Offensive line decides to do the Dew

No wonder it’s called a playing rotation.

On Wednesday, Ben Dew took a turn on the revolving offensive line.

Dew, a third-year sophomore, practiced at right guard.

"We’re trying to figure it out," coach Norm Chow said. "Ben is older. We’ll see how it goes."

This year, Dew has bounced from tackle to guard, from the active roster to the scout team.

"I want to help the team," Dew said. "I guess being in the rotation is helping the team more."

Dew is used to being on the move. As the son of a Christian missionary pastor, Dew was born in Florida, then lived in Tennessee, Hawaii and New Zealand. He was at the now defunct Word of Life Academy in 2009 before spending his senior year in New Zealand. His family now lives in Australia.

"We’re a moving family," Dew said, smiling. "Moving all over the place, I’m used to change in schools, change in friends, change in scenery."

Last week, he decided to change his look. He borrowed roommate Hunter Thomson‘s clippers and shaved his head.

"It’s just a fresh start," Dew said.

BODY BY BEACH

Running back Steven Lakalaka‘s reshaped body is a result of sand sculpting.

During his redshirt season, Lakalaka ballooned to 240 pounds. In the offseason, his family made a pact to train together. Each evening, Lakalaka, his two younger brothers and his father jogged on Waikiki Beach.

Lakalaka now weighs 220.

Lakalaka scored two touchdowns in UH’s 42-37 loss to Fresno State this past weekend.

HADDEN MAKES A STOP

Against Fresno State, Tyler Hadden made a field goal from 48 yards.

The ensuing play was equally impressive.

Kickoff returner Dillon Root found a lane and faced what appeared to be open space. But Hadden sped over to make the tackle.

"I had two last year and one the year before," said Hadden, who is regarded as the safety on kickoff coverage. "It’s something we work on."

Hadden is not allowed to tackle during practices. Instead, he visualizes attacking a returner’s hips.

"I want to help out," Hadden said.