Taz Stevenson has seen football life from both sides.
Stevenson was at Washington for four seasons before earning a bachelor’s degree this past semester.
He then transferred to the University of Hawaii, earning admission into graduate school. The NCAA permits a graduate to transfer without redshirting at his second school.
Washington approved Stevenson’s release, despite the Huskies opening the season against the Rainbow Warriors on Saturday at Aloha Stadium.
Stevenson, a Mililani High graduate, welcomed a chance to return home.
"It’s exciting to come back and play for my home state," Stevenson said. "Just to be around my family and friends is an exciting moment for me. I can’t wait to play."
There will not be a delay. Stevenson is expected to start at safety.
Clarke fills in at center
Ben Clarke was having double flashbacks on Saturday.
Clarke practiced at center, a position he played the past two seasons before moving to left tackle in spring practice. Clarke was filling in for center Kody Afusia, who was held out because of a groin injury.
Clarke’s Chatfield High teammate Brenden Urban was sprinting the width of the field. Urban is set to rejoin the Warriors. He was with UH for two years as a walk-on after transferring from Adams State. He initially planned to sit out this season because he could not afford to live in Hawaii.
"I’m excited for him," Clarke said of Urban.
Clarke eased back into his role at center. Then again, Clarke is a quick learner. He has a 3.6 cumulative grade-point average as a biology major.
"It’s a lot of work," Clarke said of his classload. "Sometimes I’m jealous of the other people not taking these classes. It’s all right. I’m getting my money’s worth from my scholarship."
Henderson getting special teams look
The Warriors, meanwhile, are getting value from Trayvon Henderson’s scholarship. Henderson, who is a starting safety, moonlights as a kick- and punt-blocker.
Henderson has never been used in that role in a game. He took mental reps as understudy to kick-blocker John Hardy-Tuliau last year. Hardy-Tuliau completed his eligibility, and Henderson was promoted.
Henderson said he learned from mimicking Hardy-Tuliau’s movements and special team coordinator Chris Demarest‘s instructions.
"Three-point, two-point, four-point stances, I’ll do anything," Henderson said.
Moleni, Williams on haka point
Tight end Harold Moleni and linebacker Lance Williams are leading the Warriors’ haka this year.
It was supposed to make its public debut during Saturdays’ festivities, but the players decided to wait until the warm-up session before the Washington game.
