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Basically ... Twelve starters return to a loaded attack that should be Hawaii's most explosive offense ever. QB Timmy Chang should easily get the 2,218 yards needed to become the NCAA's all-time passing leader with almost all his top receivers returning and an experienced line in front of him. The running game will be functional with three good backs, but it's all about the passing attack that should roll for around 4,500 yards.
Star of the offense: Senior QB Timmy Chang
Player that has to step up and become a star: Tackles Brandon Eaton and Tala Esera
Unsung star on the rise: Sophomore WR Jason Rivers
Best pro prospect: Sophomore OG Samson Satele
Top three all-star candidates: 1) Chang, 2) WR Chad Owens, 3) Satele
Strength of the offense: Overall experience
Weakness of the offense: Offensive line depth
Quarterbacks
Projected Starter
- Timmy Chang, Sr. - How long can someone play college football? Chang closes out his long and very interesting career with a loaded offense around him and a back-of-his-hand knowledge of the offense. He threw for 4,199 yards and 29 touchdowns last year, but he still had issues giving the ball away throwing 20 interceptions bringing his career total to a whopping 67. He should be a lock to throw for 4,000 yards again and be an All-WAC caliber player.
Top Backups
- Jack Rolovich, RFr. - The brother of former Warrior star quarterback, Nick, Rolovich is ready to be the next great Hawaii quarterback. He has the tools and the big arm to be a star, and now all he needs is time. Considering Timmy Chang's history of being banged up and occasional ineffectiveness, he needs to be ready to step in.
The Skinny: Has there ever been a college player that set (and is going to set) so many records, yet has been yanked as much as Timmy Chang? Chang put up massive numbers last year, but he still wasn't so good that he was a constant lock to keep the job with Jason Whieldon throwing for 1,131 yards and 12 touchdown passes. Look for Jack Rolovich to play a big role this year, and for Chang to become the NCAA's all-time leading passer.
Player to keep an eye on: Jack Rolovich ... Quarterback Rating: 8.5
Running Backs
Projected Starter
- Michael Brewster, Sr. - The 5-6 Brewster led the team with 422 yards and four touchdowns averaging 6.6 yards per carry. He also caught 33 passes for 363 yards and two touchdowns as a quick, but very effective, back in attack. He'll have to battle with the huge West Keliikipi for carries around the goal line.
Top Backups
- Mike Bass, Sr. - Bass has battled injuries throughout his career, but he's one of the most dangerous backs in the WAC when he gets a chance to shine. He averaged 5.8 yards per carry last year rushing for 307 yards and three touchdowns.
- West Keliikipi, Sr. - The 266-pound bruiser ran for 247 yards and six touchdowns before going down with a knee injury. He is still trying to come back healthy and take over the starting job, but he'll more likely be used once again as a situational back behind the smaller, quicker Michael Brewster and Mike Bass.
The Skinny: The backs fit the system perfectly. Other than West Keliikipi, these are quick backs dangerous in the open field and everyone can catch. There's enough experience to rely on to expect 1,500 total yards and around 20 rushing scores.
Player to keep an eye on: West Keliikipi ... Running Back Rating: 6
Receivers
Projected Starters
- Jason Rivers, Soph. - Rivers was one of the team's breakout stars last year catching 48 passes for 594 yards and five touchdowns. The 6-2 sophomore was the Hawaii state high school spring champion and brought that speed to the X position.
- Chad Owens, Sr. - Owens is back as the H receiver after leading the Warriors with 85 catches for 1,134 yards and nine touchdowns even though he was suspended for two games. He was a first-team All-WAC pick and will shine again as both a receiver and top kick returner.
- Nate Ilaoa, Jr. - Ilaoa is small, but he's very strong and very quick returning after missing almost all of last year with a knee injury. He caught 46 passes for 532 yards as a sophomore and will take back up spot at the Y.
- Ross Dickerson, Soph. - Dickerson had a decent freshman year catching eight passes for 57 yards. He earned the starting spot at the Z this spring, but he'll have to fight off Britton Komine to keep the job.
Top Backups
- Britton Komine, Sr. - Komine might be the greatest number five receiver in college football history catching 111 passes for 1,488 yards and and 15 touchdowns over the last two year. He always comes into the season listed as a reserve and he always ends up starting somewhere. He'll play either at the X or Z.
- Gerald Welch, Sr. - The experienced senior is a perfect backup on the H as a precise route runner with good hands. He started every game at the Y last year making 43 catches for 462 yards and four touchdowns. How he'll combine with Chad Owens at the H.
- Andrew Pearman, Fr. - It will be interesting to see how, and if, the coaching staff uses the true freshman. He was the fastest player in North Carolina running a 4.3 40 and a 10.3 100-meter dash and scored 31 touchdowns as a junior running back. He'll eventually be in the backfield, but he could spend time as a lightning fast receiver this season.
The Skinny: There isn't any one Ashley Lelie-type of talent among the receiving corps, but there are several veterans who all know exactly what to do in the offense. This crew won't make mistakes and will work perfectly with QB Timmy Chang to produce the nation's highest-octane passing attack. The only concern is the loss of leading deep threat Jeremiah Cockheran, but he can be replaced. The rating is based on the unit as a whole and not on the individual players.
Player to keep an eye on: Jason Rivers ... Receiver Rating: 9
Offensive Line
Projected Starters
- Tackle Tala Esera, Soph. - The former defensive lineman turned into a good offensive lineman seeing time at both tackle spots. The 283-pound sophomore will get the starting nod on the left side.
- Guard Samson Satele, Soph. - One of the WAC's rising star linemen, Satele earned second-team All-WAC honors as a freshman starting out at left tackle before moving to guard. He's a good run blocker and an elite 289-pound pass protector.
- Center Derek Faavi, Jr. - Faavi bulked up to 273 pounds which should make him even more dominant in the middle. He has started the last 17 games and is an impressive, physical blocker considering he isn't all that big.
- Guard Uriah Moenoa, Sr. - Moenoa has ballooned up to 365 pounds making him even more of a presence in the running game. He has been a steady starter since day one playing at tackle and guard, but he needs to get his weight down to be more effective.
- Tackle Brandon Eaton, Jr. - The 287-pound junior took over the job on the right side last year and became a good all-around pass blocker. He still needs some work on his footwork and overall technique, but that will come with more experience.
Top Backups
- OT Dane Uperesa, Soph. - At 318 pounds, Upersa provides a big, strong, powerful body backing up Tala Esera on the left side.
- OG Marques Kaonohi, Soph. - The 270-pound Kaonohi is about 100 pounds lighter than Uriah Moenoa, but he's a talented guard who can also move to center.
The Skinny: Five starters return to a line that allowed 26 sacks in 754 pass attempts last season. The front five should be outstanding, but there's concern about the depth with three sophomores and two freshman needing to learn on the fly.
Player to keep an eye on: Tala Esera ... Offensive Line Rating: 6.5
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