UH football: Reviewing the class of ’13
Our thoughts and best wishes go to offensive lineman Elijah Tupai, who has decided to relinquish his scholarship to take care of personal matters in Utah. Tupai is a good guy and good teammate who played well when he played — 33 games, 17 starts the past three years — in a UH career hindered by several injuries.
He also is a reminder of the what-if possibilities from a pretty good 2013 recruiting class.
2013 First-year players:
> Dejon Allen, left tackle — He is considered to be the Warriors’ best offensive lineman. He initially signed in 2012 but did not join the Warriors until a year later.
> Ammon Barker, wideout — Expected to start in 2017
> Max Broman, linebacker — Converted running back is a force on special teams
> Kwamane Bowens, wideout — Played one UH season before transferring
> Jackson Dionne, kicker/punter — Spent a season on scout team before leaving
> Keelan Ewaliko, wideout — Exited spring ball as starting wideout, his fourth position at UH.
> Penitito Faalologo, defensive lineman — Projected starter
> Rashaan Falemalu, linebacker — Recovering from knee injury
> Julian Gener, linebacker — A top linebacker who overcame several injuries
> David Griffin, offensive tackle — Transferred after a season
> Ruben Guzman, punter — Promising player whose reps were limited because of Scott Harding’s emergence as a punter
> Vasquez Haynes, defensive back — Made the transition from wideout to safety. Earned a degree and opted to pursue his senior season at another school
> Trayvon Henderson, safety — Starter and one of the team’s top players
> Barry Higdon, cornerback — Transferred
> Tigi Hill, linebacker — Highly regarded Kahuku grad did not meet requirements in his second attempt at becoming a Warrior
> RJ Hollis, right tackle — Two-year starter for the Warriors.
> Marcus Kemp, wideout — Signed with Kansas City Chiefs in May
> Keith Kirkwood, wideout — Caught 12 passes for 250 and four TDs as freshman before transferring to Temple
> Meffy Koloamatangi, defensive end — Starter who is considered an NFL prospect
> Tevita Lataimua, linebacker — Started seven games as senior in 2014
> Josh Long, tight end — Accepted a medical retirement last year
> David Manoa, defensiv end — Projected starter in 2017
> Daniel Masifilo, defensive back — Moved from wideout to cornerback, now plays professionally in Europe
> Drake Miller, linebacker — Left UH after redshirting in 2013
> Brodie Nakama, snapper — He never had a bad snap during four-year career
> Adonis Phillips — He was a scout member as a quarterback, receiver and defensive back before earning his degree
> Anthony Pierce, cornerback — Accepted a medical retirement
> Terrance Polk, receiver — Did not meet NCAA requirements to enroll
> Diocemy Saint Juste, running back — Starter who is considered a pro prospect
> Ualesi Sale, linebacker — Attended junior college
> Jamie Tago, defensive end — Member of the Warriors for two years before going to a JC last year. He re-signed with UH but was suspended and is no longer with the team.
> Hana Tulimaiau, defensive end — Transferred from Montana
> Kennedy Tulimasealii, defensive lineman — Standout who was dismissed from team last year for a code-of-conduct violation. There’s still a microscopic chance he could be reinstated
> Elijah Tupai
> Niko Uti, defensive end — Contributor in his only season after leaving UCLA
> John Wa‘a, left guard — Starter
> Darzil Washington, linebacker — Did not meet NCAA requirements to enroll
> Willis Wilson, running back — Drowned off Sandy’s on the morning of the 2013 regular-season finale
> Aofaga Wily, running back — Career cut short because of concussion
> Aaron Zwahlen, quarterback — After returning from two-year mission, he redshirted and then was a backup last season. He now is with Southern Utah.
First! Pretty good class. Glad we have a coach that actually knows what to do with it finally.
KT get microscopic chance? I’ll take it! I’m hoping that’s ST dropping a hint.
Wow. Great work, Tsai.
Bring back Kennedy!!!!!
He paid for his mistake. It’s time to brimg him baxk.
People don’t learn when you reward their bad behavior.
It is my hope that the young man, Kennedy Tulimasealii, has made amends and learned some valuable lessons. I think it is time to reconsider whether he is eligible for reinstatement.
I think Tsai is being optimistically cautious concerning Kennedy Tulimasealii.
Observations on Special Olympics Softball
1. You and I can’t heckle the players, but the Special Olympics Athletes’ peers can.
2. I felt like I was staring at the future of baseball. To avoid contact between
runner and catcher, there is a second home plate that angles off to the left. The
umpire decides if the runner crosses the auxiliary base before the catcher’s
catch. Absolutely no chance for a concussion
3. Two strikes and three balls would speed up the game.
4. I’m glad I didn’t shout, “Don’t be like Trevor Podratz!” when my cousin, a
player/coach stepped into the batter’s box.
5. You need, a few so-called “normal” players on the field, or else the game would
never end.
6. More or less, the game resembles tee-ball.
Had a great time.
The Pirates made an out at third base to win the game by one. It reminded me of
Chad Uyehara in the 1993 post-season elimination game.
I wish my cousin and auntie were wearing Big Red’s uniforms.
I can’t wait for Rainbow baseball next season.
Love this Davidson team.
The ninth inning could not be more tense and exciting. The second out was made at the plate. The third out was made by the pitcher covering first base. Clearly, he was safe, but the Tar Heels first base coach was in denial.
Three pitchers deep, just like the 2010 Stony Brook team.
They “get chance” in the Super Regionals.
If Davidson can, Hawaii can.
Hi Stephen, we are now in June. Would you please inquire about the status of the Spectrum (formerly Oceanic Cable) live stream of UH football for this upcoming season? Mahalo.
DE/OLB Ualesi “Wes” Sale just might still have 2 years of eligibility left…..IF he was able earn his AA degree from West Hills JC with a 2.5 Cumulative GPA
Made Region II All-California Defensive team in 2016.
http://cccaasports.org/sports/fball/2016-17/All-AmericaAllState2016.pdf
http://cccaasports.org/sports/fball/2016-17/Awards/2016_NCFC_All_Golden_Coast_League.pdf
DE/OLB Ualesi “Wes” Sale just might still have 2 years of eligibility left…..IF he was able earn his AA degree from West Hills JC with a 2.5 Cumulative GPA
Made Region II All-California Defensive team in 2016.
http://cccaasports.org/sports/fball/2016-17/All-AmericaAllState2016.pdf
DE/OLB Ualesi “Wes” Sale just might still have 2 years of eligibility left…..IF he is/was able earn his AA degree from West Hills JC with a 2.5 Cumulative GPA
Made Region II All-California Defensive team in 2016.
Too bad about Tupai and Taylor. Best wishes to both.
Not holding my breath for KT but hope he’s dealt with is demons. Next man up!
Great reminder by ST. Two players whom I never thought might be NFL players – Trayvon Henderson and Diocemy Saint Juste. Hoping they and the team have a great 2017 season.
New post: http://hawaiiwarriorworld.com/?p=43635