The University of Hawai’i football team has achieved a milestone by placing 11 players on the Mountain West’s All-Conference teams, matching the program record set in 2019. Among those recognized are placekicker Kansei Matsuzawa, who was named Special Teams Player of the Year, and quarterback Micah Alejado, who earned Freshman of the Year honors.
Three Rainbow Warriors were selected for the first team: Matsuzawa, receiver Jackson Harris, and defensive lineman Jackie Johnson III. The second team included receiver Pofele Ashlock, defensive lineman De’Jon Benton, and kick returner Cam Barfield. Five additional players received honorable mention: Alejado, defensive back Peter Manuma, linebacker Jamih Otis, defensive back Elijah Palmer, and offensive lineman Zhen Sotelo.
Alejado is the first Hawai’i player to be named Mountain West Freshman of the Year. He has been recognized six times as MW Freshman of the Week this season and is a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander National Freshman of the Year award. Previous conference freshman honorees from Hawai’i include Davone Bess, Timmy Chang, Charles Tharp, and Jamal Farmer.
Matsuzawa is only the second Rainbow Warrior to win MW Special Teams Player of the Year since Mike Edwards in 2012. He also becomes just the third all-time conference special teams honoree from Hawai’i after Jason Elam in 1992 (WAC). Matsuzawa completed 25 out of 26 field goal attempts this season and set multiple school and FBS records along with several weekly awards.
Other notable performances include Jackson Harris leading his team with 963 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns; Jackie Johnson III recording a team-high 7.5 sacks; Pofele Ashlock achieving over 700 receiving yards; Cam Barfield averaging nearly 30 yards per kickoff return; De’Jon Benton leading interior linemen with pressures; Peter Manuma topping tackles for his squad; Jamih Otis making significant contributions at linebacker; Elijah Palmer excelling at nickelback with two interceptions; and Zhen Sotelo not allowing a sack across more than 860 snaps played this season.
The full list of honored players reflects both individual achievement and collective progress for Hawai’i football during their current campaign.
