Quotes from JJ at the UH Letterwinners Clubhouse

UH = Official UH Athletics website: http://uhathletics.hawaii.edu/pr.html?prid=14718&p=3

About what he thought of the win at Idaho, JJ said:
"I thought defensively we played very well. We were physical and the players are really understanding Greg's (McMackin) scheme. I was happy with the defense. Offensively, we made some plays but didn't play as efficiently as we normally do." (UH)


Asked if the infficiency on offense bothered him, JJ said:
"No, I think we are close. I think some of it was Colt (Brennan) not practicing much during the week. I don't care what you say, when you don't practice as much it does affect your play. He also had some bad luck, too." (UH)


Asked about Colt's chances for the Heisman Trophy, JJ said:
"I don't really pay any attention to that. His chances are based more on us winning." (UH)


About GM firing up the D with Craig James' comments on National TV during the BSU game last Thursday, JJ said:
"I made sure Greg knew what Craig James said. He does that occasionally getting fired up. I think we were coming into it every week with more of an attitude and a little bit more aggressive. We played that way the whole game, it was good stuff." (UH)


About what Greg McMackin is doing to help the defense buy into his system, JJ said:
"That is what coaches do. He knows what he and his system can do. The players see it on film what he says and it takes hold." (UH)


About the play of the defense and WAC Player of the Week Myron Newberry, JJ said:
"Mryon had some chances to make picks early in the season, but he was not as familiar with the defensive scheme as he is now. He stepped up and made the plays this week, and I think he'll keep getting better. It is buying into the scheme and trust that you are keying in what it is on the field. We were not doing that in the backend early in the season, but the defensive backs are taking it to another level." (UH)


Asked who stood out defensively at Idaho, JJ said:
"The defensive line and linebackers hit hard and were very physical. Michael Lafaele really played a good game inside as well as all of the DBs. Adam Leonard had his best game of the season." (UH)


Asked if he was frustrated somewhat that the offense was not as efficient as he wants it, JJ said:
"We're still pretty good. It is all technique kind of stuff. The receivers are young like Malcolm (Lane) who was unable to make three catches because he had his feet wrong when he came off a cut. That's bothersome, but it is also a young kid who is in there for the first time. If that was Jason Rivers, that's three catches and then you aren't feeling inefficient. I think in the long run, playing Malcolm this past week is good for him and good for us down the road." (UH)


About Colt's five interceptions against Idaho, JJ said:
"I've believed forever, that if you can take the ball on defense and run our offense, we're going to win a lot of games. If you give it away on offense, and you can win, that's what it is about. If you're running the football and not a passing team, the chances of you winning are slim no matter what you do. A good friend of mine is Buddy Ryan. His team just shutout the New York Giants and was upset in the post-game press conference because his defense didn't take the ball away one time on defense. In reality, that is what defense is all about. It is one thing to play good defense, but what wins games are take-aways." (UH)


About having the highest national ranking in school history, JJ said:
"We don't pay much attention to it. It is great for the media and everyone else. Until the end of the year, I'm not going to worry about it. No one is going to say 'hey, they were ranked 15th in week 5.' That is going to be forgotten." (UH)


About this year's team being the best in school history, JJ said:
"I think defensively this is the best team we have had since 1999. I can see last year under Jerry (Glanville) that the team was buying into his scheme the last four or five games. Offensively, we have a lot of confidence. Kealoha Pilares (running back) is coming on just like I thought he would. He (Pilares) was our team offensive player of the week." (UH)