Michael Eletise really wants to play against Hawaii. The Arizona Wildcats freshman is from Honolulu and grew up rooting for the Rainbow Warriors.
It’s unlikely to happen — even though the UA coaching staff is bullish on the potential of the 6-foot-3, 318-pound offensive guard.
Except in the rarest of cases, offensive linemen sit out their rookie seasons at the UA (and most schools). The transition from high school to college is considered the most difficult at two positions: quarterback and offensive line.
“It’s really night and day,” Arizona offensive line coach Jim Michalczik said. “He was a kid in high school that could run into somebody and they fell down. In college, they don’t fall down. You’ve got to run into them and maintain the block.
“He’s on that border — should we play him? Should we redshirt him? Right now we’re trying to hold him back if we can.”
It’s a tribute to Eletise’s talent and work ethic that the coaches are even having that conversation. But as Michalczik mentioned, their preference is to redshirt him.
So barring a series of injuries to those ahead of him on the depth chart, Eletise will have to settle for suiting up against his hometown team and rooting for his current squad. His parents will be part of the UA cheering section for the first time.
Nofo and Marie are making the trip to the mainland. Eletise’s sister, Keilani, attended the Wildcats’ first two games. She’s a student at Grand Canyon University.
Michael has been adjusting to living apart from them for the first time.
“I miss my family,” he said. “I miss the beach. I love Arizona. Hawaii has its good stuff, but Arizona has good stuff, too.”
Eletise planned to show his parents what his new life is like, including a tour of campus and meals at some of his favorite spots, including Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and Illegal Pete’s. (His go-to dish there? “Steak nachos with double steak and double queso.”)
As far as playing or redshirting this season, Eletise doesn’t have a strong preference.
“Honestly, I don’t really mind either way,” he said. “It would be nice to play this year. It would also be nice to have the year off to get stronger and learn the system better.”
