University of Hawaii safety Kilinahe Mendiola-Jensen decided he would rather run than walk.

With the option of participating in Saturday’s commencement ceremony at UH, Mendiola-Jensen instead chose to compete in the Rainbow Warriors’ football practice. The 90-minute workout was held in wet conditions at Roosevelt High School ahead of Wednesday’s Sheraton Hawaii Bowl at the Ching complex.

“This is going to be my last (college) game,” Mendiola-Jensen said. “I just wanted to spend time with the boys. I had a senior walk on senior night (in the Warriors’ regular-season finale). I felt it would be the same thing. I wanted to focus on football.”

Mendiola-Jensen is the Warriors’ fifth-leading tackler (41 stops). He also has two interceptions and five pass breakups.

With next-level aspirations, Mendiola-Jensen said, “this is where I want to be. I want to be at practice.”

Mendiola-Jensen played in 17 games in two years with UNLV. He then decided to relinquish a scholarship to transfer to UH as a walk-on.

Don’t miss out on what’s happening!

“They were a little hesitant at first,” Mendiola-Jensen said of his parents’ initial reaction. “At the end of the day, they fully supported me. They let me do whatever I want to do. At the time, that’s what I wanted to do, and they supported that decision. No regrets. Just keep going. I took a leap of faith for two years when I came back home. I made one of the best decisions of my life.”

Mendiola-Jensen eventually earned a starting safety’s job … and a UH scholarship.

Edwards back to full health

It seemed like old times for cornerback Virdel Edwards II.

He ran stride-for-stride with receivers of different heights and gears. He helped younger teammates with coverages. He was healthy.

“I was grateful to be able to practice at 100%,” Edwards said of Saturday’s session. “I like being with the team, and I’m enjoying the time we have together. I’m making memories but also staying disciplined and focused on the main goal, which is to win (Wednesday’s) game. I want to have fun with the brothers I’ve been working with and grinding with all season.”

After spending three years with Iowa State, Edwards transferred to UH with the intent of playing one, maybe two seasons in Manoa. Two became three and now, after receiving a medical hardship for the 2024 season, Edwards is a bowl away from completing his seventh — and final — NCAA season. He previously received a redshirt year and COVID-19-season exemption.

“I’ve had an opportunity to play here and do what I need to do to have a shot at the next level,” Edwards said. “Right now, I’m being where my feet are, enjoying the ride, working hard, and trying to finish well with the team.”

This season, he has endured an ankle issue. He missed the regular-season finale because of an eye infection.

“My family came to see me for senior night,” he said. “I wanted to play for them. I know they paid a lot of money to see me. But they took the time to love on me and help me get right. That’s why I healed so fast.”

At 6-2 and 215 pounds, Edwards has the build for safety or linebacker. But he also has the desired cornerback’s combo of size, speed and mouthpiece-loosening hits. He also has bonded with defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman.

“With every bump in the road, he’s been there to help,” Edwards said. “He let me know he’ll be in my life for a very long time. I appreciate that. He’s been a great coach and a great man to look up to.”

Roosevelt reunion

In scramble mode, the Warriors turned to a former star quarterback.

With commencement ceremonies scheduled at UH on Saturday, the Warriors needed a practice site ahead of Wednesday’s Sheraton Hawaii Bowl. Quarterbacks coach Chad Kapanui used his contacts to secure his alma mater, Roosevelt High School, for the UH practice.

The turf has aged. It appears the original lockers were never replaced. But the Warriors enjoy the true grit. Or as a coach reminded them during warmups, “You’re not at Punahou. This is Roosevelt.”

“It’s my alma mater, I love it here,” defensive end Ka‘eo Akana said. “It’s home. No place like home.”

Kapanui was a standout Rough Riders quarterback who went on to play multiple positions with the Warriors.

“It’s good to step back into the school where you played,” Kapanui said. “Being an alumnus, a proud alumnus, it was a blessing for us to practice at Roosevelt. We’re grateful we can be here practicing for the bowl game.”