RUNNING BACK (RB)
RICHARD WALKER / RWALKER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Nate Ilaoa, who grew up as a military dependent, is proud of his brother and father, who are both Marine Corps veterans.
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Oft-injured Ilaoa gets another chance
In 2001, Hawaii had the United States Marine Corps to thank in part for the arrival of top prospect Nate Ilaoa. This year, the Warriors' gratitude can be aimed toward the NCAA for allowing the talented ballcarrier one more chance to achieve his potential.
Ilaoa was among the best high school players in the Washington, D.C., area and received offers from schools like Virginia Tech and Miami. But he opted for UH partly because his father, Filipo, had just been assigned the top enlisted-man position at the Marines' base in Kaneohe.
Five injury-plagued years later, Ilaoa received an extension of his college career from the NCAA.
He began his career as a slotback, but knee and shoulder ailments shelved him for nearly two entire seasons. Last year, Ilaoa was moved to running back. After being called out by coach June Jones for reporting to camp out of shape, Ilaoa gradually worked his way out of the doghouse and into the starting lineup, finishing as the Warriors' leading rusher with 643 yards. Just the threat of Ilaoa running the ball should help keep UH's passing lanes open.
When the Warriors want more blocking in the backfield, they can go with converted defensive linemen Reagan Mauia and Siave Seti, or David Farmer.
Junior college transfer Jazen Anderson, brother of former NFL star Jamal, could also see some action.
Unit at a glance
Mauia gained technique and lost weight to become a big back
In July 2005, Reagan Mauia weighed 372 pounds. Since then, he has lost nearly 90 pounds and gained a new position as well as a cult following among Hawaii football fans.
Near the end of last season UH coach June Jones noticed that Mauia, then a defensive tackle, had quick feet. Before long, he was a 300-plus pound running back.
He still had a long way to go, but Mauia was motivated. He continued to drop weight while learning how to hang on to the football. Mauia also had to learn the blocking assignments, but that came pretty easily to the former junior college offensive lineman.
Although Jones' most famous and productive back was Barry Sanders, he's always liked the idea of a big man toting the ball in the run and shoot. One such was Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, who played for Jones on the Atlanta Falcons and died of brain cancer in May. Mauia is wearing No. 34 in memory of Heyward this season.