Quotes about Fale Laeli

About how he hadn't done much at UH during his first 3 seasons, DT Fale Laeli said:
"I haven't done anything yet." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Laeli chose to fight. More precisely, he chose to train like a fighter. He signed up for boxing lessons at Palolo Gym. He jumped rope, worked on the speed and big bags, and sparred against the gym regulars. He also took his workouts to the next level."


About running daily in Nu'uanu, near the Pali Highway cutoff, Laeli said:
"I ran hills to work on my explosion. There are steep hills there. The training really helped." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Defensive coordinator Greg McMackin noticed the difference in Laeli, who reported to fall camp about 15 pounds lighter (he now packs 285 on his 6-foot-1 frame) and much quicker. This week, McMackin named Laeli as the No. 1 left tackle in the 4-3 base defense."


Praising Laeli's improvement during the offseason, GM said:
"Fale improved his endurance, and that's been a real benefit. Plus, he comes off the ball quickly." (HSB)


About how the DTs are critical in their defense, GM said:
"If it weren't for them, we couldn't play our package. When we're successful, it's because the tackles are making something happen." (HSB)

HSB Note: "At the snap, McMackin wants the defensive tackles to draw double teams, opening the way for the linebackers to swoop in, or storm into the gaps to make tackles."


About the DTs in his defense, GM said:
"They're not standing up and reading. They're beating their guy, and creating a second line of scrimmage. They're creating chaos. We can't run this defense without good tackles." (HSB)


Praising the improvement in Laeli, JR said:
"Fale has always been extremely talented. He seems to have matured a little bit. His practice habits have been better than they've ever been." (HSB)


About his improvement, Laeli said:
"I had a wake-up call. I figure it's my junior year. I had to turn some heads." (HSB)

HSB Note: "In addition to the ankle injury, Laeli has tendinitis in his left knee and discomfort in his right knee. Last year, he was diagnosed with a sprained anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Laeli opted to heal through rehabilitation treatments instead of surgery. He wears a brace to ease any stress on his right knee."