HawaiiAthletics.com Preview: Linebackers

HawaiiAthletics.com continues their positional previews with a look at the linebackers.

Satele’s absence paves the way for junior Mana Lolotai to grab a starting spot at the middle linebacker position. Lolotai was a special teams regular last year and also saw time as a reserve. Redshirt junior Jake Heun, moves from running back to middle linebacker, and will serve as the backup.

“I think what you look for in a middle linebacker is leadership and those guys are showing good leadership so far,” Lee said.

R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane started four games last year and played a key part in UH’s road upset of nationally ranked Fresno State. The senior is slated to start at the weakside position. Blaze Soares, who missed the entire 2008 season, will be the X-factor. The return of Soares at strongside backer gives the Warrior defense a huge boost with his explosiveness and big-play ability. Soares appeared in nine games in 2007 and 12 as a freshman in 2006.

However, with Soares not at a full 100 percent, it could be a breakout year for sophomore Corey Paredes, who is in line for a starting spot outside.

“I think people don’t realize who he is” Lee said. “They know Blaze, they know Brashton, they know RJ. I think Corey is a guy that will come out before it’s said and done.”