Quotes about the LBs

About their starting LBs being out with injury, JJ said:
"They went just for a while. They started to get tight. I'm not worried because they know what to do." (HSB)


About taking their team coming back from injury, Sol Eliminian said:
"We just want to ease our way into it. It's early in the season. We don't want to rush back because we don't want it to linger on." (HSB)


About how the backup LBs are getting a lot of reps with the starters out, Eliminian said:
"Guys are stepping up. R.J. (Kiesel-Kauhane) is a sleeper, he's out there and playing really well. Timo (Paepule's) taken it upon himself to lead at the middle linebacker, and Brad (Kalilimoku) is as good as any of us." (HSB)


After competing in position drills but being held out of the open practice, Adam Leonard said:
"I just want to make sure I don't get out there and pull anything, but also try to get it where I can start stretching it out and running again. We're just taking it slowly and making sure I'm ready for the first game. With the hamstring it's hard to tell, you don't want to get out there, re-injure it and be out even longer. So we're just trying to play it safe, but push it where I can get back as soon as possible." (HSB)


About missing practices, Eliminian said:
"It's definitely frustrating as competitors when your teammates are out there having fun and practicing. You want to be out there with your team. I understand it's early in the season and Coach wants us to make sure we come back able to perform." (HSB)


About missing pratices, Adam Leonard said:
"Nothing beats (practice), but the most important thing if I'm out is to make sure I pay as much attention as possible so when I get in there I know everything." (HSB)



Feeling more adjusted to the 4-3 now that he's had increased reps, Paepule (playing in Eliminian's spot) said:
"I feel a lot more comfortable than before. At first I was a little shaky. I understand what Solomon goes through now, he has a lot of pressure. Being in that middle you're like the quarterback of the defense. We have a good relationship, we trained together this summer, we're real tight, we help each other out. It's good competition." (HSB)


About how R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane has moved up the depth chart by taking advantage of the increased reps available, LB coach Cal Lee said:
"R.J. has just been a pleasant surprise. It shows in the offseason he worked hard. He came in prepared and ready to go. He's getting a lot of reps and in return he's become a better player. He's a guy we wouldn't be afraid to put in and play. The best thing that came out of this is we had a chance to look at more guys and find players who want to play." (HSB)


After Patek broke up 2 passes and Newberry and Porlas intercepted Colt's passes into the end zone and Erik Robinson intercepted Funaki in 7-on-7 drills, Colt said to the D:
"Watch these next two plays." (HSB)

Note: Colt then threw TDs to Rivers and Lane.


About the trash talking in practice, Paepule (who tipped a pass in that drill) said:
"It's always like that, it's just fun. We have to let Colt know it ain't gonna be easy, we're gonna bring it. ... (When Brennan starts talking) we know he's in the zone." (HSB)