Quotes from the local papers

Praising Fresno's defense and special teams, JJ said:
"Fresno's the best defense I've looked at so far, technically and physically, and their special teams are probably the best in the country along with Boise." (HSB)


About how their special teams will be challenged in the Fresno State and BSU games, JJ said:
"Two of the next four weeks, we'll play two of the best special teams (units) in the country." (HSB)

HSB Note: "The Warriors devoted a sizable portion of their final practice of their bye week to special teams, concentrating on assignments and technique in punt coverage and kickoff returns yesterday morning."


About how special teams play will be important vs. Fresno State, Nevada, and BSU, Guyton Galdeira said:
"We know those three (WAC) teams pride themselves on special teams and they're really aggressive. There isn't any room for error at all." (HSB)


About how key special teams breakdowns cost them big in the BSU game Oregon State games, Galdeira said:
"(The Broncos) blocked our field goals the last two years -- those were really big plays. You look at our Oregon State game (a 35-32 loss last season), they had a kick return (for a touchdown) on us. We had stuffed everybody all year and one play was probably the factor in that game. We're concentrating on our responsibilities and making sure we execute every single time. ... We pride ourselves and really take it personal." (HSB)


Feeling more comfortable in their system now, especially with the extra reps he's been getting now that he's with the 2nd team D, Erik Robinson said:
"I feel real comfortable (in the UH system) because as you get more repetitions at something you start getting comfortable. I used to be kind of nervous, but now I'm more relaxed and laid back. I was ready to get out there and prove myself (against NMSU). I was hungry, just ready to just hit somebody." (HSB)


About how their backups have stepped up whenever they have had injuries, GM said:
"We've been fortunate in that if anybody has gotten hurt the next guy has stepped up. Tyler (Graunke) stepped up. Brad Kalilimoku stepped up. Keala Watson stepped up when Mike (Lafaele) was hurt, and Desmond has already started to take charge back there. And then Erik and Dane Porlas really looked good today." (HSB)


About how they practiced a little against Nevada's D this week, GM said:
"We practiced most of the time against Fresno, but we did spend some time practicing against Reno. They run a unique offense, so we wanted to get into it a little bit." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Getting an early jump on preparing for the "Pistol" will help make up for a short week leading up to UH's last road game of the regular season, a Friday night contest in Reno to air on ESPN2."


Happy to receive an invitation to the Hula Bowl, CJ Hawthorne said:
"I'm thankful for the invitation. There are probably hundreds of seniors who want to be in that game. It's an honor to be invited." (HA)


WR coach Ron Lee said that Rivers and Hawthorne are:
"very deserving. It's great for them. It's a nice way to cap their season." (HA)

"They both have speed and good hands," Lee said. "All of the good stuff." (HA)

HA Note: "During testing last spring, Rivers and Hawthorne each ran 40 yards in a team-best 4.45 seconds."


About Hercules Satele, who just got his Hula Bowl invitation, OL coach Dennis McKnight said:
"He's the next (offensive lineman) from this school who will get his shot and go to the NFL. He's a great pass-blocker, great trapper, great competitor. Plus, at the next level, he can play center, as well." (HA)


McKnight said about their OL:
"Colt and the receivers couldn't do what they do if we didn't do what we do. And we wouldn't be as good and get the recognition we get if Colt and the receivers weren't as good as they are. It all works hand in hand. We give Colt and the receivers the credit they deserve." (HA)

HA Note: "At UH, Satele has spent hours in the weight room to develop into a physical blocker. He can bench press a maximum 405 pounds, and bench 225 pounds 27 times."

Happy that Hercules' success has paid off, McKnight said:
"I'm happy for Herc. He's been given nothing. He's worked hard, and he deserves everything he gets." (HA)


Happy to be able to play in the Hula Bowl and extend his college career, Hercules said:
"There's another game for me to play against different people from different colleges." (HA)


Hawthorne also is happy to extend his college career, saying:
"We're happy for another game. Once it's over, it's over." (HA)