Freshman linemen Allen, Tupai emerge

The University of Hawaii football team just might have found the right plan thanks to two inside jobs.

Two second-year freshmen — Dejon Allen and Elijah Tupai — have emerged as capable offensive guards.

Allen, who has started the past 10 games at right guard, has not allowed a sack in 366 pass plays.

Tupai has started the past two games at left guard — both victories. Against San Jose State and UNLV, the Warriors averaged 218 rushing yards.

Tupai made the key block in running back Joey Iosefa’s 45-yard gain last Saturday.

Tupai admittedly was nervous when he spotted his target. "Don’t miss," Tupai recalled. He did not, opening the way for Iosefa.

Allen and Tupai were considered can’t-miss prospects when they signed with the Warriors. Allen was part of the 2012 class, Norm Chow’s first as UH head coach.

But Allen did not meet the full requirements to enroll at UH that summer. Chow decided to extend the offer for another year. Allen met the requirements, and joined the Warriors in July 2013.

Allen shuffled between the offensive and defensive lines while redshirting during the 2013 season. He eventually settled on offense.

"I’ve been feeling like an offensive lineman," Allen said. "I played it in high school. I’m playing it now. I’ve been used to it. Nothing new."

Allen always had the strength, agility and toughness. Offensive line coach Chris Naeole helped Allen learn the key points in studying videos and deciphering defensive schemes. Now Allen is quick to pick up safety rotations, stunts and blitzes.

"It’s been coming together," Allen said. "I just had to get down the plays."

Tupai’s development was partially physical. He had recurring shoulder problems following his senior season at Cottonwood High in Utah. During his first UH training camp in 2013, he tried to work through the discomfort. A week into camp, it was decided he would have surgery on his right shoulder.

During practices last season, he was assigned to the "pit," the area next to the grass field where injured players perform rehabilitation exercises. With relish, Tupai pulled weights, twirled heavy ropes, and even carried teammates on laps around the field.

"It showed me how much I missed playing with my boys," Tupai said.

At the end of this past spring training, Tupai and Allen were bracketed at left guard atop the depth chart. Both eventually were displaced, with John Wa‘a opening at left guard and Dave Lefotu at right guard. But then Allen was named the starting right guard in the third game. Center Kody Afusia moved to left guard while recovering from a hand injury. After Afusia returned to center, Leo Koloamatangi started at left guard for three games before Tupai took over.

Tupai said he benefits playing between left tackle Ben Clarke and Afusia.

"It’s like having the answers to a test," Tupai said. "Those guys help me a lot."

Allen is between Afusia and senior right tackle Sean Shigematsu.

"They’ve been here awhile," Allen said. "They have a lot of experience. I’m in a pretty good spot."