In what has been an extensive makeover, the University of Hawaii football team has added eight players this summer … and counting.
On Tuesday, the Rainbow Warriors open their fourth training camp under coach Norm Chow. The first practice is on Wednesday.
But wideout Isaiah Bernard of Glendale (Calif.) Community College is not expected to join the Warriors until mid-August while he awaits confirmation of a summer grade. Bernard has earned an associate degree, a key NCAA eligibility requirement for a junior college transfer.
Bernard is enrolled in an online class needed to fulfill his final transferable credit. He said he has completed the course’s assignments and been told he will earn a passing grade. Because the course runs through Thursday, the final grade will not be posted until at least next week.
Bernard said he was scheduled to arrive in town on the morning of Aug. 18. The Warriors must report to the team by 4 p.m. that day. He said he has re-booked his travel plans to arrive on Aug. 17.
“I want to make sure I get my hands better and my routes cleaner so when I get out there I can get straight to work,” Bernard said.
Bernard said he is 5 feet 11 and 190 pounds. In 2013, he completed the 40-yard dash in a hand-timed 4.43 seconds. This year, he has been timed running 10.9 seconds in the 100-meter dash, 21.8 seconds in the 200, 48.9 in the 400, and 1:56 in the 800.
The Warriors also are adding kickers Mauro Bondi and Rigoberto “Rigo” Sanchez, running back John Ursua, nose tackle Samiuela Akoteu, tight end Davasyia Hagger, offensive tackle Luke Clements, and wideout Makoa Camanse-Stevens. The Warriors might add another defensive lineman this week.
Bondi was the long-distance specialist for Nebraska. With the coaching change, he opted for a “fresh” start. Because he earned his bachelor’s degree this year, Bondi is allowed to transfer without redshirting.
As a Cedar High (Utah) senior, Ursua signed in February 2012 with the intent of joining the Warriors after completing a two-year church mission. But his application was delayed, and Ursua did not leave for his mission until 2013. He returned this year.
Ursua recently gained admission to UH. He is projected to redshirt this season, then have four years of football eligibility.