With players of all shapes and sizes, Warriors will need to rely on movement

For a few football generations, the University of Hawaii’s defensive line has been known collectively as the "Dog Pound."

This season’s version consists of poi dogs of different shapes, sizes and backgrounds.

Nose tackle Kiko Faalologo was born in Western Samoa, and raised in American Samoa as a linebacker.

Defensive end Luke Shawley is a former Navy SEAL. Nose tackle Jeremy "Hurricane" McClam was in the Army.

Defensive end Kennedy Tulimasealii was given his first name because he was born on President’s Day.

Nose tackle Kory Rasmussen has a 2-month old son. Sione Kauhi returned from a two-year church mission the past fall. Defensive end Meffy Kaloamatangi, whose older brother Leo is a UH offensive lineman, practiced at tight end last year.

Defensive tackle Ka’au Gifford used to make the 2-hour bus ride from Waianae. Marquis Fairchild was raised in Florida.

"We’ve got them all," line coach Lance Samuseva said. "They’re not typical."

At 6-foot-3, Shawley is the tallest starter on the three-man front. At 250 pounds, he also is the lightest.

"Luke had a lot of sacks in camp," defensive coordinator Tom Mason said. "I’m happy where he’s at. He’s a good player."

Faalologo is 5 feet 11, when he inhales, but he also can bench press 405 pounds three consecutive times and squat lift 625 pounds.

"Kiko has come along," Samuseva said. "He wanted to be a good player, he made up his mind, and he became a good player. He did the right things."

Tulimasealii, who is 6 feet 1, is difficult to block one-on-one because of his first- and, second-step quickness. "He’s solid out there," Mason said.

To counter taller, grasping blockers, the Warriors will employ shifts, stunts and all-points attacks.

"It’s more of a movement type of philosophy," Mason said. "If we were 6-foot-6 and 295 pounds, we could sit in there and slug double teams. But we’re not. We’ve got to move ’em. We have to create one-on-ones for the defensive line."

Samuseva understands the underdog role. At 5-11 and 290 pounds, Samuseva also was regarded as an undersized defensive tackle when he played in the Warriors’ 4-3 scheme in the early 2000s. Samuseva was gifted at holding the point, allowing the ends and linebackers to swoop in for tackles. It is a role his prized pupil, Faalologo, also serves willingly — and anonymously.

After his playing career ended, Samuseva could not break away from football. As nephew to Al, Falaniko and Pete Noga, the sport was in his blood. In 2012, Norm Chow’s first year as UH head coach, Samuseva was hired as an intern. The pay was low, the perks non-existent, and the hours long.

"It was a lot of late nights and early mornings," Samuseva said. "But that was my passion. I didn’t mind doing it."

Neither did his wife, who offered her blessings.

Earlier this year, Samuseva was promoted to full-time coach.

"It felt like the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders," he said. "Having my son, I can at least provide."

Each day, Samuseva competes against the man in the mirror. "Every day I’m trying to get better," he said. "I have to be on top of my game. I don’t want to stop now."

Rainbow Warriors defensive linemen