A New Chapter for the Warriors' Line
Dean Briski, a senior offensive lineman for the Hawai‘i Warriors, is set to make a pivotal adjustment as he moves from left tackle to the right side of the line for his final college season. He logged 783 of 788 snaps at left tackle in 2025 and earned his degree from Samoana High School in Pago Pago, American Samoa, before joining the program in 2022.
The shift comes after the program lost three starting linemen — Zhen Sotelo, Kuao Peihopa and James Milovale — to graduation following a 9‑4 campaign in 2025. With those departures, the coaching staff has turned to younger talent and versatile players to fill the void.
Among the newcomers is Uluaki Taukiuvea, a right‑tackle prospect from Utah who transitioned from quarterback in high school. Though slated as a second‑string option, his size and athleticism are seen as valuable assets as the unit experiments with new alignments.
Cultural Continuity in the Locker Room
Briski has emphasized the importance of practice repetition and confidence in mastering the new position. He notes that the change demands quicker footwork and a different set of pass‑protection responsibilities, but he embraces the challenge as a way to extend his impact.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Briski is vocal about preserving Polynesian language and cultural traditions within the locker room. He believes that maintaining those roots not only strengthens team identity but also provides a sense of continuity for players of Pacific Island heritage.
Micah Alejado, the Mountain West Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, will be the quarterback protected by Briski on the right edge. The duo hopes the upgraded line will translate into faster activation routines and greater speed, key factors in the team’s championship aspirations for 2026.