John Fonoti, who was projected to start at weakside linebacker for the University of Hawai'i football team, will skip this season because of personal reasons. UH coach June Jones confirmed that Fonoti will not be on the active roster.

But Fonoti, who played as a true freshman last season, will remain on scholarship and is expected to remain enrolled at UH.

The Farrington High graduate is expected to rejoin the team for the spring semester.

Fonoti can use this season as a redshirt year. After this, he will have three years to play three seasons.

Brashton Satele, who redshirted as a freshman last year, and Amani Purcell, who transferred from Penn State, are the top candidates to succeed Fonoti. Last week, Purcell said he needed to pass a summer-session class to meet NCAA eligibility requirements.

Fonoti was one of the Warriors' top special team players last season. In March, Jeff Reinebold, who helps oversee UH's special teams, said: "We did a breakdown of our kickoff coverage, and it was like the 'John Fonoti Show.' He made some hellacious plays last year that only a great player makes."

Farrington coach Randall Okimoto said: "John Fonoti is a hard worker ... and a very respectful, humble person. I've heard nothing but good things about him."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.