University of Hawaii offensive lineman Austin Webb is recovering from a MRSA infection in his right leg and will not play for the Rainbow Warriors this season.
University of Hawaii offensive lineman Austin Webb is recovering from a MRSA infection in his right leg and will not play for the Rainbow Warriors this season.
Webb, who is recuperating at his family’s home in Dallas, said he plans to attend classes in the fall.
“I’m definitely out for the season,” Webb told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser in a telephone interview.
Doctors believe it was in late February or early March when he contracted the Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in his right femur. He still participated in spring training and the offseason conditioning program.
But after noticeable pain and discoloration in his right leg, he was diagnosed with the bacterial infection in May. On May 23, he underwent surgery to remove the infected area. A catheter known as a PICC line was inserted into his arm to provide medication during his recovery.
Webb said he is focused on trying to walk without the use of a walker.
“That’s my biggest thing right now,” Webb said. “I can barely walk.”
Webb, who is 6 feet 8 and 310 pounds, redshirted as a freshman in 2015. He was a member of the scout team but did not play in any games in 2016. He practiced as a second-team offensive tackle this spring.
“I’m going to root for my boys this season and I’m praying for the team,” Webb said.
This is the latest setback for the Warriors’ offensive line.
Center/guard Leo Koloamatangi, who signed as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions, and right guard RJ Hollis completed their UH eligibility at the end of the 2016 Hawaii Bowl. Elijah Tupai, who played in 36 games the past three seasons, decided not to return for his senior season to take care of family matters in Utah.
Kingjames Taylor, who was expected to compete for playing time at tackle, did not meet the NCAA requirements to play for the Warriors this season. Taylor redshirted as a freshman last year.
However, the Warriors signed four offensive linemen for the 2017 recruiting class.
Fred Ulu-Perry, who can play all five line positions, resumed working out with the team in April. Ulu-Perry, a former Saint Louis School standout who played one season at UCLA, did not participate in UH’s spring training because of personal issues. He is projected to start this season.
Eperone Moananu, who redshirted as a sophomore last year, has been activated and will be in the line rotation