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After nearly a month of experiments, the Hawaii football team has established a No. 1 offensive line for Thursday’s season opener against USC.
For the past week, the line has been left tackle Sean Shigematsu, left guard Kody Afusia, center Ben Clarke, right guard Dave Lefotu and right tackle Mike Milovale.
WARRIORS DEPTH CHART
Offense
QB: 1. Taylor Graham. 2. Sean Schroeder
RB: 1. Faga Wily. 2. Steven Lakalaka
or Marcus Langkilde
Z: 1. Vasquez Haynes or Keith Kirkwood
F: 1. Scott Harding. 2. Donnie King
X: 1. Chris Gant or Marcus Kemp
LT: 1. Sean Shigematsu. 2. Leo Koloamatangi
LG: 1. Kody Afusia. 2. Sully Wiefels
C: 1. Ben Clarke. 2. Kody Afusia
RG: 1. Dave Lefotu. 2. Frank Loyd Jr.
RT: 1. Mike Milovale. 2. David Griffin.
TE: 1. Harold Moleni. 2. Clark Evans.
Defense
DE: 1. Tavita Woodard. 2. Iuta Tepa
DT: 1. Siasau Matagiese. 2. Marcus Malepeai
DT: 1. Moses Samia. 2. Calen Friel
DE: 1. Beau Yap. 2. Craig Cofer
WLB: 1. Art Laurel. 2. Julian Gener
MLB: 1. Brenden Daley. 2. Tevita Lataimua
SLB: 1. Jerrol Garcia-Williams. 2. TJ Taimatuia
SS: 1. John Hardy-Tuiau. 2. Charles Clay
FS: 1. Marrell Jackson. 2. Kawika Borden
CB: 1. Dee Maggitt. 2. Tony Grimes
CB: 1. Ne’Quan Phillips. 2. Anthony Pierce
Specialists
KR: 1. Chris Gant. 2. Donnie King.
PR: 1. Scott Harding. 2. John Hardy-Tuliau
P: 1. Ruben Guzman. 2. Scott Harding.
K: 1. Tyler Hadden. 2. Joe Uglietto
H: 1. Ikaika Woolsey. 2. Scott Harding
LS: 1. Kawika Borden. 2. Brodie Nakama
SS: 1. Brodie Nakama. 2. Kody Afusia
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"We’ll stay with it," head coach Norm Chow said.
Only Clarke, the team’s most outstanding player last year, and Shigematsu, a converted right tackle, have remained in place from the spring game through Saturday’s 90-minute practice.
Afusia has rotated between both guard positions. Milovale was the No. 1 left guard for most of training camp. Lefotu, who started 10 games at right guard in 2012, dropped significantly on the depth chart early in camp.
Chow praised Chris Naeole, the Rainbow Warriors’ first-year line coach, for creating competition and developing blockers.
"Chris has done a nice job of making sure they can play," Chow said.
Milovale has been regarded as the Warriors’ top guard and second-best tackle behind Shigematsu. The coaches had hoped Milovale would remain at left guard. But with no candidate seizing the right tackle’s job, Milovale was moved.
"We had to," Chow said, noting Milovale started seven games at right tackle in 2012.
Milovale said it took a couple of practices to adjust to playing on the right side again.
"No matter what, I still have to make my blocks," Milovale said.
Milovale is the lone senior on the offensive line. He transferred from Hartnell College in the summer of 2012.
"Right now I feel better than I did last year," Milovale said. "It’s an easier adjustment."
Milovale, who is 6 feet 3, weighed 320 pounds at the start of the offseason conditioning program. Strength coach Gary Beemer set a goal of Milovale losing 15 pounds through better nutrition and intensive conditioning drills. Milovale lost 40 pounds, and now weighs 280, but has improved his strength and quickness.
While he is attempting to add weight, Milovale said, "I feel confident with my body right now. I feel I’m a little more in shape. Running gassers every day really helped."
Lefotu was displaced at right guard early in training camp. Instead of pouting, he continued to work. With Lefotu ready to rejoin the first unit, Afusia, who has played well this camp, moved from right guard to left guard.
Lefotu also has learned to play center, which gives the Warriors more flexibility in crafting travel rosters.
Afusia can play guard, center and long-snapper. Milovale can play anywhere on the line but center. Frank Loyd Jr. and Sully Wiefels can play guard and tackle.
"Right now, we’re trying to find our sixth, seventh and eighth (linemen)," Chow said. "We have players who give us a lot of options."
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