The University of Hawaii football team will be without its best defensive player for the rest of the regular season.
Head coach Nick Rolovich confirmed that linebacker Jahlani Tavai, who has missed the past two games because of an apparent shoulder injury, is “done for the year, as far as I know. I think he’s going to undergo surgery.”
The Rainbow Warriors have an open date this coming weekend, then finish the regular season with senior night against UNLV on Nov. 17 and a road game vs. San Diego State on Nov. 24. If the Warriors were to qualify for the Dec. 22 Hawaii Bowl, Rolovich noted, he is “pretty sure” Tavai would not be available.
Despite playing in only eight of the Warriors’ 11 games, Tavai is the team leader with 82 tackles. Tavai and defensive tackle Samieula Akoteu are tied for second behind rush end Kaimana Padello in tackles for loss (5.5).
Tavai, who grew up in Inglewood, Calif., played rush end as a UH freshman, and was at middle linebacker the past two seasons. This year, he has been used in a hybrid role as an inside linebacker, rush end, and edge setter. He also has been a cover defender, once tracking an inside receiver 25 yards downfield.
“It’s a tough deal,” Rolovich said. “He was our most productive defensive player. He did a lot of good things for our team.”
Tavai blocked a field goal against Army during a game in which he amassed 15 tackles and drew praise from Senior Bowl officials.
“He was a factor on special teams,” Rolovich said of Tavai, who was voted by teammates as one of four co-captains during training camp. A few weeks ago, Akoteu was added as a captain.
Against Nevada on Oct. 20, Tavai appeared to aggravate his right shoulder when he fell on it in the end zone following an apparent fumble return that was nullified. Because of Tavai’s versatility, three players — Manly “Pumba” Williams, Kana‘i Picanco and Paul Scott — have tried to fill the void.
