HONOLULU – University of Hawai'i running back Joey Iosefa participated in a live chat, Thursday, August 28 at 12 p.m. (HST), on UH's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HawaiiAthletics.
 
Last season, Iosefa rushed for a team-high 590 yards despite missing the majority of eight games due to a nagging foot injury. During the final four games of 2013, the Pago Pago, American Samoa native averaged 146.5 yards per game and scored five touchdowns. Iosefa has career totals of 1,601 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns and 49 receptions for 362 yards and three more scores. Iosefa is an early candidate for the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation's top running back.

Below is the transcript of the live chat.

Q: "The team will definitely need your leadership this season! How do you see your role in this capacity? #GoWarriors"
JI: "I try my very best every game. I try to lead by example on and off the field. I try to be more vocal when things aren't up to our standards as a senior on this team. That's what leaders do."
 
Q: "Good luck Joey and God bless you on your future endeavors after this season!"
JI: "Thank you Luke."
 
Q: "No question. Just hope you will play hard and stay healthy."
JI: "Thanks."
 
Q: "What's the plan in place to improve the running game this year?"
JI: "I think to continue to keep a balanced offense and getting better everyday."
 
Q: "Good luck to your team, hoping they will televise some of the games in California. Go Warriors!"
JI: "Thanks. Hope you can catch our road games in San Diego, San Jose, or Fresno."
 
Q: "Who should we be watching this season in terms of young leaders and key players on offense, defense, and special teams?"
JI: "We have a lot of young talent which is good. They are the future of this football team. Each year the freshmen come in with more and more talent. I think Kennedy Tuimasealii and Tavita Lataimua are stepping up on defense. And on offense we have a talented group of skill positions."
 
Q: "Joey.....you are a beast bro! Good luck to you and the boys this upcoming season! Burning Question: loco moco or chicken katsu?"
JI: "Both. But definitely loco moco; any time of day."
 
Q: "Sure wish the local talent from Hawaii would play for UH. It's hard to bring top players from the mainland. Hope you stay healthy this season. You all have a great coach!"
JI: "Thank you for your support Dennis."
 
Q: "Do you miss Samoan food?"
JI: "Yes. I miss palusami (like Hawaiian laulau). Every chance I get, I try to eat Samoan food here in Hawaii."
 
Q: "What do you think the record will be this season?"
JI: "I'm not sure what our record will be, but I promise you we will play our hearts out every single game and try our best!"
 
Q: "What training did you do to get where you are now when you were young?"
JI: "Back home in American Samoa, besides the normal weight training, I used to run in the sand, work on our family farm, climb coconut trees, and play a lot of rugby and volleyball."
 
Q: "Are you going to try out for the Manu Samoa after your career (and after the NFL comes calling...)?"
JI: "I'll keep all my options open, but right now all my focus is on this upcoming season and UW. Brian Lima was my idol growing up, he was known as a hard hitter."
 
Q: "What do you have to say to all the doubters towards this weekend? #BleedGreen"
JI: "We want to do all of our talking with our play on the field. Washington is a tough opponent and we have all the respect in the world for them...much like any other opponent we play. We don't listen to all the doubters because we all believe in each other and have each other's back."
 
Q: "When looking at the schedule, which opponent gets you hyped? You know the team you just want to beat to a pulp?"
JI: "Every game gets me hyped. It all starts this Saturday with a nationally ranked team coming into our house."
 
Q: "Let's go Joey! What NFL team would you like to be drafted to?"
JI: "I haven't given it much thought because I've been focusing on this upcoming season. But, I would be happy to play for any team that would give me the opportunity to play in the NFL."
 
Q: "What is your favorite memory from last season? A particular run? Touchdown?"
JI: "The navy game last season because it was my first time back in the lineup and I was able to do the things I wanted to do on the field. I ended with 191 yards!"
 
Q: "What has been the biggest learning curve for the team this off-season, the switch to a new defensive scheme or working on the new spread system on offense?"
JI: "They are equally as difficult. The defensive players have picked up the scheme well having both the spring and fall camps to prepare themselves. And speaking for the offense, we should have a good balance of running and passing. It will be fun to see on Saturday."
 
Q: "What did it take to get to that level?"
JI: "Hard work, dedication, and the love and the passion I have for the game. Most of all, the love and support I receive from everyone here at UH."
 
Q: "Do defenders give you respect during/after the games after you've blown them up?"
JI: "Yes, they do. I get a lot of respect from players after games. Players appreciate how hard each of us play, and I do the same to my defenders."
 
Q: "Howzit Joey! Mahalo for running so hard! We know you like blasting guys but you ever get worried about defenders taking shots at your legs/knees?"
JI: "This off-season I've been working really hard on taking care of my legs and working on techniques to avoid defenders cutting my legs out."
 
Q: "Is the offensive line ready to break you loose? I'd love to see some big gainers from you! Gets my blood pumpin'! Good luck this year!"
JI: "Thanks for your support. Yes our o-line is in top shape, much more physical, and ready to roll. I've been watching them doing extra conditioning on their own so that they can play at a higher level all four quarters."
 
Q: "Do you think you guys can win more than 4 games this season?"
JI: "Yes, I truly believe that we're going to win more than four games. Our team chemistry is the best its ever been for the past two years and the guys are all buying in. We've been through a lot and we believe this is our year to turn things around."
 
Q: "What made you pick UH? Go Warriors!"
JI: "Thanks Rich. UH was the first one to offer me and its closer my home in American Samoa. I will never regret choosing UH. I love it here, the culture, the people, everything; makes me feel like I'm home."
 
Thanks everyone for the support. We need each and every one of you this Saturday to cheer us on. I know the players really look forward to playing in front of a packed stadium. Joey out.