Micah Vanterpool, Hawaii Football News: Draft Scout Player News

07/25/22 - OG Micah Vanterpool, rSr/2023, Hawaii

University of Hawaii offensive lineman Micah Vanterpool did not have time for the pain. That sharpness near his abdomen? It probably was a stomach ache. Vanterpool bit his mouthpiece and played in last year's road game against UNLV. But four days later, the pain intensified, and he notified the Rainbow Warriors' trainer. Vanterpool was told he was at risk for a ruptured appendix and needed immediate medical attention. "We get to the hospital, and I'm kind of having an attitude," Vanterpool recalled. "I'm like, 'man, that's not my appendix.' They were making me drink this nasty drink that was like chalk. I'm really mad. I'm like, 'it better be my appendix if I'm sitting here doing all (these tests).' I remember the doctor running in through the door saying, 'oh, my goodness, we're about to prep you for emergency surgery.' I was like, 'I can't do this later? I've got a game this week. Can we work this out?' They said, 'no, we've got to do this now.'" Three incisions were made near his navel - one for a micro camera, the other two to remove the appendix. "It was all crazy," Vanterpool said. The operation was successful, but Vanterpool was not cleared to play in the final two games of the 2021 regular season.

Vanterpool was at full health this spring, where he competed as the No. 1 right tackle. At 6 feet 6 and 315 pounds, he weighs 75 pounds more than when he was a member of the scout team in 2017. In 2020, he started four games as an injury replacement for left tackle Ilm Manning. Last year, he started 11 games at left guard. The Warriors are reviewing several combinations, including one with Vanterpool starting at right guard. "I'll play anywhere," said Vanterpool, who represented the Warriors at Thursday's Mountain West media day for football. - Honolulu Advertiser

rSr/2023