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The University of Hawaii football team will be without one of its defensive alphas for the rest of the 2020 season. During a virtual press conference on Monday, Hawaii head coach Todd Graham confirmed that senior safety Eugene Ford is done for the year after suffering a lower leg injury in a 31-7 loss to Wyoming on Friday. Ford was viewed as one of the leaders of the team, and he backed it up with his play. In the team's season-opening win over Fresno State, Ford had two interceptions and four tackles. Although he's a senior, the 2020 season does not count against a player's eligibility due to the nature of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Ford will still be a senior during the 2021 season. - KHON2.com

(DS#125 SS) rSr/2022

SS Eugene Ford, Hawaii
News Source: KHON2.com
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10/23/20 - Penei Pavihi, rSr/2023, Hawaii, 6-2, 249 (DS#51 ILB) + More +

After two solid seasons as a contributor at linebacker in which he played in all 26 games as a true freshman and sophomore, Pavihi was tabbed to be the successor of Jahlani Tavai, who was a second-round pick of the Detroit Lions in the 2019 Draft. However, just days before Hawaii's 2019 season opener against Arizona, Pavihi suffered a serious right knee injury which required surgery. After months of rehab, and a move to a new position as a defensive end, Pavihi is now elated to be making his return this weekend against the Bulldogs. "I'm really excited just to get on the field with the boys and a whole new coaching staff. At this time last year I got injured, and it's been hard for me mentally just to accept it," said Pavihi. "I started digging deeper into my faith. Everything happens for a reason. All the hard work, and not just myself but the training room, physiotherapy, just being around the boys and coaches. They helped me back on my feet and I'm back on the field." - Khon2.com

(DS#51 ILB) rSr/2023

ILB Penei Pavihi, Hawaii
News Source: Khon2.com
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10/17/20 - Kohl Levao, rSr/2022, Hawaii, 6-5, 324 (DS#31 C) + More +

The versatile Kohl Levao has played all three spots on the line - tackle, center, and guard - in his time at UH. In 2018, he started all 14 games, however he missed the majority of last season due to injury and ended up redshirting. The 6-6, 350-pound senior is back to full strength and Bennett raves about him: "He's a big, athletic guy who loves to get his pads down and run people over. But he's also a very intellectual players. He's one of those guys I trust on the sideline because he sees the whole field and can help fix situations. He's bought in and has become a great leader." - khon2.com

(DS#31 C) rSr/2022

C Kohl Levao, Hawaii
News Source: khon2.com
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10/11/20 - Penei Pavihi, rSr/2023, Hawaii, 6-2, 249 (DS#51 ILB) + More +

The big story at the position is the return of stud middle linebacker Penei Pavihi. The native of Pago Pago, American Samoa accounted for 87 total tackles as a sophomore in 2018 and was set to be the unquestioned leader of the defense in 2019. However a preseason injury shelved him for the entire year. Yoro says Pavihi has wroked hard to make his comeback and is now ready to go full tilt. "Having Penei back in the mix with us is huge. With his size and athleticism, he's someone we need to have on the field. You couple his play with the skill set of the other guys, and it's really got us excited." - KHON2.com

(DS#51 ILB) rSr/2023

ILB Penei Pavihi, Hawaii
News Source: KHON2.com
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09/23/20 - Dalen Morris, rSr/2024, Hawaii, 6-1, 205 (DS#999 QB) + More +

Dalen Morris worked hard for three years to become the starting quarterback for the Navy football team. He lost the coveted job after just one half of the season opener. Morris was shaky against BYU, appearing indecisive as both a runner and a passer. However, Navy's offensive woes in that embarrassing 55-3 loss were not entirely due to poor play by the quarterback. A total inability to block the Cougars was the main culprit as the Navy skill position players had no chance. However, it was Morris who got pulled at halftime and replaced by backup Perry Olsen. He didn't understand being singled out and questioned coach Ken Niumatalolo and offensive coordinator Ivin Jasper. "I felt like we needed a spark in that game," Niumatalolo said.

"I'm not saying [Morris] was the sole purpose why we got crushed by BYU because we got beat everywhere. I just didn't like the way he responded in that first game." One week later, Navy's starting and backup quarterbacks were both on the outs. Morris was benched in favor of freshman Xavier Arline. Olsen, a sophomore, transferred after being told he was dropping on the depth chart. Morris, a senior, instead chose to argue his case to Niumatalolo. "I told Dalen none of it's personal. I wish he'd played better [against BYU] because he's such a great kid," Niumatalolo said. "The truth was, he didn't play well. I thought he was a little rattled." - Capital Times

(DS#999 QB) rSr/2024

QB Dalen Morris, Hawaii
News Source: Capital Times
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08/27/20 - Rico Bussey, rSr/2021, Hawaii, 6-0, 186 (DS#53 WR) + More +

2021 SENIOR BOWL WATCH LIST: Rico Bussey Jr., Hawaii,...In what should have been his senior year of 2019, Bussey suffered a season-ending injury during the third game of the season. A preseason Biletnikoff Award Watch List member, he had 150 yards and a touchdown prior to the injury. In 2018, Bussey was a first-team all-Conference USA selection after leading the team with 68 catches for 1,017 yards and 12 touchdowns with six 100-yard games. As a sophomore in 2017, he finished with 47 catches for 677 yards and seven touchdowns. - Hawaii Football

(DS#53 WR) rSr/2021

WR Rico Bussey, Hawaii
News Source: Hawaii Football
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08/06/20 - Dedrick Parson, rSr/2023, Hawaii, 5-08, 203 (DS#77 RB) + More +

2020 PHIL STEELE/DRAFTSCOUT PRESEASON ALL-MEAC FIRST TEAM: Dedrick Parson, Howard, Jr.,...Parson was lone Bison to make the list on the offensive side after earning All-MEAC honors a year ago. He finished second in the league with 847 rushing yards, including five TDs on the ground. In 2018, the Philly native was selected Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Rookie of the Year. - Howard Football

(DS#77 RB) rSr/2023

RB Dedrick Parson, Hawaii
News Source: Howard Football
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07/27/20 - Hekili Keliiliki, rSr/2023, Hawaii, 6-2, 235 (DS#999 FB) + More +

2020 WUERFFEL TROPHY PRESEASON WATCH LIST: Hekili Keliiliki, Hawai'i, junior, running back,...A double major in biology and Chinese, Keliiliki committed at an early age to serve his community and continues to do so, mainly to those in need. The Bentonville, Ark., native earned his Eagle Scout Honor by being an active leader in his community and church. He served a two-year church mission in Brisbane, Australia where he learned to speak Chinese. While a member of the Rainbow Warrior football team, Keliiliki, who is native Hawaiian, serves on the school's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee; is a youth development intern for the Lili'uokalani Trust, whose mission is to care for and ensure the well-being of the most vulnerable Native Hawaiian children; and volunteers for reading days and campus beautification projects. - Hawaii Football

(DS#999 FB) rSr/2023

FB Hekili Keliiliki, Hawaii
News Source: Hawaii Football
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07/23/20 - Ilm Manning, rSr/2023, Hawaii, 6-2, 294 (DS#18 OG) + More +

2020 OUTLAND TROPHY PRESEASON WATCH LIST: OT Ilm Manning, Hawaii,...Manning was among 85 linemen recognized representing all 10 FBS conferences, including one of seven from the Mountain West. The Glendale, Ariz., native is also the third UH football student-athlete named to a preseason watch list joining Miles Reed (Doak Walker Award) and Jared Smart (Biletnikoff Award). Over his two-year career, Manning has started all 29 games at left tackle. The two-time academic all-Mountain West selection was named to the all-conference second team in 2019 and was a key member of the offensive line unit that helped UH finish No. 5 in passing offense and No. 13 in total offense. - Hawaii Football

(DS#18 OG) rSr/2023

OG Ilm Manning, Hawaii
News Source: Hawaii Football
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07/23/20 - Jared Smart, rSr/2022, Hawaii, 5-11, 189 (DS#117 WR) + More +

2020 PRESEASON BILETNIKOFF AWARD WATCH LIST: Jared Smart, Hawaii,...Last season, Smart was one of just four players on the roster to start every game and finished second on the team in receptions (87) and receiving yards (1,129). He led the team with five 100-yard receiving games and ranked fifth in the Mountain West in both receptions per game (5.8) and receiving yards per game (75.3). The Dublin, Calif., native was one of just 16 players in program history to reach the 1,000-yard receiving mark in a season. He tallied season-highs of 11 catches against Air Force and 142 yards in a SoFi Hawai'i Bowl win over BYU. - Hawaii Football

(DS#117 WR) rSr/2022

WR Jared Smart, Hawaii
News Source: Hawaii Football
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07/18/20 - Aaron Cephus, rSr/2023, Hawaii, 6-3, 200 (DS#999 WR) + More +

As the newest member of the University of Hawaii football team, wide receiver Aaron Cephus joins the Rainbow Warriors as a graduate transfer from Rice. Cephus did not play in the 2019 season due to an indefinite suspension that stemmed from an unspecified violation of team rules during his freshman season. During his suspension, he used that time to work on himself and earned a degree from one of the nation's top academic schools.

As a graduate transfer, Cephus has one year to play for UH but will be immediately eligible. Cephus caught 10 touchdowns during his rice career - five as a freshman and five as a sophomore. During his redshirt freshman season in 2017, he led the FBS in yards per catch as his 25 total receptions came with 24.9 yards per catch. During his sophomore season, Cephus caught 40 passes for 565 yards. Perhaps his best game that year came against Hawaii in a 43-29 loss for the Owls as he caught five passes for a season-high 97 yards and a touchdown on Sept. 8, 2018. - Nexstar Broadcasting

(DS#999 WR) rSr/2023

WR Aaron Cephus, Hawaii
News Source: Nexstar Broadcasting
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06/18/20 - Rico Bussey, rSr/2021, Hawaii, 6-0, 186 (DS#53 WR) + More +

The NCAA on Wednesday issued a multi-phased model that would permit the University of Hawaii football team to begin full practice as soon as July 31, pending all necessary city, state and university approval. UH is scheduled to open its season Aug. 29 against Arizona in Tucson, depending upon the COVID-19 impact. Under the blueprint announced by the NCAA Division I Council, the Rainbow Warriors could begin team workouts, weight training, conditioning and film review sessions with coaches on July 6 as what is being called an "enhanced summer access."

On July 17 they could begin meetings and walk-through sessions but would not be permitted the use of pads or helmets. "Our goal is to be able to meet the schedule in an approved, healthy and safe manner," said David Matlin, UH athletic director. In addition, the NCAA is waiving the 110-member training camp roster limit to give teams flexibility in case there are positive COVID-19 tests. The plan had been proposed last week by the NCAA Football Oversight Committee. - Honolulu Advertiser

(DS#53 WR) rSr/2021

WR Rico Bussey, Hawaii
News Source: Honolulu Advertiser
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05/31/20 - Rico Bussey, rSr/2021, Hawaii, 6-0, 186 (DS#53 WR) + More +

The Hawaii football team continued to add speedy receivers with Saturday's commitment from Rico Bussey Jr. Bussey, who played the past four seasons at North Texas, announced on Twitter he is joining the Rainbow Warriors as a graduate transfer this summer. Bussey is 6 feet 2, 193 pounds and capable of sprinting 40 yards in sub-4.5 seconds. He was limited to three games in 2019 after suffering a knee injury. But he qualified for a medical hardship because he played in fewer than four games, enabling him to play a fifth season in 2020. Bussey entered the NCAA transfer portal in February.

In 2018, Bussey caught 68 passes for 1,017 yards, and ranked eighth nationally with 12 touchdowns. He averaged 15 yards per catch, including 16.8 yards on third down. He had 10 receptions of 25-plus yards. Bussey entered the 2019 season on the Biletnikoff Award watch list as the nation's top college receiver. In the 2019 opener, he caught four passes for 156 yards against Abiline Christian. - Honolulu Advertiser

(DS#53 WR) rSr/2021

WR Rico Bussey, Hawaii
News Source: Honolulu Advertiser
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05/01/20 - Rojesterman Farris II, rSr/2020, Hawaii, 5-11, 179 (DS#62 CB) + More +

Former Hawaii football player Rojesterman Farris II is mindful that the story does not end with the invitation to the Big Dance. "The dream didn't come true yet," said Farris, who signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent. "I have to make the team. And I have to see the field. Then I can say my dream came true. Anything can happen. I'm staying optimistic. I'm staying ready. I'm making sure my body is ready to go." The past four UH seasons, Farris was reliable (playing in 53 of 55 games) and skilled (as a cover defender and in-box cornerback). After being bypassed in last week's NFL Draft, Farris was one of 20 undrafted free agents, including three cornerbacks, to commit to the Falcons.

Farris, who was born and reared in Florida, said he recently finalized the deal. "They e-mailed the papers, and then I scanned (the contract), and sent it back to them," said Farris, who experienced a deja vu moment. "Don't you have to sign the letter of intent (with UH). It kind of felt like that. This time, it was speaking about money." The standard contract for undrafted free agents is three years, with only the signing bonus guaranteed. According to the collective bargaining agreement, the 2020 base salary for a first-year player is $610,000. Farris did not disclose the amount of his signing bonus. - Honolulu Advertiser

(DS#62 CB) rSr/2020

CB Rojesterman Farris II, Hawaii
News Source: Honolulu Advertiser
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04/30/20 - Kohl Levao, rSr/2022, Hawaii, 6-5, 324 (DS#31 C) + More +

Before suffering a knee injury that would reduce his 2019 season to four games, offensive lineman Kohl Levao was regarded as the Hawaii football team's top prospect for the 2020 NFL Draft. Levao is returning for his second senior year - he qualified for a redshirt in 2019 - and is expected to have a prominent presence on the Rainbow Warriors' deep offensive line this coming season. Levao's role? "I'm going to have him put his hand on the ground and knock people off the ball," head coach Todd Graham said.

This has been a hectic period for Graham, who was hired as Nick Rolovich's successor in January. In his four previous head-coaching jobs, Graham has never had to cobble together a recruiting class in three weeks and go through a spring semester without a single practice. Graham and his staff have conducted meetings on Zoom and monitored the players' academics while evaluating personnel and implementing offensive and defensive schemes. "We're swamped trying to be on top of that," Graham said. But Graham has remained true to a baseline of aggressiveness and discipline - a theme that he hopes will be set by the offensive line, particularly physical blockers such as Levao. - Honolulu Advertiser

(DS#31 C) rSr/2022

C Kohl Levao, Hawaii
News Source: Honolulu Advertiser
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