Warriors in the Hula Bowl

Dave Reardon with the news:

Seven players who just completed their University of Hawaii football careers — plus former UH defensive lineman Abu Ma'afala — will play for the Kai. Ma'afala's teammate at Kamehameha, wide receiver Caleb Spencer (Nevada), will also play for the Kai, as well as former Kahuku offensive lineman Tavo Tupola (Utah).

Safety Leonard Peters, running back Reagan Mauia, defensive ends Melila Purcell and Ikaika Alama-Francis and receiver Ross Dickerson join running back Nate Ilaoa and offensive lineman Dane Uperesa, who had already committed to the game.

The count would've been nine Warriors (10 if you count Ma'afala, who transferred to Cal after two years at UH), but offensive linemen Samson Satele opted instead for the Senior Bowl and Tala Esera for the East-West Shrine Game.

Congratulations to all of them! Also, earlier Stephen Tsai wrote on the Warrior Beat that Tala Esera got the invite to the NFL Scouting Combine.

Esera is the school-record sixth Warrior to receive an invitation, following center Samson Satele, right tackle Dane Uperesa, running back Nate Ilaoa, defensive right end Ikaika Alama-Francis and free safety Leonard Peters.

And I believe Melila Purcell is also expected to receive an invitation. Right on.