Cornerback Nick Nelson has emerged as the University of Hawaii football’s best undercover defender.
Nelson, who played receiver and defensive back at Suitland High in Maryland, was an unheralded member of the 2014 recruiting class. But Nelson was the Warriors’ only true freshman to play in the season opener against Washington this past Saturday.
"He’s been impressive as a freshman," said defensive coordinator Kevin Clune, noting, "he’s the type of guy who hasn’t been starry-eyed or freaked out about anything."
Nelson, who is 6 feet and 190 plays, plays cornerback when the Warriors use five defensive backs. He was used for 57 plays on defense and special teams against Washington.
Last November, the Warriors played a road game against Navy at Annapolis, Md. Daronte’ Jones, UH’s assistant head coach and secondary coach, scouted one of Nelson’s games.
A week later, Nelson’s trainer, Melvin Coleman, asked about recruiting. Soon after, Jones called to offer Nelson a scholarship. Coleman and Jones were college teammates.
"Two days later," Nelson said, "I committed."
Rutgers made a late push the weekend before signing day in February. But Nelson kept his promise to UH.
"I trained every day," Nelson said of his offseason workouts. "I worked on the stuff I needed to get better on."
Center gets attention
On Thursday, it was guard Kody Rasmussen‘s turn to audition at center.
Kody Afusia suffered a hand injury against Washington but is hopeful of playing against Oregon State on Saturday.
Brenden Urban is prepared to play center.
Right guard Dave Lefotu practiced at center the past two days.
Freshman Kaiwi Chung is a candidate to redshirt and UH would prefer not to use him this year except in an emergency.
Moleni leads the chant
Tight end Harold Moleni is a husband, father and leader in the Mormon church.
But during pre-game warmups, Moleni goes into a fierce frenzy. Moleni and linebacker Lance Williams lead UH teammates in the haka.
"That’s my culture," Moleni said of the chant that originated in New Zealand. "I think I’m the only one on the team who’s actually (part) Maori. I know the haka. I grew up doing it."
Moleni’s expressions stem from "the way I was taught. It’s a war dance. Regardless of what you’re doing, where you are, when you do the haka, you have to do it like you’re going to war."
