Hawaii Fantasy Buzz
The Hawaii Rainbows in 2010 were absolutely explosive offensively. Bryant Moniz threw for 5,040 yard and Alex Green ran for 1,199 yards and 18 touchdowns giving Hawaii that balance which made them very dangerous to deal with. Greg Salas and Kealoha Pilares each had 1,000 yard receiving as well. This year only Moniz returns but there is plenty of depth at the skill positions ready to step up and carry on the tradition of high scoring football for the Rainbows.
Bryant Moniz, Senior, Quarterback
This native of Hawaii threw for 39 touchdowns in 2010. Thus, he should be a high pick quarterback-wise in most fantasy football drafts even with questions on the offensive line. The offensive line only returns left tackle Austin Hansen who sat out the Hawaii Bowl due to an NCAA infraction that has put his eligibility in jeopardy this fall. If the line can protect Moniz, expect another at least 4,000 yard season in the passing game as the depth at other positions should rise up to support Moniz.
Royce Pollard, Senior, Wide Receiver
Pollard has flown under the radar at Hawaii but still produced excellent numbers as a third option in 2010. Pollard caught 64 passes for 901 yards and seven touchdowns. That is a nice security blanket to have come back to offset the loss of Greg Salas. Also, the starting experience that Pollard brings to the table should make the transition to being Moniz’s number one target a quick and seamless one going into the season opener against Colorado. Pollard is a definite underrated fantasy draft pick in 2011.
Hawaii Defense
The defense very quietly in 2010 went out and caused complete and total havoc on opposing offenses. The Rainbows defense led the nation in turnovers caused at 38 and created turnover margin of +12, which was huge in helping an already explosive offense get more opportunities with a shorter field to rack up points. Senior linebacker Cory Paredes will be the anchor of the defense. Paredes had 151 tackles and four interceptions in 2010 and should build on his interception total in 2011 while the secondary comes together to replace safety Manu Silva. Also, the ability to get sacks will be a huge threat thanks to the likes of defensive linemen Vaughn Meatoga and Kaniela Tuipulotu controlling the line of scrimmage.
Position Battle: Running Back Sterling Jackson vs. Joey Iosefa
Alex Green was the workhorse in 2010 but he has moved on after a nearly 1,200 yard season and getting into the end zone on a regular basis. The task of replacing him will not be easy and will take more than one guy to get it done. Junior Sterling Jackson is coming off a redshirt season in 2010, while transferring from Mendocino College in California where he rushed for 737 yards and 10 touchdowns while gaining junior college all-American status.
Iosefa is a redshirt freshman who did not play in 2010 as well. He has great size which should make for great durability at running back. Also, Iosefa played quarterback in high school along with the sport of volleyball and rugby. Thus, he definitely brings a strong package of toughness and athleticism to the competition with Jackson for the starting running back position for Hawaii.
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