UCF OL Lokahi Pauole to return for 2023 season: ‘I am a Knight’
Like quarterback John Rhys Plumlee and tight end Alec Holler, UCF offensive lineman Lokahi Pauole will be back for the Knights’ inaugural season in the Big 12 Conference next year.
Pauole, who has started every game the last two seasons at guard, is using an extra year of eligibility granted to athletes by the NCAA due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“After being home for some time, I’ve had countless conversations with God and my family discussing my future,” Pauole wrote on social media. “As a native Hawaiian, I have a kuleana (responsibility) to be loyal and to have the backs of those that have mine. Respecting the program that helped me grow roots outside the islands I call home.
“That being said, I am a Knight,” he added. “I will forever be bleed black and gold. We’re not going anywhere.”
The return of Pauole is major for UCF’s offensive line. He’ll provide stability and leadership up front as experienced linemen Sam Jackson and Ryan Swoboda have exhausted their eligibility.
Pauole has earned some type of all-conference honor from the AAC’s coaches three seasons in a row — first-team this year, second-team last season and an honorable mention in 2020.
This season, the 6-foot-4, 305-pound offensive lineman helped UCF rush for 200 or more yards in nine of its 12 games.
Pauole and the Knights take on Duke in the Military Bowl in Annapolis, Md., on Dec. 28.
Email Jason Beede at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @therealBeede.
