Spring practices are known for position changes and some are certainly more unusual than others. But if you leave things up to Dan Hawkins, they get really strange in a hurry. Just ask Kai Maiava. Maiava was recently moved by Hawkins from offensive guard to fullback."I always was a little undersized for a lineman, so I think that's what pushed coach towards making me a fullback. So I can still block for them," Maiava said.This switch is even more bizarre given the accolades Maiava had earned at his previous position. Maiava made the Scout.com freshman All-America team and was also the recipient of the Lee Willard Award, which is awarded annually to the Colorado's top freshman. So it seems Maiava had a ton of talent at guard. The type of talent would allow you build an offensive line around in the years to come.
As Maiava continues to try the new position, he said his comfort level is not what it used to be. However, he was quick to point out his willingness to try a new spot.
"I thought it would be cool to at least try it out, and if I didn't like it, I could probably switch back during the summer," Maiava said. "But I thought I'd try it out, and I'm starting to like it... (but) I'm fairly uncomfortable. I don't really know the plays yet. I don't even know where to line up half the time. But I'm sure once I learn everything I'll begin to like it."
But that type of thinking makes little sense to Dan Hawkins.
"I'd like him to be an offensive guard in the backfield," Hawkins said. "We want him to pick up blitzes, be a lead blocker and maybe catch three passes this year."And when Dan Hawkins wants an offensive guard in the backfield, that's what Dan Hawkins gets.
via EDSBS
