Monteilh and Laeli earn starting jobs

About his son Keao, who redshirted last season after switching from CB to S and just earned a starting spot, William Monteilh said:
"He worked really hard." (HA)


Praising Monteilh, JJ said:
"Keao showed up. He's been playing very well for us." (HA)

HA Note: "Thomas also will play extensively. The Warriors have three defensive schemes — base (4-3-4), nickel (4-2-5) and Oky (3-3-5). Monteilh will be the left safety in the base, and the nickelback in the nickel and Oky packages. Thomas will serve as the left safety in the nickel and Oky defenses."


About his situation, Desmond Thomas said:
"I'm a starter, but just not in the base package. It doesn't matter who's the first guy on the field. I'm going to play throughout the game." (HA)


About how Thomas will get a lot of playing time, GM said:
"We're going to play a lot of guys." (HA)

HA Note: "Monteilh was an All-State cornerback at Saint Louis School in 2003. He played safety as a UH freshman, then moved to cornerback as a sophomore in 2005, Jerry Glanville's first of two seasons as defensive coordinator. Glanville referred to Monteilh as "Haircut" and by his jersey number. "My first name was '30,' " Monteilh said, "my last was '5,' "

In December 2005, Monteilh suffered from appendicitis. His grades suffered while he recovered. In March 2006, he was dismissed from the team because of his academic problems. But he was reinstated in August 2006, and last January he earned back his scholarship."


About switching to S from CB, Monteilh said:
"I like to play safety. You get to see more. You get to see how the plays are developing." (HA)

HA Note: "William Monteilh has watched his son's improvement, having attended every practice the past three weeks. Father and son always have been close. Once, William Monteilh introduced his family to the King of Pop."


About Michael Jackson, Keao said:
"My dad was like his driver and bodyguard. He's a really nice guy. He gave us VIP tickets. His manager got us on the bus (to the concert) with the VIPs. We sat on the bus with Magic Johnson." (HA)


About his son Kanoa, who just started preschool, Monteilh said:
"He's a great kid." (HA)


About how Laeli won't ose his starting position due to injury, GM said:
"Anyone who gets hurt doesn't lose their position because of that." (HA)


About Laeli beating out Keala Watson for a starting spot, GM said:
"Fale has had such a great fall practice. He has worked himself into a starting tackle. That's nothing against Keala." (HA)


Considering Lafaele, Laeli, and Watson as starters in their 2 DT spots, GM said:
"They're the first three." (HA)

HA Note: "Siave Seti also will be part of the rotation. McMackin said Rocky Savaiigaea, who lost 30 pounds from last season and now weighs 300, and Josh Leonard, who moved from defensive end, will contribute."


About Josh Leonard, GM said:
"Josh Leonard is playing really well. We took his speed from the outside and put it inside. He's 275, 280, but he's a fast tackle. It's just a way to get more speed on the field." (HA)


About questions on whether or not he could hit, Monteilh said with a smile:
"They should've just asked me. I would've told them." (HSB)

HSB Note: "No, they had to see it. And they did. Five plays into Saturday's scrimmage at Aloha Stadium, there were no more questions."


About how Monteilh played in that scrimmage, GM said:
"He made the first four tackles." (HSB)


Praising Monteilh, secondary coach Rich Miano said:
"He has no weaknesses." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Two of the tackles weren't just your run-of-the-mill stops. They were sticks, and they helped Monteilh secure the starting job at free safety."


About how their starting defense is pretty set now, GM said:
"We're pretty well set -- I didn't really think of it, but we are. We're still rolling three teams. We think our second unit is pretty strong too, and some of those guys on that third unit we respect a lot, too." (HSB)


Not taking the starting position for granted, Monteilh said:
"Nothing's etched in stone. Desmond's a great player and we've got several other good safeties." (HSB)


About his situation, Thomas said:
"It's not a winner-loser thing. I'm still starting in two of the three packages." (HSB)


About how Monteilh is suited to play safety, Miano said:
"His understanding of the defense is unprecedented. He has a knack. He understands football. He has good skills and a feel for the game. We thought he could tackle, but he was out all year (as a redshirt last season)." (HSB)


About Laeli sitting out of practices, GM said:
"I think Jeff (defensive line coach Reinebold) is just keeping him out as a precaution." (HSB)