Clarke tweaks knee, vows to be ready

Is Clarke really Superman?

For sure, center Ben Clarke has been the Hawaii football team’s Iron Man. Clarke, a sophomore, has been a starter in each of his 21 college games, the longest active streak among the Rainbow Warriors.

There was concern when Clarke was helped off the field during Tuesday’s 90-minute practice. He appeared to have tweaked his left knee.

Clarke dismissed the ailment, promising to resume practicing this week.

“We’re expecting him back,” said guard Kody Afusia, who replaced Clarke at center for the final 30 minutes of practice. “I’m not worried.”

While quarterbacks and receivers change, Clarke has been a fixture the past two seasons.

“He’s very valuable,” quarterback Sean Schroeder said. “He’s been the one consistent guy on the field. He was our offensive MVP last year. He’s Mr. Steady.”

Clarke said he’ll undergo aggressive physical therapy.

“I’ll get treatment four times a day,” Clarke said. “I’ll be good.”

Clarke said he has missed only one game since his freshman year of high school. He suffered a concussion as a high school junior.

“It’s very important to be out there,” Clarke said. “I’m always out there. I need to be there.”

D-linemen might move up

Kennedy Tulimasealii and Marcus Malepeai will play with the No. 1 unit if nose tackle Moses Samia and defensive tackle Saui Matagiese are not available to play in Saturday’s game against San Diego State.

Samia has a high-ankle sprain. Matagiese is recovering from a sprained MCL.

Bukoski promoted

Receiver Duke Bukoski, who was on the scout team this fall, has been promoted to the active roster.

Wide receiver Vasquez Haynes did not play against Navy because of a sprained ankle. Keith Kirkwood had been limited because of a hand issue.

Bukoski was notified on Sunday while on Kauai, where he had attended his great-grandmother’s memorial service.

Bukoski’s promotion was based on his strong performances on scout team.

“You have to work hard every play, play your hardest, and eventually they’ll see it,” Bukoski said. “When the time is right, they’ll give you what you deserve, what you’ve worked for.”

Bukoski is a 2011 Saint Louis School graduate who played at Idaho State as a freshman. He redshirted in 2012 after transferring.

Bukoski said his father, Kika Bukoski, a former UH player, provided additional training. “He helped me with my hand-eye coordination, running routes, speed, lifting,” Bukoski said.

He said he would play catch by throwing a tennis ball against a wall. He also would lie on the ground, tossing the ball up in the air.

Kika Bukoski often will sit in his truck, far away from the field, when the Warriors practice. It is his way of being near without being intrusive.

“He calls me every day,” Duke Bukoski said. “He wants to help.”

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Read Stephen Tsai’s Warrior Beat at staradvertiser.com/warriorbeat.