Corner to join Warriors
Santa Monica College cornerback Dejaun Butler told us he has accepted a scholarship from the Warriors.
Here’s our on-line story: Butler joins UH
There will be a full story/interview in Sunday’s Star-Advertiser.
* * * * *
Somebody forgot to tell Daniel Masifilo to stop dreaming.
Six years ago, Masifilo, a Campbell High graduate, had a dream about playing college football. He went to Mount San Antonio College, a JC powerhouse, then to Arizona State. The NCAA noted 6.5 percent of high school football players go on to play college football.
Despite a significant role on ASU’s special teams, Masifilo wanted to fulfill a dream of playing for his home-state school. In 2013, he left the Pac-12 school to join UH as a walk-on. As a double walk-on, he was eligible to play without redshirting.
During the 2013 season, he moved from wideout to corner. A week later, he was in the DB rotation.
At UH’s 2014 Pro Day, he benched 225 pounds 18 times, had a 37-inch vertical jump, and ran 4.57 in the 40. He did not receive a pro shot, and that should have been that.
But Masfilo kept training — and believing. This past December, he earned a bachelor’s degree.
This month, he reached an agreement to play for the Aarhus Tigers of a pro league in Denmark. He said he will be used a receiver, defensive back, punt returner and kickoff returner. He departs Feb. 9.
Maybe it’s not the NFL, or Canada, or an indoor league. But he will be paid to play the game he loves — something 98.4 percent of former college football players won’t be doing. And he gets to live in Europe. Rightfully, Masifilo noted, he is “blessed.”
GOOD MORNING, HAWAII!
SUP Hawaii. beautiful Saturday in Paradise.
3-Prong:
Wait? What? It’s rainy and voggy on our side of the island.
Raining and dreary here in Temple Valley…
Remember all those jokes about London’s fog?
Is there still a London fog?
BowWar:
Temple Valley has the best movie complex.
Shhhh. Don’t tell the people who stand in the long lines at the Windward Mall complex.
Masifilo needs to live his dream while he’s young…Same I tell my kids. When you get closer to 30, then hopefully, the “reality clock” kicks in.
Any more recruiting news?
Yup ST, the Koolau Theatres are a short walk from my place and it’s nice to sit in a practically empty theatre sometimes to watch a movie. They also show UH football games there during the Fall.
How is Holmes enjoying his visit? Does he have any other visits before he commits?
We could use some good news from the football team…
On another note, those idiots who threw stuff onto the arena floor at the UH BB game could have cost the team a win…They should not only ban those folks, but if they are students, they should be expelled.
Which also brings to mind, they shouldn’t give out things that folks can toss around the arena unless it’s at the END of the game.
Good luck to Masifilo. May his dreams come true.
It’s overcast here near the Aloha Stadium, but at least it is not raining.
My nephew and his bride had a nice outdoor wedding in Kaneohe last June. Thank goodness, the weather was picture perfect.
BowWar:
Not sure how’s he enjoying it. Well, he did accidentally call yesterday.
Wish the weather was better.
Gigi:
June is the new May.
September is the new July/August in terms of miserable heat.
Maybe it’s time to recalibrate the calendar.
Good luck to Daniel!
As a reporter, I want to know as soon as possible when somebody commits.
But as a parent, I’d be pissed if my kid first told a stranger where he’s going to college.
ST: Yup, the climatic calendar is pretty screwed up…It’s already getting to be Spring weather.
Hawaii would be a good landing spot for Holmes…We can only hope.
Do we need both a placekicker and punter? Nobody in the wings?
This is supposed to be an inspirational article? Far from it – it’s an article about a no-name kid, with football talents not even good enough for Canadian League, going off to Denmark (how many of you even knew they had pro league there?) to play for peanuts while the risk of concussion or other major bodily harm far outweighs any monetary gains. Why this is considered living ones “dream” is so far removed from reality and sensibility that Tsai should be ashamed of even putting out this garbage. Articles like this do absolutely no good for ANYONE and perpetuates the silly notion that somehow playing professional sport somewhere is a worthwhile pursuit. Heck no, it isn’t – it’s a one way ticket to nowhere if it isn’t in a decent pro league with a decent pay package. It’s akin to a college grad with an art major working as a sales associate in a art gallery.
Great Morning All!
Someone burn their eggs this morning?
The “defying the odds” notion is so laughable. The FACT is almost NONE of football prospects with any skill consider playing in Denmark a legitimate pro job. If it was, this kid wouldn’t even make the cut because so many better players would seriously consider it. You know why Tsai can’t get into the details about the PRO league in Denmark? because it’s a laughable league, that’s why and this kid is making a laughable career decision.
Good late morning…think about this for a second..we have the best weather in Hawaii no matter if it rains, vogs or whatever because compared to the poor folks who have to dig their way out of their driveway and wearing tons of clothing to keep warm, well we should be smiling. We don’t have dreary weather only dreary attitudes.
To the recruits coming in this weekend and the next.
No sugarcoat. No sales pitch.
Look at Hawaii as if you are purchasing a brand new car at the lower end of the spectrum.
Take your 48 visit and do the test drive. See if these wheels fit your needs, practicality, comfort, compatibility, and journey.
Speak to the players and coaches, do the research, weigh the comparisons.
Other school may be of a “bigger purchase and decision” and have shinier cars and faster rides and be at the upper limits of the spectrum. But then again Hawaii may be the better fit and give you more happiness…playing time…fan appreciation…acceptance…and in the long run be a better “ride.”
Eye candy (better facilities, on site stadium, higher rankings) is good. There’s no denying that. Other schools may have that.
Hawaii’s accouterments are it’s environs-people, paradise, beaches, mountains, weather, fauna, cuisine…and, of course, truly passionate (in some cases overly passionate) football fans. This, too, is saying a lot and has added value.
Hawaii wants to move up. Improve. Accessorize.
To the recruits- your decision should take into account of what is the best fit for you for the next 4-5 years of your life. Look out into the horizon…look to your future. Think. Decide. Best wishes. Hope your trip to Hawaii was a good one.
Bowwar:
From today’s Star Advertiser:
A fan was arrested following Thursday night’s men’s basketball game between Hawaii and UC Davis, UH athletic director Ben Jay said Friday.
Multiple items, including miniature sponge stress balls given to the crowd earlier in the game, were thrown on the court in the final seconds and after the contest, leading to a tense finish that saw Davis go to its locker room without shaking hands with UH coaches and players. UH beat UC Davis 84-76.
“First of all, we had one arrest last night where we identified a person in the crowd, and identified that person to the police … and we issued a (criminal) trespass warning on him,” Jay said.
UH is attempting to identify two other people seen on video throwing objects, Jay added.
When Davis guard Tyler Les was at the free-throw line with 2.4 seconds left, an object Jay identified as “ChapStick” was thrown on the floor. UH was called for a technical foul for the debris, followed by another tech on forward Aaron Valdes during some jawing between the teams. Six straight free throws allowed the Aggies to trim the final margin to 84-76.
At least one of the sponge balls were thrown after the final horn. UC Davis coach Jim Les said it contributed to his decision to wave his team straight down a tunnel into the locker room area.
“We are going after the folks who threw items on there,” Jay said. “The person who threw the ChapStick on the floor during that free throw, which earned us the technical foul, and another person who threw one of those sponge stress ball out on the court as well. We will try to identify them and ban them from the arena for one year. It’s a criminal trespass charge and we can ban them for one year.”
Jay affirmed the items were thrown from the side of the arena with the UH student section.
He said there wouldn’t be an announcement made to students or other fans about throwing objects at future home games. “I think common sense should prevail on those type of things,” Jay said.
The Rainbow Warriors host UC Irvine on Saturday at 7 p.m.
Why the negativity and put down of this young man for going to Europe and experience a once in a lifetime adventure. You should take a hard look at yourself.
oldyobo you the old steve with nothing good to say
Congratulations to Daniel Masifilo for graduating!!! Have fun in Denmark!!! You’ll love it. Great article ST.
Good morning everyone!
Congrats and good luck to Daniel Masifilo!
He received his degree, which is the most important achievement. Getting paid to play some football and travel is a bonus!
The way I look at DM playing football abroad in Denmark.
He is being an ambassador to the game, his country and state.
He is spreading the seeds of American football.
He may attract other Americans to take the same path.
He is making it a go of it, following his heart, dream and passion for the game.
DM deserves all the applause and admiration.
Some one needs to give DM Patterson’s book of an American football player playing football in Italy.
There will be so much for DM to absorb in Denmark other than football that I think he will be richer for it.
Go Daniel. Do wonderful things and enjoy them before life’s responsibilities start to weigh you down. Denmark, home of Copenhagen which is one of the great cities of Europe. Great culture, beautiful women!!
Wow, just went back to read the thread and I know OldYobo is a troll just trying to elicit emotional responses so it can satisfy some inner needs so I will make him happy, lol. He fits the word curmudgeon perfectly if his name which begins with old means anything. Maybe he has dementia and cannot remember what it’s like to be young and probably never has visited Denmark. Oh, well it’s free speech.
Daniel, just pursue your passion while you can. People do things not solely for the money but many times for the experience. People race cars which is not a safe sport but do it anyway. To each his own as they say. C’est la vie.
Howzit Gangeez!
Whatever your dream ism follow it while you can. And when you can no longer follow it, find another. Masifilo has accomplished a lot and will have many years ahead for more adventures. The day one stops seeing that life is about the journey is the day life stands still and stagnates. I’ve never been to Holland or seen the flowers there or the pretty girls or the food of the culture. Daniel gets to do that. Happy that a son of Hawaii can live that dream and see those things. Enjoy your journey, Daniel!
is*
Good going Daniel! Denmark is a great country to visit. People are friendly, English is a second language to them and it will be a great experience.
As best as I can research, the basic pay for someone playing in the Danish (American) football league is about $1,500 a month take-home, but he also gets medical, food, apartment, car, health insurance, and one round-trip from Honolulu to Denmark and back. The package is about $35,ooo.
Don’t know what OldYobo makes per month.
I think this says it all.
Noun 1. yobo – a cruel and brutal fellow
bully, hooligan, roughneck, rowdy, ruffian, yob, yobbo, tough
aggressor, assailant, assaulter, attacker – someone who attacks
bullyboy – a swaggering tough; usually one acting as an agent of a political faction
muscleman, muscle – a bully employed as a thug or bodyguard;
plug-ugly, tough guy – someone who bullies weaker people
Somebody give oldyobo a Snickers…Congrats Daniel on graduating and getting this opportunity to live your dream abroad. Play as long as you feel you can, when you hang it up for good it’s on your terms not someone else’s
Oldyobo leads a lonely life and he probably criticizes family members the same way. Pathetic because he’s someone who has never pursued a dream himself and he feels the need to blame others as life is passing him by.
I just thought it meant “moron”
There’s a world of difference between “inspiring” and “bs’ing”. There is more than enough BS and glorifying of mediocrity and people who can’t discern the difference between the two. I wonder how many parents, and I am one, would gloat about their son graduating from school than deciding to completely ignore his education and engage in an activity that holds no career upside and ALL mental and physical downside. Ones bashing my critical comments should look themselves in the mirror and decide what kind of standard of excellence they believe in. I’ll bet almost every football player on the UH team have better inspirational stories and a better head on their should then the kid “glorified” in Tsai’s piece of garbage.
Inspired fiction, oldyobo, because even you can’t possibly believe what you posted in #36. If you do believe it, 😉 have courage in your conviction, look up Daniel, his parents, Tsai and all of the rest of who posted here to day and tell us to our faces that is what you truly believe.
Otherwise thanks for livening up a slow news period with your idiocy!
😉
Here’s all you need to know about Danish football,
“……The Danish League DAFF is not a pro league. A few import players are paid, but the vast majority are actually paying in order to play. They invest massive amounts of time, both playing games and attending practice, but also running the club as a grassroots organization more than a business…..”
WOW, what an inspiration!
#37, you sure write like a kid and think like one too.
Want to see inspirational players? Join me at the UH basketball game tonite. Even Tsai won’t have to blow smoke to see inspiration tonight.
Very neat that Mr. Masifilo is being rewarded for his hard work with a university degree, a job he wants, the chance for great experiences and making future business connections.
ST: Easide!
Denmark is nice place…been there just once,, for a few days… even stuck my finger in the dyke..he he he…have a great big flower auction there.. many big island Anthuriums end up there…for European bidders…
Enjoy ur trip there bra… make the most of it…good luck…Mahalo for ur time here…
Oldyobo is indeed a strange duck. He finds the blog host’s writing to be offensive to his high journalistic standards and yet he keeps coming back, changing his name, and coming back for more. I don’t go to places I don’t like or read the works of writers whose writing I don’t respect. To do otherwise seems a bit crazy. I wonder why Oldyobo does it. Oh, I guess I have already answered that.
Oldyobo is a jerk and worse. The story of Masfilo is inspiring because he is accomplishing his goals of graduating and continuing to play football in Europe– who would not want to do those two things if they were young enough and not too “old” to do it. That story is as inspiring as it gets. This is not a story about football, it is about life and doing what it takes to have a good life and inspire others.
Santa Monica College CB DeJaun Butler commits to UH…….
https://twitter.com/StephenTsai/status/559151520537526275
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/782823/highlights/75278378
http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/20150124_Santa_Monica_College_cornerback_to_join_Rainbow_Warriors.html?id=289691191
Quiet time of year, so mostly reading and not posting. And don’t want to encourage Oldyobo by giving him more attention, but have to say that his comments are real head shakers. Let’s see: we have a student athlete who worked his way up from JC to Div 1, graduated, and is taking care of himself with a paying job that allows him to continue playing a sport he loves while seeing parts of the world many of us can only dream of. Yea, lots to criticize there. Better if he skipped his degree, moved back to live with his parents, borrow money from friends and family, and apply for government assistance? As Tom points out, he is not playing for “free”. I am proud of him. Anyone who has reviewed resumes and hired people knows that this type of experience will stand out when he applies for non-football jobs. Bank on it!
oldyobo is ok.. he is entitled to make his point..just 4 me…not nice to try n impart a race to his name….especially if he is not…maybe he podogee… he he he..
This recruiting class seems like mostly JUCO guys. Would love to add a TE to the class.
Great get in Butler- great tape
#49, don’t lecture others about race when you make a racially insensitive joke. At least realize every one’s right to have an opinion, especially valid ones I make.
Congrats to Mr Butler welcome to the Warriors. Watched your clips……loved your HITS!!!!! Go Warriors!!!!!
from the land of endless smoking to the “fog” covered windward side
oh, my, what a relief it is and chilly in the valley with intermittent showers and a very slight breeze – not good weather to wash and hang clothes to dry!
hopefully, ST will grace us with better recruiting news come morning
for me, I just need to wait a year before Fangupo becomes eligible to join UH foot ball program – concentrate on your classes to earn the AA degree – looking forward to seeing you anchor the center of the Dline
aloha everyone !! raining here too on the big island ! ST is butler one of the 5 guys that came for a visit this weekend?
let go bows basketball game tonight !!you can do it !! 2 in a row !!! nice to see them doing good !! really enjoy watching the games and there style of play !! great job coach BT.
oldyobo –
As Michener once once said, “I am not a very good writer, but I am a very good re-writer.” I didn’t think polish and rewrites were important as pertains to your posts. Show me a post which does not belittle or stigmatize one of our players because he is off for a little worldly adventure, and I’ll try to remember to throw you flowers or award some special commendation. If I don’t it’s because I don’t have time for that.
Just to emphasize a point, re-read from Tsai’s posts:
“Despite a significant role on ASU’s special teams, Masifilo wanted to fulfill a dream of playing for his home-state school. In 2013, he left the Pac-12 school to join UH as a walk-on. As a double walk-on, he was eligible to play without redshirting.
During the 2013 season, he moved from wideout to corner. A week later, he was in the DB rotation.”
A young man who leaves a PAC – 12 school to play for Hawai’i deserves our appreciation and respect. Not some crudely-formed and ill-advised put down for enjoying his life. Think what you want – that is just my opinion.
I agree about the Basketball Bows! Lots of fun to watch, great competitors and very entertaining! Cheers!
Have a great night old friend.
#52 yes you’re entitled to your opionions but to say that your opinions are valid is stretching it. Frankly I don’t regard your opinions as valid since the tone was more malicious toward a deserving young man. From where you think it comes from does not come from a good place.
Go back in your hole oldyobo. Your spirit is dark and ugly. May you find peace in your life. Inspiration is found in many ways no matter how small or big or insignificant to others. It is all in the attitude.
Aloha and Good Evening! I really like whatever of you we’re saying pass week! It’s really great to hear that. I been busy at school and work up here in the state side. It’s great to meet new friends and people. But, I still have the pride and love of Hawaii and the University of Hawaii program!. I was brought up with watching sports events. But one thing, I really hate is some of them up here don’t like the University of Hawaii football and other programs come with it!. Because lot’s of peoples or classmate are from Nevada. Like one day two guy told me that? Hawaii are really stupid to play with Ohio State and others large University in football! . I told them that? But the money that been given to the program is in the millions of dollars!. Not 25,000 or 50,000!. Why don’t the UNLV football program go and play the large University like Hawaii and Nevada do?!. They said that? The University don’t need the money for the program at all!. Then, I told them that? Why then the University is cutting a lot’s of school program like classrooms and most of all laying off professors and raising up the school tuition?. I been here for just two years in school and already lost five professors do to the layoffs! And also lost two classes of the closing causes!. I’m glad that, I have a scholarship for baseball out of JC!. But my girlfriend don’t have one and she is from Washington state. She is having a hard time and her parents are helping her. That’s is why we both are working!. I’m finally told her that? I was helping her too!. Because that’s come from the inside of my heart for being a Hawaiian!. Because all Hawaiian have a large heart and we care of others then ourselves!. I written this and email to the two people!. The two are working at and for the UNLV newspaper on campus!. I never received or a answer yet from them!.
Denmark on someone else’s dime–shoot, you’re in you 20s and Denmark is a heck of a place for a young guy. Bruddhas going to have a great time. Been there over a dozen times…..and it has lot to offer
Don’t know this yobo cat, but it’s rather apparent putative and judgemental are his good friends. To Daniel–held og lykke og har en stor tid!
For those who don’t speak Danish –good luck and have a great time!
11/14…subliminal messages.
Oldyobo,
It seems to me like you have something against DM, the University of Hawaii, Stephen Tsai, and Rainbow Warrior Football. Or could it possibly be something that bothers you because there are dreams left to you desolate. Whatever it may be that gives you the energy to bring negativity into this world and blog, I hope that you find the peace in yourself.
Quote: “many parents, and I am one, would gloat about their son graduating from school”. Perhaps you may find it within your soul to allow your own child to dream freely in this world, instead of feeding your “ideas of excellence” down their throat. The emptiness in your soul may find more meaning in life once you allow others to dream freely. Until then, take care and God Bless.
Good luck to Daniel and his future endeavors on and off the field!
Butler looks like a solid player.
A 3* recruit 2 years ago.
Incidentally, the Danish (American) Football League has Morton Andersen playing for them. Andersen still holds the NFL record for most points scored.
He is a Dane, not an import, and gets paid!
#43
Isn’t it politically incorrect to call those women by that name? Just saying.
Anyone know the 5 players visiting? If you count the 3 from Santa Monica that Jeezy said is visiting along with Holmes, that leaves only one more. Scout board said that Cortez Davis is visiting. So, is that the five? Btw, Davis was a 4 star DB coming out of high school. So we had some pretty highly rated players visiting.
I wish we had Dayan Lake, BYU 4 star de-commit visiting this week but I think he decided to visit San Diego St. and he’s still visiting BYU next weekend.
I think UH is done recruiting.
ST, is Ethan Watanabe returning from his mission?
It’s only January 25th, not February 5th, so UH had better not be “done recruiting.” Especially if they haven’t added any depth to the center of the d-line, which is the biggest hole they have to fill going into next season.
70…yet another subliminal message. Nice.
68…weren’t they at the game?
I think UH and Watanabe have parted ways.
Hopefully some of the commits are solidified. I also think with the red shirts grey shirts and some shuffling both side of the line are in pretty good shape. I think some of the young lineman on both sides are going to be okay. I know this may be optimistic but that just the way I am. Go Warriors!!!!
#60 I see you’re still rambling and incoherent. Are you really a student at a University? How do you get through your classes with your incomprehensible writing?
#70,
Done recruiting……but no NT/DT commit(s) yet.
Hmmm…..
No mention of Butler’s commit in Sunday’s Star-Advertiser.
????
#68,
While RB commit Mel Davis tripped UH……along with his SMC teammates (CBs DeJaun Butler & Jayshawn Lowe), pretty sure that……Cortez Davis didn’t make the trip to UH.
As Jeezy posted on Friday, HS OL prospect Jake Ryan Hensley tripped UH.
Kapakahi…read the subliminal messages.
“Done recruiting”…received commits or have all the visits booked for what they need
“No mention”…space out the announcements or see breaking news
#81. al,
Hope that your optimistic interpretations of these subliminal messages are on the mark.
GOOD MORNING, HAWAII!
AL: Howzit? What happened to the birdie?
Woo and Cronk apparently no longer tripping UH next weekend…….and/or……UH might’ve decided not to trip them.
Either way…….they both have committed to Utah State.
Current UH recruiting ranking by: 247Sports (#122); Rivals (#124); Scout (#117).
78. If indeed true, I’m going to assume we are moving back to a 4-3 defense and Gus Lavaka comes in as a DT. We are stocked at G so would be better for him to play D anyway. That technically puts us close to 3 deep at DT position which is ok.
My guess for starters Kennedy and Gifford
Back ups – Rasmussen, Lavaka, Alo-Wily, Faalologo
Obviously, not my ideal situation
77
foreign exchange student
No NG or NT big time recruits…Still hoping for a good kicker.
Kapakahi:
Butler committed.
I wrote the story but they decided to hold the story until Monday because, you know, there was that piece on the AD search that had to run.
ST,
Thanks for the explanation!
Glad that Butler committed…….since Shaw doesn’t sound like he likes flying nor airports…….which is what all UH football players will have to get used to.
Meant Lowe……not Shaw.
New post: http://hawaiiwarriorworld.com/?p=27308