Libre, Estes, Maka, Special Teams

Billy Hull talks to Daniel Libre about his ascent up the running backs depth chart.

After transferring home, Libre, who is listed at 5-foot-8 and 185 pounds, was converted to slotback and has seen limited action on special teams. His ascent at running back comes at a critical time as Hawaii prepares for its toughest opponent to date.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Libre said. "It's a lot of pressure, but it's what I wanted since I got here."

Further down the page, Dave Reardon writes about Kenny Estes giving up his redshirt season.

He wasn't sure it was such a great idea at first to burn a year of eligibility for a few games.

"I was kind of like, 'There's only four or five more games and I missed out on more than half of the season.' "

Then, Estes said, he realized that it's an honor that the coaches would want him to contribute to what is so far an undefeated season.

"This is the year to play. This is the year obviously that (UH is) going so far," Estes said.

Stephen Tsai writes about Daniel Libre, Kealoha Pilares, and the loss of Francis Maka.

"He's a guy who each week has made bigger and bigger contributions," defensive line coach Jeff Reinebold said. "It's a step back."

Michael Lafaele, the starting defensive right tackle and co-captain, said Maka's absence is noticeable.

"You can tell our defensive ends are not the same as far as rotation and resting time," Lafaele said. "Especially the way (Maka) plays. He makes plays. To not have him out there is heartbreaking."

John Fonoti, who also rotates as a rush end, said Maka served as a mentor.

"Whenever I didn't know something, he told me what to do," Fonoti said. "I'm sad to see him out."

Tsai writes that Victor Clore will take Maka's place in the rotation.

Ferd Lewis writes about the pivotal role of special teams, especially in these last four games.

And finally, The Sports Network has a preview of the UH-Fresno game.