Quotes about special teams

About how he has learned to value special teams, JoPierre Davis said:
"It was my attitude. After high school, I thought I was a hotshot. After watching Timo (Paepule) and Guyton (Galdeira) I realized I want to be on special teams. Timo is a killer on special teams. He's 'Special Timo.' " (HA)


About his nickname of 'Special Timo', Timo Paepule said:
"They call me that because of my special-teams' play. Special teams are important, and fun, too. I take a lot of pride in it." (HA)

HA Note: "Indeed, a line is forming to join one of the six special-team units. In training camp, Korey Reynolds, a freshman from Alabama, decided to move from defensive end to compete for a berth on the kick-return team. As the No. 1 middle-wedge blocker, Reynolds was one of two true freshmen on the travel roster for the Louisiana Tech and Nevada-Las Vegas games.

Running back Mario Cox recently earned a starting job on the kick-return team. Because of his special-team value, Cox beat out running back Jason Laumuli for a berth on the last travel roster."


About wanting to play on special teams, Mario Cox (who also wants to play on the kickoff team) said:
"Once you see a couple of guys motivated and doing good on special teams, it motivates you, too." (HA)

HA Note: "When Jones was hired in December 1998, one of his first acts was to sign Dennis McKnight as the special-team coach. Mc-Knight printed "Special Forces" T-shirts that he distributed to his players. McKnight left UH after the 2000 season, but returned last year. Although McKnight no longer distributes T-shirts, his emphasis remains."


About the emphasis that McKnight puts on special teams, Galdeira said:
"Coach McKnight said the kickoff and kick return are the first offensive and defensive plays of the game. It sets field position. It's important." (HA)


About how they start and end every practice with special-team drills, Galdeira said:
"It's a pride thing. All of us — Timo Paepule, Micah Lau, Rustin Saole, Dane Porlas, R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane — take pride. It rubs off on other players, like J.P. (Davis)." (HA)