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To get an insider’s perspective of Hawaii football, we sent over a few questions to Christian Shimabuku from Aloha State Daily.

Here’s what we discussed:

How is the current culture of Hawaii football under Timmy Chang? With Chang as the head coach and plans for a new stadium, what direction is the program heading?

A: “Players genuinely enjoy coming to practice and are playing for each other and their coach. That is not something that could be said at the end of the Todd Graham era in 2021. When Timmy Chang got the job in 2022, there was a recovery process that took years. There’s a growing belief in college football that building a program is no longer linear, but under Chang, they’ve improved each year. The new stadium helps the cause, for sure. Overall, things are trending upwards for UH.�

What’s your analysis of Hawaii quarterback Micah Alejado? What makes him a threat?

A: “Even as a redshirt freshman, he’s someone that’s already won the team and the state over, which is really saying something. There’s a real aura and a confidence about him and his teammates at every stop, from youth football to Bishop Gorman, tend to gravitate towards him. As a quarterback, he processes quickly, which helps both his O-line and receivers. He seems to always be in control of the offense, as well, a result of the preparation he does before games.�

Who are two players to watch (offensively and defensively) on Saturday?

A: “Starting with the obvious, whoever suits up at quarterback for Hawaii. Micah Alejado injured his ankle in the team’s season-opening win over Stanford and hobbled through the second half, which only added to his local lore. If he can’t go, then JuCo All-American Luke Weaver will get the nod behind center. He’s someone the staff feels confident in, which I think was evident when he entered the game against Stanford. Even though his lone pass was batted down, they still had him throwing the ball on third and long rather than handing it off.�

“I’ll give you two for defense. Safety Peter Manuma is one of the team’s captains and perhaps the team’s top pro prospect. The way his hair flows out of his helmet gives a very Hawaii football aesthetic, as well. Additionally, cornerback Jaheim Wilson-Jones is from ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ and if he were able to make some plays in front of family and friends, I think it would of course be a memorable night for him and his loved ones.â€�

Who is on the Mount Rushmore of Hawaii football?

A: “That is a very loaded question, but I’ll give it a try. Any Hawaii football GOAT list would have to start with Colt Brennan, so I’ll include him first. June Jones’ contributions as a former player and then head coach for a team that went from winless in 1998 to a BCS bowl less than 10 years later gives him a spot. Former All-American Al Noga would take my third spot. He’s the man.

“There are so many other great names that are worthy of consideration. I’ll default to Tommy Kaulukukui on the basis that he was the first University of Hawaii player that got his jersey number retired. Colt Brennan is the only other.

“Let’s have this conversation again if Timmy Chang sticks around long enough to surpass June Jones’ program record of 76 wins. Combine that with his accolades as a player and it would be hard to deny him a spot on UH football Mount Rushmore.�

What is your prediction for Saturday night?

A: “I think both teams will try their best. ... I stopped giving predictions a while ago.�