Hawaii defensive tackle Kennedy Tulimasealii is tied for the Mountain West Conference lead — and 11th nationally — in tackles for loss.
In three games, he has six — five solos, two assisted — for an average of 2.0 per game.
"It’s a mind-set," said Tulimasealii, a sophomore from Waianae. "Your mind-set is what you want it to be. If you want to stay here" — he points to the ground — "you’re just going to stay at the line of scrimmage. If you’re mind-set is the end zone, you’re going to want to take that (blocker back) to the end zone."
Tulimasealii admittedly was not a diligent weight-lifter in high school. But in strength/conditioning coordinator Gary Beemer’s offseason program, Tulimasealii has improved in squat lifts.
Tulimasealii said he cannot explain the origin of his quickness. He is 6 feet 1 and about 280 pounds.
Maybe "it was running away from my parents when I was getting scolded," he said, smiling.
Tulimasealii weighed 200 pounds in eighth grade and 320 entering his senior year at Waianae.
What was he fed?
"You mean, what was I feeding myself?" Tulimasealii said. "Mostly Polynesian food."
His success in making tackles in an opposing team’s backfield probably is traced to the food raised in his family’s back field in Waianae.
He said they grow their own fruit and vegetables, including ulu, bananas, onions and coconuts.
"We have the main food except for taro," he said. "Taro is the only one we have to buy. "
If his family had to live off the land, he said, "We will. Raw or cooked. We have enough."
Ewaliko on the move again
Keelan Ewaliko, who played slotback against UNI, had extended reps at various receiver positions on Tuesday.
It was part of the cross-training the Warriors attempt early in the week.
"I’m going with it," said Ewaliko, who took a turn at wideout. "I love it."
Ewaliko played quarterback at Baldwin High. At UH, he has practiced at safety, nickelback, running back and slotback. He averaged 27.0 yards on two kickoff returns on Saturday. He is listed as Scott Harding‘s primary backup at slotback.
Linebackers in waiting
With inside linebacker Tevita Lataimua’s availability in question for Saturday’s game, Benetton Fonua becomes the primary backup behind Simon Poti and Julian Gener.
Freshman Malachi Mageo becomes the fourth linebacker.
"He’s a very talented young guy," coach Norm Chow said of Mageo. "He wants to play. We’ll have to wait and see."
