By Dave Reardon

Three sources close to the situation have told me Hawaii defensive tackles and special teams coach Ikaika Malloe is leaving UH to be an assistant coach at Yale. One of them said Malloe has informed head coach Greg McMackin. Malloe has not returned recent phone calls from the Star-Bulletin. Malloe’s connection is new Yale head coach Tom Williams, who was an assistant at Washington, where Malloe was a star player. Williams was also an assistant at UH at one time. With Alex Gerke’s departure last month for Utah State, that leaves two openings on the Warriors staff. UPDATE: I spoke with Malloe late this afternoon and he confirmed he is leaving, middle of next month. He said it was a very difficult decision, especially since he and his wife (a local girl) finally got to return to Hawaii with their kids and are now leaving after just one year. But it’s a defensive coordinator’s position for a head coach to whom he is very close. His goal is to be a head coach some day, and he feels he must take this opportunity. Jason Kaneshiro will have details and quotes from Malloe and Greg McMackin in his story in the Wednesday SB.

By Dave Reardon

Davone Bess has agreed to appear at “An Evening With Colt Brennan,” the Feb. 3 benefit at The Willows for the Hawaii Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Call 952-9200 for ticket information. … UPDATE: Greg McMackin has also accepted an invitation to the event.

By Dave Reardon

Just got word that DE David Veikune is in the Senior Bowl, from his agent, Kenny Zuckerman. Veikune was to play in the East-West Shrine Game on Jan. 17, but when the Senior Bowl calls, that’s where you go. This is huge for Veikune, who will be observed all week by NFL scouts, coaches and execs. He joins LS Jake Ingram in Mobile, Ala., for the Jan. 24 game. 

By Dave Reardon

The following is a statement I just received by e-mail from former UH football coach Bob Wagner:

I have been honored to be a finalist for the University at Hilo Athletic director position, but I have removed myself as a candidate.  I feel the position is not a good fit for me and my family at this time. I want to thank UH Hilo and the many individuals involved for the time they have spent with me and in the very professional way the search is being conducted. I also want to thank the leadership of Kamehameha Hawaii for giving me the opportunity to apply for the position. I wish the University of Hilo all the best as they move forward with their many outstanding initiatives.

By Dave Reardon

We’ve gotten word that quarterback recruit Corey Neilsen will be announced as national prep player of the year by USA Today and Old Spice on Feb. 5.

By Dave Reardon

Kenny Zuckerman of Priority Sports & Entertainment is the agent for Ryan Mouton and David Veikune. He said today that both former Warriors will be at the NFL Combine. Right now they are preparing at the Athletes Performance Institute in Los Angeles and will play in the Shrine Game in Houston next week.

By Dave Reardon

I like college football’s system better than the NFL’s. Here’s a quick fix to make the NFL system more fair: Simply guarantee that both teams get the ball on offense at least once instead of using pure sudden-death. This also makes for tough decision-making for the team that gets the ball first regarding going for a field goal or TD, kicking an extra point  or going for two — perhaps choosing to kickoff if you win the toss. Weigh in.

By Dave Reardon

Word we’re getting is that C.J. Hawthorne did a great job on the Buffalo Bills practice squad this year, and they want him back next season. With his speed, versatility and sincere team-first attitude, don’t be surprised if he makes the team next year as a special teams player and backup at either receiver or cornerback.Hawthorne was one of the spiritual leaders of UH’s 2007 dream season (and also made some great catches), and should not be forgotten. 

By Dave Reardon

UH linebacker Solomon Elimimian has signed with agent Wynn Silberman of the Morgan Advisory Group. He joins snapper Jake Ingram, who signed with Silberman last Thursday. … Silberman said it won’t be a problem if Elimimian doesn’t play in an all-star game because of his body of work over four years at UH. Performance at pro day and the NFL Combine will be important for him. Elimimian plans to train in the San Diego area or the Bay Area.

By Dave Reardon

 Agent Kenny Zuckerman, who has an excellent track record with Hawaii football players including Olin Kreutz and Davone Bess, has signed Ryan Mouton and David Veikune. Both will train at Athletes Performance Institute in Carson, Calif., at the Home Depot Center where UH does its annual pro day.They’ll both play in the East-West Shrine Game in Houston, Jan. 17.