Warriors sign 25 new recruits, plus 3 from last year
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
The recruiting period is over for the University of Hawai'i football team, but questions remain, such as:
• If teams are allowed a maximum 25 new scholarships a year, and three recruits from last year count toward this year's limit, how were the Warriors able to sign 25 recruits?
True, three who originally signed last year — defensive tackle Isaak Sopoaga, wide receiver Omar Bennett and utility player Justin Faimealelei — count toward this year's limit, but the Warriors expect at least three of this year's recruits to go on church missions, transfer to junior colleges or delay enrolling at UH until next January. Quarterback Inoke Funaki of Kahuku High already has indicated he will go on a mission for the Mormon church before starting his UH career.
• What is the status of Sopoaga, Bennett and Faimealelei?
Sopoaga and Bennett are enrolled at UH; Faimealelei, who is attending a community college, has met the academic requirements to play for the Warriors in the fall. Sopoaga, who is not eligible to compete in spring practice, has two years of eligibility, Bennett has one, and Faimealelei has five years to play four seasons.
• Did all of the UH recruits sign letters of intent?
Only defensive end Hausia Faleofa reneged on his verbal commitment, opting to sign with Western Michigan.
UH received signed letters from wide receiver Denny Flanagan of Edison High in Huntington Beach, Calif.; quarterback/receiver Se'e Poumele of Southwestern College in Chula Vista, Calif.; and Kahuku High offensive tackle Kalavi Blanchard. They did not turn in their letters last Wednesday, the first day of the NCAA period.
Although UH did not report receiving a signed commitment from Yuba City (Calif.) College running back John West, he actually signed a scholarship agreement last month. The 1998 Leilehua High graduate is attending UH and participated in unsupervised workouts with UH teammates yesterday.
• Have any players left the team?
It appears only linebacker Leo Reed Jr. has left, returning to his home in California. His cousin, offensive lineman Mesepa Reed of St. Louis School, signed with UH last week.
• Will quarterback Jeff Rhode participate in spring practice?
Rhode, who is a pitcher on the baseball team, indicated he will participate in the football team's 15 two-hour morning sessions, which begin March 11.
• Will any players miss spring practice?
Quarterback Tim Chang, who underwent successful surgery to repair ligament damage in his right wrist, will not be able to throw a football until late spring. He is scheduled to visit an orthopedic surgeon in two weeks, but he definitely will not compete in spring practice.
Defensive end Travis Laboy, who underwent shoulder surgery, is listed as doubtful.
Safety Matt Manuma and linebacker Vili Taufa each had knee surgery. Both are awaiting medical clearance.
Defensive tackle Lance Samuseva (shoulder, knee) and linebacker Chris Brown (shoulder) opted not to undergo surgery. They will compete in spring practice.
