Hey Guys, when does Hamani Stevens come back? Or is he?

[UofDuck]

At three hunsky, and a love for the D-line (worked on it for a short period before he left on his mission) and real athletic talent, could we expect him back soon AND will he fill a void at DT next season? I know he was to be gone for two years, but when did that clock start?

Will he high five Hemuli as they switch spots for the next 2 years? Inquiring minds want to know. Rumors on Hemuli going a mission too?

Bair also went on a 2 year mission, as did Will Tu... - who just signed with SF 49'ers. Maybe we will have a revolving door for these type of kids. As long as they come back, it might end up being a good thing for maturity purposes?

PS, I didn't know where to plug the Hemani question in? War Room? Kinda - he has been gone so long and might be coming back, so I think it makes it war room chatter.

[greenyellow]

I think he just left for his mission during the middle of last season. Add the typical 2 years for that mission and he wouldn't be back until about the 2011 season, but I don't think the coaches would want him in mid-season so would push him back until about the 2012. That would mean he will have been out of football for almost 4 years.

[Duck07]

When he left he was adamant that he would return to Eugene. I don't recall him leaving mid-season but rather after the season. Missions aren't always strict on the 24 months so depending on his plans, I don't think it would be that absurd to see him in fall camp next year. Also, I don't think he'll be playing defense. He switched a few times when he got to eugene but Chip had him at C and chances are good thats where he'll be when he returns.

[gofightingducks]

Heimuli said that football will play a role in his decision on whether or not he will go on a mission, so it is possible that like Ngata if he he gets plenty of playing time and does well he may forgo his mission. In the LDS church members also sometimes serve a mission later in life, usually as a couple during retirement. I read somewhere that Ngata plans on serving that type of mission. It is considered to be very important to serve a mission as a young man but it is not as strict as it once was so he may not feel pressured to go on one if he is doing well in football and has the opportunity to get to the NFL.

[PDXShogun]

Maybe I'm the only one, but from what I've seen and heard I'm starting to feel a lot more comfortable about future of the D-tackle position. If Heimuli sticks around, I think he and Wade Keliikipi will have those spots nailed down for the next 2-3 years. Add Taylor Hart, another freshmen, and that makes an excellent 3 man rotation.

...of course if Heimuli leaves, that's another story.

[Howry]

Alot of times guys will bypass their mission early since they can get to making good money which will help the church and then later go on to take their mission. They have to get a certain % so the sooner he can get to the NFL the more money they will be able to get which is usually a consideration.

[Boom]

I believe Ngata skipped his mission so that he could support his brothers and sisters, since both of his parents had past away.

[MacDuck]

I know for a fact that Hamani did not leave prior to November of last Fall. The earliest I have heard he would be done, assuming that Nov '09 was when he left, would be around Nov. to Dec. of next year (if he does full 2 year mission).

If he still wants to pursue CFB upon completion and we're fortunate enough to retain him, then figure Spring ball 2012 for his return at the earliest. I believe he would then be 4 to play 4 starting in Sept. 2012.

[greenyellow]

I know for a fact that Hamani did not leave prior to November of last Fall. The earliest I have heard he would be done, assuming that Nov '09 was when he left, would be around Nov. to Dec. of next year (if he does full 2 year mission).

If he still wants to pursue CFB upon completion and we're fortunate enough to retain him, then figure Spring ball 2012 for his return at the earliest. I believe he would then be 4 to play 4 starting in Sept. 2012.

That means he would be like 22 years old as a RS FR, which isn't too unusual for those who have taken missions. Brandon Bair and Mark Asper both took missions and are probably the oldest members of the team.

[woundedknees]

Big Bair has been a huge diappointment, eh?

Imagine Stevens with that kind of mature work ethic and leadership...

[polyduck]

Hamani is in the Philipines on his mission. Originally he wanted to play after his RED shirt year..which would of been this year, but he wanted to complete his mission at the same time as his brother who's on his mission right now too. He's on a football scholarship @ Utah. But....Hamani IS going to be back at of U of O when he's done...and he's looking forward to it!

[greenyellow]

Hamani is in the Philipines on his mission. Originally he wanted to play after his RED shirt year..which would of been this year, but he wanted to complete his mission at the same time as his brother who's on his mission right now too. He's on a football scholarship @ Utah. But....Hamani IS going to be back at of U of O when he's done...and he's looking forward to it!

Great to hear that he'll more than likely be coming back here.

[greenyellow]

Out of curiosity, what took him so long to start his mission? I expected him to be back by next season, I'm really surprised he was still around last November.

I think that he was wanting to do his mission with his brother and he wasn't ready until November of last year.

[Phenom]

Good stuff! Thanks polyduck!

[Bigducker]

Hope he stayed in shape. Tukuatfu and Bair were only gone 2 years. Going to be a lot harder to come back after 3-4 years .