Feature story on Kaniela Tuipulotu, the only Warrior who has faced USC before

About how he faced USC twice before he transferred from Arizona to UH, Kaniela Tuipulotu said:
"I'm 0-2 versus USC, so hopefully we can pull out a victory. You always get pumped for a big team like that, but once you get out there it's another team. You go through your reads, play hard and play fast. ... When you play teams like that, you have to bring your 'A' game and nothing less because if you're not ready they're going to smash on you. You can't waste a day out here because they're working hard and they're going to be ready for a game." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Tuipulotu transferred to Hawaii last year and spent a season on the periphery due to NCAA transfer rules, a period that coincided with his recovery from shoulder surgery. He's now back to full health and full verve after he "lost my fire for football" during his stay in Arizona."


HSA Note: "After an all-state senior season at Kahuku, Tuipulotu was among the state's most coveted recruits and signed with the Wildcats. He broke into the defensive line as a true freshman, seeing action in seven games. He continued to see significant playing time as a sophomore, but hit a point where football became "a chore." Injuries didn't help matters and when it became apparent his shoulders would require surgery and a year away from the field, he obtained his release from Arizona to initiate the transfer process and enrolled at UH last fall."


About how he got his passion for football back after sitting out a season after transferring to UH, Tuipulotu said:
"Now I'm back, I'm having fun again and I'm enjoying every moment I'm out here with my teammates. I can't wait to get back out there and do whatever I can to help the team, help with the run, rushing the passer, anything to be out there." (HSA)


HSA Note: "UH defensive line coach Tony Tuioti said Tuipulotu hovered around 320 pounds when he joined the program. He was down to 310 for spring ball and enters the season in the 290 range. His improved conditioning is allowing him to better endure the grind in the middle of the line of scrimmage."


About how Tuipulotu went from 320 when he transferred to UH to 310 for spring practice to the 290s now, DL coach Tony Tuioti said:
"You really need to play all those guys, it's not like any other position. You're asking them to do a lot of things ... and they have to be in shape and be able to run. Kani's done a great job getting himself into shape and putting in the hard work needed. I'm excited to see him play on Sept. 2. He's got a lot of experience and played at a high level and we're going to need to draw from that as we get into the season. ... He brings a physical presence inside and we need that, especially facing a lot of the running teams we're going to see." (HSA)


About the rush he gets when running onto the field for a game, Tuipulotu said:
"It's something you don't really feel anywhere else. You feel alive when you come out of the tunnel. And I'll probably feel 10 times more alive coming out at Aloha Stadium." (HSA)


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