Safeties have speed, size, lack experience

One of the fun parts for a coaching staff during fall camp is finding that diamond in the rough.

Maybe it’s a guy coming back from injury, or a walk-on who simply figured it out.

Kevin Clune has had a couple of surprises during his training camp as defensive coordinator for the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors.

One of them is safety Taz Stevenson, a transfer from the University of Washington who has quickly gone from an unknown to a potential opening-day starter against his former team.

"I didn’t know what to expect at all when he came in, so I’ve been happy with his progress and his learning of the defense," Clune said. "He’s stepped up really quickly and we want to see him continue to build his leadership role."

Stevenson, who graduated from Mililani, made his mark on special teams as a freshman at UW and had risen up the depth chart as a potential starter for his sophomore season.

However, a slew of injuries and a failed experiment at shifting to linebacker derailed any starting opportunities during his four years at UW.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in May, which allowed him a chance to play one season at UH.

"He’s bought in to what we’re trying to do here," secondary coach Daronte’ Jones said. "He’s been a big asset for us."

Jones is overseeing a group that has experience at the corner positions but not much in the way of safeties.

While Stevenson has overtaken junior Marrell Jackson at one of the safety positions, sophomore Trayvon Henderson has had the other spot locked down.

The 6-foot 190-pounder from Sacramento, Calif., started twice as a freshman and looks to see much more playing time in 2014.

"He’s taken ownership of that safety role," Jones said. "He’s going to get to do a lot of different things for us and I’m pleased with the progress he’s made."

The group has more size and speed than in previous years but is still inexperienced outside of the starting group.

Jackson is the only backup to record at least 20 tackles last season.