Iuta Tepa Commits, Thursday FSU News

Stephen Tsai writes that Long Beach Poly defensive end Iuta Tepa, teammate of George Daily-Lyles, will become a Warrior.

Tepa said he received the UH offer during the Jackrabbits' pre-game meal the past Friday. Although the Warriors were his top choice, he decided to hold off until after he consulted with his parents.

"They thought Hawai'i was a good choice," Tepa said. "We have a lot of family in Hawai'i."

Tepa received an offer from Arizona, and strong interest from Oregon, Oregon State, Washington, Colorado State and Minnesota.

But he said UH has "been my choice from the top. I think it's a good opportunity for me."

Congrats to Iuta and UH! Here's a highlight reel.



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Back to Tsai's article, he writes that Richard Torres suffered a concussion during the SJSU game and is not on the Fresno travel roster. Jovonte Taylor, who has a knee ailment, won't make the trip as well. Ryan Mouton has been cleared to play after suffering soreness in his ribs, and Laupepa Letuli and Aaron Kia, both who had been bothered by injury, will rotate at left tackle. Tsai also has an update on Rocky Savaiigaea:

While defensive tackle Rocky Savaiigaea is expected to miss significant time — perhaps the remainder of the season — because of an injury to his left triceps, the method of treatment has not been decided.

One doctor recommended surgery, another said it might heal with rest and rehabilitation.

Jason Kaneshiro has some news and notes, writing that Aaron Kia is trying to get in touch with his brother, UCLA offensive lineman Micah Kia, for some tips. There's also notes about the rest of the o-line, Daniel Lofton, Mouton and the QBs:

Quarterback Tyler Graunke didn't see much action, but got into the team periods yesterday behind starter Inoke Funaki. As on Tuesday, Greg Alexander and Brent Rausch got most of the backup reps.

"Felt good in warm ups, felt good throwing the ball and gripping the ball," Graunke said. "I'll work through it."

Brian McInnis profiles linebacker R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane.

The special teams veteran provided a spark when senior Adam Leonard went out late in the game with a tweaked hamstring.

"To be honest, when he came in you wouldn't know that Adam was out," Lee said.

Coach Greg McMackin said he expects Leonard to be available against the Bulldogs, but has faith in Kiesel-Kauhane's ability to smoothly step in. Leonard observed practice for the second straight day yesterday.

"R.J.'s really improved, he's really become a better player. He's the strongest guy on the team, he's improved his speed. I think he's come of age, we're not afraid to play him at any time."

Ferd Lewis highlights Fresno's aggressive special teams.

The Bulldogs will be the biggest test yet of the rebuilding UH special teams. After the shoring up that took place in the wake of the Florida and Oregon State games, the Bulldogs and, in two weeks, Boise State will likely be the toughest special teams challenges faced by the Warriors this season.

The Fresno Bee's Daniel Lyght takes a look at the UH offense. It comes with a disclaimer.

I'll be writing about the Hawaii defense later this week, so don't freak out Hawaii fans, I'm not hatin' on your team just telling the facts:

They say $700 billion dollars might fix the financial situation in the US. ... that's about the same amount of work the Hawaii offense needs.

Yikes.

And looks like the game is closer to being a sellout.

Saturday's Hawaii-Fresno State football game at Bulldog Stadium isn't a sellout, but it's fast heading that way.

As of 5 p.m. Monday, about 5,800 tickets remained unsold, according to Paul Ladwig, associate athletic director for broadcasting and external relations.

By 5 p.m. Tuesday, only 4,700 tickets remained.