Outlook Part 1: Quarterbacks
Outlook Part 2: Running Backs
Outlook Part 3: Wide Receivers
With fall camp underway and the season opener versus USC less than a month away, HawaiiAthletics.com breakdowned the 2010 Warrior football team, position by position. The series continues today with a preview of the UH offensive line.
Starters Returning: Austin Hansen
Starters Lost: John Estes, Ray Hisatake, Raphael Ieru, Aaron Kia
Letterwinners Returning: Andrew Faaumu, Kainoa LaCount, Clayton Laurel, Matagisila Lefiti, Adrian Thomas, Drew Uperesa
Squadmen Returning: Clint Daniel, Kahai Choy, Levi Legay, Bronson Tiwanak, Tui'atua Tuiasosopo
Redshirts: Brysen Ginlack, Laupepa Letuli, Brett Leonard, Chauncy Winchester-Makainai
Newcomers: Kody Afusia, David Lefotu, Jordan Leoffler, Frank Loyd Jr, Scott Collins, Elmer Lim III, Casey Purdy, London Sapolu, Sean Shigematsu
On paper, the UH offensive line looks as if it went through a complete overhaul. But in reality, the Warriors return four players with starting experience, including a pair who redshirted last season.
Gone are Rimington Award finalist John Estes at center, tackle Aaron Kia and guards Ray Hisatake and Raphael Ieru. The group started all 13 games last season, including Estes, who played and started all 54 games of his career.
Despite the loss of four starters, offensive line coach Gordy Shaw sees promise with the new group of lineman.
“They're doing a good job this fall camp so far, we've got 12 guys who are still in the mix to start, the biggest starting battle is at the guard set” Shaw said. “They play well together, understand the offense and are tremendously athletic, but we need to work on getting our assignments down and playing all together as one.”
The “lone” returning starter is Austin Hansen, who will assume the all-important left tackle position. Hansen made eight starts last season at right tackle. Laupepa Letuli returns after sitting out most of last season due to a leg injury. Letuli has nine career starts and will start opposite Hansen at right tackle.
“Pepa getting in his sixth year was wonderful for him and a blessing for us,” Shaw said. “His maturity and being around for so long has helped in ways so that younger players who will be making mistakes can look to him for advice. He's a very gifted athlete and a really tremendous competitor.”
At the right guard position, Brysen Ginlack and Adrian Thomas will battle it out for the starting nod. Ginlack missed all of last season after starting five games in 2008 while Thomas made two starts last season at right tackle. Redshirt Brett Leonard will start the season at left guard.
But undoubtedly the biggest shoes to fill is at center where Matagisila Lefiti and Bronson Tiwanak will look to succeed Estes, a four-year starter and anchor of the offensive line. Lefiti served as Estes' back-up last season and was in line to be his replacement. However, an injury will sideline the junior for all of fall camp and the beginning of the season, changing his role.
“Sila [Lefiti] is Bronson's personal coach right now,” Shaw said. “Bronson has been outstanding in the camp so far and has really worked hard this summer to improve his feet.”
Other returning linemen with game experience are Kainoa LaCount, Clayton Laurel, and Drew Uperesa while Chauncy Winchester-Makainai redshirted in 2009.
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