Warriors fill a big need with D-lineman commit

The University of Hawaii filled a pressing need with a commitment from a defensive tackle from Eastern Arizona (junior) College.

Kendall Hune told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser he will join the Rainbow Warriors this summer and have two years to play two UH seasons.

“As soon as I got the opportunity, I committed,” Hune said. “I like the coaching staff. They’ve been real professional.”

Hune and his father visited Hawaii last weekend. They toured the school, met with academic counselors, attended UH sporting events and spent time with future teammates.

“I loved it,” Hune said. “It was great. That was my first time in Hawaii. It was also good to see what you’re working with the next two years.”

Hune is 6 feet 3 and 285 pounds. He is expected to play the 3-technique (across the gap between the tackle and guard) for the Warriors.

Hune said he has played football since he was 7 years old. “My mom got me started,” Hune said. “She signed me up for a camp. (Football has) been with me ever since.”

He said both his parents are football fans who have provided guidance through the years.

Hune was born in St. Louis and moved to Indiana in the sixth grade. He redshirted as a freshman at the University of Toledo in 2015. He left after a semester, then worked and took classes at Marian University in Indianapolis. Hune enrolled at Eastern Arizona in January 2017.

As a sophomore, he amassed 44 tackles, third most among the Monsters, with four tackles for loss and an interception. The Monsters were 8-4 in 2017, including a victory over Hutchinson in the Salt Lake City Bowl.

Hune is expected to help UH’s interior defense. Nose tackle Penitito Faalologo graduated and defensive tackle Viane Moala transferred to Utah. But the Warriors return six players for the two defensive tackle positions. Blessman Taala, a grayshirt who joined the team in January, and Justus Tavai, who signed last month, also are candidates for the inside. Foi Sila, a defensive tackle from Farrington High, joins as a walk-on this summer.

“It’s my job to go out there and fight for a spot,” Hune said. “Nothing’s guaranteed.”