Head football coach, Nick Rolovich, apologized for being late (he wasn’t) to the Nā Koa Luncheon today. He had a player in his office crying in frustration saying “we’re so close” and that the guys are catching on and urging coach to stay on the path. Rolo admitted that the player “got me up” as he was a little down himself after the loss this past Saturday in Arizona.
Things are gelling and that takes time. There were some players, feeling sorry for themselves, sitting on the bench while others were into the game cheering on the sidelines – that’s what Coach wants to see. Sitting on the bench is no way to get back on the field.
Coach Rolo flashed some college football rankings that were very stark and will cover those telling numbers with the staff and players. For example:
Category | Number | Ranking out of 128 |
Turnovers lost | 10 | 123 |
Total offense | 380.3 YPG | 88 |
Penalties | 33 | 121 |
Penalties per game | 8.25 | 101 |
Total defense | 535.5 YPG | 126 |
Scoring defense | 49.3 PPG | 128 |
Passing defense | 271.5 YPG | 105 |
Rushing defense | 264 YPG | 120 |
The team needs to start executing, tackling, and cutting out the penalties.
As to the status on players, Coach hopes to get Kaumoana Gifford and Meffy Koloamatangi back for the next game to help our defensive line. He also said that we are still in a period when the freshmen players can be used. The coaches are evaluating everything and if they can be of immediate help to the team, they will play. Dillon Collie and Marcus Kemp understand best what the receivers are supposed to do and they are helping John Ursua (redshirt freshman) along – we need to get the ball into Ursua’s hands more.
On the video, Rolovich pointed out Kalakaua Timoteo’s block on a defensive back to support a Steven Lakalaka run. “Look at that…and he’s a freshman,” Rolo exclaimed. Doing the right thing is important to him. Timoteo got his first three receptions in the Arizona game.
Lakalaka has been the most consistent running back said Rolovich. They will take a look at the order in which the backs come into the rotation.
At quarterback, Ikaika Woolsey is the most verbal, while Dru Brown is more an introvert and leads with his no nonsense ways on the field. Aaron Zwahlen also has good leadership qualities.
Injuries have been invading rather quietly, but defensive back Daniel Lewis Jr. and defensive end Tevarua Eldridge may be out for extensive periods. Left tackle Dejon Allen’s status is yet unknown.
Talk of recruits surfaced quickly from the audience. In fact, most of the coaches stayed on the mainland after the Arizona game for recruiting, including Defensive Back Coach Abraham Elimimian who was Nā Koa’s scheduled speaker today.*
Rolovich said he put a hold on Quarterbacks. He had two running back recruits in mind, but that was with the expected graduation of Mel Davis who is now not expected to return this year and has a redshirt year available. He still wants receivers and will go after two freshmen and one JC offensive lineman. Defensive line will receive much attention; he wants four to five defensive backs and SPEED; and two to three linebackers. Hawai’i should have a full scholarship class of 25.
Rolovich said two young men could return on defense next year if lessons were learned and best of all, they would not count in the scholarship numbers.
*Coach Elimimian will speak at the next Coach’s Luncheon on October 03.
Written by: Gareth Sakakida
Winner of the jersey:
Clara Nishimura