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This football season, Hawaii’s offense has been a backfield in motion.
There have been three different starting running backs in as many games. Fred Holly III, a fourth-year junior, was in the opening lineup against Washington this past weekend.
“I think it had a lot to do with the opening script,” head coach Nick Rolovich said of Holly’s sixth career start. “We don’t really look at the running back position as a starter or non-starter. It’s just the guy who’s out there for the first play for us. … It’s the one position on offense we know we’re going to play multiple guys.”
Six non-running backs have taken handoffs, including slotbacks Melquise Stovall and Cedric Byrd. But after Dayton Furuta underwent ankle surgery a week ago, Holly and third-year sophomore Miles Reed are the primary backs. Hekili Keli‘iliki, also a third-year sophomore, might get some reps.
“We’re all starters and we’re all prepared to go in at a moment’s notice,” said Reed, who leads the Rainbow Warriors with 152 yards. “We’re all prepared to make an impact. That’s just our mantra of just being ready.”
Offensive coordinator Brian Smith said Holly started against Washington because of his experience and versatility.
“Freddie is really consistent,” Smith said. “He’s good in protection, and he’s solid in the run game. If (the defense runs) anything different than what we’ve seen (in previous games), he can sort it out. He’s dependable. He’s a good one to kind of get that first series.”
At 5 feet 8 and 190 pounds, Reed is quick and a deceptively powerful blocker.
“We’re like a sixth lineman in this offense,” Reed said of the Warriors’ four-wide schemes. “We gotta protect (quarterback) Cole (McDonald). We gotta protect (backup passer) Chevan (Cordeiro). We gotta let these guys get passes off. That’s just how this offense is made. We’re gonna take some big hits (from pass rushers up the middle). We’re gonna get hit off the edge. It’s about being tough, and sticking your nose in.”
At 5-11 and 250 pounds, Furuta continued the UH lineage of big backs — West Keli‘ikipi, Reagan Mauia, Jason Laumoli, Nate Ilaoa and Penitito Faalologo. Each handoff to Furuta came with the home crowd’s serenade of “Frooot,” a play on his nickname, “Froot Train.”
“It’s unfortunate,” Rolovoich said of Furuta’s injury. “He’s been a big part of the rise of this program the past few years. He’s a great kid. He’s going to be successful because of those values. We still love him. He’s still a part of us. He knows we love him, and we’re going to move on. We’re not going to sit here and dwell on his injury. This is war.”
The coaches indicated there are no one-for-one replacements. Even at 6-1 and 235 pounds, Keli‘iliki will not be asked to be the “Hekili Train.”
“You’re going to see the same body type,” Rolovich said. “People are always going to compare (Keli‘iliki) to Dayton. It’s just like how Dayton got compared to Nate. But they are are different players and they have different strengths and weaknesses.”
Keli‘iliki grew up in Bentonville, Ark., where his father works as a human relations director for corporate Walmart. He was a tight end and fullback as a Bentonville High senior. He then served on a two-year mission in Australia. During his rare free time — at dawn before studies and missionary work — he kept fit playing rugby. That sport’s rugged style translated to football, where he is viewed as a physical back. But Keli‘iliki said he has worked with conditioning coordinator Dwain Bradshaw to broaden his skills as a perimeter runner and pass catcher.
“I want to be able to develop versatility,” Keli‘iliki said.
Reed said the backs know the full menu of plays while bringing a personal style. “Hekili might bring the pop,” Reed said. “Freddie might give a guy a little one-two. I might hurdle over a guy. Who knows? Everybody brings something different. It’s just who we are. That’s what makes us a unique running back group.”
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