College football: Kealakehe grad Eli expected to get start at center for Hawaii

Former Kealakehe standout Asotui Eli is expected to get the start at center for the University of Hawaii against Colorado on Thursday.

Eli — a 2014 Kealakehe graduate — had never played center before this year’s training camp, but went out for the spot after senior Brenden Urban went down with a knee injury. Although Urban will be ready for the season opener, Eli’s consistent play in the preseason has earned the start.

Eli redshirted his freshman year, but was awarded the team’s offensive Scout Team Award.

Eli will be the second Kealakehe player to start on UH’s offensive line in recent years. Levi Legay — a 2007 Kealakehe graduate — started 11 games for the Warriors at tackle in 2011.