Enhancements to defensive line made by prime acquisitions boost Rainbow Warriors' defensive unit
New Defensive Linemen Bolster University of Hawaii's Football Team
The University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football team has strengthened its defensive front for the 2025 season with the addition of two impactful transfers, Luther McCoy and De’Jon Benton.
Benton, a transfer from New Mexico, stands at 6-2 and weighs 280 pounds, while McCoy, a transfer from Minnesota, is listed at 6 feet 5 and 305 pounds. Both players bring collegiate experience from Power 5 and Group of 5 programs respectively.
The University of Hawaii coaches were keen to reload their interior linemen through the transfer portal and thoroughly vetted both McCoy and Benton before offering them scholarships. According to the 2025 Hawaii depth chart, Benton and McCoy are positioned among the key defensive linemen alongside players like Tariq Jones, indicating their expected significant playing time and role in the defensive front.
Benton's powerful punch and versatility across different positions on the defensive line make him a valuable asset. He aspires to play professional football and has earned a spot as part of the protection wall for punter Billy Gowers. Benton describes football as an outlet for self-expression and violence.
McCoy, who describes himself as a "scrapper," is compared to the late heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier by defensive line coach Jeff Reinebold due to his powerful punch. McCoy played in 35 games in four years at USC before transferring to Minnesota. He missed four years of football due to his injuries, but he believes the adversity helped shape his mental fortitude.
McCoy graduated at the end of the 2024 fall semester with a 3.6 grade-point average and a degree in business and marketing. He interned as a financial adviser for Northwestern Mutual last summer. McCoy's size suggests he may play more of a run-stopping interior line role, while Benton could be a versatile presence on either the interior or edge, providing pressure against opposing offenses.
Both McCoy and Benton entered the transfer portal at the end of the 2024 season, with McCoy seeking a fresh start and Benton seeking a more stable environment. McCoy was a two-time All-Academic Big Ten player and won the Big Ten Scholar-Athlete Award during his time at Minnesota. Benton played in 35 games in four years at USC before transferring to New Mexico, where he suffered a biceps tear.
Benton took a step back after transferring to New Mexico, but he feels his journey has led him to his current self. He has found a new home at the University of Hawaii and is eager to contribute to the team's success in the 2025 season. McCoy, too, is excited to be a part of the Rainbow Warriors and is determined to make a positive impact on the defensive front.
In summary, Luther McCoy and De’Jon Benton are impactful defensive line transfers for Hawaii in 2025, bringing collegiate experience from Power 5 and Group of 5 programs respectively and are anticipated to be integral parts of the team's defensive front. Specific prior achievements are not detailed in the available information, but their enrollment and position on the depth chart highlight their importance to Hawaii’s defense.
- The business acumen of Luther McCoy, who graduated with a 3.6 GPA and a degree in business and marketing, could prove beneficial for both the University of Hawaii football team and potential future endeavors within the sports industry.
- The environment at the University of Hawaii appears to have appealed to both transfer defensive linemen, Luther McCoy and De’Jon Benton, as they sought a more stable and nurturing atmosphere to further their football careers.
- The University of Hawaii football team's strategic reinforcement of their defensive front, targeting players like McCoy and Benton, suggests a comprehensive sports-analysis approach to addressing areas of improvement for the 2025 season.
- The addition of Luther McCoy and De’Jon Benton to the University of Hawaii's football team not only bolsters the team's defense but also demonstrates the team's commitment to promoting a healthy, competitive, and vibrant football environment.
- The University of Hawaii's football team's recruitment of transfers from universities such as USC, Minnesota, New Mexico, and others exemplifies the growing interconnectedness within the American-football landscape as players seek new opportunities and colleges search for talent to enhance their programs.
