East-West Shrine Game
NFL Players Association Collegiate Bowl

Six former University of Hawai'i football players are playing in all-star games this year, including defensive tackles Kaniela Tuipulotu, Vaughn Meatoga and Zach Masch, who will be in action this weekend.

Tuipulotu and Meatoga will play in the 87^th East-West Shrine Game, which will be held Saturday, Jan. 21 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. Kick-off for the game is 4:00 p.m. ET (11:00 am HT) and will be televised on the NFL Network.

Masch will play in Saturday's AstroTurf NFL Players Association Collegiate Bowl, held at The Home Depot Center in Los Angeles, Calif., at 6:00 p.m. PT (4:00 p.m. HT). The game will be televised on VERSUS.
 
Tuipulotu and Meatoga were named to the all-Western Athletic Conference second team following the 2011 season. Meatoga, of Kalaheo, Kaua'i, and Tuipulotu, of Lahaina, Maui, formed a formidable frontline with Masch, of Nevada City, Calif., for the Warrior defense. Meatoga started nearly every game since his sophomore season while Tuipulotu was a two-year starter after transferring from Arizona. Masch started nine games at end and recorded 40 tackles, including 4.5 for loss and two forced fumbles.
 
A total of 18 former Warriors have competed in the East-West Shrine Game not including this year's participants. Last season, former Warrior running back Alex Green and offensive lineman Laupepa Letuli both competed in the Shrine Game.
 
The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl is in its first year and provides a unique experience for its collegiate all-stars to engage with current and former NFL players.

Wide receiver Royce Pollard, offensive lineman Brett Leonard and linebacker Aaron Brown competed in the Casino Del Sol Challenge All-Star Game which was held at Kino Stadium in Tucson, Ariz., Monday, Jan. 16. The former Warriors were on the “Stripes” team which played against the “Stars.” Former UH coach Dick Tomey was an assistant for “Stripes” head coach Pat Hill.
 
Brown, a Puyallup, Wash., native was a first team all-WAC pick after recording 103 total tackles, including 13.0 for loss and 4.5 sacks, and tying for the team-lead with three interceptions.
 
Both Pollard and Leonard were named to the all-WAC second team. Pollard, of San Diego, Calif., had a breakout 2011 season with finishing with 71 receptions for 1,011 yards and tied for the team-lead with eight touchdowns. He completed his career with 2,140 career yards which ranks 13th all-time in school history. Leonard, a Hollister, Calif., native started the first eight games at left guard before finishing the season at left tackle.