Joey Iosefa is the front runner in the three-way competition at running back, according to the recently released Hawaii football depth chart.
TWO-DEEP CHART
OFFENSE
» Left wideout: Darius Bright, Allen Sampson
» Left slotback: Billy Ray Stutzmann, Justin Clapp
» Left tackle: Clayton Laurel, Jordan Loeffler
» Left guard: Brett Leonard, Andrew Faaumu
» Center: Matagisila Lefiti, London Sapolu
» Right guard: Chauncy Winchester-Makainai, David Lefotu
» Right tackle: Sean Shigematsu, Levi Legay
» Right slotback: Miah Ostrowski, Corey Paclebar
» Right wideout: Royce Pollard, Terence Bell
» Quarterback: Bryant Moniz, Shane Austin
» Running back: Joey Iosefa, Sterling Jackson/John Lister
DEFENSE
» Left end: Zach Masch, Marcus Malepeai
» Left tackle: Vaughn Meatoga, Haku Correa
» Right tackle: Kaniela Tuipulotu, Geordon Hanohano
» End: Paipai Falemalu, Liko Satele
» Strongside linebacker: Art Laurel, T.J. Taimatuia
» Middle linebacker: Corey Paredes, George Daily-Lyles
» Weakside linebacker: Aaron Brown, Darryl McBride
» Field cornerback: Tank Hopkins, Kawika Ornellas
» Strong safety: Richard Torres, Kamalani Alo
» Free safety: John Hardy-Tuliau, Kenny Estes
» Boundary cornerback: Mike Edwards, Dee Maggitt
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Iosefa, Sterling Jackson and John Lister shared the reps through training camp. But Iosefa, a second-year freshman who was raised in American Samoa, seized the No. 1 spot because of his blocking and running skills. In the Warriors’ four-wide offense, one running back is used.
“He’s picked up the (pass) protection really well,” said Brian Smith, who coaches the running backs. “He’s physical. He’s probably the best we have right now as far as blocking and being consistent. And he’s very quick for as big as he is. He cuts, and gets downfield real fast, real explosive. He has the ability to make someone miss.”
UH lists Iosefa as 6 feet and 240 pounds, although he insists he weighs 230. He was about 200 pounds when enrolled as a part-time student in August 2009. He joined the Warriors in January 2010, and then redshirted last year.
“It doesn’t matter who starts,” Iosefa said. “All that matters is to get better every day. I’m learning a lot.”
Offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich said Jackson, a fourth-year junior from Georgia, and Lister, a second-year freshman from California, are bracketed as the No. 2 running back.
In other position battles, Zach Masch is listed as the No. 1 left end. Masch, who is 6-2 and 285 pounds, was in the rotation at defensive tackle last year. He still will be used as a tackle in certain defensive schemes.
Mike Sellers, a 2010 Campbell High graduate who joined UH in January, is the No. 1 quarter, which is considered a rover in the 45 scheme that involves five defensive backs.
UH still has not settled on a No. 1 placekicker. Tyler Hadden, who redshirted last year, and Kenton Chun, who was added to the roster after acing a tryout in February, are tied atop the depth chart.
