Switching positions boosts offensive line

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

As part of spring cleaning, the University of Hawai'i football team reorganized its offensive line.

Lui Fuata, a left tackle last season and left guard in spring practice, moves to center.

Shayne Kajioka, who was a backup at four line positions last year, is the No. 1 left guard. Wayne Hunter, who moved from the defensive line, is the top left tackle. Vince Manuwai returns at right guard.

"We want to put our best five out there, and we believe, right now, they are the best five," said Mike Cavanaugh, who coaches the offensive linemen.

Cavanaugh said the five linemen will enter training camp as starters, although "that could always change when we start practicing again."

The changes were triggered by Kajioka's progress. Kajioka played well at right tackle in spring practice, but Cavanaugh said, "Kaj is a better guard than he is a tackle."

Elevating Kajioka to starter meant moving Fuata to center, which resulted in Moenoa going back to right tackle.

"Uriah looked real good over there (at center)," Cavanaugh said. "He picked up the offense. He did a great job with the calls. But you have to put the best five on the field, and we felt Kaj is one of our five best."

The odd man out is right tackle Ryan Santos.

"Ryan had a good spring, but he has to get better with some things," Cavanaugh said. "We expect big things from Ryan in the future."

The one person Cavanaugh does not worry about is Manuwai, who is being trumpeted as an Outland Trophy candidate as the nation's best lineman. Cavanaugh said Manuwai has increased his maximum bench press to 500 pounds. Linebacker Chris Brown is the only other Warrior who can bench a quarter of a ton.

Meanwhile, Brian Smith, UH's starting center the past two seasons, has been invited to the Baltimore Raven's next mini-camp. Smith, who signed a free-agent contract with the Ravens three weeks ago, is hoping to stick as a long-snapper.

Former UH defensive back Robert Grant has been asked to compete in the Cincinnati Bengals' next mini-camp. Grant, who was a running back at Oakland's Skyline High and for three seasons at UH, is being used at safety.

"I really like it there," he said. "That's where I feel comfortable."

Grant was not a full-time starter at Skyline High or UH. Last year, he backed up starting safeties Nate Jackson and Jacob Espiau.

"It's been a long unreal trip," he said. "I'm just enjoying it."