Once again, offensive lineman Kody Afusia will not run onto the field with his teammates before the start of Saturday’s homecoming game against Colorado State at Aloha Stadium.
For the fourth time this season, Afusia is a co-captain who will enter earlier for the pre-game coin toss.
When a teammate shouted, "Captain Kody," Afusia smiled and said, "I’m just Kody."
In the first six games, there have been six different starting lineups on the offensive line. Only center Ben Clarke has remained at the same position. Afusia has started five games at left guard and one at right guard. He will be on the left side this Saturday.
"I’m trying to work my hardest out there," said Afusia, a fourth-year junior from Midway City, Calif. "I’m not focused on getting captain every week."
Line coach Chris Naeole said: "Kody, out of all of the guys, steps up the most in our group. He’s the most consistent in grading out each week. He deserves to be captain."
Performance, technique and effort are components in the grading system.
"He hustles," Naeole said. "It’s the little extra. He’s not the best athlete, but what he gives you is effort. He leads in effort. That’s the biggest thing. After his block, he’s not stopping. He’s consistently moving downfield and attacking."
Gant goes deep
Chris Gant has emerged as the Rainbow Warriors’ deep receiver — the deeper into the game, the better his production.
He averages 11.0 yards per catch in the first quarter, 14.43 in the second, 18.17 in the third and 22.75 in the fourth.
He has eight fourth-quarter receptions, including two for touchdowns and six for first downs.
He is second on the team in receptions (22), but first in drops (five).
He said he has no explanation for the drops. But he added: "I know every time the ball comes my way, I’m going to make the best of that opportunity to move the chains or score."
Gant has had the chances. There have been 46 passes in his direction this season.
"I definitely don’t want to be just a possession receiver," Gant said. "Every time I get the ball, whether it’s a 5-yard route or a 10-yard route, I’m trying to score."
Stutzmann gives back
Despite playing in only three games, wideout Billy Ray Stutzmann is fifth on the team in catches (11) and receiving yards (181). He also has caught a touchdown in each game since being fully medically cleared from injuries suffered in a one-car accident in July.
Of the touchdown streak, Stutzmann said, "It’s been a fun stat. Hopefully, I can keep it going. I just want to produce for the team."
Stutzmann added: "I felt being on the sideline for the first few games gave me that little motivation to get back out there and make some plays for the team."
After his scoring play against Fresno State, he pointed to his name on the back of his jersey.
"I was trying to show everyone I’m back and I play for my family," he said. "They’ve always supported me. I like to give back to my family."
