Freshman linebackers get first starts for Hawaii

SAN DIEGO » In crafting this week’s depth chart, the Hawaii football coaches did not factor a player’s date of birth.

"We don’t look at whether you’re a freshman or senior," UH defensive coordinator Thom Kaumeyer said. "We look at whether you’re a player."

Kaumeyer said it was an easy decision to award starting jobs to middle linebacker Benneton "Benny" Fonua and strongside linebacker Jerrol Garcia-Williams for Saturday night’s game against San Diego State.

They became the first true freshmen to start at linebacker for the Warriors since Solomon Elimimian and Adam Leonard in 2005.

"It was exciting," said Garcia-Williams, who was raised in Las Vegas. "I wasn’t really nervous. I was a little anxious."

Both benefitted from the linebacker moves made Monday. Art Laurel, who started the first four games at strongside linebacker, moved to the weak side. TJ Taimatuia shifted from the middle to the strong side, where he backed up Garcia-Williams.

"They told me on Monday they might put me on the first string," said Garcia-Williams, whose father played in the NFL. "They told me to keep working hard and see how things worked out. Everything went well."

Garcia-Williams made two solo tackles.

The decision to start Fonua was part of a two-step process. First, Fonua had to agree to relinquish a chance to redshirt this season. Fonua agreed, opening the way for him to compete for the starting job.

Fonua said he decided to join the active roster in respect to his "teammates, family and community."

"If I have to make the sacrifice, I’ll make the sacrifice," Fonua said. "It’s not about me. It’s about the team."

Head coach Norm Chow said Fonua is a natural leader and an aggressive player.

As part of his duties playing middle linebacker, Fonua is in charge of relaying the defensive calls.

"He took charge of the huddle," cornerback Mike Edwards said. "He’s a freshman, but he’s a good player."

Kaumeyer said: "He did a nice job of getting the calls in."

Fonua finished with three solo tackles.

Of the moves, Kaumeyer said, "What we tried to do was get guys solidified in certain positions so we could play fast. That was what it really came down to. It wasn’t about trying to start freshmen. It was, ‘Hey, they were practicing well, let’s give them a chance.’ "

Fonua said his teammates helped ease the adjustment.

Besides, Fonua said, "As a freshman coming in, it was expected of us to compete. It doesn’t matter if you’re a freshman or sophomore. You have to take control. I did my best, but I know I have to get better. I’m going to work harder."