More photos: UH Football Practice

As impressive as defensive tackle Kennedy Tulimasealii has been in the first two football practices of Hawaii’s training camp, he figures to become even better once he piles more on his plate and piles on more plates.

That means larger helpings at training-table meals and more weight plates when he lifts.

"He’s 285 pounds and runs like a deer," defensive coordinator Thom Kaumeyer said. "Once he starts getting that upper-body strength, he’s going to be a moose."

Tulimasealii, who graduated from Waianae High in May, is the rare blend of quickness and natural strength. He has drawn praise for his ability to slip blocks during defensive drills.

"He’s everything as advertised," head coach Norm Chow said.

Tulimasealii was destined for leadership. He was born on President’s Day, and named after this country’s 35th president.

Tulimasealii’s name was atop the Rainbow Warriors’ recruiting board. There were six UH coaches assigned to recruit him. The day after he made an oral commitment to sign with UH, coaches from 10 schools made scholarship offers.

He made a fast impression during the offseason conditioning program, when he was among the leaders in running sprints.

"Kennedy is special," Chow said. "He’s so smart. He’s a fun kid to be around. He’s always smiling."

In the first two days of training camp, Tulimasealii has repeatedly eluded blockers.

"He’s fast and strong," defensive tackle Moses Samia said. "He doesn’t look like he just came out of high school. He’s pretty grown-up already. His technique is good. He has a good motor. The plays are more complicated and the reads are faster than in high school. But he has a good foundation."

At just under 6-feet-1, Tulimasealii is the second shortest among the defensive linemen. "It gives me a little more leverage," he said.

Kaumeyer said Tulimasealii needs to work on his hand techniques to maneuver past grasping blockers.

"Right now, he’s beating guys on quickness," Kaumeyer said. "He has to venture out and use his hands. He has to get used to it coming out of his stance. Usually in high school, when you’re that quick, you go right by (blockers). Obviously at this level, you have to use your hands."

Tulimasealii said he is working on drills to develop, in football parlance, "rapid and violent hands."

He also is involved in a regular weight-training program for the first time in his life. He said he used to lift weights only once or twice a month in high school.

"Over here, the program is much better," he said. "It’s making me stronger. I’m loving it."

Lewis Powell, who coaches the defensive linemen, said: "We knew he was a playmaker when we recruited him. He’s showing it. Not only can he compete with the guys who are starters, he brings a different style to the position. He’s going to have a good career here."