Clarke, Afusia call the shots on O-Line

Ben Clarke is the University of Hawaii football’s best offensive lineman. Heck, in 2012, he was named the Rainbow Warriors’ best player on offense.

Clarke is strong, nimble and smart, with a 3.6 cumulative grade-point average in biology. He is considering a career in medicine if, you know, this football thing doesn’t work out. He has been the starting center for all 24 games of his Warriors career. Line coach Chris Naeole said Clarke is the line’s best technician, a "coach on the field."

So, naturally, Naeole recommended moving Clarke to left tackle in the middle of spring training.

It was a two-part move. Kody Afusia, who started at guard last year, had become a vocal leader. At the end of each practice, it was Afusia demanding more "gassers" — sprints covering the field’s width.

The idea was to put the best lineman on the blind side, and the most vocal in the play-calling position.

"Between the both of them, they take care of business," Naeole said. "They do a good job of bringing the young guys along."

Afusia, Sean Shigematsu, Dave Lefotu and Frank Loyd Jr. are fifth-year seniors. Clarke is a junior with a high odometer level. But five players in the rotation — Dejon Allen, Elijah Tupai, R.J. Hollis, John Wa’a and Kaiwi Chung — have yet to play in an NCAA game.

On the field, Naeole demonstrates techniques. The real workout is in the meeting room. Naeole and his assistant, Donovan Raiola, conduct no-nonsense sessions.

"In our room, you have to bring it," Naeole said. "You can’t fake it. We’re not going to let you slide."

Naeole emphasizes reading defenses, such as safety movements, back-end rotations and stances. There are frequent pop quizzes.

"The more you know, the faster the game slows down for you," Naeole said. "That’s what separates all the good players from everyone else."

Naeole’s speeches are part of physical education.

"We preach the same thing: Go to work every day, bring your hard hat, be the hardest-working group on the field, do the right technique," Naeole said. "It’ll pay off at the end of the day. You have to be tough. It’s a tough business. It’s a tough game. If you’re not tough in there, we’re not going to be a very good team."