Dean Briski, the powerful 6-foot-5, 305-pound redshirt senior, is making a huge position switch for the Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors this season, moving from left tackle to right tackle. This isn’t just some minor adjustment, man, this is Briski taking on a brand new challenge after playing an insane 783 of his 788 total snaps at left tackle in 2025. We’re talking about a significant shift for one of the team’s most experienced linemen, and it’s already sparking some serious energy in training camp.
Protecting the Future and Building a New Line
This move to right tackle means Briski is now protecting the blindside of left-handed quarterback Micah Alejado, who just snagged Mountain West Preseason Offensive Player of the Year honors. How clutch is that? You’ve got your star QB, and you put your beast veteran on his blindside. That’s a huge vote of confidence. Briski is one of only two returning offensive line starters for the Rainbow Warriors, with center Ethan Spencer being the other. They lost some big pieces in guards Zhen Sotelo and Kuao Peihopa, plus right tackle James Milovale, all to graduation after that sick 9-4 season in 2025 that capped off with a Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl win. Briski has even shown off his versatility before, lining up as a backfield tight end in their 34-13 victory over Nevada back in 2024. This dude can do it all, and now he’s leading the charge for a new-look unit.
Briski’s Fire: “I Just Want to Be That Person to Light Someone Up”
You gotta love Briski’s mindset about this whole thing. When the Hawaii Sports Radio Network caught up with him, he talked about feeling “super blessed” and “very confident” in the offseason work under Coach Bobby Thomas. The O-line is “building a new culture with a new group of boys,” and it’s all about “work and alignment” so the younger guys know who to follow. He’s right-hand dominant, so he feels like he “can really strike something” from the right side. It’s just about getting those reps in before the first game. When asked what he brings to the table, Briski dropped this absolute gem: “I feel like I got a fire. I just want to be like that guy they need to open up a gap or do this, do that. I just want to be that person to light someone up, open the hole up. I just really like the aggression part of being an O-lineman. I like being savvy too.” That’s the kind of intensity you need from your senior leader! He also acknowledged the big offensive transformation since Coach Anthony Arceneaux arrived, with Coach Winterhawk Leighton helping big-time in the run game.
This shift for Dean Briski is not just about a new position, it’s about him stepping up as the unquestioned leader on that line. With training camp in full swing, you can bet he’s grinding every rep to protect Alejado and pave the way for a strong run game. The Rainbow Warriors are coming off a winning season, and with Briski bringing that fire and savviness to the right side, the Mountain West better be ready for what Hawai’i is about to unleash.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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