Don’t worry about University of Hawaii football team’s offensive line, team leader says

The worrisome buzz has circulated on message boards, in talk-radio conversations and on social media.

Taaga Tuulima, the leader of the University of Hawaii football team’s offensive line, offered this response: Don’t worry.

“I appreciate the concern,” said Tuulima, a 6-foot-2, 290-pound sophomore center from ‘Iolani School. “I take it as a challenge. I feel we’re going to be good.”

The offensive line has undergone a considerable makeover since the end of the 2017 season. Three players with starting experience — Dejon Allen, John Wa‘a and Chris Posa — graduated. Fred Ulu-Perry and Austin Webb accepted medical retirements. Brandon Kipper transferred to Oregon State. Asotui Eli, who earned a degree, decided not to play this season because of a knee ailment.

“It doesn’t matter,” said Mark Weber, the new offensive coordinator. “We’ve got what we’ve got, and I’m glad we’ve got ’em. I value these kids (on the 2018 roster). They’re good kids. We’ve got some good additions, which will make us better. We just need some more reps. … It’s all a process. You can see them growing.”

The line is an eclectic unit. Offensive tackle Kohl Levao is 6-6, 350 pounds and as aggressive as sleeping grass. Kaiwi Chung, who is 5-10 when he inhales deeply, has moved from fullback to center. Offensive tackle Joey Nu‘uanu-Kuhi‘iki switched from defensive end in the spring. Ernest Moore did not play competitive football until his senior of high school. Naia Wong, the son of Kailua High coach Hauoli Wong, did not play football last year.

“It’s a lot of fun to develop these guys,” Weber said. “What makes it fun is they’re all willing, they’re all able, and they’re hungry.”

The linemen do not seem to mind the training-camp practices that end in sauna-like humidity. Levao, who transferred from City College of San Francisco, said he has learned to be appreciative.

“We come from a different cloth,” Levao said of junior college alumni. “It’s a different type of life. … Sometimes, I only got one meal a day. I had to live off water, pretty much, and some saimin. … It makes you appreciate the little things and work hard for what you want.”

Levao has been with the No. 1 team in the first four practices of training camp. He has established himself as a leader and supportive teammate.

“I might as well make myself feel at home,” Levao said. “It’s my family now. I might as well be the person I am.”

Weber marveled at Levao’s “leadership skills. He’s got a great personality. He’s a character. He’s really into football.”

Offensive tackle Alex Dalpe, a transfer from Long Beach City College, also has earned a spot atop the depth chart the past two practices.

Weber said Levao and Dalpe are “different players, but the thing about them is they’re football junkies. They learn fast. And they love it.”

Tuulima inherited the center’s job when Eli opted not to play this season. Tuulima said he learned of Eli’s decision from a text.

“He had to do what he had to do,” Tuulima said. “He’s still my dog. He’s my brother for life. He showed me a lot of stuff.”

Eli gave his recipes to Tuulima.

“He taught me how to control the line, to be a lot more vocal,” Tuulima said. “For that, I’m grateful. Honestly, (being vocal) does not come naturally for me. I have to work on it.”

There were fewer than 10 linemen available for the spring game. Now the unit is up to 17 players.

”I like their desire,” coach Nick Rolovich said of the line. “I think there are some personalities that are hungry to get on the field and make an impact this year. They’re giving us what they’ve got. I appreciate that.”