OFFENSE

Hawaii became the second school in FBS history to feature a 5,000-yard passer (Bryant Moniz), a 1,000-yard rusher (Alex Green) and two 1,000-yard receivers (Greg Salas and Kealoha Pilares). Of the four, only Moniz returns. The native of Hawaii threw for 5,040 yards and 39 touchdowns as a junior, leading the Warriors to a share of the WAC title with a 7–1 record in Greg McMackin’s third year on the job.

Keeping Moniz upright will be the biggest challenge in 2011. Hawaii’s offensive line is in a state of flux. The only starter returning, left tackle Austin Hansen, might not be with the team in the fall. Hansen, an All-WAC honoree, started 12 regular-season games but was benched for the Hawaii Bowl due to an undisclosed NCAA infraction that has put his ’11 season in jeopardy. He was allowed to practice in the spring while appealing the suspension. Clayton Laurel is the likely replacement if Hansen isn’t cleared. Laurel, like many of his colleagues on the offensive line, has seen extensive playing time but lacks starting experience.

The Warriors return two receivers who have started, Royce Pollard and Billy Ray Stutzmann, and are looking for big things from Darius Bright, a former junior college transfer who sat out last season as a redshirt. Miah Ostrowski — who became the starting point guard for the Hawaii basketball team — will line up in the slot.

Sterling Jackson and Joey Iosefa, who is 6'0" and 245 pounds, will get first crack at running back. Green, who rushed for 1,199 yards and 18 TDs, might be the most difficult offensive player to replace.
  

DEFENSE

For all the Warriors’ gaudy offensive statistics — they were in the top 10 in the nation in passing, scoring and total offense — the team’s heartbeat was a big-play defense that put up some impressive numbers of its own. Hawaii led the WAC in turnover margin (plus-.86 per game) and led the nation in turnovers forced (38).

The Warriors welcome back six starters on defense, most notably playmaking linebacker Corey Paredes, who ranked second in the WAC in tackles (151) and tied for third in interceptions (four). The strength will be up front, where Vaughn Meatoga, Paipai Falemalu, Liko Satele and Kaniela Tuipulotu form an imposing defensive line.

The big question on defense is who will replace safety Mana Silva — third in the nation with eight interceptions — as a force in the secondary. Kenny Estes and Richard Torres are the likely candidates.
 

SPECIALISTS

The big news here is the return of Dick Tomey to the Hawaii sidelines. Tomey, who served as the head coach at UH from 1977-86, will coach the Warriors’ special teams. His first task will be improving the return game; the Warriors ranked 95th in the nation in kickoff returns and 111th in punt returns. Tomey must also pick a new placekicker to replace Scott Enos, who set the school mark for consecutive PATs made (105). Punter Alex Dunnachie is a candidate to handle kickoffs as well.

FINAL ANALYSIS

With Boise State off to the Mountain West — one year ahead of Hawaii — the path to the WAC title is more manageable than ever. The Warriors return several key pieces from last year’s 10-win team, but the offensive line is a major question mark. If that unit delivers, Hawaii should be in the hunt — along with Nevada and Fresno State — for another conference championship.