UH features youth on edges of offensive line

In rebuilding the offensive line, the Hawaii football team is seeking an edge — two edges, actually.

Joey Nu‘uanu-Kuhi‘iki, Kamuela Borden and Micah Vanterpool have been rotating at the two offensive-tackle positions this spring. They have filled the void created with the departures of last year’s trifecta of Dejon Allen, Chris Posa and Fred Ulu-Perry. Allen graduated, Posa completed his NCAA eligibility and Ulu-Perry received a medical retirement.

While six newcomers will join the Rainbow Warriors’ offensive line this summer, head coach Nick Rolovich has praised Nu‘uanu-Kuhi‘iki, Borden and Vanterpool for their spring work.

“They have to get a lot better, but what they’re giving this team is everything they’ve got,” Rolovich said. “This season, this team, is important to those three right now. Every step they’re taking is showing the importance in how they’re working. I’m very appreciative of that.”

None of the three has played an NCAA game on offense. Nu‘uanu-Kuhi‘iki, who will be a third-year sophomore in the fall, was a defensive lineman until two months ago. After graduating from ‘Iolani School in 2015, Borden spent the past two years on a church mission in Oregon before enrolling at UH in January. Vanterpool redshirted as a freshman in 2017.

Nu‘uanu-Kuhi‘iki has practiced at right tackle, Borden at left tackle and Vanterpool on both sides.

“Joey is fun to work with because he doesn’t have much offensive background,” said Mark Weber, who coaches the offensive line. “Every rep is a learning experience. As he’s understanding the concepts rather than just memorizing the plays, the game will slow down for him. You just have to explain it to him, explain the ‘why’ of it, and he’s got the ability to figure it out. He’s extremely athletic and fast-twitch.”

Nu‘uanu-Kuhi‘iki, who is 6 feet 3 and 280 pounds, said his previous offensive experience was as a tight end at Waianae High. But he apparently caught Rolovich’s attention as a blocker in 1-on-1 drills against 6-7, 290-pound defensive tackle Viane Moala in practices last season. Moala transferred to Utah earlier this year.

“I guess I did good,” Nu‘uanu-Kuhi‘iki said. “Everybody was cheering me on. I guess Coach Rolo noticed me. Ever since then, he’s been giving me hints, like, ‘How much do you weigh?’ ”

Weber said Borden has adapted quickly despite the two-year layoff. As a coach at Brigham Young and Utah State, Weber has experience working with players returning from church missions.

“It hasn’t taken much for (Borden) to get back into the swing of things,” Weber said. “He really is a fast learner. He’s a bright, young man with good football sense. He tries to do what we’re asking him to do. He’s getting better every day.”

Weber said Borden, who is listed at 6-4 and 250 pounds, fits on the blind side because of his long arms and agility. “He’s what we need,” Weber said. “He has that body type. He has the feet and athleticism to play on the edge.”

As a Central High (Phoenix) senior in 2016, Vanterpool admittedly struggled to bench two plates of weights. Now nine months into the Warriors’ strength and nutritional programs, the 6-foot-6 Vanterpool has gained 40 pounds — he now weighs 305 — and can easily bench five reps of 315 pounds.

“Micah has the feet, the size and the athleticism to play on the edge,” Weber said.

Vanterpool said: “I always played tackle. I like being on that island. You’re on that island, and it’s rain or shine. It’s that pressure on us.”

The forecast? “Bright and sunny,” Vanterpool said.