Linebacker Jahlani Tavai has no regrets about his decision to remain at UH

University of Hawaii linebacker Jahlani Tavai faced an opportunity for an early departure.

In three years, he averaged more than 100 tackles a football season. Pro scouts were impressed with his size (6 feet 4, 245 pounds), speed (4.65 seconds over 40 yards) and athletic versatility (track, volleyball and rugby background).

But presented with flight options, Tavai chose “isle.”

Tavai decided he would rather remain a student-athlete on Oahu than forgo his senior season and apply for the 2018 NFL Draft. On Jan. 5, Tavai tweeted: “Unfinished Business 2k18.”

“I’ve had a lot of teammates leave, I’ve had a lot of teammates stay,” Tavai said. “I didn’t think it felt right to leave my senior class.”

Tavai pondered his future in the weeks following the end of the 2017 season, in which the Warriors were a disappointing 3-9. During that period, Legi Suiaunoa resigned as defensive coordinator to coach Oregon State’s defensive lineman, and linebackers coach Sean Duggan’s contract lapsed. The Rainbow Warriors hired Corey Batoon, a Saint Louis School graduate who had coached in the Southeastern Conference, as defensive coordinator. Mark Banker, who coached Hall of Fame linebacker Junior Seau as the San Diego Chargers’ defensive coordinator, was hired as linebackers coach.

Tavai, who grew up in Inglewood, Calif., said he consulted with his parents and older brothers.

“I wanted to get my degree,” Tavai said. “That was my first plan ever since I got accepted into college (in 2014). I wanted to make sure I graduated.”

But he also said he felt a strong bond with his teammates.

“It would be hard to leave the boys after the hard work we put in together, all the blood and sweat,” Tavai said. “You have to take that into consideration.”

Head coach Nick Rolovich said: “I’m proud of his reasoning. I think that shows it wasn’t as much of a selfish decision as it was caring about his teammates. And I think that’s pretty special.”

A month after Tavai decided to remain at UH, his younger brother, defensive tackle Justus Tavai, signed a letter of intent with the Warriors.

“That was another reason I wanted to stay,” Tavai said.

In training camp, teammates selected Tavai as one of four co-captains.

This season, Tavai has been on the move. He has been used as an inside linebacker, rush end and edge setter, as well as in coverage. Sometimes he has the dual responsibility of defending the flats or angling to cut off dives up the middle. Of his 60 tackles, 10 were made inside the UH 10.

“Everything is for the team,” Tavai said. “Regardless of where I play, everything is where the coaches need me. If I have to play D-line, I’ll play D-line. If I have to play linebacker, I’ll play linebacker.”

Tavai said the Warriors’ 5-1 record is not a surprise, despite the switch in offensive and defensive schemes, and the addition of six coaches and 40 players.

“You always have to have belief,” Tavai said. “I trusted everybody, and if we all did our jobs, it would show.”

He added: “I live my life with no regrets. I’m happy I decided to stay.”