The Timmy Chang Chronicles Pt. 3: The Walk Ons
The University of Hawaii football team has a proud history of walk on players becoming legends and heroes, with some eventually making a name for themselves in the NFL. Names like Rich Miano who walked on in 1981 and went on to be an All-WAC defensive back. Miano eventually returned to UH as a coach following his 10 year NFL career. Ashley Lelie walked on in 1999 and finished his career with an All-WAC selection and being Hawaii’s first ever first round pick. Chad Owens walked on in 2000 and in 2001, he broke out as being one of the best returners in America. His ability to make plays on special teams soon transitioned him into a stalwart starter on offense, being one of Timmy Chang’s most reliable targets. They won two Hawaii Bowls together before Owens graduated. A stint in the NFL preceded a legendary Canadian Football Career, Owens won two Grey Cups and a Most Outstanding Player award in 2012. The names of Chad Owens and Timmy Chang are on the forefront of every UH football fan’s mind as Chang was recently named UH head coach and Owens son, Chad Owens Jr. recently announced his intention to join the team as a walk-on, following a similar path to his father’s. Let’s look at how the present day walk-ons at UH could impact the program in a positive way in 2022.
Dior Scott. The star of season 5 of Last Chance U found his way to Hawaii via Nick Rolovich and his staff. A receiver, running back and special teamer, Scott appeared in 8 games during the 2020 season. Making his way to Hawaii from Laney College, Scott was awarded a scholarship from former UH head coach Todd Graham. Check out our interview here. Anyone who has watched Scott play knows the man is fearless and explosive. Short in stature, his ability to be put anywhere on the field reminds me a lot of Diocemy St-Juste. Chang’s modernized spread/ run n shoot offense caters to players like Dior, whether as a slot receiver or running back. Expect Scott to see the field consistently and in important situations. With UH needing to replace the production of Calvin Turner Jr., Jared Smart and Nick Mardner, Scott has everything going for him and I expect a breakout in 2022.
Wyatt Tucker: The long snapper is a position that doesn’t get much attention. Quite frankly, non football fans probably don’t even know that’s a position. Tucker who walked on three years ago is a solid foundation to the team. His ability to consistently snap the ball to Hawaii’s punters/ special teamers helped Hawaii win close games over rivals Fresno State, Nevada and Colorado State. Games which came down to the successful execution of the special teams. Look for Tucker to be a veteran leader and assist kicker Matthew Shipley to another excellent season.
Koali Nishigaya. The receiver first found the field in 2020 for which he found the endzone against UNLV. The walk on for which former HC Todd Graham stated Nishigaya was the type of player for which the foundation of a program was built on, finds himself in a unique position. A standout prep player at local Hawaii powerhouse St. Louis, Nishigaya not only shares the same alma mater as HC Timmy Chang but the same offensive philosophy. The Lee brothers, Cal and Ron Lee are Hawaii coaching legends. Countless NFL players have come from their tutelage along with a plethora of state championships. The Lees also coached at UH and with their knowledge and experience, St. Louis had produced NFL stars Marcus Mariota, Tua Tagovailoa, Olin Kreutz and Dominic Raiola (just to name a few) under the foundation of the Lee’s. Ron Lee, the offensive mind at St. Louis runs the Run n Shoot offense, the same offense Timmy Chang ran at St. Louis and Hawaii, breaking the NCAA passing yards record with. Chang will be running a modernized Run n Shoot at Hawaii so with his familiarity with the offense, Nishigaya should shine. The slot receiver gets a lot of targets in the Run n Shoot and Nishigaya has looked impressive in space. A hard nosed player who has heart and a lot of love for UH and his teammates, I’ve watched the passion he has for the game and the name on the front of the jersey. If he can put it together, he’ll become an essential member of the new Hawaii offense.
I expect big things from these players, I want to finish with this statement. Hawaii has been a home of second chances and new opportunities. Players like Colt Brennan, Davone Bess, Jason Rivers and more have found redemption and opportunity in the Green and Black. I seriously hope players like Kalakaua Timoteo and Leonard Lee are given opportunities to return to the team. From all accounts, Timoteo has gotten his affairs in order and from the media storm that was the Todd Graham saga, Lee was unfairly removed from the team. Go Bows!
