Defensive lineman Maurice Ta‘ala will join Hawaii football in 2020
Defensive lineman Maurice Ta‘ala of Faga‘itua High (Aua, American Samoa) told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser he has accepted a scholarship offer from the Warriors. Here’s the skinny:
> Familiar name? Ta‘ala’s older brother is nose tackle Blessman Ta‘ala, who has started all 19 games of his UH career.
> The elder Ta‘ala encouraged his brother to 1) first sign up for football, and 2) to join the Warriors. “I want to take the path my brother took,” Maurice Ta‘ala said.
> He said he is 6 feet 1 and 305 pounds.
> He played center, offensive tackle, running back and defensive tackle for the Vikings. He is projected to compete at nose tackle or 3-technique tackle for the Warriors.
> Faga‘itua played Kamehameha in August.
> In case you missed that game, check this out: Ta‘ala video
> He will sign on Dec. 18, the first day of the NCAA’s early-signing period for football prospects.
> The 2020 class:
• Ezra Evaimalo, linebacker, Kamehameha School
• Kilohana Haasenritter, receiver, Hilo HS
• Micah Soliai Howlett, offensive lineman, Kahuku HS
• Tamatoa Mokiao-Atimalala, receiver, Campbell HS
• Matthew Shipley, kicker, Liberty Hill
• Jake Tuatagaloa, offensive linemann, Mililani HS
Numero Uno!
‘all in the family!’ gotta love it!!!
Despite pre-season rhetoric that Evaimalo would play some stand-up OLB this season for Kamehameha-Kapalama, Ezra has played strictly as a down DE in the Warrior’s 3-man front this season…..unlike his former teammate & current Warrior Jonah Kahahawai-Welch who played both down DE and stand-up OLB his senior season for the Warriors. As such, just don’t see Evaimalo playing hybrid DE/OLB at the next level for UH……but instead see Ezra eventually playing the “bandit” DE position.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/7678815/5d83c09c4ba7aa057896f2f8
#3…that not a given. If you watched the UH defense these past few weeks, there have been many “funky” formations where many defenders were placed in different spots.
Padello have been moved off the line in certain packages and on the line in others. I also saw DE Derrick Thomas in Padello’s spot too(on the line and also off the line).
If Ezra is versatile and can play multiple spots, there could be multiple positions for him to play in certain packages.
I am not local. But, I know more than the average haole about Oahu, kauai, and the Big island. I was an Athletic Trainer at San Jose State and Stanford, paddled canoe at Lilioukalani 5x and practiced with our sister club in Kauai. I love the Ohana I receive every time I travel there. Mahalo
I think with the progression of the underclassmen on the current roster I can see the 2020 class really needing only 3 or 4 JC recruits. One DT (Hune”s role), one cover corner (Fariss’ role), one strong safety (Hicks’ role) and maybe one more speed coverage DB. All other positions seem to have a good, ably skilled replacement for the 23 seniors who will leave. Plus this staff has done pretty good finding JC guys who fit right in the system both offense and defense. Awesome design to the recruiting system. Phase III coming.
Yeah, Batoon’s scheme is complex. I think once he can plug in the right fits it’s going to be awesome-er. Imagine. We did need one more Taala type player but this is “literal”. Big picture forming.
Another Ta’ala at NT. Great news !!!
If you can watch the Boise/Unlv game. I figure they will totally dismantle them. UNLV is a dumpster fire right now. We will have more than a good chance to win if we show up- Crisp, disciplined, and dedicated. Some of the young talent is developing as we speak! GoWarriors!!!
#5,
Yup…..not a given…..JMHO……though probably likely.
Padello & Thomas both play the “hybrid” DE/OLB position and line up either in a down DE position, stand-up DE position (either on the line of scrimmage OR behind the line of scrimmage)…….while the “bandit” DE position (played by Vega, Pumba, & Laulu) is played more in the down DE position and less in the stand-up DE position (on the line of scrimmage).
Meant to say…..
Padello & Thomas both play the “hybrid” DE/OLB position and line up EITHER in a down DE position, in a stand-up DE position (on the line of scrimmage) OR in the stand-up OLB position (behind the line of scrimmage).
If UH gets down early the acid test will be if they will respond and not panic, especially the QB position. Everybody else should be poised and ready to R & Roll. We’ll see if they can rise up. Better yet Get ahead early, step on the gas and turn on the Nitrous Oxide.
Love when brothers play together, especially bulls like the Ta’alas. Hope we get to see them playing together.
Welcome Maurice!
I hope we get to see the Ta’alas playing on the same d-line in one of our games, I meant to say above in # 13. When was the last time that happened?
Sackkabooya – “Phase III coming.” I’ve been thinking about that too, glad you mentioned it. It will be awesome, like pretty much every one of your posts.
Wow, zapped. It has been a while since the button was last used.
The incoming class is starting to take shape.
#15 – This blog is a place where shaka signs mean aloha and nothing more.
Live Aloha, Play Warrior!
Which basketbow is injured ?
Got this email from Rolo early this year:
Tom,
I wanted to take a moment and thank you for spearheading the creation and consistent monitoring of the Warrior Nation account. The current funds will go towards supplementing our recruiting budget. With the addition of a 10th coach by the NCAA, we saw the impact on multiple budget lines, but none greater than in recruiting. Also, the impact you make with our away crowd is fantastic. This team has a special feeling about it, excited to see what we are during spring ball. I hope all is well with you and all of our Warrior faithful. Hope you and your crew enjoyed the SJSU post game festivities in the stands! Look forward to talking again soon.
—
Best Wishes and Aloha,
Nick Rolovich
Head Football Coach
University of Hawaii
#LiveAlohaPlayWarrior
University of Hawai’i at Manoa Athletics – Official Athletics Website
Nick Rolovich (@NickRolovich) | Twitter
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI’I AT MANOA ATHLETICS – OFFICIAL ATHLETICS WEBSITE
The official athletics website for the University of Hawai’i at Manoa Rainbow Warriors
📷
NICK ROLOVICH (@NICKROLOVICH) | TWITTER
The latest Tweets from Nick Rolovich (@NickRolovich). Head Coach at University of Hawai‘i #LiveAlohaPlayWarrior….
Fast forward to 10-3-19; our UH team has an amazing 4-1 record, and is ranked ahead of USC & other Power-5 schools but we need to keep recruiting better players to keep up with the BIG BOYS.
Can you help me reach my goal by making a $25 donation to the UH Foundation Fund I created for UH Football recruiting–see below link.
If 2000 fans do this, we will raise $50,000. So far, I got 981 donors ($24,525), so only 1019 more donors to go!
After donating, text me your name to 415-324-0585 or email your receipt to: tomkitaguchi@yahoo.com.
Mahalo, and pls share this with all of your fellow fans.
Tom Kitaguchi, founder of Hawaii Football Warrior Nation Facebook group (over 3700 members).
https://www.uhfoundation.org/impact/students/warrior-nation
I like that we have a shifty running back in Miles Reed. I don’t think I remember Hawaii having a back like that, for the most part they are hit the hole running downhill backs. I think Reed is a serious threat in the backfield that can keep the defense off balance especially since Cole can also run.
#14 Da Punchbowl Kid
Thanks DPK, love your posts too. Everyone’s posts (even Chicken Grease’s droll, sardonic style) absolutely love it (especially Maddog’s insight). Post when you have time, anybody. Everybody.
Boise is a 22 point favorite vs UNLV. Coach Harsin is not happy with his teams effort YTD. They lost top tackler MLB to an ACL tear vs. Air Force. They look to return starting LT and safety this week or next. UNLV is also nursing injuries to QB Rogers and top RB Williams both with knee issues. They may play. I look for Boise to thrash the Rebels, if not all is not well in Broncoville-it won’t matter either way, as I still say if the Nevada mindset is repeated by us in Boise with an uptick by us we are in this game till the end. Boise has to prove they are a better team than the one that has struggled at times. Ya I know they beat a good Air Force team by 11 but game was a lot closer than score-GoWarriors
# 14 sackkabooya –
I wonder if phase III will see more of Hekili Li’iliki in the run game. Loved his long run against the Pack – flattening a DB and sprinting down the field. I’ve watched practices and spring games the last few years and there has been a steady rise in the quality of recruits and coaching. Boise is going to be fun to watch!
I also see Fred Holly running with more confidence as the season goes on. Beat Boise!!!!!
DPK
I think as Keliiliki gets more reps and finds his niche in this system he will be awesome as a runner, similar to Iosefa. Hekili might not run with the same kind of intensity as Joey did (he will later though I think), but he has that same punishing style that can wear down (mentally) second level defenders. Especially if he can find space in the open field. Different from Furuta’s style. More able to evade “chop” tacklers in the open field because he lowers his shoulder (one run vs Washington and that good one vs Nevada) as opposed to Furuta who lowers his torso and braces his upper body to “hammer” defender. Plus he looks like he will be a real good blocker too. Contrasts well with Reed and Holly (and even with Furuta). I hope we see more of him. But I think Rolo is not really in a rush to implement yet. Phase III piece for sure though. NFL FB/H one day I think (Baltimore still uses one). Awesome.
Inyoface: Agree. I thought Holly ran with more confidence and blocked with more authority against Nevada than he had all season. Hopefully, he’s taken a step forward and can sustain it the rest of the season.
i think holly got the wake up call with the emergence of reed.holly looked all business at the nevada game.
Some observations
I thought on the 4th down run that Keliiliki had (in RPO) where he lost about 3 yards Corderio should have pulled that and ran. Maybe he was instructed not to (IDK?) but he had only one guy to beat for TD.
Fred Holly is a pretty solid blocker (you can hear the contact almost every time) in between the tackles. Its vs the outside rush that he has problems executing. He did do much better Nevada game.
I always wondered what the offense would look like if UH had the kind of running back that San Diego St always has. Jump Cutter. It looks pretty awesome. And only scratching the surface scheme wise with him. Just secure the ball so can stay on the field.
Once Corderio gets more comfortable with his timing from the pocket (arm strength ability vs WR separation) he will be unreal. Looked a little (just a little, not like Mariota) hesitant vs Nevada. But once he moves around, gets in a comfortable space and can wind up his arm is unbelievable (like Milton). But got to get more comfortable from the pocket first. Unreal soon.
Let’s hope that Cincinnati pulls off the upset on UCF
And upset it is. Thank you Cinci
Why is A2 not practicing with the basketbows, apparently?
sackkabooya –
You articulate well. I think a lot similar things as you, but can’t express them as well. You REALLY know what you’re talking about. Lotsa posters here do.
I agree with those who say Holly is coming into his own. Phase III rolls.
DPK
Takes me about 30 to 45 minutes to write most of my posts. And my vocabulary is Google 100% (maybe 75% actually). Thanks for the kind words. Lots of good varying points of view here. Gives everyone a better perspective. Keep posting everybody. And Let’s Go Warriors.
Hope to see Cole at the Heisman ceremony with Tua at the end of year.
#34 Inyoface –
I’ll drink to that!
And no, this is not a drunken post! LOL!
Gonna overdose on Warrior opponents game SJSUvsNM. Army/Tulane San Diego State, Air Force and finally Boise vs the non Rebels!
I was hoping Army would come in here on their Dec 1 game against UH with a 10-1 record (24-21 2OT loss to Michigan). They lost to Tulane today at home 42-33. Tulane is pretty legit (#36 AP only loss at Auburn 24-6). Army was #29 in AP voting.
Arizona now 4-1, 2-0 in PAC 12. That win is looking better and better each week
Tulsa beating undefeated #24 SMU 23-9. The more the AAC teams beat each other up the better
Hawaii is the last ranked team that Tulsa beat. Here comes the field goal attempt.
New post: https://www.hawaiiwarriorworld.com/?p=51403