ESPN550.com
Based on the pre-season publications and surveys, not much is expected from the University of Hawaii football team this season. In fact, the consensus opinion is that UH is destined to finish in the middle of the Western Athletic Conference standings – fifth in the nine-team league, to be exact, based on a coaches poll.
But Greg McMackin, who will open his second training camp as head coach next week, is cautiously optimistic about the upcoming campaign.
The challenge last year was replacing nine offensive starters, including a record-breaking quarterback and all four of the starting receivers.
The big task this year is rebuilding a defense the returns only one full-time starter – defensive end John Fonoti – and another player, Brashton Satele, who was a part-time starter at linebacker.
Although he will not be suiting up for Hawaii this season because of NCAA transfer rules, defensive tackle Kaniela Tuipulotu has received a scholarship and will able to practice with the team.
If the name sounds familiar, it's because the 6-foot-3, 300-pounder began his career at Lahainaluna before controversially transferring as a sophomore to Kahuku High.
Tuipulotu subsequently accepted a scholarship to Arizona, where he started 19 games in two seasons. But Tuipulotu says was never fully happy or comfortable in Arizona, saying he got caught up in the hype of playing in the Pac-10.
Now, Tuipulotu says, he's looking forward to the opportunity of playing before family and friends at Aloha Stadium during his remaining two years of college eligibility.
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