Feature on Viliami Nauahi

About how more than $47k in cash and prizes he won on the Wheel of Fortune, walk-on player Nauahi said:
"It's totally a blessing. I can eat some meat instead of saimin." (HSB)

About taking reps with the first team D (Blaze and Paipai are not participating this spring), Nauahi said:
"I'm not used to getting all the reps. Now I've got an opportunity to show what I've got and hopefully get some playing time. From day to day I'm getting more comfortable, but there's a lot more to work on." (HSB)

About how the extra reps are helping Nauahi adjust to LB (he was at safety until midway through last season), Mac said:
"He's a hitter and smart, he's picking it up real well. He gets a lot of reps so we really can see how he can be when (Soares and Falemalu) come back." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Nauahi, listed at 215 pounds last season, checked in at 230 for the spring as he adjusts to taking on offensive linemen more often. But he doesn't want to sacrifice speed for added bulk."

About having to adjust to the direction of his first step when the ball is snapped, Nauahi said:
"At safety you're reading pass first. Linebackers are reading run first so instead of going back I'm coming forward. So now we've got some linemen I have to deal with. I wouldn't say it's a big difference. The coaches are always saying the linebackers are just big DBs, so I have to get that mentality." (HSB)

HSB Note: "As for his turn on The Wheel, Nauahi said he didn't mention his role on the football team during the audition process and cleared the appearance with the UH compliance office before agreeing to play. He said the winnings are in the bank and he's no longer worried about finding the funds for summer school or his next semester."

About how his teammates never forget about his Wheel of Fortune win, Nauahi said:
"It doesn't get old. (My teammates) are always asking for loans." (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090407_UHs_Nauahi_makes_shift_in_fortunes_and_direction.html