University of Hawaii middle linebacker Jahlani Tavai and center Kaiwi Chung were permitted to participate in Friday’s first practice of football training camp.
“That was the decision that was made,” said coach Nick Rolovich, who declined to elaborate.
Tavai and Chung were held out of team-related activities this summer while school officials investigated their involvement in a June 6 scuffle. They were arrested on a misdemeanor accusation, but were never charged.
Tavai participated in last week’s pep rally downtown for the UH athletic teams. The Rainbow Warriors’ leader in tackles the past two seasons, he recently was named to the 2018 preseason All-Mountain West team. Chung, who played fullback last season, has switched to center.
Running back Davis gets medical clearance
Running back Melvin Davis is back in the running.
Davis, who has not played since the 2015 season, received medical clearance to compete this season.
“I’m back,” said Davis, who transferred to UH in 2015, redshirted in 2016 and missed last season while recovering from an ACL injury. “The journey was kind of tough. At the same time, it was motivating me because I wanted to get back out here with the guys and help the team any way possible.”
Davis became a forgotten player. He was not listed on the Warriors’ spring roster. He also is not mentioned in the 2018 media guide that was distributed at the recent Mountain West Media Summit in Las Vegas. But Davis said he never considered retiring from the sport.
“At the end of the day, God had a different route for me,” Davis said. “I made it out at the end of the tunnel. It’s a blessing to be back out here with the guys.”
Rolovich said: “I’m proud of him. He wants to finish things out right.”
New wideout Ward on the fast track
Wideout JoJo Ward is a fast learner, fast runner and, as the old joke goes, he’s even fast asleep at night.
“Speed is in my family,” said Ward, who has been timed at sub-10.8 seconds over 100 meters.
Ward, a transfer from Tyler Junior College, is providing a burst to a position that lacked depth in the spring. Wideouts Kalakaua Timoteo, Isaia Leeth and Karson Greeley did not meet eligibility requirements to return to UH this year, and Davine Tullis was dismissed from the team.
In UH’s opening practice, Ward impressed with his vertical-route speed, precision patterns and quick cuts.
“The older guys are helping the newer guys learn the system,” Ward said.
Rolovich said Ward and slotback Cedric Byrd, also a transfer, have similar approaches.
“(Ward) is not here to see the beach,” Rolovich said. “He’s here to go to school and play football. He has a little bit of a chip on his shoulder by being overlooked (by other schools).”
Hayes hanging around for another year
Cameron Hayes, a junior nickelback, is scheduled to earn a degree this December after only seven semesters. But while he plans to walk at the graduation ceremony, he will not walk away from football after that.
“I’ve invested too much,” said Hayes, who appears to be comfortable at nickelback after signing as a cornerback in 2015. “I have to stay here.”
During 11-on-11 drills, Hayes scored on a pick-6.
