Hawaii defensive end Paipai Falemalu is on a strict schedule. He wakes up at 4 a.m., leaves his Kahuku house at 4:30, and begins preparing for football practice at 6.
After a redshirt year and two functional seasons, this is Falemalu’s time.
“I kind of found my role this year,” Falemalu said. “So far, I’ve been injury-free, knock on wood.”
He then knuckle-taps a tree.
The UH coaches are hopeful Falemalu will have a breakout season. In previous years, he rotated between linebacker and defensive end, sometimes in the same game. Now he is set as the No. 1 right end.
“He’s feeling comfortable,” defensive coordinator Dave Aranda said. “It’s my fault, really, for moving him so much. I think he’s in his natural spot.”
Falemalu said he has worked with a former boxer to help him fight off grasping blockers.
“He taught me some hand-speed stuff,” Falemalu said. “It’s helped me on the field.”
Aranda said: ”His pass rush is consistently better. He used to rely on his athleticism. Now he’s using his hands. And he’s quicker with his hips.”
During a team drill last week, Falemalu dropped into pass coverage.
“Because of his length, he was able to deflect two passes,” Aranda said.
Aranda added: ”Pai has always been a real bright guy. The biggest thing is he’s at one position. He doesn’t have to learn multiple things. We’re really excited about Pai being a playmaker for us. He was one of our leaders in production points in spring and fall camp. That should translate to the season.”
Who’s No. 2
Equipment specialist Al Ginoza faces a difficult choice: Who is No. 2?
Wideout Allan Sampson and cornerback Mike Edwards Jr. both wear No. 2. That isn’t a problem in practices, when the offensive players are in white jerseys and the defensive players in green tops.
Sampson is contending for the punt returner’s job. Edwards is the kickoff returner. There might be a situation where both players would be on the same special-teams unit. The NCAA does not allow teammates with the same jersey number to be on the field at the same time.
“I’ve been wearing (No. 2) since I was 7, since Pop Warner,” Sampson said.
Sampson was No. 2 early last season, but changed to No. 22 when Lametrius Davis was placed on the same unit on special teams. Davis completed his eligibility, and Sampson reclaimed No. 2.
“I’ve had this number for a long time,” Sampson said. “If anyone knows where I’m from, they know I’m No. 2.”
Edwards has an equally compelling attachment to the jersey number.
His father, Michael Edwards Sr., was a running back who signed with Ohio State. But because of a situation, he never played for the Buckeyes.
“My dad wore No. 2 throughout his life,” Edwards said. “I always told him: ‘I’ll set that legacy for you by wearing No. 2.’ It’s always meant a lot to me since I was young.”
