Weber's Havili finding his niche with new team

OGDEN — When Sione Havili received a call from his buddy Jason Kaufusi last December, informing him that Ron McBride had accepted the coaching job at Weber State, it was as if the stars and planets had aligned just for him. There was no hesitation about what he would do next — make plans to move to Ogden.

"I just couldn't believe it, the opportunity to play for Coach Mac," Havili said. "Not only that, to be back in Utah was just something I felt I couldn't pass up. Also because it was an offensive system I just fit in."

Now, nine months later and more than a week into fall camp, the 6-foot-3, 260-pound senior is embracing his new surroundings. He is also eager to prove himself to coaches and teammates, especially at the deepest position on the team — running back. Havili is one of eight backs listed on the fall roster.

"We're pretty deep," Havili said. "It's going to be exciting. I think the best thing about it is there is a lot of competition. It's only going to make us all better. We'll see what happens at the end of fall camp. We're all just vying for that spot, and they are big shoes to fill."

The big shoes Havili is referring to are those of Nick Chournos, now the all-time leading rusher at Weber State. Chournos ran for 1,052 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Those also vying for the spot include sophomore Adrian Conway, junior Zach Hall, redshirt freshman Armon De'Launey and true freshmen Corey Thompson and Trevyn Smith. The other three will compete for the starting fullback spot. They include BYU senior transfer Moa Peaua, freshman Marcus Mailei and freshman Conrad Rodgers. McBride likes the depth in the backfield.

"It's the strongest position on the offense right now," McBride said of the running back core. "Conway is the best of the group right now, but these kids are all good players. It is very competitive with that group right now."

With the running backs in solid condition, McBride likes the progress of the offensive line. The left side will be anchored by twin brothers Paul and Pat McQuistan. Paul is a three-year starter at left tackle and Pat played in 10 games last season. David Hale is back at right tackle and Dimitri Tsoumpous is competing for the starting right guard. Chad Glover appears be the front-runner at center. McBride said the biggest offensive weakness is in the chemistry of the second-string offensive line.

Junior quarterback Ian Pizarro, who started the final four games of 2004, has the starting job locked up. He led the Wildcats to their only victory over Idaho State and compiled 69 of 134 passes for 1,038 yards on the season.