UCLA’s island connections run deep for season opener at Hawai’i

LOS ANGELES — UCLA defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe has received 65 ticket requests ahead of the Bruins’ season opener at University of Hawai’i.

Malloe, who is from Waimanalo, Hawaii, is expecting a lot of friends and family to come out for the game.

“That’s the island, that’s the culture,” Malloe said. “If there’s a person to support, they will, whether you’re a player or a coach.”

Saturday’s game, which is slated for a 4:30 p.m. PT kickoff on CBS (Ch. 2), is significant not just because it’s the first of the season, but also because of its location. It’s the first time UCLA has played at Hawai’i since 1938.

In addition to Malloe, there are four players on UCLA’s roster who call Hawaii home. Defensive lineman Sitiveni Havili Kaufusi, linebacker Mone Malafu, offensive lineman Tavake Tuikolovatu and receiver Titus Mokiao-Atimalala all come from the islands.

Mokiao-Atimalala’s younger brother, Tomatoa, is in his senior year at the school and scored a touchdown in the Rainbow Warriors’ season-opening victory over Delaware State on Saturday.

Malloe, who was an assistant at Hawai’i, in 2008, also has a deep connection with Timmy Chang, who is in his second year as head coach at Hawai’i and set NCAA records for all-time passing and total offense when he played quarterback for the school from 2000-2004.

“Our roots go back quite a bit, even from the playing days when he was at Saint Louis High School,” Malloe said.

“I’m an admirer of what he’s done. Just the opportunity that he has to represent the 808. All of us who come from Hawaii, we do our best even though it’s not for University of Hawai’i, it’s usually for the state of Hawaii, no matter where we are.”

Hawai’i is going all out for the game and is hosting an “Island Style” game promo, asking fans to wear green to signify the island’s unity on national television. Fans are also encouraged to bring Ti leaves for good luck and there will be a fly-over before the game.

“My family knows we’re in season now,” Malloe said. “It’s a different mindset, so I think I’ll see them hopefully Saturday night afterwards. At least see my parents. And hopefully, we’ll celebrate.”

Defensive depth chart

UCLA released its two-deep depth chart on Monday evening for its first game against Hawai’i. Jacob Busic and Devin Aupiu are starting at defensive end while Kain Medrano, Oluwafemi Oladejo and Ale Kaho will start at linebacker.

Jay Toia will start at nose and Keanu Williams will be at tackle. K.J. Wallace is starting at nickel, Devin Kirkwood and Jaylin Davies will be at corner and Bryan Addison and Ramon Henderson will be at safety.

Malloe, who will be coaching on the field, said he would like to rotate eight pass rushers into the game.

“And then in the fourth quarter,” he said, “whoever is hottest and winning battles after battles – those guys will play.”

The defensive coordinator added that the starters were easy to decide when coming up with a depth chart, but also acknowledged that it’s likely to change.

“There’s guys that have proven themselves to have a shot to play in the game and we’re going to make sure that everybody has a role to play,” he said. “I always think of the depth chart as a revolving door. Some guys have got to prove that they belong up top and others, that’s the carrot for them to continue to prove that they belong there.”