Soares’ arrival at
Hawaii delayed

All-State football player Blaze Soares from Castle High School won't start his University of Hawaii career this fall as he originally planned.

Soares signed a letter of intent with the Warriors last February but still needs to meet UH's academic entrance requirements.

"UH wants him to attend (Hawaii Pacific)," said Soares' mother, Selene. "We're trying to see how to get him in there."

The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Soares is one of six freshman scholarship linebackers UH expected to report Aug. 4 for the start of preseason camp.

Another of the group, Pac-Five All-Stater Brashton Satele, turned down a recent track and field scholarship offer from USC to remain with the Warriors. The other incoming freshman linebackers are R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane, Solomon Elimimian, B.J. Fruean and Adam Leonard. (Mario Cox and John Fonoti are also listed as linebackers, but Cox is expected to enter UH as a running back and Fonoti as a defensive lineman.)

UH's defense ranked last in the nation last year against the run and second-to-last overall. Coach June Jones said the new linebackers would get long looks in training camp, and new defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville is expected to add many new concepts to UH's defensive schemes.

Returnees at the position include Ikaika Curnan, Tanuvasa Moe, Brad Kalilimoku and C.J. Allen-Jones. Defensive end Kila Kamakawiwo'ole is also expected to play some outside linebacker this fall.

The Warriors, who went 8-5 last season, including a Hawaii Bowl win against Alabama-Birmingham, open this season Sept. 3 at Aloha Stadium against USC.