University of Hawaii cornerback Keelan Ewaliko, linebacker Drake Miller and wide receiver Ammon Barker are among the freshmen on track to redshirt this season, coach Norm Chow confirmed.
All three have been assigned to the scout team the past three practices.
Chow said injuries or other circumstances might lead to the three players moving to the active roster this season. But the preference is to use this fall as a development season.
Ewaliko, who played quarterback at Baldwin High, was recruited as a receiver. He moved to cornerback in the second week of training camp. Chow said Ewaliko is a good fit there, and probably needs another year to improve his strength.
Miller will have a better opportunity after seniors Brenden Daley and Kamalani Alo complete their eligibility. Daley is the No. 1 middle linebacker, and Alo is used as an inside linebacker in sub-packages.
Barker is a highly regarded receiver from Utah. Barker was slightly behind freshman receivers Marcus Kemp and Keith Kirkwood and junior-college transfer Vasquez Haynes. He should fill the vacancy when senior Chris Gant completes his eligibility.
Pedroza feels at home
Wide receiver Quinton Pedroza moved to Hawaii on Friday, but he quickly felt comfortable.
Pedroza is a transfer who played at Utah the past two years.
In 2011, Chow was Utah’s offensive coordinator and Jordan Wynn was the Utes’ quarterback. Wynn is now UH’s quarterbacks coach.
Pedroza said his Utah roommate was receiver Luke Matthews, who now is UH’s receivers coach.
Pedroza must redshirt this season in accordance with NCAA transfer rules. After that, he will have two years to play two seasons.
Yap recovered quickly
As defensive end Beau Yap chases quarterbacks, it is difficult to recall that it was only four months ago he suffered a fracture in his right foot.
Yap credited the trainers in his recovery.
"The rehab was great," Yap said. "That’s what brought me back faster. I thought I was going to be a couple of steps behind. After the first week of camp, my legs got back into it. It felt fine after that."
