The Hawaii football team’s offensive line is going in a new direction this season.
Forward.
The previous 13 seasons, the Warriors used the four-wide offense, which required the linemen to frequently step back into a pass-protection stance. In 2011, the Warriors called pass plays 71.1 percent of the time.
Under first-year head coach Norm Chow, the run game will have a larger role in the offense.
"Our style of play on the offensive line has changed," right guard Dave Lefotu said. "We’re more fitted to the run game. We’re trying to be more aggressive up front."
Offensive line coach Chris Wiesehan said improved rushing will set up play-action passes and milk the clock to reduce the amount of time UH’s defense will be on the field.
"If we can keep the defense fresh, that will be good," said Wiesehan, who has the title of run-game coordinator.
Wiesehan said a more physical approach is part of the master plan.
"It’s a process globally within our football team, and not just with the offensive line," Wiesehan said. "All of the coaches are demanding the same. Obviously, for us to have some success, it starts up front, and we’re willing to spearhead the toughness. Are we where we need to be? No. Are we better than we were? We hope so."
The past few years, the Warriors had four basic running plays. This year there are about 15.
"I like our intensity on the line," said guard Kapua Sai, who transferred from Utah this summer.
The line also has undergone a physical transformation. Left tackle Blake Muir remained in Australia for an extra few weeks to gain weight. Center Ben Clarke lost several pounds. Lefotu trimmed to 298 pounds from 315 in May.
"I’m feeling a lot healthier, and I love the new offense," Lefotu said. "I like run-blocking. I play offensive guard. It’s imprinted in my DNA. I’d rather move guys forward than move back and try to block them."
Roster moves remain
Chow said he will hold roster spots for another week for cornerbacks Ronald Fields and Justin Turner.
Both need to earn associate’s degrees to be eligible to play this season.
Fields is in Hawaii while he awaits confirmation of transcripts.
Turner was in Hawaii through last week, when he returned to Seattle to complete coursework.
Ijumaa Armstrong, a cornerback who redshirted in 2011, was added to the active roster.
Offensive lineman Mike Milovale, who played at College of San Mateo in 2011, is in Hawaii and in the process of completing his transfer.
