By Jarin Kobashigawa | Dec. 16, 2021
The plot thickens in Ep:16 of the Hawaii Football Now Podcast as the time until UH faces Memphis in the EasyPost Hawaii Bowl shortens and the team’s morale continues to flatline. This episode is now out and available to watch on Facebook and YouTube and is available to listen to on SoundCloud.
Co-hosts Jordan Helle and Hunter Hughes break down the transfer decisions for running-back Dae Dae Hunter and quarterback Chevan Cordeiro. Countering the players leaving via the transfer portal, UH had nine players added back to their roster on Early Signing Day. The nine players account for about 1/3 of the total expected recruiting class as Coach Todd Graham mentioned in his press conference meeting on Dec. 15.
Hunter’s and Cordeiro’s Transfer Decisions
Over the weekend, Hunter’s transfer decision to Liberty University was overshadowed by Cordeiro’s announcement, via social media. With two years of eligibility left, Cordeiro would become an in-division rival as a Spartan at San Jose State University. Furthermore, with the Dick Tomey Legacy Trophy on the line, the 2022 matchup is sure to be a good one if Cordeiro gets the start.
SJSU is, as Hughes and Helle point out, as direct a competitor to UH as there is. SJSU’s program has recently been on the rise with Head Coach Brent Brennan, who seems to be well-regarded by his players. Additionally, with some recent upgrades to their facilities, things are shaping up nicely in San Jose and the next two years just got a whole lot more interesting.
Players-Only Meeting with Athletic Director
In talking with some of the players, Hughes said the team’s morale seemed to drag. Hoping to get to the bottom of the situation was Athletic Director, Dave Matlin who held a player-only meeting last week to learn more about the verbal abuse accusations against Coach Graham. With a lot of information still being held close to the chest, and only 8 days left between Hawaii and Memphis, it’s apparent that the performance of the team and outcome of the game is going to signal how bad the internal discontent in the locker room really is.
Signing Day- Who’s Coming to UH?
Setting aside the transfer discussions and rerouting some attention to the new players coming to the program. The NCAA’s addition of “Early Signing Day” on December 15 has allowed UH to add and confirm nine new players for the Fall 2022 roster. Previously, players would make their announcements in February on National Signing Day. Hughes goes on to share the interesting conversation that he had with Coach Dave Shoji regarding the early commitment day rules with the NCAA and why this concept might be flawed.
But among the nine to commit, two local Saint Louis players announced that they’d be staying home– defensive back, Kona Moore and offensive lineman, Ethan Spencer. Hughes stresses that UH needs to have a dedicated effort towards keeping local players at home. Starting Saint Louis Quarterback, AJ Bianco says he remains committed to UH but will wait until February to sign his letter of intent.
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