Senior

Haku Correa

has emerged as the early leader to replace nose tackle

Moses Samia

in Hawaii’s starting lineup against Nevada this Saturday at Aloha Stadium.

Samia will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee.

"I never wanted it to be this way," Correa said. "Moses is one of my best friends. Moses is one of the best guys in the world. I’m very sad for what’s happened. I’ll do whatever I can to fulfill what he’s done."

Defensive line coach Lewis Powell said Correa brings leadership and tenacity.

"Everyone respects him," Powell said. "He’s been doing pretty well. Moses actually beat him out (in training camp), but he was right behind Moses. Moses is a real talented kid. When Moses went down, I knew Haku would go and replace him with no dropoff. I’ve got a good group. I think Haku and Geordon (Hanohano) will do well."

Head coach Norm Chow said sometimes Correa has conquered past lapses in technique.

"He’s a good tough, rugged guy," Chow said. "Sometimes he doesn’t use proper technique because he’s so anxious. We call it ‘eyes.’ It’s when you lose sight of technique because you’re trying to go out and make a play. But he’s been doing a nice job."

Correa is skilled at using his hands to create separation from grasping offensive linemen. He credits backyard boxing and older brother Laanui Correa, a former Warrior, with increasing his hand speed and strength.

His brother’s advice: "Hands are your fearless weapon."

Offensive line experiments

The Warriors are experimenting on the offensive line.

Frank Loyd, who has been practicing at right tackle, was at right guard on Wednesday.

Mike Milovale, who has competed at left guard the past two weeks, was back at right tackle.

Kapua Sai, the starting left guard, was at center.

"We’re trying to make sure we have enough coverage," Chow said. "In the NFL, you travel with seven (offensive linemen). We’re trying to adjust if we have to travel with nine."

The Warriors have been short-handed because Ben Dew, who can play guard and tackle, is dealing with leg issues.

Hong is honorary captain

Former UH football player William "Buzzy" Hong will be the Warriors’ honorary captain for Saturday’s game against Nevada.

Hong also is the retired executive director of the Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council.

Chow recalled this story about Hong: "Way back when, you played football and you went to school and you worked full-time. They were in the middle of a game and, at halftime, they go into the locker room. (UH) coach Jimmy Asato hears the shower going. Buzzy Hong is in the shower because he has to go to work. He was cleaning himself up to be a cop. He was a full-time cop, football player and a student."