Quotes about UH's roster increasing by 9

HA Note: "Reporting to the Warriors are quarterback Kiran Kepo'o, slotback Mitch Farney, offensive lineman Nate McKay, defensive end Antwan "Tua" Mahaley, defensive tackle Keahi Watson, linebackers Jared Lene and Corey Peredes, cornerback Camron Carmona and safety Kenny Estes. At least six others will begin attending UH today, the first day of the fall semester, but will not join the Warriors until January. The NCAA limits each Division I-A team to 105 players during training camp, which ended Thursday for the Warriors. There are no roster limits once a school's fall term begins. But head coach June Jones said the Warriors have only 115 locker stalls in the athletic complex. There is room for more than 115 players if some share a locker. Of the nine players reporting today, all but Watson, Carmona and Peredes participated in spring training."


Keahi Watson, brother Keala Watson, is transferring from St. Francis (I-AA) and can practice but cannot play this season, and said:
"I'm ready. It wasn't too bad (not being invited to training camp). It was hard to keep working out on my own. They didn't have anybody to push me, like you would at practice." (HA)



Kenny Estes, who is 6-2, added muscle and now weighs 205.
6'2" Estes added muscle (205 pounds now) and is excited to practice again:
"I'm really excited about getting out there. I'm ready." (HA)


Mitch Farney practiced with the 1st team when RGM had an ankle injury last year but was left off of the training camp roster due to younger players neeing reps at other positions:
"It was tough, but I still went to film sessions, still did the workouts." (HA)


About being moved from WR to DE, Tua Mahaley said:
"Going from receiver to D-end is a big change. I wanted to bulk up and get stronger." (HA)

HA Note: "This will be the first time he will be playing on defense. He was a tight end in high school. What's more, the Warriors have implemented a new system under defensive coordinator Greg McMackin."


About playing D for the first time, Mahaley sadi:
"I'm trying to keep up. It's totally different. I know the offense, but now I have to learn the defense. I'm over there, like a baby fresh out of the womb trying to learn some language." (HA)

HA Note: "Mahaley, who is 6-4 and 215 pounds, said he has been told there is a possibility he might be used as a tight end in specific short-yard situations."


About the chance to be used as a TE, Mahaley said:
"It depends on JJ. Whatever he says, I'll do." (HA)