Hawaii Football: 3 most critical defensive players for 2018
By Paul Taylor
2. Samiuela Akoteu
Samiuela Akoteu is about to be thrust into a prominent role. Fans will understandably hope he’s ready for it.
Akoteu started seven games last season and will see this number increase in 2018. He will be the lone returning starter on the defensive line, after the Rainbow Warriors lost Meffy Koloamatangi, Viane Moala and David Manoa.
As such, the Inglewood, California native will also be expected to take on more of a leadership role, due to the lack of experience around him. We’re going to learn a lot about his mental fortitude this season.
At least Akoteu showed signs of development last season, following a promising 2016 campaign. He recorded a career-high 26 tackles, including seven multiple tackle games, along with one tackle for a loss and a quarterback hurry.
It helps that “Big Sam” will be surrounded by lots of young talent. Of course, whether they can actually fulfill their potential so soon, is another matter altogether.
In fairness to Akoteu, this season is going to be a learning curve for the defense as a whole under Batoon. However, this doesn’t change the fact a lot of pressure will rest on him, hence why he is one of the key players on defense.