The Centurions: #26 Joe Onosai

The Star-Bulletin's countdown of UH football's "Centurions", the 100 greatest players in the University of Hawaii's 100 years of football, continues with #26, offensive lineman Joe Onosai.

Paul Honda profiles Onosai.

"COACH TOMEY is probably the greatest motivator who I've ever met in my life," he says. "Not only was he eloquent and articulate, he was very emotional. He knew how to get you up for a game. He also knew how to put the fear of God in you.

"If he wasn't pleased with you, he'd let you know, whether you were a player or coach."

Tomey remembers someone who needed little prodding.

"Joe was a man among boys, a very physical guy, a tough guy, but a very solid individual," Tomey said. "He became a great leader, an outstanding performer and he was a great worker. He did it all."

O-line coaches Ed Riewerts and Mike Hill did much of the molding at UH. Between daily battles with defensive star Al Noga and constant motivation from the staff -- Tomey once called Onosai "a big sissy," which seems absolutely comical now -- he turned into a sixth-round draft choice by the Dallas Cowboys, his favorite team.