BOCA RATON – A late addition from the junior college ranks figures to offer immediate help to FAU at a position of need.
Former San Diego St. offensive lineman William Tuihalamaka signed with FAU earlier this summer and is already on campus attending classes.
Tuihalamaka, who goes by the nickname “Hala,” attended San Diego St. for one season before transferring to Moorpark College, where he played last year.
At 6-foot-4, 330 pounds, Tuihalamaka is expected to play guard for FAU. He has three years of eligibility remaining.
The addition of Tuihalamaka provides a boost to an offensive line searching for an identity. The Owls were decimated by injuries along their front five last season and four players who figured to be listed on the two-deep missed all of spring practice.
The news grew worse for FAU when JUCO tackle Joey Palmer, who signed with the Owls in February and was expected to quickly work his way into the starting lineup, told OwlAccess.com that he did not qualify academically and will be attending Division II Angelo St. instead.
Tuihalamaka, who reportedly held offers out of Miami and Washington St. out of high school, should be able to immediately contend for a starting spot on an offensive line that will likely shuffle frequently during fall camp.
At Conference USA’s media days last week Kiffin told a broadcast audience that all the injured Owls are expected to return – if not for the start of camp then by the time the Owls open their season on Sept. 1 against Navy.
FAU begins fall camp on Thursday.
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