Backs like using stiff arm as weapon

In the war within the football war, opposing defenses are aware that every Hawaii running play can be a stiff-armed conflict.

This season, running back Joey Iosefa and Sterling Jackson have shown that a straight arm to a defender can add up to extra yards.

"Mo has been effective when he does that, too," offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich said of quarterback Bryant Moniz. "It’s half-protection, half-aggressiveness."

Against New Mexico State, Iosefa and Jackson used stiff-armed moves to repeatedly repel defenders.

"It’s one of the techniques I use to avoid tackles," said Iosefa, who used to train as a boxer in American Samoa. His stiff-armed move, Iosefa said, "is like a jab for me."

Brian Smith, who coaches the UH running backs, said his players are taught to use whatever legal means to gain bonus yards.

"Both of those guys are really strong," Smith said of Iosefa and Jackson. "Both have the ability to break tackles when they’re playing extremely hard, which they have been the past two games. It’s helped them break tackles and get extra yards."

Iosefa, who is 6 feet 2 and 237 pounds, manages to meld athletic ability with ferocity.

"Joey is a freak of nature," defensive tackle Vaughn Meatoga said. "I’ve seen him hit the bag in the weight room. I know he’s got one of the biggest hands on the team. If you get hit by one of those, it’s like getting hit by a rock at the end of a stick. Joey is a powerful guy. I’ve seen him do some damage."

Meatoga also has heard Iosefa’s impact. In practice two springs ago, Iosefa was trying to run through an opening that middle linebacker George Daily-Lyles was trying to clog.

"It was one of the loudest hits I’ve ever heard around here," Meatoga said.

Daily-Lyles said: "If he hits you, you’re going to feel it. You have to hit him before he gets started. After that, it’s stiff arms and high knees over your body. He has big arms. If you get hit by him, you’re going straight to the ground. He’ll high-step, and put his cleat marks on your face."

Which is why Moniz is happy to be on Iosefa’s side.

"He’s a big bowling ball," Moniz said. "I like him back there (as a blocker). I always feels safe. And he’s always laughing and joking around, especially when he gets somebody."