ASSOCIATED PRESS
Hawaii's Derek Faavi, left, began his 14-game streak as the Warriors' starting center in last season's game against Waine Bacon (right) and the Alabama Crimson Tide.
UH line’s success
centers on FaaviThe Hawaii center has
the most consecutive starts
of any Warriors offensive player
It will never be known as such, because he's simply not the kind of guy who gets things named after him. But the Derek Faavi Era will be a year old Saturday when the Hawaii (7-4) center takes the field against Alabama (4-8) at Aloha Stadium.
He has the longest consecutive-starts streak for Warriors offensive players at 14 games, which began against Alabama last year.
UH start streak
Ongoing consecutive starts for Hawaii football players25: Cornerback Kelvin Millhouse
20: Cornerback Abraham Elimimian
14: Center Derek Faavi
11: Linebacker Ikaika Curnan
But -- except to his UH teammates and coaches and family and friends from Ewa Beach and Campbell High School -- the third-year sophomore is also consistent in his anonymity.
Maybe it's because his personality is overshadowed by those of his position coach, Mike Cavanaugh, and his next-door neighbor on the line, junior right guard Uriah Moenoa -- born entertainers who are never at a loss for words.
Maybe it's because he plays center, and after each successful snap, all eyes follow the football, not him.
Maybe it's because at 6-foot-1 and 273 pounds he's not quite the physical specimen that some of his linemates are.
But he is appreciated. And anyone you ask about Faavi invariably says, "He's smart," within the first ten seconds.
"He's the heart and soul of the line. He makes the calls for the whole line," second-year freshman left guard Samson Satele said. "So he's like a coach out there. He's smart. Whatever he calls, we block."
The Hawaii offensive line was a hallmark of stability for most of 2002, as the same starting five took the field the first 11 games of a 10-4 season.
Then a new streak began when starting left guard Shayne Kajioka couldn't start the Alabama game because of a knee injury. Faavi, then a freshman, was thrust into the lineup at center. A total of 22 players have started at the 11 offensive positions for Hawaii this year; center is the only spot where the same player has started every game.
And Cavanaugh never handed the position to Faavi. Faavi fought off junior Phil Kauffman in fall camp, and the coach doesn't consider Faavi a lock to start every week. But there he is, game after game.
"He's smart. Physically I wish he was a little bit better. But he's done some good things. He's been pretty consistent," Cavanaugh said. "He missed some stunts (last year against Alabama), but I think he's a lot better anticipating those things now. He earned a scholarship, worked hard. He needs to do a better job of finishing blocks. But overall I'm pleased."
Hawaii allowed 15 sacks in the three games Faavi started last year, compared to 14 in the previous 11. The line has had its ups and downs this fall, but the Warriors allowed no sacks in 61 pass attempts during last Saturday's 59-28 victory over Army.
Faavi does not see UH allowing four sacks by Alabama, as the Warriors did in their 21-16 loss to the Crimson Tide last year.
"It's a big game, and that's a good feeling, knowing you're going up against one of the top schools. It was a privilege last year," Faavi said. "But now we know they're just another team. And like most teams, they got better as the year went along. Their record doesn't show it, but they improved from last year."
Senior wide receiver Jeremiah Cockheran, the offensive captain, said Faavi has grown into his role.
"He's a good leader in the huddle. That's what centers are supposed to do. He tells us, 'All right fellas, 5 more yards, 10 more yards,'" Cockheran said. "He keeps the O-line in check and keeps us moving.
"And he's smart."
