Gabe Tuata Gone / Ask Coach / Day 11

Brendan Shriane of West Hawaii Today writes that heralded Kealakehe running back Gabe Tuata, who was supposedly grayshirting and on track to enroll at UH next year, has instead enrolled at Pasadena City College.

Tuata, the speedy tailback/kick returner from Kealakehe who on Feb. 6 signed a National Letter of Intent to play football at the University of Hawaii, will instead play this fall at Pasadena (Calif.) City College.

This summer, Hawaii coach June Jones had said Tuata, last year's Big Island Interscholastic Federation Offensive Player of the Year, would grayshirt in 2007, meaning he wouldn't start school -- or football practice -- in Manoa until 2008.

Tuata's father, Laau Tuata, said Gabe Tuata wasn't happy with being grayshirted and thought the process wasn't explained to the family very well.

Huh. Maybe we'll get more details tomorrow. In any case let's hope he eventually makes his way back to UH. Just last month, June Jones wrote about having big plans for him in a Warriors' Haka "Ask Coach" segment (now gone because no permalink). Here's an excerpt:

I think Gabe Tuata will be one of the most exciting players to come and play for me at UH.He has it all and his skills will show up in our offense more than they will at any other school. I will utilize him in so many ways once he gets here. He also will be an exciting punt returner. Ex-running backs have turned out to be the best slots for me.

Good luck to Gabe.

And while that "Ask Coach" segment may be gone, there's a new one up. Here's an excerpt:

Q.) Aloha Coach Jones, first of all congratulations on bringing us to another level. well, the long awaited start of fall camp is finally upon us. you have had a week to evaluate what we have and who we have. as one with a keen eye for talent, which positions will a priority be placed upon for 2008 recruiting wish list?

A.) Gosh I have not even targeted that yet, other than one position; QUARTERBACK. We know we have to sign a 5 star player. Tyler can play but we need future help after he and Inoke are gone. At Hawaii we are not into future recruiting like most schools as we cannot compete or are we in the ball park on the guys that are coming out. Our decisions on guys are usually made in January as we see who got left behind from the big schools. Only exception to that is if some 5 star is recruiting us.

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Stephen Tsai has some details from today's practice. An excerpt:

• Defensive end Nate Russell has joined the team, and is practicing. He was not expected to join until Monday.
• Ryan Mouton is practicing today. He just showed his quickness on a kick return.

There's a bunch of other stuff in that post, as well as a chat with offensive lineman Aaron Kia buried somewhere in the comments.

And Dave Reardon has a few details from today's practice.

Now all four starting LBs are out. Brad was icing his right knee on the side and also said his hamstring is tight. “Don’t worry, I’m a Warrior,” he said.

Hope Brad and the other LBs get well soon. Season is right around the corner!