Warriors Thriving in 'Second Chance U'

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Oct/31/br/br0743265981.html

About how hard it is to recruit top high school talent from the mainland like the other major college programs, JJ said:
"We're 0 for 500. It just doesn't happen. It's becoming more of a possibility, but as of now, it's about a 0 percent chance, unless they have a tie here." (AP)

AP Note: "The only blue chip recruits Hawai'i has a chance on are the ones who have a connection to the islands or come from adverse personal lives, such as a broken home, Jones said."

About how they have had to take chances on some recruits who have had past difficulties, JJ said:
"We've had to look at guys a little more than other schools that maybe had difficulties. It's our job as coaches to help them through their difficult times." (AP)

AP Note: "Hawai'i's second-chance stars are: quarterback Colt Brennan, receiver Davone Bess, linebacker Adam Leonard and running back Leon Wright-Jackson."


About how he's been fortunate with the players he's taken a chance on, JJ said:
"I've been lucky. I've chosen some good kids that I've taken chances on." (AP)

AP Note: "After washing out at other schools, those players are thriving at Hawai'i with the NFL in their sights. They have found redemption and a new home in the islands — a world away from their darkest days."


About how many of their players are seizing their second chances provided at UH, Adam Leonard said:
"A lot of people got their second chance over here and are making the best out of it." (AP)


About how he came back for his senior year to give back to Hawaii, Colt said:
"I didn't come back for me. If it was about me, I would've left. I came back to give Hawai'i a great year and do something special." (AP)

AP Note: "Bess also came to Hawai'i after being locked up, as did St. Louis Rams linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa, who was one of Jones' first recruits. Tinoisamoa, who spent four months in prison his senior year of high school in southern California, has said playing for Hawai'i was the best decision in his life and kept him away from trouble."


About the players he took a chance on, JJ said:
"They made mistakes. If they repeated those mistakes, they wouldn't be here. But I knew they were good kids and they've all been good citizens, so I'm proud of them." (AP)


About how Bess has appreciated his second chance, JJ said:
"I think he's appreciative of the second chance and it's not going to let it slip through his fingers. He's just a great kid and one of the hardest workers I've ever had." (AP)

AP Note: "The players have thrived here for several reasons. They're isolated thousands of miles away from their friends, families and problems. Many have bonded with teammates, focused on football and proven their doubters wrong."

About how Hawaii is the best place for a player who needs a second chance, Colt said:
"To come here and be able to play the game, relax, enjoy life, allows you to go out there and succeed. I think it's just a great environment." (AP)


About how players that have been through difficulties have grown from their experiences, JJ said:
"When you see kids who have gone through a lot of tragedy, a lot of heartache and yet they're still persevering in life, then there's something to be said about that." (AP)


About how many of their players have had difficulties and that helps them bond together to prove their doubters wrong, Adam Leonard said:
"Everybody has a story here. That kind of bonds us even closer than a regular team where you got all the top talent in the nation and everyone comes with their own egos. ... We want to work that much harder to prove people wrong." (AP)


About how colleges stopped recruiting him when he suffered a knee injury in high school, Adam Leonard said:
"The schools called me once just to see what happened. They told me they would call me back, and they never did. I sent out tapes hoping that somebody would give me a scholarship. It was tough, especially because I thought I was one of the best players in Washington, if not the nation." (AP)


About how UH came through with a scholarship offer for him, Adam said:
"They showed the interest and I'm just paying them back for the opportunity. So, I'm just thankful." (AP)


About how he was frustrated at Nebraska where he was moved from RB to S to WR, LWJ said:
"It didn't work out at Nebraska. But I found where I need to be and it's here." (AP)

AP Note: "The word is now out that Hawai'i is Second Chance U."


About how many players come to him for a second chance and he has to choose carefully, JJ said:
"We do get a lot of inquires because of the track record, but at the same time, it's my job to pick which kids I think can actually do it." (AP)


About how he's been burned by players a couple of times, JJ said:
"I tried to correct them. I tried to get them straightened out. I gave them two or three opportunities, but at some point you have to draw the line. So they're no longer here." (AP)