Crossing the line

Kory Rasmussen is indeed making the move from defensive line to offensive line.

While redshirting in 2013, Rasmussen practiced as a defensive tackle after transferring from Colorado. Rasmussen is a 2012 Kamehameha Schools graduate. He has three seasons of eligibility remaining.

There were considerations about moving Nick Childs to offense, too. But Childs will remain on the defensive line for spring ball.

* * * * *

Offensive linemen David Griffin and R.J. Hollis read to students at Maemae Elementary yesterday.

COMMENTS

  1. John March 5, 2014 8:58 am

    Aloha Davone Bess. http://m.espn.go.com/nfl/story?storyId=10554577&src=desktop


  2. koakane ® March 5, 2014 8:58 am

    first maybe


  3. Luki March 5, 2014 8:59 am

    Top 5


  4. tommui March 5, 2014 9:00 am

    GOOD MORNING HAWAII!


  5. koakane ® March 5, 2014 9:00 am

    never mind congrats john

    morning 808 wats uppp everyone, its march already time flies by now


  6. tom-warriornation March 5, 2014 9:06 am

    Hope Kory provides a big boost to the OL this year; what position will he be used for; tackle or guard? Or can Kory be used at DE; thought we needed help there?


  7. Kapahulu March 5, 2014 9:12 am

    Browns release Bess.
    Hope he gets the help he needs.


  8. Warrior Dave March 5, 2014 9:19 am

    Sorry Cleveland but guaranteed in the contract should be upheld. Davone is going to need that money for his further if his NFL career is indeed over. He needs to seek medical help and get himself right. I pray for that most of all for him. He did so much for UH during his playing career.


  9. jeezy33 March 5, 2014 9:31 am

    8. I kinda share that same thought…. I think the concern is the youth and inexperience on the O line even though young guys have upside. O line is a unit where you need experience because those guys all need to be on the same page… Tupai, Allen, and Waa may all be good 2 years from now. But as of right now, all are young and inexperienced and will probably still get pushed around going up against 22 year old seniors.

    Our class could have used a Mike Milovale caliber JC fill in for the next couple of years.

    Moving Rasmussen could be a good move though. Never know. It’s hard to see a guy switching as a positive though considering if he was dominating at DT, you would never switch him. And if the O line was looking solid, you wouldn’t switch a guy over to be a back up.


  10. justsomeguy March 5, 2014 9:31 am

    Warrior Dave: that’s an interesting perspective regarding Kory’s move, but perhaps Kory WANTS to make the move? I believe chow mentioned in his recruiting interview this year they reserve “roughly” 15 spots for oline guys on the roster, he also said we had some number close to that. Or maybe Clune is trying to move in a direction not in line with Kory’s skill set, as he was recruited pre-clune? Obviously there are many questions to be answered this year.


  11. jeezy33 March 5, 2014 9:34 am

    This should be no surprise though. This is a 1 win football team looking for answers and there are probably a ton of question marks that remain to be known at this point…


  12. Stephen Tsai March 5, 2014 9:40 am

    If you’re going to experiment, it’s best to experiment in the spring. I think they have enough d-linemen for the 3-4. And if things don’t work out, he can always go back. Dejon Allen shuffled a few times before settling on the offensive line.


  13. HALEAKALA March 5, 2014 9:52 am

    25% less D-linemen needed with the 3-4.


  14. PurpleMaple March 5, 2014 9:55 am

    Coach Chow completed a successful recruiting season by filling in the positions the coaching staff identified as essential to move the team forward. These positions were mainly on the defensive side. Offensive line was not one of the positions that needed an influx of many new players. With Kory Rasmussen moving over to offense, there will be sixteen offensive linemen in fall camp. Kory’s contribution will be down stream. There will be eight upperclassmen on the offensive line – four seniors and four juniors. The offensive line is a position of strength and stability.


  15. jeezy33 March 5, 2014 9:56 am

    12. Yeah but O line isn’t exactly a position you can learn that quickly over spring either. Wayne Hunter is the exception to the rule because he was so big, strong, and athletic. I don’t think Kory has played O line ever in his career and if he was one of the better D linemen, he probably would be staying put.

    Him moving usually means he either A. Isn’t a 5 tech DE or B. O line has some holes and competition is needed to see who can come out on top. There’s usually reasons for switches.


  16. jeezy33 March 5, 2014 9:59 am

    14. Quality over Quantity. Cannot call something a strength based solely off numbers and potential of what you think a freshman will project to be.


  17. Stephen Tsai March 5, 2014 10:02 am

    UH is satisfied with their offensive linemen. They only travel with eight or nine, anyway.
    I think stockpiling and being four deep is one thing; but, hey, guys come to Hawaii because they want to play. There’s enough line depth for this year’s team.


  18. Stephen Tsai March 5, 2014 10:06 am

    UH already is three-deep at tackle. Kololamatangi and Griffin need to step up.
    But they have Loyd Jr. and Shigematsu.
    Wa‘a and Tupai are competing for playing time.
    Like I said, spring is for experimenting.


  19. kifi March 5, 2014 10:08 am

    2014 Hawaii Offensive Line

    Senior Class (5):
    Kody Afusia
    Sean Shigematsu
    Frank Lloyd
    David Griffin
    David Lefotu

    Junior Class (2):
    Ben Clarke
    Brendan Urban

    Sophmore Class (4):
    R.J. Hollis
    Leo Koloamatangi
    Kiha Sai
    Kory Rasmussen

    Freshman Class (3)
    Elijah Tupai
    John Wa’a
    Dejon Allen

    Redshirt:
    Tavita Eli

    Mission (Back in 2015):
    Gus Lavaka


  20. jeezy33 March 5, 2014 10:13 am

    17. Which answers the question that he wasn’t going to be in the 2 deep DL rotation to begin with… You wouldn’t move starters over. you move back ups trying to get on the field.

    1st unit probably goes: DE Kennedy NT Samia DE Yap
    2nd unit: DE Malepeai NT Friel DE Unga

    So were pretty solid on DL. I expect big things from Unga.


  21. kifi March 5, 2014 10:21 am

    Moving Kory will give us ten solid offensive linemen (2 deep) to start the 2015 season.

    Ben Clarke
    Brendan Urban
    RJ Hollis
    Leo Koloamatangi
    Kiha Sai
    Kory Rasmussen
    Elijah Tupai
    John Wa’a
    Dejon Allen
    Tavita Eli

    Still possibility of one or two bouncebacks?


  22. NorthShoreFan March 5, 2014 10:21 am

    Guud Morning Tsaikos….bootiful day…

    IMUA NA KOA WAHINE!…IMUA!

    Get it done against Cal…


  23. Musashi March 5, 2014 10:22 am

    Nice going David and RJ. Bet the kids were excite having both of you there and enjoyed every minute!


  24. kifi March 5, 2014 10:28 am

    #20 – You’d like to have three solid units. 1A, 1B, and 2. We want our D-line to be all out balls to the wall on every play.

    1A – 50-55 plays
    1B – 25 to 30 plays
    2 – 6 tp 10 plays per game.

    This will give us fresh bodies throughout the game.

    Although, I’m not sure if we want Yap to skip any plays. I believe that he is used to playing the entire game.


  25. al March 5, 2014 11:01 am

    don’t forget that luke shawley was a beast and castro.


  26. boolakanaka March 5, 2014 11:01 am

    24—Gotcha Kifi…thats a Papako brilliant mind at work. Very similar to my single days with the wahines:

    1A–Drinking by myself
    1B- Drinking and going out by myself.
    2- Drinking, going out by myself, and coming home by myself.


  27. Jeezy33 March 5, 2014 11:05 am

    25. Is shawley a DE or pass rusher in pass situations ?? I don’t really know his role yet .. Castro is probably going to start olb opposite of jgw


  28. tommui March 5, 2014 11:36 am

    #25 boolakanaka: Just got a message from one of my friends about drinking.

    As Ben Franklin said:
    In wine there is wisdom,
    In beer there is freedom,
    In water there is bacteria.

    In a number of carefully controlled trials,
    scientists have demonstrated that if we drink
    1 litre of water each day,
    at the end of the year we would have absorbed
    more than 1 kilo of Escherichia coli, (E. Coli) – bacteria
    found in feces.
    In other words, we are consuming 1 kilo of poop annually.

    However,
    We do NOT run that risk when drinking wine & beer
    (or rum, whiskey or other liquor)
    because alcohol has to go through a purification process
    of boiling, filtering and fermenting.

    Remember:
    Water = Poop,
    Wine = Health

    Therefore, it ‘s better to drink wine and talk stupid,
    than to drink water and be full of S**t.


  29. SteveM (ip5) March 5, 2014 11:37 am

    Good morning everyone!

    Movin’ the line… 😉


  30. AJ March 5, 2014 11:42 am

    Hope Bess can get himself treated and back on track. Forget the NFL career, I’m more concerned about his general well-being than anything else. Unless anyone has delt with or has known somebody that is dealing with pyschological issues, its hard to empathize. But the bottom line is Bess that we know is a humble and caring individual.


  31. Buffoman March 5, 2014 11:43 am

    #28 With arguments like that I think it is right to assume with confidence that you were a most successful barrister.


  32. boolakanaka March 5, 2014 11:49 am

    28—Sage wisdom and counsel, fine sir. With that, I would be remissed not to cite my favorite yeats poem dealing with two out of the three of my favorite subjects: (sorry Yeats was not a football fan)

    Wine comes in at the mouth

    And love comes in at the eye;

    That’s all we shall know for truth

    Before we grow old and die.

    I lift the glass to my mouth,

    I look at you, and I sigh.


  33. Shoko March 5, 2014 11:56 am

    Think the defense might experience some growing pains with the new scheme. Might be better to emphasize offensive strength to keep the defense off the field. Would be disastrous if the offense couldn’t convert on third down in critical situations and the defense was continuously on the field.

    Of course there is that possibility that Clune and Co. can completely turnaround the defense in very little time. One can only hope.


  34. Shoko March 5, 2014 12:28 pm

    Here’s an interesting statistic. As bad as the defense performed last season, Hawaii ranked third in tackles for loss behind Utah State and Fresno State.

    (TFL, TFL yards, TFL per game)
    1 Utah State (109.0, 402, 7.79)
    2 Fresno State (108.0, 439, 8.31)
    3 Hawai’i (100.0, 359, 8.33)


  35. bowwar March 5, 2014 12:30 pm

    Did our former defensive coordinator, Kammeyer, find another job??? I thought he was a nice guy, but probably used the wrong schemes.


  36. Shoko March 5, 2014 12:31 pm

    Hawaii, however, ranked last in third down conversions and second to last in time of possession.

    Third Down Conversions:
    http://www.cfbstats.com/2013/leader/5486/team/offense/split01/category25/sort01.html

    Time of Possession:
    http://www.cfbstats.com/2013/leader/5486/team/offense/split01/category15/sort01.html


  37. Derek March 5, 2014 12:33 pm

    It is rare that a true freshman starts on the offensive line and become a fixture from day 1.
    But, Tala Esera did it out of Kahuku. Can John Waa start as a redshirt freshman? Don’t count him out. For that matter, don’t count out Allen and Tupai also. It’s a long way until the fall so there is time to learn the ropes in the spring and fall camp. It’s all about technique, performance, and mental preparation. The opportunity is there. Seize it.


  38. Whats up March 5, 2014 12:34 pm

    I can’t believe we are actually having a debate over Kory moving over to the Oline? I guess it’s a good thing though? With so much returning O linemen that have actual game experience and depth on the roster is actually a nice change from the past few seasons. When I think about, there is some really solid talent on both the D line and O line this season. Now how they fit into place and gel together as a unit is a whole other thing. Right now the depth chart can afford the luxury of Kory moving to see if he can improve the O line play, if not he can always move back to Dline.


  39. hossana March 5, 2014 12:34 pm

    You can have all the depth on the offensive line but are the offensive lineman quality players and it will depend on the coaching, also, but hopefully, Naeole will convey the skills and techniques and smarts to all the offensive lineman such that it will be an asset to the team this coming season. They will need depth because every yr. we experience all sorts of injuries that depleted the line and hurt the team in games.


  40. Shoko March 5, 2014 12:35 pm

    Haven’t heard anything about Kaumeyer getting picked up by anyone, but I believe he’s still collecting a paycheck till the end of April, if not mistaken.


  41. boolakanaka March 5, 2014 12:40 pm

    Tackles for loss are not like take away margins or 3rd down conversion percentage, in that, it may reflect at times, a defense taking many ill-advised chances with their scheme. That said, if you are also doing this with a low allowed ppg or a low rushing allowed per game, it may signify a stout defense.


  42. gobows March 5, 2014 12:46 pm

    33

    That has been the case the last 2 years. 2012 offense couldnt buy a 1st down, 2013 defense couldnt stop a 3rd and 30…pray harding stays healthy, otherwise there goes the special teams


  43. jeezy33 March 5, 2014 1:16 pm

    Damn….. Stanford offered Rex Manu according to Kalani Takase… I thought that was going to be a kid Hawaii had a shot with having to hold off maybe a Oregon St or Boise at most. Stanford makes it almost impossible to compete with.


  44. Ipu Man March 5, 2014 1:17 pm

    Urban Meyer made an interesting comment this morning on espn when asked if he now plans for faster, leaner linemen versus the 340 pounders he had in Florida. He said “yes” and that they would be under 300 pounds and would dominate the defense as the game goes on…


  45. Ipu Man March 5, 2014 1:19 pm

    Urban plans on a super quick fast offense similar to Oregon…


  46. jeezy33 March 5, 2014 1:25 pm

    44. I think coaches are out thinking themselves a little too much… Playing big and physical is still working for Alabama, Michigan St., Stanford, etc…

    Ohio St. was still undefeated over 2 seasons before losing bowl game. Wouldn’t change too much.
    Alabama was a freak play on the road away from going to another National Championship game.


  47. Shoko March 5, 2014 1:58 pm

    Army, Navy and Air Force have been stuck with lineman that are under 300 pounds. They haven’t exactly been dominating defenses, though. Then again, maybe Urban knows something they haven’t figured it out yet.


  48. jimmy the lock March 5, 2014 2:15 pm

    I think Urban is just telling an urban legend.


  49. jimmy the lock March 5, 2014 2:21 pm

    Don’t see any NFL teams with under 300# o-line dominating the D. Actually, I don’t know their weights so I could be blowing cannabis smoke. 😎


  50. Da Punchbowl Kid March 5, 2014 2:37 pm

    Howzeet Gangeez! 😉

    Weren’t Samson Satele and John Estes both freshman starters? Can’t recall. I guessing, based on their gradual improvement last year with the new coach, this year’s O-line is going to be much better.

    Judge Mui – your taste in Hamburgers is excellent – we love those Honolulu Burger Company brurgers at our house.


  51. Da Punchbowl Kid March 5, 2014 2:39 pm

    Urban smoke, Jimmah?

    *burgers – what the hell is a brurger?


  52. NorthShoreFan March 5, 2014 2:45 pm

    #51…me thinks it’s a burger with a brew on da side…???


  53. al March 5, 2014 2:46 pm

    …and ben clarke.


  54. Jeezy33 March 5, 2014 2:58 pm

    50. NFL caliber guys… The exception. Hopefully we don’t start more than 2 FR on the O line. Afusia and Clarke are starters in my eyes. Hopefully Griffin or Koloamatangi ready to step their game up a notch. Shigematsu seems to come out on top after every off season.

    I’m thinking Waa is capable of winning RT job possibly and Tupai/Dejon winning a guard spot opposite of Afusia.


  55. jimmy the lock March 5, 2014 3:03 pm

    I like my burgers on the not so lean side and my o-linemen on the mean side.

    Zig Zag or Top?


  56. BigWave96744 March 5, 2014 4:34 pm

    #37, Tala Esera didn’t start as a true frosh. He redshirted and started as a RSFrosh, as did Samson Satele, John Estes and Ben Clarke

    I can’t recall any True Frosh starting on the Oline or Dline out of fall camp.


  57. Down with.... March 5, 2014 4:39 pm

    55 jimmy: depends for what type of product you rolling…there’s better ones then those two but for argument purpose zigzag orange.

    Jeezy, do you run a shave ice truck by any chance?


  58. BigWave96744 March 5, 2014 4:46 pm

    Crossing the Lines isn’t a bad thing.
    Dline to Oline:
    Wayne Hunter, Tala Esera

    Oline to Dline:
    Kahai LaCount, Michael Lafaele


  59. boolakanaka March 5, 2014 4:52 pm

    56–I thought, although I maybe wrong, that Hercules Satele, started a game or so, at guard, as a true frosh.


  60. boolakanaka March 5, 2014 4:53 pm

    58…And the biggest success ever on crossing the line (although not while at UH) Mark Tuinei. (3 Super Bowl rings and a couple more Pro Bowls)


  61. warriorsfan March 5, 2014 5:06 pm

    Jeezy,
    I guess Loyd, Lefotu and are no longer on the team.
    You seem to think they are a non factor in the upcoming season.
    “In Coach Naeole We Trust”
    He will put the best Five on the field
    So Sad for all the disrespect for these players
    Again: “In Coach Naeole We Trust”


  62. BigWave96744 March 5, 2014 5:33 pm

    Hercules Satele not only redshirted, but he only became a starter as a 4th year Junior


  63. boolakanaka March 5, 2014 5:36 pm

    As I prefaced, this was not gospel, but rather just a passing recollection from an article I read.


  64. jeezy33 March 5, 2014 5:48 pm

    61. Most likely back ups in my eyes…. Although back ups do play because of injury. Were trying to project the top 5 to start opening game. Don’t think those 2 will…


  65. warriorsfan March 5, 2014 6:05 pm

    That’s what make this country the greatest country in the world
    Bleacher Coaches like you can have opinions and don’t get shot.
    Again ” In Coach Chow/Coach Naeole we trust”
    My opinion is The O-line will be the team’s greatest strengths for 2014 and Loyd, Lefotu
    will be a part of what success they will have
    Time will tell


  66. Ipu Man March 5, 2014 7:04 pm

    UH plays U of Washington opening day August 30th.
    Pound for pound, probably can stay with them for three quarters.
    Then UH pulls away from them in the fourth…and wins 7 to zero…


  67. al March 5, 2014 7:53 pm

    jimmy the lock…tony’s boy dominic played at 295 lbs this past year. rated the #3 nfl center.


  68. Andrew March 5, 2014 8:47 pm

    66. Dare to dream


  69. kapakahi March 5, 2014 8:48 pm

    #56,

    Ben started as a true frosh…..after greyshirting. Jeremy Infererra was a part-time starter as a true frosh. Otherwise, the others (Satele, Estes, Esera, Moenoa, Manuwai) were all redshirt frosh starters.


  70. whitey March 5, 2014 8:56 pm

    Spring is eternal and practice is just around the corner. Go Warriors!!!!


  71. whitey March 5, 2014 8:57 pm

    have a good one tsaikos.


  72. cocobean March 5, 2014 9:33 pm

    boola. Jim Mills and Jesse played during your tenure. Did either start a as frosh?


  73. cocobean March 5, 2014 9:42 pm

    Might be my imagination. I thought the line played harder and more inspired when Joey came back. I felt a palpitable feeling of anticpation running through the stands on short yardage situations in the last couple of home games. Seems everyone was thinking block and give it to Joey.


  74. tommui March 5, 2014 9:56 pm

    #71 cocobean: In the beginning of last season, Coach Chow did say that Joey was the key to the offense. He needed a back that could smash through the center/guard/tackle and also block effectively. Unfortunately the other backs had their limitations when Joey went down.

    When Joey came back, the opposing defense couldn’t just go after the QB because the run was there. And of course by that time the other backs had gotten more experience in the system


  75. cocobean March 5, 2014 10:31 pm

    tommui. Joey’s physical contributions to the O was readily apparent. I really believe the intangibles of leadership and inspiration changed the demeanor of the line. Again, it might be my imagination but I really thought the improvement in the line was more mental than physical. Though they still had their physical limitations and had an occasional bust they seemed more focused as a group. They seemed more confident as a unit with a “do you’re job” attitude whether run or pass blocking.

    Joey is one of those players that makes those around him (play) better. Colt, Samson, Nate, Niko…..


  76. Warrior Dave March 6, 2014 1:01 am

    #65,

    I can’t see the oline making almost a 180 degree swing from the last two years. You can have 30 oline men in camp but can they protect the QB, give receivers time to run their routes and open holes for the running backs? I hope I’m wrong but only time will tell. Good luck Coach Naole.


  77. Warrior Dave March 6, 2014 1:04 am

    Cocobean,

    You also have to agree that the tar d of last years schedule wasn’t as hard as the first part of the season. I will agree with you that Joeys return did help but questionable at playing calling by Chow IMHO costs us another win or two.


  78. A-House March 6, 2014 6:03 am

    Hello!

    Good morning!


  79. BigWave96744 March 6, 2014 7:41 am

    #69 Ben Clarke greyshirting means he still waited a year after HS.
    So in essence the same waiting period as a RS Frosh.
    Oh, also add Blake Muir to that elite group of RS Frosh Oline starters


  80. Inyoface March 6, 2014 7:41 am

    I think it helps the line when the defense knows there’s a good running back, opens up the play-action and spreads the defense. Helps when your running back can see the holes also.


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