Fresh start
Freshman Ilm Manning has practiced with the 1s on the offensive line during the past week. / Photo by Stephen Tsai
Two freshmen — Ilm Manning and Solo Vaipulu — have been impressive this training camp. So much so they have practiced with the No. 1 offensive line this past week.
Manning has practiced at left tackle and Vaipulu at right guard.
I can’t remember the last time the Warriors started two true freshmen on the offensive line.
As of today, Kaiwi Chung is the No. 1 center.
But it’s still early, and things can change.
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Ekahi, Ichi, Uno, One, Foist
Interesting developments on the OL
the o-line is starting to worry me.
Hope this O-line isn’t like the one Sean Schroeder had. I still feel bad for the guy. He was one tough bradda.
Wouldn’t be surprised to see these guys in the mix. New NCAA rule allows true freshman to play up to 4 games and still redshirt.
Coming out of spring, the LT was 6-4/250 freshman (Kamuela Borden). Then in fall camp, a junior, Kohl Levao at 6-6/340 steps up into the LT spot. So I think, “OK, got some size there.” So now it’s back to a 6-4/250 LT (Ilm Manning). He must be really good for Mark Weber to make this change. Solo Vaipulu. He’s different. Only a freshman. but he looks like an upperclassman at 6-2/310. And he’s not fat. Just a huge, thick bear of a man. I think the little running backs can follow him through holes he’ll make. And he has the feet for pass protection.
Have you seen Mannings physique? Looks like he has no body fat.
I think the linemen for the run and shoot should be more on the athletic side instead of being beefy. Because the linemen will be in pass protection mode most of the time, the coaches want guys who can move their feet and have good lateral quickness.
Manning fits the athletic OT type. Would be great if he was 290 and have quick feet but if he can get the job done at 250, the more power to him.
I’ve always thought Solo Vaipolu could start as a freshman. He just have makeup of a great interior lineman.
GOT MINE!!!
MANEO!!!
No worry, beef curry! I remember when UH had two freshmen on the O-line back in the 80s in Joe Onosai and Willie Kalakau. Prior to those players, I also remember freshmen linemen such as Jesse Sapolu, Bernard Carvalho, and Jim Mills. They all took some lickins, but all did quite well, IMHO.
Dane Uperesa and Samson Satele were starting freshmen lineman
5. Levao is one of the 1st team tackles, as of yesterday.
11. Good to hear Levao is still in the 1st team mix. Of what I’ve seen, he has good technique and feet; good lateral movement. Nice to have depth on the O-line.
Great news that we have OL depth!
Not too late to get road game tickets at Army sitting with almost 100 Hawaii fans;
also SJSU and SDSU road game tickets at the 40-50 yard line behind our Warrior bench. tomkitaguchi@yahoo.com or text 415-324-0585.
I think Dane Uperesa was a redshirt freshman or grayshirt when he first played. Manning and Vaipulu were at their senior proms two months ago.
Kohl Levao is at right tackle and J.R. Hensley at left guard.
Thanks for the clarification, ST!
Coach Weber said
“If the season were to begin today, Hensley, two freshmen, a junior college transfer and a 5-foot-10 center would form the No. 1 offensive line.”
L – R
Manning, Hensley, Chung, Vaipalu, Levao
Weber has tried different combinations in advance of the Aug. 25 opener against Colorado State.
Emil Graves, who was the No. 1 right guard in the spring, is getting a look at center.
Alex Dalpe, who transferred to UH after one season at Long Beach City College, has practiced at tackle.
“We’ll see how it ends up,” Weber said.
Don’t find it alarming one bit to have freshman in the OL mix. A lot of schools have that and if they are ready then let’s do it. Think we have more ability and depth than we have had in a long time. Like the competition overall and believe we will be a big upgrade over years past. The Zone scheme allows a different type of athlete to execute-Some pro teams have converted to a simpler zone style rather than scheme blocking. Pretty confident we will have 8-10 guys who can play without drop off. Chung at center should not be a concern. Height can be advantage and disadvantage at Center. Kaiwi takes up space-
I get flash backs of the BYU D-Line manhandling the Hawaii O-line and stopped the Hawaii rushing attack in last season closer. This seasons O-line will have a lot of starters and depth with no starting experience. Teams like Colorado State, BYU, SDSU are run first big physical teams and playing quasi-cut-blocking ball control teams like Army and Navy is always a challenge. So the Hawaii O-line and D-line will experience some growing pains this season. Plus, installing a new RnS offense, only returning 6 starters from last season team, add with a plethora of live game rep players transferring out to other schools. Besides McDonald who has some live game reps, all the other QB’s are still green in MWC game play.
Rolo and his staff have a monumental task to get this years relatively inexperience team to play at the level of most MWC teams. So this year I temper my expectations with the overhaul and rebuilding of the coaching staff and tons of new Hawaii Football players. I expect 4 to 5 wins this season, anything more would be a pleasant surprise.
Can’t wait to see Kaiwi pancake defenders like he did in highschool! Let’s go! Chee hu!
Vincent Manuwai played all 12 games as a true frosh but didn’t start.
Kaulana Noa played as a true frosh, but again don’t know if he started.
Sam, Dane, Tala, John Estes started as RS frosh.
Ben Clarke and Dejon Allen Started as GS Frosh
Thought Kaulana grey-shirted his first year or whatever it was called back then. He graduated from Honoka’a in ’94. Didn’t know John Estes red-shirted. For some reason thought he played as true frosh. Learn something new every day!
Starters on the O line, just like other years, will change circumstancially and will no doubt struggle against defenses with better athlete’s. On the other hand they will have notable success from time to time and as their game reps and confidence grows, so will team wins. But I would not look for them to dominate out of the gate. What I’m personally hoping for is a QB who can read and has a quick release. ..and what I’m hearing is several are on time and on target. Our receivers need to be exceptional for any of this to work and Hawaii to be competitive. Frankly I think a 6 win season is in reach and perhaps more with some Joss!
I recall Kaiwi in high school getting the better of a highly touted 4-star local D-lineman who is now at an SEC school.
I really like the make-up of this years O-line. The skillsets and mindsets vary in a way that can push each other toward greatness. Looks like Moore and Pryor were insurance in case Vaipulu and Manning weren’t ready. In high school Vaipulu’s offense worked out of wide splits so he can work in space, good feet for a big young guy. And Manning moves like a tight end (in his hudl) so the only concern is his lightness. He will be awesome when he fills out. Graves should be ready. Hensley is due for a break out. Leavo will de depended on so he will have to adapt his game to this offense. A little lighter of foot (and body) and he will be awesome too. Dalphe brings physicality with a motor, perfect for a versatile “sixth man”. And Tuulima’s finesse contrasts well with Chung’s powerful (albeit short) presence. This O-line seems one year away from being very, very good. Some growing pains but as long as everyone is ready to bring their unique qualities should be interesting and fun. Can do.
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