With a 2-2 split in their non-league schedule, the University of Hawaii football team is ready to begin the second phase of their season as they kick off Mountain West Conference play this weekend. The Rainbow Warriors, who were idle last week will hit the road to open their conference slate at San Diego State on Saturday. This reset of the season also brings a key roster update: redshirt freshman cornerback and aspiring two-way player Israel Solomon will be making the trip to Southern California. Solomon, a former defensive captain at IMG Academy, spent time under defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman at Colorado where he redshirted in 2023. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rob DeMello KHON (@robdemello) Despite his winding journey, the Dallas, Texas native believes everything happens for a reason and is eager to make his mark at UH. His connection to Hawaii runs deep, as he is the son of former Rainbow Wahine volleyball standout Sarah Mason, who helped lead UH to prominence in her two seasons with the program. Sarah Mason in 2005 with Rainbow Wahine “You know, my mom played volleyball here, so I feel like everything came around full circle. I’m just here to work and get the program to where we need to be,” Solomon said. “We’re in a good place right now, and we just got to keep going.” Mason, a Hilo native that attended Saint Joseph's ended her collegiate run as a Rainbow in spectacular fashion, earning first-team All-WAC honors, helping guide the Wahine to a 29 win season that ended in the NCAA Tournament regional championship match. Solomon, hasn’t played in a game since his senior season at IMG Academy where he recorded 45 tackles, four interceptions, five pass breakups, and two-and-a-half sacks. Despite missing fall training camp and the first few weeks of the season, Solomon is patient and prepared to earn his role. “I already know the Scripture says those who come last will be first. So I know everything has a process,” Solomon said. “I’ve bought into the program. I’m just here to win, and I love this island. It feels like home already.” Solomon has been serving on the scout team at cornerback, going up against Hawaii’s first-team offense while also providing depth for the defensive back and special teams units. He’s also eager to contribute on offense if needed. “I’m ready to play wherever the team needs me, whether it’s on offense or defense. I want to make my mark here.” The Rainbow Warriors will depart the islands on Thursday, with kickoff against the Aztecs scheduled for 2 p.m. Hawaii time on Saturday. The game will be televised on CBS Sports Network, with a radio broadcast available on ESPN Honolulu.