DAVID VEIKUNE
position · left end
key stat · had 11 tackles in 14 games coming off the bench

93 Keala Watson	12 Karl Noa	54 Amani Purcell

COMPARISONS

Defensive line has traditionally been a position of strength for Hawaii. UH’s only Associated Press first-team All-American was defensive tackle Al Noga in 1986. He lined up with defensive end Colin Scotts for perhaps the program’s best inside-outside punch. Noga’s brothers Niko and George also made big names for themselves. Maa Tanuvasa and Taase Faumui were a strong combo for the 1992 Rainbows who went 11-2. WAC Defensive Player of the Year Travis LaBoy at end and Isaac Sopoaga at tackle in 2003 were another. Levi Stanley and LaBoy’s father, Cliff, led a 1973 front that helped limit seven of 11 opponents to 10 or fewer points.

The 2007 defensive front doesn’t have those kind of individual stars, but its quality depth is impressive.

POSITIVES

Lafaele is the defense’s leader. Last year he combined strength with flexibility and balance to control the point in UH’s 3-4 defense. His ability to occupy two blockers allowed others to make plays. With the Warriors playing a 4-3 now, Lafaele has more latitude to invade the opposing back-field and disrupt plays. Keala Watson saw plenty of action as UH rotated lines last fall. He has slimmed down to improve his quickness while maintaining strength to stop the run. Noa has built himself up physically without losing speed, and a big year is expected from him at rush end. Strong-side end in the four-man front might be the perfect place for Purcell, who was shuttled between outside linebacker and end in the 3-4 in 2006. David Veikune adds depth and versatility, as does junior-college transfer Joshua Leonard. True freshman Vaughn Meatoga impressed in camp and might play.

NEGATIVES

Everyone is learning a new system. The Warriors’ style of offense tends to increase the number of plays the defense is on the field, so any injury or other problem that cuts into the depth could be critical.

JEFF REINEBOLD / DEFENSIVE LINE COACH

“We have high expectation levels across the board. We humbly believe that we’re ready to make a statement. And our guys know they have a responsibility to live up to a legacy of great players here.”