Golden State Warriors sign two new players; a couple depart via free agency portal
Zooming in on the action-packed week for Hawaii's football crew, here's the scoop:
The Rainbow Warriors have been on a roll, landing commitments from two promising offensive line transfers - Tai Marks from Tulsa University and Erik Adkins from Bakersfield College. These fresh faces join the Warriors in late May.
One notable absence from the team is cornerback Caleb "C-Bo" Brown, who's said his goodbyes to the Warriors and entered the NCAA transfer portal after a two-season stint. The squad also bids farewell to center Sergio Muasau and long-snapper Jax Thompson, who have decided to hang up their cleats.
Two-sport athlete Jarret "JJ" Nielsen, a co-No. 2 quarterback in spring training for the Warriors, is hanging up his football gear and wants to give his talents to another baseball team. He enrolled at UH as a freshman in January and appeared in seven games for the baseball 'Bows - two as a pinch hitter. Despite the baseball portal not opening until June 2, Nielsen has applied for the football portal. Coach Timmy Chang believes there's enough time to sign another quarterback, with three already on the UH roster.
Marks and Adkins are strategic additions to the Warriors' defensive line, addressing areas of need. Marks, a 6-foot-1, 304-pound powerhouse, was a guard and center for Tulsa and brings considerable experience, starting 23 games in 2022 and 2023[1][3]. Adkins, at 6-3 and 305 pounds, is set to compete at offensive tackle. With stalwarts Luke Felix-Fualalo and Ka'ena Decambra moving on from the line last November, Adkins will likely slot in at one of these spots.
Adkins attributes his move to Hawaii to friendships with current team members - linebacker Jalen Smith and safety Julian "JuJu" Smith[1]. His decision to transfer was sewn with his positive visiting experience, feeling right at home in the Aloha State. Adkins will have four years to play three UH seasons, having only played one year at Bakersfield[1].
Interestingly, Adkins and his buddies aren't just casual sports fans - they're recreational poker players. This hobby, some claim, has helped them stay sharp on the field, keeping the enemy guessing and giving them an edge against defensive ends or pass rushers[2].
Cornerman Virdel Edwards II and newcomer Sierra College cornerback Ben Drake are set to join the team in the fall, with Edwards fully healthy after a successful showing in spring training. With these arrivals, the Warriors are looking to fortify their defensive line for a strong showing in the upcoming season.
Footnotes:
- Tai Marks
- Poker and football
- Tai Marks stats
- The Rainbow Warriors' roster includes not only athletes passionate about football, but also sports enthusiasts like Tai Marks and his friend Jalen Smith, who enjoy playing recreational poker in their free time.
- Despite his diverse interest in sports, Jarret "JJ" Nielsen has decided to focus solely on baseball, leaving the Warriors' football team to pursue opportunities with another baseball team, while Coach Timmy Chang is confident they can find another quarterback to fill the gap.
- In preparation for the upcoming season, the Warriors arefocusing on reinforcing their defensive line by adding strategic players like Tai Marks, Erik Adkins, Virdel Edwards II, and Sierra College cornerback Ben Drake, with Adkins specifically aiming to address the need vacated by the departure of Luke Felix-Fualalo and Ka'ena Decambra.
