The Hawaii football team enters today’s first practice of training camp after an offseason of changing leadership, grueling morning conditioning drills and a resolved jersey debate.
Nick Rolovich, who begins his second season as head coach, hopes the Rainbow Warriors can fill the leadership void created when running back Steven Lakalaka, offensive lineman Leo Koloamatangi, right tackle RJ Hollis, nose tackle Kory Rasmussen and rush end Makani Kema-Kaleiwahea completed their UH eligibility after the Hawaii Bowl on Christmas Eve.
“Those guys were big brothers to everyone,” middle linebacker Jahlani Tavai said. “They were the real reason why we had a successful season. They were the glue to everything — besides Rolo, of course — in our locker room.”
Quarterback Dru Brown added: “They weren’t just great players, they were great men. … If there were issues, it would be settled. That’s something easier said than done.”
In a players’ vote, this leadership committee was formed: Brown, Tavai, left tackle Dejon Allen, left guard John Wa‘a, slotback Dylan Collie, quarterback Hunter Hughes, tight end Metuisela ‘Unga, defensive ends Meffy Koloamatangi and David Manoa, nose tackle Kiko Faalologo, linebacker Malachi Mageo, safeties Trayvon Henderson and Daniel Lewis, and long snapper Noah Borden.
Brown and Tavai are both 20. “I don’t think there’s an age (requirement) on leadership,” Brown said. “When it comes to leadership, we want to continue to play well and lead by example by working hard.”
Rolovich said he expects the leaders to provide “honest” assessments of their teammates. He also wants to be alerted to ailments. “I’m going to be very aware of health (this camp),” Rolovich said.
Rolovich renewed his policy of allowing all players but true freshmen to live off campus during training camp. The freshmen will stay in the dorms. He said the policy is a matter of trust and practicality.
“What are we going to do: Make them pay (off-campus) rent and stay in the dorms?” Rolovich said. “I don’t think it’s logically something you want to continually do.”
Rolovich said numerous requests forced him to not issue single-digit jersey numbers during spring training. Eight players eventually were awarded single-digit jerseys. Rolovich said freshmen no longer will be issued single-digit jerseys.
“You have to earn it,” Rolovich said.
Rolovich also announced Josh Omura was hired as a recruiting intern.
