahulu September 13, 2019 1:33 pm

    28-24 Hawaii.

    Just arrived in Seattle for the game.
    Pep Rally tonight, game tomorrow.

    Some say might rain tomorrow.

    Gotta bring some Hawaiian Weather!


  42. boolakanaka September 13, 2019 2:46 pm

    Where da pep rally?


  43. Kawika September 13, 2019 4:32 pm

    NotNasti: Agree, 100% that the fact that Rolo’s staff is intact is a blessing given the amount of experience among those assistants. Sadly, I worry that they may be leaving unless more is done to upgrade salaries in line with the competition (MWC, never mind P5 schools).

    People forget that Aloha Stadium was built FOR the University of Hawaii Football Program with the backing of the late Governor Burns, who was an ardent backer and believer that UH could be competitive at the DI level. Now, they want to downsize and build a 30,000 seat stadium with a shopping center, hotel, condos, and amusement park. Invest in building a state of the art 50,000 seat stadium with luxury suits, and a roof over the fans, instead. I’ll get off my soapbox.

    GO WARRIORS! HUCK THE FUSKIES!


  44. SteveM September 13, 2019 7:20 pm

    24 – 23 … cappie the dog
    27 – 21 … NorthShoreFan
    28 – 24 … Kapahulu
    29 – 28 … Bigwave96744
    30 – 21 … Whitey
    33 – 30 … UH4eva
    34 – 27 … uhwarrior23
    34 – 31 … Boolakanaka
    35 – 31 … Masatoshi-san
    38 – 30 … hilorain
    38 – 31 … H-Man
    38 – 34 … azwarrior22
    38 – 35 … Izzy
    51 – 34 … akuhead2
    52 – 21 … wafan
    52 – 31 … bg
    55 – 49 … Ipu Man
    56 – 13 … Kekoa
    56 – 14 … Akamai Okole/d1shima
    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
    37 – 45 … A view From Afar

    1) Duplicate predictions allowed (since there is NO prize)
    2) OK to favor the opponent… but we hope you wrong 🙁
    2) Predictions posted by 10:00 am on game day.
    3) Closest score to the actual wins (absolute value total of over and under difference to both scores). In case of tie, closest to UH score wins.


  45. ai-eee-soos September 14, 2019 12:36 am

    ST says, in his column, that Stovall should see more

    playing time, at slot.


  46. ai-eee-soos September 14, 2019 12:46 am

    ” … will probably see more playing time at slot … “


  47. Mytake September 14, 2019 8:26 am

    If we go by the coaches salary, UW should win 56 – 19


  48. Kapahulu September 14, 2019 8:53 am

    Boola,
    Sorry, didn’t see your question till this morning.

    Pep Rally was at Cast Iron Studio in Bellevue Washington.

    Free by signing up.
    Sponsored by UH Alumni Assn and Hawaii Tourism.

    Entertainment by Hawaiian Airlines Serenaders, Heavy Pupus, and one free drink (including alcohol).

    In attendance, UH Football Coach Nick Rolovich, UH Athletic Director David Matlin,
    UH President David Lassner, UH Cheerleaders and HZone Gear for sale.


  49. Kapahulu September 14, 2019 9:19 am

    UH Tailgate Party
    University of Washington Waterfront Activities Center

    3710 Montlake Boulevard Seattle

    1:30-3:30 pm


  50. Andrew September 14, 2019 10:13 am

    Nice win by Air Force over another PAC 12 team


  51. SteveM September 14, 2019 10:40 am

    UH – UDUB blog score predictions

    24 – 23 … cappie the dog
    27 – 21 … NorthShoreFan
    28 – 24 … Kapahulu
    29 – 28 … Bigwave96744
    30 – 21 … Whitey
    33 – 30 … UH4eva
    34 – 27 … uhwarrior23
    34 – 31 … Boolakanaka
    35 – 31 … Masatoshi-san
    38 – 30 … hilorain
    38 – 31 … H-Man
    38 – 34 … azwarrior22
    38 – 35 … Izzy
    51 – 34 … akuhead2
    52 – 21 … wafan
    52 – 31 … bg
    55 – 49 … Ipu Man
    56 – 13 … Kekoa
    56 – 14 … Akamai Okole/d1shima
    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
    37 – 45 … A view From Afar

    > This list closed at 10:00 am HST


  52. sackkabooya September 14, 2019 11:27 am

    Looks like UCF has a chance to solidify themselves as the premier Group of 5 team (with the help of Mililani HS) surpassing Boise’s sustained excellence if they can finish this game with Stanford. Especially with UCF’s similarity to Boise to cope with coaching changes. Little harder to do here but Rolovich has started the process. Matlin has to do more to help him I think. UH can be on that similar tier. Maybe soon. Phase IV. Can do.


  53. sackkabooya September 14, 2019 11:44 am

    Cappie

    Rank the top 10 Group of Five Schools for us. (You have a passion for underdogs).

    Is Hawaii in this group?
    Is the American Conference comparable to (better?) Pac 12?
    Can two (or more) group of 5 teams get New Years Day Bowls?
    And can UCF (via losses by top 10 teams to each other) get a playoff spot?


  54. Oneseason September 14, 2019 12:28 pm

    UH 23 – UW 21


  55. Stephen Tsai September 14, 2019 12:34 pm

    New post: https://www.hawaiiwarriorworld.com/?p=51063


Comments are closed.