AP feature article on Inoke

About how he is comfortable in their system, Inoke said:
"I've been in the system a couple years now. There's still a lot of things I need to get good at but overall, I have a pretty good idea of what goes on." (AP)

AP Note: "It will be Funaki's first start since 2001, when he led Kahuku High School to its second straight state title. Raised in the quiet coastal North Shore community of Laie, he will become the first homegrown product to assume the high-profile job since Timmy Chang."

About starting at UH, Inoke said:
"It's nice to be here at home and play for a lot of people I know and play for family and represent a state that raised me. It's exciting." (AP)

Praising Inoke's performance vs. Florida, Mack said:
"Inoke Funaki came in and played his heart out." (AP)

About how Inoke was inspirational in the Florida game, Rolo said:
"He wasn't perfect, but he was inspiring. I think that's something you can't put a price on." (AP)

About what he did on his Mormon mission to the Dominican Republic, Inoke said:
"I would just go out and teach the Gospel. I would go around, meet people, knock on doors and get doors slammed in my face. People would tell me, 'Get out of here.' You just learn to let it go and not hold any grudges. Patience." (AP)

About how Inoke didn't complain when they made him the #3 QB, Mack said:
"When I told him he wasn't the guy, he didn't cry, he didn't whine, he just tried to make the other guys better and when he got his opportunity he made the most of it. And that's why he's going to get his shot." (AP)

About Inoke's leadership, LWJ said:
"He's a leader. He's not really a vocal guy, but you saw him at The Swamp. When he got in, he's just a phenomenal player. He's an athlete. I'm sure he's going to get it done this weekend." (AP)

About Inoke's scrambling ability, Rolo said:
"He's instinctual. That's the best athletes you can find. He brings another dimension to our game." (AP)

AP Note: "Funaki is considered a "gamer," who steps up his game when the bright lights are on. Funaki said it could be the game-time adrenaline or the "sense of urgency" he feels."

About why he doesn't feel the "sense of urgency" in practices that he feels in games, Inoke said:
"Sometimes in practice, because we have the orange jerseys and the coaches say, 'Don't touch us,' you don't feel that urgency. When you're in the game, you know that if you don't get the ball off, someone's going to whack you." (AP)

About how the team needs Inoke now, Rolo said:
"His greatest asset is not his athleticism. It's not his knowledge of the system. It's Inoke Funaki as a person. That's the most important thing for this team right now." (AP)