Warriors’ Sopoaga
on the Outland
Trophy watch listThe Hawaii defensive
tackle remains humble
despite the attention
The preseason recognition keeps coming for Hawaii defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga.
Yesterday he was named to the 36-player watch list for the Outland Trophy, which is awarded to college football's best interior lineman.
"I heard that was going to happen," UH coach June Jones said. "He's very deserving. I'm very excited to see what kind of season he has because he keeps getting better and better."
Earlier this month, Sopoaga was named to the watch list for the Nagurski Trophy, which goes to the top defensive player in the country.
Sopoaga also goes into the coming season ranked as the No. 20 defensive tackle by The Sporting News.
Warriors defensive line coach Vantz Singletary said Sopoaga is unfazed by the attention.
"This is a guy who physically can shred anyone, but is incredibly spiritual and grounded," Singletary said. "They could put him up for the Heisman Trophy and nothing would change about his attitude."
As a junior last year, Sopoaga was named to the All-Western Athletic Conference's second team. The 6-foot-3, 315-pound tackle from Pago Pago, American Samoa, was in on 72 tackles in 14 games. Seven of the tackles were for loss. He also had six quarterback hurries, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a pass breakup.
Sopoaga was among four WAC players nominated for the Outland Trophy. The others are guard Joseph Hayes of San Jose State, offensive tackle Logan Mankins of Fresno State and center Ben Stephens of Rice.
Defensive tackle Rien Long of Washington State won the award last year.
UH guard Vince Manuwai was on last year's Outland Trophy watch list.
