Thursday, May 31, 2007

Quote about how UH will probably have a 12 game schedule

About how it is up to two unnamed D-1A schools to accept UH's proposal of a game in Hawaii, HF said:
"We have two Division I-A schools considering proposals that include an ESPN telecast at Aloha Stadium. If neither accepts the offer, we will play a 12-game schedule." (HA)

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Latest quotes about the schedule

About the schedule, UH spokesperson Lois Manin said:
"Regarding finalizing the schedule, nothing is definitive." (HSB)


About UH's schedule, WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said:
"We're still making contacts and exhausting all possibilities." (HSB)


About the WAC's upgraded media guide, Benson said:
"We spent $20,000 on our preseason media guide this year, compared to $2,000 in past years. Our strategy is to make sure the magazines and pollsters remember Hawaii and Boise State were Top 25 teams to end last season and they have premier marquee players coming back. We will continue to make sure people don't forget." (HSB)

Quotes about UH recruit Tyler Wilson

http://www.swtimes.com/articles/2007/05/30/sports/sports05.txt

About UH's scholarship offer and recuiting visit invitation, Tyler Wilson's coach Rick Jones said:
“They are really careful how they handle visits." (swtimes.com)


About the praise UH QB coach Morrison gave for Tyler, Rick Jones said:
"Their quarterbacks coach (Dan Morrison) compared Tyler to Colt Brennan. They have a really special system. They have a tremendous legacy of throwing the ball." (swtimes.com)

SWtimes note: "The quarterback coach gave coach June Jones tapes of 20 quarterbacks, and he pared it down to three. Wilson was one of those three. Wilson also picked up a scholarship offer from the University of Missouri."


Tyler stats from rivals.com:
Ht: 6-foot-3
Wt: 182 lbs
Forty: 4.75 secs
GPA: 3.50
Class: 2008 (High School)

Last year's stats (from rivals.com):
2006 (Jr.) attempts: 434 completions: 294 completion %: 67.7 passing yards: 4,222 TDs: 50 INTs: 14

More notes from rivals.com:
Greenwood (Ark.) quarterback Tyler Wilson is one of the top quarterback prospects on LSU's board for the Tigers 2008 recruiting class.

College choices (from rivals.com)
Alabama
Arizona
California
Kansas
LSU
Minnesota
Missouri
New Mexico
Tennessee
Hawaii
Tulsa


http://www.fearlessfriday.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=67672.msg1371202

Greenwood's Tyler Wilson received 3 more written football offers this week from New Mexico, Missouri and Hawaii.

This brings his total offers to 9.

Written offers: Alabama, LSU, Arizona, Tulsa, Kansas, Minnesota, New Mexico, Missouri and Hawaii

Verbal offers: Mississippi State and Arkansas State

Others colleges expressing sincere interest: California, Tennessee, Auburn, Illinois and Oklahoma.

June visits include: University of Missouri, Nike Elite 11 camp, Alabama, LSU, New Mexico and Arizona.

Quotes about how Nate has been learning in minicamp

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20070530_Rookies_learning_plenty_at_Birds_minicamp.html

About Philly's offense, Nate heard:
"there was a lot more passing here than with most NFL teams." (Philly News)


About how the Eagles have a pass-first offense, Nate said:
"that's what I'm used to out in Hawaii. You block first in Hawaii; you always have a gunslinger sitting back there [at quarterback]. Coach [June] Jones wants you to protect 'the golden arm.' Everything happens from there. Here, you're not just blocking, you can go out there and get the ball." (Philly News)


After being "bug-eyed" during their first camp, Nate said that now:
"this [camp] kind of takes a step back . . . everybody's on the same page, you can just kind of sit back and get through this thing together." (Philly News)


About how they learned from the vets instead of the coaches in the first camp, Nate said:
"When the vets were here for the first camp, me and Tony were tapping into their information system the whole time," Ilaoa said. "The coaches weren't really coaching us, they were just kind of like, 'Let's go, this is the tempo.' With the vets here, that's how they run things." (Philly News)

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Quote from Samson's agent about the early contract negotiations

Thank you to Tombo (uhfootball.blogspot.com) for this link!

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-0529dolphins,0,4855841.story?coll=sfla-dolphins-front

About how contract negotiations are really early this year, Samson's agent Craig Doman said:
"It looks like the Dolphins are moving pretty fast. We've got 13 picks and have got offers from four teams, including one from Miami on Soliai. Last year we did nine rookie deals but none before the Fourth of July, so I don't know what the league is trying to do. The last time I checked it was still May. It's insane, but OK as long as we do a good deal." (SFSS)

Monday, May 28, 2007

Quotes from a Nate Interview

http://story.scout.com/a.z?s=62&p=2&c=647277

About being able to user his power and elusiveness, Nate said:
"I think that just plays in my favor, having the ability to do both pretty well." (scout.com)


About the other NFL teams he thought he might have fit with, Nate said:
"I had been talking to one of the scouts from the Steelers for a while and I thought they would have been a good fit as well. And the Giants, too, because they're more of a power-running football team." (scout.com)


About how Philly wants him to be a HB, not a FB, Nate said:
"They have me at tailback, maybe a short-yardage type situation. They haven't basically come out and told me, but you know, that's the whole point of these camps. It's not the fact that you can play football anymore because everybody at this level can play. It's just a matter of if you can fit into their system." (scout.com)

Sunday, May 27, 2007

A few more quotes from Nate

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=70036

About feeling more comfortable in Philly's offense, Nate said:
"I'm not bug-eyed anymore about it. I have not played in this system, but it is everything I expected. I just have to keep learning. It's going to be tough. This is the top level of football. Having these camps give me a lot of reps and a lot of time to learn." (PE.com)


About being a supersized RB, Nate said:
"At Hawaii, the running backs behind me were heavier. They looked at me as the little guy. I think it's OK to have an unusual body. A lot of models have unusual bodies. That's a good thing for them. You have to go with your strengths." (PE.com)


About working hard to improve, Nate said:
"I will do whatever they need me to do. The goal is the same for everybody here. We're working to improve every day." (PE.com)

PE Note: "Ilaoa and Tony Hunt shared all the running back reps last week in the two days of practice and will continue to get plenty of reps through the next few days."

Quotes about Nate and Tony Hunt

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=69941

About his friendship with Hunt (Philly's 3rd round pick at RB), Nate said:
"He's a cool cat. We had a mutual friendship through my cousin (who has since transferred to Hawaii) and getting to meet him at the Combine was cool. Now, we always talk. We talk about football, kind of try to motivate each other and learn this offense together.

It's good to have somebody go through the same process as you. This can be a real lonely time for a lot of people if you don't have somebody you know in that position. Fortunately, we kind of have each other and we can talk through things and go over things and compare our thoughts toward the playbook." (Philadelphiaeagles.com)

Note: I believe Nate's cousin is Amani Purcell. It is such a small world when Hunt was a roommate with Amani and then gets drafted by the same time as Nate!


About how he doesn't know anyone in Philly outside of the Eagles, Nate said:
"I love it. There is so much to learn. That is what you do every day -- you learn. Then you take it outside and see if you have learned well. It can be a nerve-wracking time, but it's been good. Tony is in the same situation, so we have a lot to talk about. He's a good roommate, a quiet guy. I know it has been great for me so far and I'm sure he feels the same way." (PE.com)


About rooming with Nate, Hunt said:
"We're kind of stuck together with a playbook to learn. We're partners in that way, so it is good to go through that with Nate. If we have any questions, we can talk about it with each other. Nate is a cool guy and a good roommate. He is the guy I compare things with. Two weeks ago, I didn't know anything at that camp (post-draft). I feel like I've already learned a lot, and so has Nate. It's football, when you come right down to it. We have to go out there and play football." (PE.com)


About how he and Hunt work together, Nate said:
"I think that kind of thing makes you better. I know what I have to do to play my best football and so does Tony. If we can help each other, that's fine with me." (PE.com)

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Quotes about the schedule

About how they can't play UH this season, Steve Fenk (Oregon State sports information director) said:
"UH contacted us, but we just can't do it. I think given different circumstances — like the end of the season or maybe earlier in the year — we'd really be interested." (HA)

"Oct. 20 is our only midseason (open date) and we already have one of the toughest road schedules in the nation." (HA)


About why they can't fit UH into their schedule, Washington State spokesman Rod Commons said that they:
"do not want to (give up) our bye weekend in the middle of the season. Our staff feels strongly we need that midseason break." (HA)


Colorado spokesman Dave Plati said that Colorado coach Dan Hawkins:
"would like to visit Hawai'i once every four years while he is coach as he enjoyed those trips with Boise State and saw what they meant to the players." (HA)

Note: It isn't out of the goodness of their heart that they want to play at Hawaii every 4 years--that is the perfect increment of time to be able to promise every recruit that they will be able to play in front of their family.


Plati talked about Brian Cabral, who recruits Hawaii for Colorado, as wanting Hawaii on their schedule:
"We've always had a couple of kids from Hawai'i on our team ... and the big tie is (assistant coach) Brian Cabral." (HA)


About the 2010 game at Colorado, HF said:
"We're not completely set on the date, but it looks like Sept. 18." (HSB)

Note: HSB reports that the 2011 game is set for 9/3/11.

HA Note: "Finalization of the Colorado deal will leave UH with one opening for 2011. UH already has Nevada-Las Vegas, Washington State and Charleston Southern for that season. Colorado spokesman Dave Plati said the Buffaloes are in the "preliminary stages" of completing a "four-pack" scheduling agreement with UH. UH, which hasn't played Colorado since 1925, would play in Boulder in 2010 and 2014 and Colorado would come to Hawai'i in 2011 and 2015. "I anticipate no problems," Plati said."

Quotes about Miami's UH rookies and their Samoan connection

http://www.miamiherald.com/616/story/114556.html

About how Samoans consider themselves a warrior class of people, Reagan said:
"We're a little different breed. I really don't know how to explain it, but coaches see it." (MH)


About their 4 Samoan rookies, Cam Cameron said:
"What we've seen in these guys is that spirit of enthusiasm and that pride. When they step onto the football field they know they represent someone bigger than themselves. And that's important. We believe in that. We believe you play for something bigger than yourself, obviously the team. I think they play for family and have a lot of pride." (MH)


Happy to have 2 UH teammates and another Samoan rookie from Utah, Tala said:
"It's awesome having two teammates and another guy from American Samoa here, because then hopefully [Miami] will get a feel of how close we are -- Polynesians -- because we're very family-oriented. Hopefully, guys will see that and it will rub off." (MH)


About how they have gone from 19 of 105 players of Polynesian descent when he joined UH to 76 under him, JJ said:
"I think the numbers show that there is some real truth and value to having this culture on your team. The kids are very respectful by nature, and the Polynesian families respect their elders." (MH)

Note: MH also points out that before JJ, UH hadn't had a player drafted in 11 years!


About how Seau was idoloized by Samoans, Reagan said:
"Growing up, we didn't know organized football. Everyone just wanted to be Junior Seau. Even if you were playing quarterback you were Junior Seau." (MH)


About how he gets angry when people pull his hair during games, Samson said:
"I'm like the Hulk." (MH)


JJ says that Tala is the 4 Samoan rookies natural leader, and added:
"Esera should have been drafted because he's certainly good enough. He was just a little sick during the [scouting] combine." (MH)


Happy to be drafted by Miami, Reagan said:
"I wasn't supposed to be here. I'm just so grateful. This is what I've dreamed of, being a part of this." (MH)


About how he called JJ to ask if he could walk on to UH, Reagan said:
"I just built up the nerve to call Coach [June] Jones. I took it upon myself to walk onto the team. I told [Jones] not to give me a scholarship if I didn't earn it. I wanted to earn it." (MH)

MH Note: "Mauia, who says he 'dinked around in high school' before dedicating himself to football, wasn't even recruited by Hawaii. While playing junior college football in California, he fell in love with Hawaii's program after watching a video entitled Polynesian Power, a documentary narrated by "The Rock" about football in the islands. After watching the film, Mauia, born in American Samoa but raised in Stockton, Calif., was inspired to reconnect with his Polynesian culture."


MH Note: "He first played nose tackle for Jones but the coach moved Mauia to fullback after watching him play rugby one day before practice. Jones now calls Mauia "the most powerful player I've ever coached" and likens him to former NFL fullback Craig "Ironhead" Heyward. It's an interesting comparison considering Mauia once ran headlong through a wall. A homemade video of the feat can be found on YouTube. It's a senseless act of bravado but also serves as a metaphor. In another YouTube video, Mauia screams, "Polynesian wrecking crew," as Esera slams his head through the same wall. "It's all about the warrior's mentality," Mauia said."

Quotes about HF's meeting with the Legislature

After his grilling by Rep. Chang and Rep. Takai, HF said:
"anytime I can explain what we do, it is time well spent, no question in my mind. I think they now have a better understanding about me." (HA)

"I think they (legislators) now have a different understanding about me. I think they understand I don't shoot from the hip. As they asked us questions, I knew the answers." (HA)

"We were able to squash some rumors out there pertaining to unnecessary travel. I think we squashed some rumors about a whole lot of things about how I feel about our program, what I do to our program. I think the comments you heard from some of our coaches tell you exactly where we fit." (HSB)


About the public unhappiness with HF and the Athletic Department, Takai said:
"(UH athletics has) got an image problem." (HSB)

"I think a meeting like this is generally very productive because it provides the public with the opportunity to find out many of the questions people have been wanting to ask for quite a while. From that standpoint I think it's very productive." (HSB)


About the purpose of the briefing and how things need to be followed up, Takai said:
"I think we started the discussion on questions that I've had. I think there's more that still needs to come from the university as to whether I'm satisfied." (HSB)


Asked if he thinks he will have a better relationship with lawmakers after the briefing, HF said:
"We didn't have a bad one with them before. We were just never afforded the opportunity to sit down and talk with them. That's why you kind of wish that you have a cordial nice meeting instead of a public debate as to what it is that you're supposed to do for your program." (HSB)

HA Note: "There were revelations of mold that has largely shut down the mauka training room and how bedraggled Cooke Field is "a lawsuit waiting to happen."

Lawmakers made clear a willingness to listen and to help. Time and again Takai and others asked, "How do we help you?" As Rep. Jerry Chang, chairman of the House Higher Education Committee, put it, "we're here because we care."

Here, in one room were two of the most powerful committees publicly reaching out, if not beseeching UH, to make a wish with the state watching. It was tantamount to a fat pitch down the middle with the base loaded. Somebody, anybody, should have stepped up and hit it out of the park. Instead, nobody even bothered to take a whack at it.

Maybe, in what was at times a sweltering, crammed to overflowing, meeting room, the UH delegation was simply exhausted. Perhaps, with all their focus devoted to fending off Takai's thrusts, they didn't appreciate the opening — or were too defiant to grasp it."


Supporting HF, WAC head Karl Benson said:
"People on the mainland look at him as efficient, effective and organized." (HSB)


Revealing that the Athletic Department still owes $2.3 mil, Takai said:
"They paid off the $1 million (loan) but they still have another $2 million to go." (HA)

HA Note: "After lawmakers asked UH to tell them what the purse-controlling legislature could do for the state's only Division I-A athletic program, none of the assembled officials stood up and asked for a thing, much less unfurled a wish list."


About how her office hasn't demanded the $2 mil debt to be repaid, Chancellor Denise Konan said:
"We haven't constrained their growth by making them pay back in a rapid, dramatic fashion." (HA)


About the incomplete schedule, HF said that he accepted:
"full responsibility"(HA)

HA Note: "he now is working "hand in hand" with the WAC and ESPN in attempts to land a 13th opponent for a game at Aloha Stadium." (HA)


About the question of names of the potential donors of above $1 mil or more, Konan said:
"I really don't think this is appropriate." (HSB)


Questioning HF's ability to fundraise, one of the most important functions of an AD, Takai said:
"My line of questioning at the very end is probably the most important. As we move forward, how can Mr. Frazier assure us and the public of his ability to fundraise? I'm still unclear as to that." (HSB)


About not wanting to discuss the names of potential donors, HF said:
"You can't do that. There's no way you give that out. There's no athletic director in America that's going to give out the names of who your key donors are, especially ones who you have lined up." (HSB)


About how his late hiring didn't hurt his recruiting, Bob Nash said:
"We've not been negatively impacted." (HSB)


About the $2.3 mil debt that the Athletic Department has, Takai said:
"I can tell you I'm deeply concerned about financial statements. I think the fact that I was able to point out some things that are a little bit troubling about the financial situation is important." (HSB)

Note: This does make it seem kind of silly how HF publicly made a big deal about paying off the $1 mil loan while the Athletic Department was sitting on this $2.3 mil debt. The public had no way of knowing about the other loan and I think that most (like me) assumed that UH sports was out of debt then.


About their $2.3 mil debt, HF said:
"How many times have we talked about that? The audit came out in January. If he had any questions about that, he should have asked me in January. The numbers are there. We didn't fake anything there. We always said we were in the black for the one year. That other money (the previous deficit) didn't disappear. That's why we were kind of baffled with that question. That's a public document that's been out six months." (HSB)


About the poor state of the facilities, Takai said:
"I think the whole discussion about facilities leaves a lot to be desired. On the one hand everybody questions why the facilities are in such deplorable conditions and they ask the Legislature why you don't step up. On the other hand one of our frustrations is we don't have the ability to step up if we don't know what is actually needed. I think that discussion on facilities will be continuing and hopefully we can get to the bottom of some of those concerns as well." (HSB)

HSB Note: "The subject of UH's autonomy factored in when legislative funding for facility repairs was addressed. Takai asked for more information about what lower campus needs to maintain and improve facilities such as Cooke Field, which remains without turf. Konan countered that there are other projects on upper campus that are of higher priority, and it is not the Legislature's domain to determine priorities at UH.

Takai said the Legislature can't help the UH athletic department if it isn't asked. Frazier said he didn't want to "double-ask" since such requests are supposed to come from upper campus."


HA Note: "The athletic department's mauka athletic-training room has restrictive availability because of a "mold issue," associate athletic director Carl Clapp reported. Clapp said water piping inside the room must be moved outside of the building."


HA Note: "A wing on the third floor of the athletic complex remains unfinished because of a lack of money. The amount appropriated by the Legislature was only enough to build a shell. UH is seeking private donations to pay for the offices."


HA Note: "Despite promises to negotiate with coaches two years in advance of their contract-expiration dates, Frazier acknowledged two head coaches are working without contracts, and football coach June Jones and women's volleyball coach Dave Shoji are approaching the final year of their contracts. Frazier said he and his associates have "started our drafts" on contract proposals to Jones and Shoji."


HA Note: "Frazier revealed that the drop-dead date for UH to add a 13th game to its 2007 football schedule is the end of this month. He also vowed to complete the 2008 schedule by the end of the summer."

Friday, May 18, 2007

Quotes about Jerry Glanville

About the non-stop sales job JG has been doing for PSU, PSU assistant AD Scott Herrin said:
"The other day I was talking to my wife, and he jumped right in and started trying to sell her season tickets. I said, 'Jerry, that's my wife.' He goes, 'OK, sorry, I was just trying to sell some tickets.' " (HSB)


About JG's love of wearing black, Mouse Davis said:
"He said, 'Black's not a color, it's an attitude.' I said, 'Do you know who you're talking to here? Don't give me that. Don't use that line on me. Black is a color, (colorful word deleted).' " (HSB)


HSB note via the Seattle Times: "Someone pulled up an Internet poll on his computer screen the other day.
The question is: Is Jerry Glanville alive or dead?

"It's running pretty close!" Glanville shouts. "I asked our secretary, and she voted I was dead." (HSB)

Quotes about Herman Frazier

Still hoping for a 13th game, HF said::
"We're on the phone every day on that 13th. When we have exhausted every avenue then we will announce that we've exhausted our avenues. But we're not there yet." (HA)


Season ticket holders won't be charged if UH gets an 8th home game, as HF said it would be:
"a bonus for our season-ticket holders, those people who stepped up to help us." (HA)


About the delay in announcing the UNC game, despite UNC players and media being told about the game last month, HF said:
"Northern Colorado's situation was we kept going back and forth on everything that should be in the contract." (HA)


Asked if playing two 1-AA teams will hurt their BCS chances even if they go undefeated, HF said:
"At the end of the day, if you run the table, you roll the dice to see where you are. Those things are not going to be decided right now. ... You won't know until December." (HA)

HA Note: "The deal means UH's first two home games will be against Division I-AA opponents. UH plays Charleston Southern on Sept. 22. A Division I-A team is permitted to count only one I-AA victory toward bowl qualification."


About seeking info on HF's expenses, Rep. Jerry Chang said:
"there's a lot of talk about his high pay and travel expenses and the trips that he is taking." (HA)

"he should be accountable." (HA)


"I'm hearing a lot about how dissatisfied people are." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Chang, chairman of the House Higher Education Committee, said he's received "20 and still coming in" complaints about Frazier since announcing the briefing last week, and some cite travel issues." (HSB)


About the Monday meeting, HF said:
"I look forward to being there on Monday and giving out our message." (HA)

"we put together all of our achievements for 2006-'07 and, I think, once we share that with the powers that be, I think they will feel the same way as we do about what's been accomplished." (HA)

"I think this will enlighten people as to what really goes on. We don't have anything to hide and I look forward to coming down there and sharing with them all the good things we have done at this university. ... If you look at all that's been accomplished here the past five years, to have all of that weighed against two particular incidents, I'm not sure is fair. But that's OK, this will give us the opportunity to show how we feel and also enlighten people as to what we have done." (HSB)

"I think people need to understand you want an aggressive athletic director who sits on national committees. It's not by mistake the WAC put me on the football issues committee. It's because I was president of the Fiesta Bowl and knew all the football coaches, and they know I know all the administrators there." (HSB)

HA Note: "But Chang said a number of people have raised questions about Frazier's operation of the department. Chang and others said most of the correspondence reaching them has so far been "negative." Much of it comes in the wake of recent controversies about facilities and scheduling.

Two weeks ago UH quarterback Colt Brennan blasted the state of some facilities at UH."


About how he does the same things as his AD colleagues, HF said:
"Work never stops. You're on the computer, you're on the telephone. When I look at my mentors in this business, like Kevin White at Notre Dame, I guarantee you he is on campus no more than two or three days a week. All I know is I don't do anything different than any of my colleagues." (HSB)

Note: Except they normally get their schedule done 2-3 years in advance AND don't play more than one D-1AA team.


About his travel records, HF said:
"I'm not sure what travel information you mean, because I haven't talked to Rep. Chang about that. But all the travel I do on behalf of the university is paid for by the university. All the jobs I do for other (organizations) is paid by them. Whatever anyone wants to ask us about that, we'll make that available." (HSB)

"Every athletic director in America travels extensively as part of their job. But I haven't been to an Olympic meeting since '04. I'm not sure where the travel issue comes from. If you ask me how much travel I've done the last two years, you know this, 12 to 14 (trips) are for football, five to seven are either WAC or NCAA meetings. That's 75 percent of it right there. Take out those things, I'm not sure what else is left." (HSB)


Chang said that the meeting is not meant to be a:
"lynch Herman Frazier hearing, like people would like it to be. That's why we're not taking public testimony. We want to learn about plans and revenue sources. If the legislation is needed to be done in the next session for things like funding requirements, we need to know right away. It's for the members (of the House and Senate education committees) to sit and listen and after have an opportunity to ask questions. That may turn into a lynching mob, because I'm sure some members are getting input from the public to ask certain questions." (HSB)


About how they had planned to be briefed months ago, but it seems that Colt speaking out brought about this briefing now:
"We planned on this, had planned it before the session. We get the UH president and the chancellors to give us overviews about issues like funding and priorities and plans. Because I'm a sports fan, I wanted to hear from Herman Frazier, primarily about coaches' salaries. But we got so tied up with the session, we didn't have time to schedule it. When the Colt Brennan thing came up, people asked, 'What can be done?' The answer is exactly what we'll be doing." (HSB)

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

More Quotes about Nate and his weight

http://philadelphia.comcastsportsnet.com/view_content_0p.asp?ID=50104

About how he needs to lose weight, Nate said:
“I’m way heavier than Westbrook. That’s one thing I have to try to cut down. That’s what I plan on doing. The things that he does are due to the fact that he’s in shape and he’s able to stay in there 100 percent of the time, and that’s how effective he is. He is able to wear defenses out. That’s what you have to do at this level." (Comcastsportsnet.com)

“I was able to play with it last year. The thing is, on this level, everything is up another level. I’ve got to do something to get to that level. Losing weight and getting in tip-top shape is going to help me do that. … I’m just trying to get body fat down.” (Comcastsportsnet.com)

Note: Last season Nate played at 245 pounds. He reportedly was 254 at the Eagles minicamp.


Asked how much weight the Eagles want him to lose, Nate said:
“I don’t know where they want me to be. I know it’s real low though.” (Comcastsportsnet.com)


About how Nate will be big even when he loses weight, Coach Mornhinweg said:
“He is unique that way. Football players come in different sizes and shapes.” (Comcastsportsnet.com)


Praising Ryan Moats (it may be Moats or Nate on the roster), head coach Andy Reid said:
“Ryan has done nothing but improve throughout here. He’s a snap away from being in there and playing full time, and that’s the way he’s preparing himself.” (Comcastsportsnet.com)

Comcastsportsnet note: "Moats, a third-round pick himself in 2005, had a promising rookie year. He rushed for 278 yards on 55 carries – 5.1 yards per attempt – and three touchdowns. Last season, however, he sat behind Westbrook and Buckhalter, and his production was reduced by more than half (22 carries for 69 yards and 0 touchdowns). However, Moats made an impression during the team’s first minicamp."


About how he is finally comfortable with their playbook, Moats said:
“I think I showed them consistency more than anything. The last two years, I was playing very stressed. I was stressing myself out, pressuring myself to learn those plays. I was pushing myself too hard to get it, and that can mess everything up. Now I feel more relaxed and more comfortable, and I can just play my game.” (Comcastsportsnet.com)


Feeling that he was ready to play last year, Moats said:
“I didn’t have a chance. This is my chance. It’s frustrating, but what can you do? You’ve got two good backs in front of you. I just try to be happy for the other person.” (Comcastsportsnet.com)


About how his game is similar to Westbrook's, Moats said:
“All he’s doing is making it better for me. He’s the same kind of back I am, and he’s proving to the NFL that we have longevity as shorter backs, just like Barry Sanders did. If anything, he’s helping my cause in the future.” (Comcastsportsnet.com)


About his uncertain status in Philly, Moats said:
“If I don’t play here, I’ll play somewhere else. That’s just how it is. That’s how you’ve got to look at it. But I’m here to make this team, and I’m pretty sure I will.” (Comcastsportsnet.com)

Quotes after Kenny Patton was released

Feeling that he can play in the NFL, Kenny Patton said:
"My agent's working on it, but it's hard at this point because teams are downsizing. Hopefully, I'll end up somewhere. I'll play anywhere, but after my experience with the Raiders, I know I can play at the NFL level. They told me it's just a numbers thing." (HSB)


After the Raiders waived him, Kenny Patton said:
"Now I have to play the waiting game. It was a great opportunity. I have to see if my agent can get me another one." (HA)


About how it will be difficult to join an NFL team now, Kenny said:
"Teams aren't looking to add players at this point." (HA)


Remaining positive, Kenny said:
"I'm going to train, train, train, and see what happens. There's no use getting down. 'Positivity' is the key." (HA)

HA Note: "But by signing a free-agent contract with the Raiders last week, he is eligible to play in NFL Europa."

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Quotes from Nate on the last day of the Eagles minicamp

http://www.mcall.com/sports/columnists/all-col-jones.5849354may15,0,869338.column

About how he adjusted pretty easily to the environment of the minicamp, Nate said:
''That [previous experience] kind of helps,'' he acknowledged Monday afternoon, on the last day of the Birds' minicam. Meeting people and things like that, that's no problem. Anything you do [for the first time] is going to be tough at first, but I've been through it a lot, so I know what to expect." (Morning Call online)


Nate said that he spent the minicamp:
''trying to break old habits'' (Morning Call online)

Note: Nate was referring to learning new names for plays he ran in college.


About the increased speed at the NFL level, Nate said:
"In college, you're able to get away with a couple players being real fast, but out here, everyone's fast. Even the coaches are fast." (Morning Call online)

MC Note: "Speed is an issue; his 40 times topped out in the 4.7 range in the months leading up to the draft, something that might improve if he follows through on his plan to shed a few pounds.

Listed at 180 when he committed to Hawaii -- and also listed, curiously, at 5-10 -- he routinely played at 245 there, and was very productive in the Warriors' run-and-shoot offense. He accumulated 1,827 all-purpose yards last year (990 on the ground and 837 on 67 receptions), and finished his career with 3,383 yards from scrimmage."


About how he needs to lose weight, Nate said:
"Everything's up another level. I've got to do something to get onto that level, and I think losing weight and getting into tip-top shape is going to help me to do that." (Morning Call online)

Note: I'm glad that Nate knows this, because he's not guaranteed a roster spot and reporting to Eagles camp at 254 pounds really damages his pro potential. If he doesn't get that under control fast, he'll quickly lose his shot at the NFL. They aren't going to wait for him to lose weight and prod him like JJ did, they will just cut him and go to the next guy. Nate said in his interview that his injuries prevented him from losing weight while he was at UH, but now he doesn't have to worry about school and isn't mentioning any injuries, so there is no excuse for not being in NFL shape.

Nice comment about Ikaika from Brian DeLucia's blog

http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/briandelucia

Rod Marinelli has a new pet project in Ikaika Alama-Francis at defensive end. He’s raw, but has all the attributes to become a productive pass rusher in the Lions’ scheme on defense. Marinelli, who is also known as one of the top defensive line teachers in the game believes in his ability to mold Alama-Francis into an impact player off the perimeter.

More on Colt speaking out

Happy with the progress that has been made since he spoke about the soap situation, Colt said:
"Think about the difference already. We've got soap dispensers, donated. A year's supply of soap, donated. The whole community's been great. The whole reaction from the people who matter, teachers and students, make me feel good about what I did." (HSB)


About raising money for an endowment for football scholarships, especially from former Warriors now in the NFL, JJ said:
"Some of the players are putting that in their contracts. We're in the process of setting up a fund like USC and a lot of the other major schools do, scholarship endowments." (HSB)

"We've talked to all of them and we're all waiting for it to be put in place. Pretty much all the players and their agents are in the mode of doing that." (HSB)

HSB Note: I've been wondering why former UH players weren't doing that already. I so glad to know that some are already putting that into their contracts and that UH will set up a fund to make it easier for them to give back!


Vince Baldemor, president af Ahahui Koa Anuenue (the UH booster club) said that athletes could always donate toward endowments, but now there is a focus on football-specific donations:
"It's a concerted effort that's still in development now." (HSB)


About how Warrior alumni would be much more inclined to donate if they knew it was going towards football scholarships, future multi-millionaire Colt said:
"Obviously I'm far away from that and I've got to worry about my senior year and I don't have any money yet. But if I get in that position I would be thrilled to do it. I plan on giving back to Hawaii financially, and I'm excited about something where I know the money would be going where I want it." (HSB)


Backing up Colt for speaking out, JJ said:
"Any publicity is positive. Colt's one of the greatest kids I've ever been around. The message he was trying to send was a positive one. I'm proud of him for voicing what he said. No one ever comes because of the facilities. They come because of the people, the place, the ohana. That's why I came back. Everything (Brennan) says is going to be magnified and he has to learn to live with that." (HSB)


About how their poor facilities have been discussed for years, JJ said:
"We've had this discussion many times before. We have upgraded, but we have a long way to go." (HSB)


About the reaction from the community has been great, Colt said:
"It was never about me. I wanted to speak up for people who can't speak up. I don't have a complaint about Hawaii. The school and everybody there has been great to me. But I know I have a political presence and I thought I could help the situation, especially for my teammates and future players. Hawaii's treated me like a prince, a son. The community reaction has been great, the best you could expect. I'm just happy that people are willing to make a difference, making donations. I wanted to bring some light to what is holding Hawaii back." (HSB)


About attending summer school so that he can graduate in the Fall, Colt said:
"I can get some courses out of the way that will help me graduate in the fall (in communications)." (HSB)

Note: I really am happy that Colt will be going to summer school, as most NFL-bound players would not bother with that and not be too concerned about their degree. Colt is showing a commitment to education that is admirable to me. Also, from a UH perspective, Colt graduating early frees up a scholarship that can be given out in January 2008 and really helps out for their APR. So many other athletes drafted in the top 2 rounds leave school after the Fall semester and do not finish their degrees because they have all of the draft preparation to do...but that hurts their school's APR and eventually costs scholarships.


HSB Note: "Later this summer he will work as a counselor at two football camps. The Elite 11 camp in the Laguna Beach, Calif., area is for the top 11 high school quarterbacks in the nation. Brennan is one of 11 top college quarterbacks, including Louisville's Jeff Brohm and USC's Josh Booty, serving as counselors. Brennan is also scheduled to work a camp on the North Shore this summer."

Note: Having Colt be around the top 11 high school QBs can do wonders for UH recruiting a big name HS QB this year! Having him do a camp on the North Shore also could do wonders for UH's local recruiting!

Monday, May 14, 2007

Quotes about Miami's 4 Samoan rookies

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/May/14/br/br0936715482.html

Happy they have 4 Samoan rookies, Reagan said:
"It's awesome. You couldn't ask for a better deal. The Dolphins, they did a great job with that one, I'll tell you that. We're going to bring something different this year." (Florida Today)


About how their 4 Samoan rookies are different, but share important characteristics, Cam Cameron said:
"They are all different, their families are different -- but what we have seen in these guys is that spirit, that spirit of enthusiasm, that pride. They are very prideful people. When they step on the football field, they know they represent someone bigger than themselves and that's important." (FT)


Proud to represent Hawaii, Samson said:
"We represent the whole Samoan culture. Now, we've got to represent the whole state of Hawaii. I'm proud to be from Hawaii. I'll represent it as (best) as I can." (FT)


About his long hair, which has not been cut since he entered UH in 2002, Samson said:
"I got pulled on a couple of times last year and I got (ticked) off. They call me Samson, but I'm like the Hulk. They pull my hair, I get angry." (FT)


About head-butting through the drywall on the YouTube video, Tala said:
"They were going to bust it down, so I was like, 'OK, may as well try to bust my head through this wall, see if I can do it.' " (FT)


About how he then ran through the wall on the YouTube video, Reagan said:
"I didn't have to upstage him. We were trying to break the wall down. We were throwing baseballs through it, medicine balls through it ... Tala put his head through it. I was like, 'I've got to do more than that.' " (FT)

FT Note: "Mauia, a former nose tackle who once weighed 380 pounds, is now a 6-foot, 270-pound fullback who has a chance to back up starter Cory Schlesinger. The Dolphins love the way he blocks and also that he can be an effective pass catcher out of the backfield.

Satele and Esera are both pushing for playing time on an offensive line that is still undergoing a restructuring. Soliai (6-4, 344) also is seen as a possible backup to veteran nose tackle Keith Traylor."


Hoping they set an example for their team to bond as a family, Tala said:
"Hopefully, (our teammates) get a feel for how close we are. Polynesians, we're very family oriented. Hopefully, guys can see that and it will rub off a little bit." (FT)

More from CBS Sporstline on the soap controversy

http://www.sportsline.com/columns/weblogs/entry/10175016

About their weak schedule this season, Colt said:
"To be honest with you, I'm not really frustrated. I know who we play and the quality of teams that we play has a lot to do with the type of recognition that you get at the end of the year. We're going to be ready whoever we play. We have Boise, Fresno and Washington at home.

The last two years we traveled to Alabama, Michigan State. We finally got used to that big-time atmosphere. If there was one year I would really like our chances on the road, it would be this year." (CBS Sportsline)


About their poor facilities, Colt said:
"These critics would have so much more respect if they realized what we overcome every day with facilities and resources. Even though we lost to Oregon State, Alabama and Boise State, we were in it until the fourth quarter. Last year 11-3 with the talent we had was a complete letdown. We were 18 points from being undefeated. If we feel like we're in a Division I program that has the resources, that makes us feel a lot better when we walk into Alabama and Michigan State." (CBS Sportsline)


About his scholarship check, Colt said:
"We only get $870 in our scholarship check, and we are living in the highest rental market. Last year we were only getting $630, my rent was $650. That was supposed to cover rent and
food. Once I saw the soap and a bunch of other stuff going on, I felt like I needed to say something to get things going. We've already got soap dispensers donated within hours of that article being printed." (CBS Sportsline)


About being targeted by criminals, Colt said:
"When the season ended I got my house broken into, my car broken into twice. After that, I was just really, really irritated and frustrated. They got me the first day. The just got my golf clubs and some other stuff, a phone charger and Ipod. For some reason the next day at 3 in the afternoon they decided to come back. I happened to leave my wallet in that day." (CBS Sportsline)


About how they only have one janitor to take care of their whole team's facilities, Colt said:
"They have one janitor to clean up after 80 people. He recycles shampoo bottles, fills them up with soap and gives them back to us. People should really realize how impressive it's been with Hawaii succeeding at the level they're succeeding at." (CBS Sportsline)


• The school's response to Brennan's claims:

University of Hawaii at Manoa
Athletics Department

UH Response To Items In The Honolulu Advertiser
Story In The Friday, May 4, Edition
"Brennan Fires Away At UH Facilities"

Soap Dispensers
Individual soap dispensers in the football locker room have been replaced numerous times over the last year because of vandalism. Twice, all 25 dispensers had to be replaced at a cost of $4,000 each time. New dispensers were in place at the time the Brennan story was published.


Nagatani Academic Center Staffing
There are eight full-time employees to service the student-athletes at the Nagatani Academic Center. There are plans to add two additional full-time employees. Also, there are a total of 56 other people working as tutors, mentors, computer-support assistants, and study
hall monitors.


Facilities
There is a capital improvement campaign that was set in motion two years ago. It includes: improvement projects for Cooke Field, Les Murakami Stadium, and the Duke Kahakamoku Aquatic Complex. The "Verizon Room," a computer room for football players, has been closed indefinitely due to ongoing vandalism and improper computer usage. Currently, it is available for use by appointment only.


Parking
Student-athletes, like the rest of the UH student body, are afforded the opportunity to obtain a parking pass through a lottery, since parking spaces are limited. Daily parking is available on a first-come first-serve basis for the remaining stalls on campus. Providing student-athletes free parking or permitting them to park in "special" unmarked areas on lower campus would be against NCAA rules. Student-athletes are not allowed to receive any benefits that are not available to the entire student body.


Licensing & Merchandising
Licensing rights for UH-logoed items are managed by the UH Office of External Affairs and merchandising rights are managed by the Department of Auxiliary Services. The UH Athletics Department receives a percentage of licensing and online merchandise revenue. These percentages are determined by upper-campus administration.

Quotes from Leonard Peters

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/May/14/br/br5126948073.html

Showing off the huge scar that covered his right bicep, LP said:
"There's worse. The skin didn't melt. If the skin melted, it would be bad." (AP)


Happy to have a shot with the Jets, LP said:
"Who thought a guy from a small island in Hawaii would come in and try out for the Jets? I am just grateful for the opportunity." (AP)


About his hair and comparisons to Polamalu, LP said:
"Having a Polynesian background, it has always been a warriorlike thing to grow your hair. I don't know about comparing me to Troy Polamalu because he is one of the greatest players, but I am glad to just try to make the team." (AP)


About spending time with Polamalu when he was in Hawaii for the Pro Bowl, LP said:
"I actually walked around with him and his wife for two days straight and got to know him and pick his mind about things. He is a great guy and an inspiration." (AP)


About his respect for LP, Jets coach Mangini said:
"When I was watching tape of Hawaii, there were a lot of big hits and he's involved with them. The most impressive thing about him was in sitting down with the other players, how they constantly reference back to him, his qualities and what he meant to that team. That was probably what moved me most in terms of him as a person is how many other people were talking about him, because he's a very humble guy by nature." (AP)


Not minding his coaches yelling at him, LP said:
"If they yell at you, it means they care about you a lot. I take it as a positive." (AP)


About how even experienced fire knife dancers get injured, LP said:
"It does not matter how many times you spin the knife, the best dancers in the world get bruises and scratches from it. It is the nature of the business, just like football." (AP)


Not thinking ahead to the rookie talent show, LP said:
"I just go hour by hour. If the coaches call you up into the office, then you are done. I am just trying to enjoy the experience and try my hardest." (AP)

Quote from Nate about the speed in the NFL

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/homeNewsDetail.jsp?id=69130

About how NFL players are much faster than college players, Nate said:
"The tempo of how practices are run, I was able to adjust to that quickly, but as far as the players go, they're coming fast. In college you're able to get away with only a couple players being real fast, out here everyone's fast. Even the coaches are kind of fast running these drills." (philadelphiaeagles.com)

Quotes about Nate and how he fits into Philly's offense

Great find by Tombo! I never would have thought to check this paper for news about Nate.

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/99-05142007-1346170.html


About how their RBs have to be versatile, Eagles OC Marty Mornhinweg said:
"We ask the running backs here to do an awful lot.

We ask them to run the football, of course, and we ask them to block in the run game. Then we ask them to protect, and then we ask them to run routes like a receiver would from the backfield and the slot out wide, and then we expect them to catch the football like a receiver would.

So we ask them to do virtually everything you can ask a skill player to do. We do move them around quite a bit, and so — (considering) verbiage, alignment, assignment, that's one of the tougher positions (to learn)." (Burlington County Times)


About the 2 RBs they drafted (Tony Hunt and Nate), Mornhinweg said:
“Tony's a good all-around player, at least he was in college. He runs the ball very well. He has very quick feet. He's physical. He's done a very good job in college in the pass protection aspect of it. When he's been asked to block on running plays, he's done a good job there. Lastly, he's been effective and productive in the passing game. So he's very good all-around. (Ilaoa has) very good feet. He's highly productive, both in the pass and the run game." (BCT)


About his advice to Tony and Nate, starting RB Brian Westbrook said:
“I told the younger guys, it's their job now, so they have to get in the (play book) no matter what - if they're tired, in between meetings, in between practices, they have to get in the book and study, because it's not natural for a lot of these things they're asking them to do. The terminology is so different from different schools. They have to learn a lot. They're going to be tired, and they have to be able to study even when they're tired and learn this offense, because we can't allow them to make mistakes out there." (BCT)

Another Leonard Peters Interview after Day 1 of the rookie minicamp

http://www.jetnation.com/?p=936#more-936

Asked if he knew how interested the Jets were in him, LP said:
"I think every NFL team does its homework and they all seemed interested. During the draft it is all a chess match between each team so you never know where you’re going to go. I’m just glad I have an opportunity to come here." (JN)


Asked about the Jets being far from home, LP said:
"Yes, but it’s OK. I grew up dancing [National Polynesian dancing] since I was in fourth grade all the way through high school, so I have traveled all over the world, Taiwan, Japan, so it’s OK. I got to see a little bit from the airport to the hotel of the great atmosphere around here and I am grateful to be here." (JN)


Asked if his background would help him take on this challenge, LP said:
"It doesn’t matter what background I have, I’m just glad I have this opportunity. Who knew that a person from the Samoan Islands would come here and get a chance to play or at least try out to play NFL football." (JN)


Asked about his hair resembling Troy Polamalu’s, LP said:
"With a Polynesian background it has always been a warrior-like thing to grow your hair. I don’t know about comparing me to Troy Polamalu because he is one of the greatest players, but I’m glad to just try to make the team." (JN)


Asked about Rich Miano (his college position coach) saying he was a country boy going to New York, LP said:
"My defensive backs coach, Rich Miano, played here years ago, as a free agent also. All I can do is try my hardest to fit in on a team, no matter what it is." (JN)


Asked what advice Miano gave him, LP said:
"He played here years ago and he said it doesn’t matter where you go and play, just focus on the task at hand." (JN)


Asked about football's popularity in Hawaii, LP said:
"I went to a high school in Hawaii that’s called Kahuku and I think we are tied or leading for the most players to come out of one high school. It is a good thing for our state and our community." (JN)


About Polamalu being an inspiration to him, LP said:
"He is a good friend of mine. I got to meet him when they came to Hawai’i for the Pro Bowl — our high school football team actually helps out with the security, so we get to meet them and get to know them and stuff like that. I actually walked around with him and his wife for two days straight and got to know him and pick his mind about things. He is a great guy and an inspiration." (JN)


Asked what advice Polamalu gave him, LP said:
"He said to keep your feet on the ground, stay level-headed, focus on the littlest things and try your best." (JN)


Asked about the scars he has on his hands from fire-knife dancing, LP said:
"The fire knife dancing championship of the world is actually taking place in Hawai’i this week. It’s at the Polynesian Culture Center. It doesn’t matter how many times you spin the knife, the best dancers in the world get bruises and scratches from it. It is the nature of the business, just like football." (JN)


Asked if he would be dancing at the championship now if he weren’t with the Jets, LP said:
"No, just helping out." (JN)


Asked how long it takes to learn how to dance, LP said:
"A while, and the best dancers still perfect their profession just like football players. To be the greatest you can be, you have to practice your technique and stuff like that." (JN)


Asked about the dance he did with teammates before Hawai’i games (the haka), LP said:
"Every team has something to bring the team together. Because we are from Hawai’i and are called the Warriors, we tried to think of something from a Polynesian background that we could do. So we asked some New Zealand Maori people if we could dance the Haka and they said OK. And we asked some mainland players who were on the team and talked to them about it before we even danced or practiced it, and they said they were OK with it. I think it just draws us closer as a state and as a football team." (JN)


Asked about players with the Jets asking him about the dance, LP said:
"A lot of teams have seen us do it, but I am in the WAC and a lot of the players here are not in the WAC, so I don’t think they know about it." (JN)

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Quotes from Leonard Peters

http://www.nj.com/jets/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/117911711581570.xml&coll=1

Asked about the difference between performing with flaming knives and playing football, LP said:
"Both are tough in different ways. The best dancers in the world get bruises and scratches from it. ... Just like a football player, to be the greatest every year you have to practice your techniques to try to better yourself." (NJ Star-Ledger)


About the frequent comparisons to Troy Polamalu, LP said:
"Of course, it's the long hair, the Polynesian background. It's always been a warrior-type thing to grow your hair, though I don't know if you can compare me to him. He's one of the greatest." (NJ Star-Ledger)


Giving high praise to Leonard Peters, Jets coach Eric Mangini said:
"Leonard, when I was watching tape of Hawaii, there was a lot of big hits and he's involved with them. The most impressive thing about him was in sitting down with the other players, how they constantly reference back to him, his qualities and what he meant to that team. That was probably what moved me most in terms of him as a person is how many other people were talking about him." (NJ Star-Ledger)

Interview with Leonard Peters from JetNation

http://www.jetnation.com/?p=938#more-938

Asked about his tatoos, LP said:
"I started researching my family history. Each design on my arm is a family generation in my group, so each symbol had a family name to it." (JetNation)


Asked what he took from the minicamp, LP said:
"The speed and the tempo is a notch up in the NFL from college. It is also a great opportunity. Who thought a guy from a small island in Hawaii would come in and try out for the Jets? I am just grateful for the opportunity." (JN)


Asked about not being drafted, LP said:
"I heard everything about the draft, but to me it wouldn’t matter where I went. I am just grateful that I am here now and that I got the opportunity to come out here and run around with some of the top guys in the nation." (JN)


Asked what he can do now to ensure a roster spot, LP said:
"If we’re here, they’ve done enough research on us to know what we can do. Being here, we have to try to learn the plays and formations and stuff like that. The thing we can do is try to show how bad we want it and give effort." (JN)


Asked about the possibility he could be released, LP said:
"You can get let go any time, any day. They don’t have to have a reason. I’m going by the hour. I’m enjoying everything. I look at my name on the locker and on our helmets and stuff like that. I am just enjoying the whole situation." (JN)


Asked how the Jets contacted him after the draft, LP said:
"They were good about calling me and asking me if I wanted to play football for them. For me, I just thought it was a great opportunity with a great organization, a great place to come in and try out." (JN)


Asked about learning the plays, LP said:
"Like any team, they have a lot of things that you have to adjust to, so I am just trying my best." (JN)


Asked what it is like to have a coach yell at him, LP said:
"It’s good. You take it as a positive. If they yell at you it means they care about you a lot. I take it as a positive." (JN)


Asked about his possible performance in the rookie talent show (the NY papers have been talking about looking forward to his fire dancing), LP said:
"I have to make it through the day. Who’s to say I’ll make it to the rookie show? Like I said, I just go hour by hour. If the coaches call you up into the office, then you’re done. I’m just trying to enjoy the experience and try my hardest." (JN)


Asked if the other rookies knew that he danced, LP said:
"I’m sure they don’t know. It’s a good thing they don’t." (JN)

Quotes from Nate after the draft

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/eaglesQuotesDetail.jsp?id=68112

Asked how the 2 days since the draft have been for him, Nate said:
"Exciting, sort of mixed emotions. It's been kind of crazy, but now it's all worth it that I've gotten an opportunity." (philadelphiaeagles.com, from now on I'll say PE.com)


Asked if he knew before the draft that Philly was interested in him, Nate said:
"Yes. I met with them at the combine. I felt like I put my best foot forward through my interviews with them. I thought they were interested in the things I was saying, and I thought they were great as far as scouts go, too. They were asking the right questions, kind of figuring me out, and I was able to answer all their questions. So from there I felt kind of good about them." (PE.com)


Asked where he watched the draft, Nate said:
"I was staying over here at my parents house in Kailua, Hawaii." (PE.com)


Asked what time the Eagles called him to let him know they were drafting him, Nate said:
"Probably about 12:00 noon." (PE.com)


Asked if the Eagles had talked with him about how he fit into their offense, Nate said:
"No, not really. But I've been able to watch the Eagles play, and I always felt it was a good fit for me at Philadelphia because of the things [RB Brian] Westbrook is able to do - catch the ball out of the backfield and line up between tackles as well. I always thought that was a good fit for me." (PE.com)


Asked if Philly's offense was comparable to JJ's run-and-shoot, Nate said:
"No, I don't think anybody runs the stuff we run here. The type of formations that Philadelphia runs and the things that they use, as far as their running backs go, kind of compare to what we do here. Somebody as versatile as Westbrook is, they like to utilize him in so many different ways, and that's the same case here in Hawaii." (PE.com)


Asked what time it was in Hawaii, Nate said:
"12:19 pm." (PE.com)

Note: Can't the Philly reporters look at their clocks and subtract 6 from the hour number?


Asked why he went to Virginia for high school and UH for college, Nate said:
"My dad was in the military, so basically I lived all over as a little kid. I was born in Oakland, lived in Hawaii, California, Utah, Oklahoma, and Missouri. I finished high school in Virginia. Then my dad got stationed in Hawaii again before I finished high school, so I stayed in Virginia and finished my senior year [there]. My dad was stationed in Hawaii, and I felt like it would be good to play in front of family some more, and also the same offense I ran in high school was over here with coach Jones, so it was a good fit for me." (PE.com)


Asked how difficult it was to move around so much growing up, Nate said:
"It was difficult, but I always felt it helped me adapting to new areas, especially if you're going to college all the way across the country. I was able to adapt well to my surroundings. That was one thing that was big, that was key for me throughout moving as a military child. It was hard losing friends growing up, especially when I started playing football in Oklahoma and Missouri. I was leaving friends that I played football with and that's real close ties out there. Still today, I have close ties with people in those states." (PE.com)


Asked what he knew about Philly, Nate said:
"I've been there one time for an Army-Navy game. I was in Virginia and my dad and I drove up to watch the game up there, and that's about the only time I've been to Philly. Other than that, I know it's a great city to play football, so I couldn't ask for anything better than that." (PE.com)


Asked what branch of the Armed Forces his Dad is in, Nate said:
"He was in the Marines. He's been retired for about three years now." (PE.com)


Asked how to pronounce his name, Nate said:
"ee-LOW-uhh." (PE.com)


Asked how he got his nickname, Nate said:
"Actually, it was a nickname I got from one of my brothers while we were growing up. It's from the movie called 'Half Baked,' and there's a character called 'Nasti Nate' on it, and they used to make fun of me about it just because the character was real goofy in the movie. And then somehow it got to the football field, and it carried from Virginia all the way to Hawaii, which was pretty cool, but I was pretty much known as 'Nasti Nate' now out here on the island." (PE.com)


Asked if his nickname was more about his running style, Nate said:
"Yeah, and I know it's a character off of a movie, but it's for my running style." (PE.com)

BCS Hype for UH

http://honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070513/COLUMNISTS06/705130384/1142/SPORTS

The Sporting News wrote:
"The Warriors are on the short list of BCS contenders from the five non-BCS leagues." (HA)


Athlon Sports wrote:
"The Warriors could be the next team to follow the (Boise State) Broncos' lead into the BCS. The (Washington) Huskies (on Dec. 1) could be the last obstacle between Hawai'i and a BCS bowl berth." (HA)


Phil Steele, author of Phil Steele's College Football Preview, said:
"I had Boise State going to a BCS bowl (in 2006), and this year I see Hawai'i running the table and getting to a BCS Bowl." (HA)


Street & Smith said:
"A WAC team won't crash the BCS bowl party again, but the conference will produce its second Heisman Trophy winner ... Hawai'i quarterback Colt Brennan." (HA)

Quotes from Nate when he arrived for the Eagles' mini-camp

http://honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070513/SPORTS0201/705130381/1032/SPORTS

Not minding the long distance he had to travel to Philly, Nate said:
"I probably had the longest trip to Philadelphia as anyone. I think it was like 6,000 miles or so. I left Thursday night and had a three-hour layover in Los Angeles. It was pretty long. I have to suit up and go. No one is going to feel sorry for me because I had a longer trip to get here. I would have gone anywhere for this. This is my dream to play in the NFL." (HA)


About how 7th-round draft picks like him aren't guaranteed a roster spot, Nate said:
"I figure if I go out and do the things I'm capable of doing, everything will work out the way it's supposed to. I'm excited to be here but I'm not in awe or anything like that. I want to show them I belong here. I've seen a number of Eagles games and I see how they use their backs like Brian Westbrook. He catches a lot of balls out of the backfield. I did a lot of that at Hawai'i. They threw to me a lot and I had to catch and hold on to the ball across the middle with not a lot of room. I think the fact that I caught so many passes was attractive to the Eagles. I feel I'm versatile and I can contribute so many things." (HA)


About how the Eagles' offense is similar to the UH offense, especially from his perspective of the RB catching balls out of the backfield, Nate said:
"I first met with the Eagles at the combine and we talked about the similar offenses. Not a lot of teams ran the complex offense like we did at Hawai'i. The Eagles do similar things because they pass so much to the backs. I felt good about coming to the Eagles because the offense is something I'm really familiar with. It's exciting to me because I like to be part of the action. I have a lot of things to learn. I'm ready to go. I want to soak as much information up as possible." (HA)


Happy to help Nate and the other rookies, Philly WR Reggie Brown said:
"I remember my first and I was like, 'Whew, this is more work than college.' I told Nate that you can't do everything in one day. Do your work, study your playbook and be prepared. Preparation at this level is very important. He has a lot talent because the Eagles drafted him. Now it's up to him to do the work. I'll help him and the younger players out in any way." (HA)


About his nickname, with the vets joking around about a rookie having a nickname already, Nate said:
"It was a nickname I got from my one of my brothers while we were growing up. It's from the movie called 'Half Baked,' and there's a character called "Nasti Nate" on it, and they used to make fun of me about it just because the character was real goofy in the movie. For whatever reason, it stuck and that's how I'm known." (HA)


Understanding the passion Philly fans have for the Eagles, Nate said:
"They like guys to give everything they have and they should. That's how I am. When I hit the football field, I'm all business. There's no fooling around there. It's time to work. I think the fans will see a player willing to do anything." (HA)

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Quotes from Leonard Peters before Jets mini-camp

http://jets.scout.com/2/643531.html

Asked how it has been for him to be so far from home, Leonard Peters said:
"It is ok. I grew up dancing (National Polynesian dancing) since I was in fourth grade all the way through high school, so I have traveled all over the world, Taiwan, so it is ok." (Jets.com)


Asked how he has taken a long road to get to where he is now, Peters said:
"Who knew that a person from the Samoan Islands would come here and get a chance to play or at least try out to play NFL football." (Jets.com)


Asked if he copied Troy Polamalu's hair style, Peters said:
"As a Polynesian background it has always been a warrior like thing to grow your hair. I don’t know about comparing me to Troy Polamalu because he is one of the greatest players, but I am glad to just try to make the team." (Jets.com)


Asked what advice his UH secondary coach Rich Miano gave him, Peters said:
"He played here years ago and he said it doesn’t matter where you go and play just focus on the task at hand." (Jets.com)


Asked how popular football is in Hawaii, Peters said:
"I went to a high school in Hawaii that’s called Kahuku and I think we are tied or leading for the most (NFL) players to come out of one high school. It is a good thing for our state and our community." (Jets.com)


Asked if Polamalu is an inspiration to him, Peters said:
"He is a good friend of mine. I got to meet him when they came to Hawai’i for the Pro Bowl. Our football team actually helps out with the security the day before, so we get to meet them and get to know them and stuff like that. I actually walked around with him and his wife for two days straight and got to know him and pick his mind about things. He is a great guy and an inspiration." (Jets.com)


Asked what advice Polamalu gave him, Peters said:
"He says to keep your feet on the ground, stay level headed, focus on the littlest things and try your best." (Jets.com)


Asked about his scars on his hands from his dancing days, Peters said:
"The fire dancing championship of the world is actually taking place in Hawai’i this week, it is at the Polynesian Culture Center. It does not matter how many times you spin the knife, the best dancers in the world get bruises and scratches from it. It is the nature of the business." (Jets.com)


Asked how long it took him to learn to dance, Peters said:
"Awhile and the best dancers still perfect their profession just like football players. To be the greatest you can be you have to practice your technique." (Jets.com)

Nate arrives for Philly's mini-camp

About how he'll probably feel the effects of jet lag and the time difference when mini-camp starts tomorrow, Nate said:
"Looking at the schedule, I've got to get up at about 6:30 or 7 [a.m.]. That'll be about 1 [a.m.] in Hawaii, so it'll probably hit me by then." (Philly News)

Friday, May 11, 2007

Quotes from Mel Purcell

http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6797

About getting the news that he was drafted at 11am HST when he was eating at a restaurant with his parents, Mel said:
"I was so excited I couldn't even finish my food." (Clevelandbrowns.com)


A 2002 ESPN article reported that a Samoan boy is 40 times more likely to make the NFL than a boy from the US mainland, adding that the Samoan islands:
"are to the NFL what the Dominican Republic is to Major League Baseball." (Clevelandbrowns.com)


About how football is the best way for a young men to succeed and leave Samoa, Mel said:
"One of the only ways kids can leave the island is by getting scholarships. Mostly people who come out there to recruit are only there for football players." (Clevelandbrowns.com)

CB Note: "Purcell said he didn't get many television channels growing up and didn't get to see many NFL games, but the players instead came to them. Samoan NFL players often returned to their homeland to hold clinics on American football and often brought teammates to help.

In 2001, for instance, Eagles defensive end Jevon Kearse was brought to the island by then-Titans teammate and Samoan native Joe Salave'a for a clinic to instruct 600 children."


About the 6-hour time difference between Cleveland and Hawaii, Mel said:
"It's hard to sleep at night because it's still seems like it's 4 o'clock. I'm having trouble staying up in meetings. I'm adjusting but it's adversity. You just have to go through it." (Clevelandbrowns.com)


Happy to be playing for Cleveland, Mel said:
"Whatever they need me to do I'll do it. I'm very happy to be here." (Clevelandbrowns.com)

Article about the Samoan rookies with the Dolphins

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-spsamoans11may11,0,4498290.story?coll=sfla-dolphins-front

Asked about brining in 4 Samoan players this offseason, Cam Cameron said:
"They're all different. Their families are different. But what we have seen in these guys is that spirit, that spirit of enthusiasm, that pride. When they step on the football field, they know they represent someone bigger than themselves, and that's important. We believe in that." (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)


About the Polynesian kids who go to his camp, Alema Te'o, who runs the All-Poly camp for mostly impoverished Polynesian-born high school players, said:
"These kids have a special spirit about them in terms of their faith and commitment level. It's a respect thing. When it comes down to competition, you don't want anyone else. These kids lay it on the line because they know they're not just playing for themselves. They know that when you leave home, you'd better not come back empty-handed." (SFSS)

SFSS Note: "More than 50 college coaches and scouts attend the annual camp, and last year they handed out 40 Division I-A scholarships. Satele, Mauia and Esera are three of seven rookies (five drafted) from the University of Hawaii on NFL rosters."


About how UH went from 19 Polynesians when he started to 76 now, JJ said:
"When I first came here in 1999, we had 19 Polynesians out of 105 on the team. Now, we've got 76, including three Sateles. They're just very solid players and even better people." (SFSS)


About how Junior Seau was a role model for Samoan players, Reagan said:
"Everyone wanted to be Junior Seau, even if you were playing quarterback." (SFSS)

SFSS Note: "Te'o and Honolulu-based NFL agent Max Hannemann said these players are all about doing things the Samoan way, called fa'a Samoa, and by always showing respect, or fa'aaloalo, to their families, coaches, teammates and opponents."


Wanting to erase the stereotype of Samoans being lazy, overweight beachcombers, Samson said:
"We're only laid-back on Sundays. Monday through Saturday, we're putting in the work. I guess we need a new day to rest now." (SFSS)

Note: Sunday is the traditional day of rest for Samoans. I honestly didn't think that that the stereotype of Samoans was as the article says--my stereotype (from personal experience) is that they tend to be fierce competitors, respectful, strong, and likely Morman.


Echoing Samson's comments about erasing Samoan stereotypes, Soliai said:
"We hear how Samoans are lazy and not healthy and that most Samoans die of heart attacks. If they [Seau, etc.] could make it, we could make it in the new generation." (SFSS)


Tala, who is considered the leader of Miami's Samoan contingent because he leads the haka, said:
"We're a new breed: smarter, more mature and aware of our role models. They showed us if we work hard and make good choices we can get to that level and do what we were born to do." (SFSS)


John Beck learned a little Samoan at BYU and said about his Samoan teammates:
"They called me palagi, or white boy, at [Brigham Young]. I even play the ukulele. They have a really cool culture. They're so laid-back and chilled, but the minute they turn that switch they're like fire." (SFSS)


Asked once again about his YouTube video, Reagan said:
"We were breaking down the wall already. It was crazy, but we had some fun with it. I couldn't ask for a better deal to be with the Dolphins. We're going to bring something different this year." (SFSS)


Asked if they will do the haka, Tala said:
"Only if the veterans let us." (SFSS)

Thursday, May 10, 2007

More on the Soap Controversy via CBS Sportsline

http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10175044/1

About their poor facilities, Colt said:
"When we were on the road (last season) and saw what Alabama had, you have no idea how intimidating that is. when we come from not even having soap in our showers." (CBS Sportsline)


About how JJ doesn't understand how bad their facilities are, Colt:
"He's never been to another college setting. I don't think he has seen really what I've seen. I don't think he understands how bad it really was." (CBS Sportsline)


About staying at UH for his senior season, Colt said:
"When I came back," he said, "I wanted to do something special." (CBS Sportsline)


About their cutbacks in resources lately, Colt said:
"Ever since I got here I noticed a huge dropoff in money and resources. It's just, they have no money. They were way over budget ... Everybody is kind of in the same boat. The fans feel a little cheated. The players feel a little cheated, and the faculty feels a little bit cheated." (CBS Sportsline)


Indicating that vandalism of their locker room was done by students, HF said:
"I'm not going to throw our kids under the bus." (CBS Sportsline)

CBS Sportsline Note: "Frazier also said a computer facility for football players had been closed indefinitely because of vandalism and "improper computer usage." It is available, but by appointment only."


About Colt's parking concerns, HF said:
"Colt, my man, I love you, but every student has to pay for parking." (CBS Sportsline)

Note: Of course, that was not Colt's complaint but HF has no response to the real problem so he took a shot at Colt in a national publication...


About how he was the victim of identity theft, Colt said:
"The only way that was possible is people went through my trash. He's not giving me any money. That stirred my irritation level." (CBS Sportsline)

CBS Sportsline Note: "We feel for what might have set you off, Colt. You said your car was broken into at your off-campus apartment -- on consecutive days. They got your wallet and golf clubs. Before that, you claimed to be a victim of identity theft."


Amazed at how good a job JJ does despite their poor facilities, Colt said:
"In a heartbeat I'd still pick Hawaii. It's amazing Coach Jones is able to get the talent when the facilities look the way they do." (CBS Sportsline)


About how UH will pay for his flight to the Heisman Award ceremony, HF said:
"We would have paid for it last year, just like we paid for the soap." (CBS Sportsline)

Note: Of course, the fact is that UH did NOT pay for the soap.

Quotes about Attrell Snipes after he committed to UH

About the 6'1" 181-pound Snipes, who has 4.36sec speed in the 40, Rainier Beach (Seattle) High AD Dan Jurdy said:
"You should see his speed," Rainier Beach (Seattle) High athletic director Dan Jurdy said. "It's what he can do after he catches the ball. He can run a 5-yard out and break that thing for 70 yards." (HA)

Note: Snipes will join UH in either January or summer 2008, probably depending on available scholarships.


About how Snipes won the Washington state track meet in the 100 m, 200 m, and 400 m, Jurdy said:
"How do you do that? He's an amazing athlete. And he's an even better person." (HA)

HA Note: "As a Rainier Beach senior, Snipes was named to the Seattle Times' All-Area first team. He placed first in the 100 meters (10.71 seconds), 200 (21.98) and 400 (48.83) at the Washington state meet."


About the hardships Snipes when through in high school, Jurday said:
"Sometimes he wouldn't eat for a couple of days. When we tried to help, he'd say, 'No, no. I'll be all right.' " (HA)

HA Note: "As a youth, Snipes moved 37 times before settling in the Seattle area as a freshman. After his mother and sister moved to California, Snipes decided to remain in Washington, living by himself in a housing project for a year."


About how he and the coaches provided guidance to Snipes, Jurdy said:
"He had three or four dads in that school. We were all his fathers." (HA)


Snipes said that he picked UH:
"because of the coaches." (HA)

Note: I would imagine that the family atmosphere at UH would be very appealing to Snipes.


About Adam Leonard, who went to the same high school (Rainier), Snipes said:
"We're close." (HA)


About Snipes picking UH, Jurdy said:
"You couldn't ask for a better program. The coaches and players will become his family. This is a great player going to a great program. This is a perfect fit." (HA)

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Quotes about preseason recognition for UH

About being ranked #19 in the preseason listings for both Lindy's and Athlon Sports, JJ said:
"We're not too worried about preseason polls at this point. But it's good to get the recognition and all. What we need to focus on is winning that first football game." (HSB)


About being named preseason 1st team All-American by Lindy's, Colt said:
"I got some small recognition last year, but to be named first team is quite an honor. I don't really think about any of that stuff. It's something that comes your way if you play well as an individual and win as a team. We're all about winning here. To be nationally ranked in the preseason reflects how good we can be as a team. It's great anytime you get national recognition." (HSB)


About Colt being named preseason 1st team All-American by Lindy's, JJ said:
"Colt certainly deserves the accolades coming his way. He was the best quarterback in the country last season. We're glad to have him back because he makes us that much better of a football team." (HSB)

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Quotes from Lawrence Wilson and Kenny Patton

About being invited to the Baltimore Ravens' extended camp, Lawrence Wilson said:
"Everything is working out." (HA)

"I didn't want to give up on my dream." (HA)

HA Note: "Wilson, a Farrington High graduate, advanced his football career the hard way. He was a reserve nose tackle for the Warriors for two years. He saved enough money to participate in UH's Pro Day in Carson, Calif.

Until the Pro Day in March, when he impressed more than 50 National Football League scouts with his strength and agility, Wilson did not have an agent.

Wilson's performance at Pro Day earned him a free-agent contract with the Ravens.

His work at last week's mini-camp earned him an invitation to the extended camp."


About how he's been attending classes at UH and working out with UH strength coaches Tommy Heffernan and Mel deLaura, Wilson said:
"They gave me an idea on what to do." (HA)


About earning his sociology degree and participating in UH's graduation ceremony on Sunday, Wilson said:
"I worked hard for this. I'll be the first one in my family to get one. It'll be good for my family." (HA)


Kenny Patton participated in Oakland's mini-camp and also earned an invitation to their extended camp. Patton said that there are 9 CBs on Oakland's roster:
"and they can all run. The team speed is definitely there." (HA)


About how their veterans have been helpful, Patton said:
"Anytime you have a question, they'll answer it. The veterans are all nice guys. Warren Sapp is a really nice guy." (HA)


About #1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell, Patton said:
"He's very nice, very humble. We know his contract will be unbelievable, but he never acted like he was above anybody else. He's down to earth. He's trying his best, like the rest of us. The difference is he has a rifle for an arm. He can fling that football." (HA)

Monday, May 7, 2007

Quotes about the UH players with the Dolphins after rookie mini-camp

About Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga, Reagan said:
"He's like Midas. Everything he touches turns to gold." (HA)


Reagan thanked Huizenga:
"for bringing me on and believing in me and he said, 'You're going to do fine. Just hang in there and it will be OK.' " (HA)


About how Miami wants to modify the personality of its locker room and hopes to all a level of togetherness to their chemistry by bringing in players of Polynesian descent, Reagan said:
"(Cameron) knows that the Polynesian kids play with passion. It's the love that we have for the game. We're a little different breed — just the way we are with each other and the way we are with the team. We treat each other like family. Coaches see it."(HA)


Not making any judgements based on the rookie mini-camp, Cam Cameron said:
"I've seen too many guys that come into that first mini-camp and look good and then don't make the team and then guys that have come in and looked awful that go on to be great players. So, I haven't put any expectations on my mind on those rookies in the first mini-camp. These guys have flown halfway across the world, some of them — the time schedule — they got a lot of things going on in their minds, so we're not going to make any judgments on any of them." (HA)


About Reagan, Cameron said:
"He looks the part. He was able to get lined up, which with fullbacks is the first thing they have to do. Our assessment of him—until the pads come on — we really won't know. But all indications, including what we saw in college, is that he's going to be a good football player." (HA)


About how they may perform the haka for their teammates, possibly as soon as the next mini-camp in June, Samson said:
"Whatever the veterans want us to do." (HA)

HA Note: "The Dolphins allowed Satele and Esera to leave mini-camp early yesterday to return to Hawai'i. The two players missed an NFL rookie symposium geared toward educating rookies on the pitfalls they might face in their first year as a professional athlete. Cameron said the session would be recorded on DVD and mailed to the two."

Quotes about Jon Santos and Nate Nasca transferring to UH

About transferring to UH to play, 6'1" 194-pound HSB All-State 2nd team in 2004 WR Jon Santos said:
"I'm back home and would like to stay here. And UH throws the ball a lot. I like getting the ball." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Former Mililani teammate Aaron Kia, now a UH offensive lineman, got him in touch with the Warriors coaches. Santos would likely have two years of playing eligibility."


About transferring to UH to play, 5'8" 160-pound slotback Nate Nasca said:
"I'm a little bigger and faster than I was in high school. Our offense at Pearl City was similar to what UH runs." (HSB)

HSB: "Nasca, who led Pearl City to a state track and field championship in 2004, pursued track and football at Azusa Pacific, an NAIA school. He missed the 2004 football season with a hamstring injury, but played the past two seasons at receiver. He caught five passes for 113 yards and a touchdown last year and also rushed for a score. He will have to sit out a year before being eligible to play in games. With a medical redshirt for 2004, he could possibly play two seasons."

Sunday, May 6, 2007

Quotes about Ikaika from his coach

About why it was important to be able to spend the rookie mini-camp time one-on-one with Ikaika, Lions head coach Rod Marinelli said:
"There's certain things that I can see that he can do and there's certain things that are really difficult for a young lineman because a lot of times they haven't used their hands in coordinating with their feet. So I'll spend some detailed times and here I got him for three days or whatever it is and I can really just sit down and deal (with him) one-on-one because the next camp there are more guys and it's harder and the tempo (is faster). So you take advantage of this setting." (Detroitlions.com)

Quotes from Reagan about his YouTube Video

Thank you Tombo for pointing me to this quote!

About the attention he's been getting for his YouTube video, Reagan said:
“It’s cool. I didn’t think it was going to blow up like this. I was just messing around out there, just having fun.” (scout.com)

Quotes from Lawrence Wilson

Thank you to Tombo for the link to this article!


Happy to be in the Baltimore Ravens' rookie mini-camp, Lawrence Wilson said:
"I was really surprised when the Ravens called me. This is a learning experience for me right now and I'm taking it all one step at a time. There are some new things but what I've noticed the most is that everything is a lot faster and quicker. Hopefully, I can go out and work hard and do everything I'm supposed to do." (The Capitol)


Asked what undrafted free agents need to do to make it in the NFL, Ravens coach Brian Billick said:
"Talk about a fifth-round pick in D'wan Landry, undrafted free agents like Bart Scott or Kelly Gregg; they are examples to look at and say if you ever doubt you can do this, look at those guys and you should recognize this is do-able. The fact is if you don't believe you can do it, you probably ought not be here. This is a lot to go through for you to decide you can't do this or can't play. You might as well move on to your life's work if you take that attitude. We have to get them to grasp that." (TC)


About what will happen during their mini-camp, Billick said:
"What we do on these two days is to give them a sense of what's in front of them, the difficulty mentally and physically. Right now, this is a slowed-down, nurturing environment. When the veterans get here it will be, shut up and listen rookie and get out of the way: A tougher environment so they'll have to be ready for that transition when the pace picks up dramatically." (TC)


"Teaching is what this job is all about. It's teaching, teaching, teaching. It's getting them all on the same page. That's why we get into this business. That's what we enjoy." (TC)

TC Note: "Wilson was learning how to use his feet and arms and hands to get past, through or around offensive linemen. Over and over, he got down into his stance and came up to do battle, all the while hoping to impress defensive coordinator and line coach Clarence Brooks who were doing the instructing, the demonstrating."

Quotes about Ikaika from the Detroit Free Press

About his reaction to finding out he was drafted by Detroit while he was on the driving range, Ikaika said:
"I'm screaming; I'm going crazy. Everybody thinks I'm on drugs or something, and I'm like, 'No, I just got drafted by the Detroit Lions.' " (DFP)


Ikaika's Dad Joe gave him good advice after he was drafted, Ikaika said Joe told him:
"He said, 'The work starts now.' " (DFP)


Detroit DC Joe Barry said that the 280-pound Ikaika:
"bounces around on his feet like he's 230 pounds." (DFP)


About all of the personal tutoring he's been getting for Lions head coach Rod Marinelli, Ikaika said:
"I never would have imagined that. Coming into here, I heard so much about him, how he's such a great D-line coach. ... I just try to soak it all in. I'm so inexperienced. His knowledge is just unbelievable. I'm excited just to be under him." (DFP)

DFP Note: "Marinelli was a defensive line coach his entire career before he became a head coach last year. He tutored the likes of Simeon Rice and Warren Sapp in Tampa Bay. And in Alama-Francis, he has raw clay to mold.

Alama-Francis did not play football in high school. He walked onto the basketball team at the University of Hawaii in 2002. He walked onto the football team in 2003. It wasn't until 2005 that he became a starter.

Marinelli raves about everything from the quickness of his hands, to his tip-top conditioning, to how big his eyes get. He sees him as a young Cory Redding -- a guy with the ability to play either end and move inside to tackle.

While the defensive linemen have gone through their drills, Marinelli often has pulled aside Alama-Francis for one-on-one work.

Sometimes it looks like martial arts training. Marinelli turns into Mr. Miyagi from "The Karate Kid," the old master waving his hands, challenging the young pupil to react, teaching technique. Wax on, wax off.

Sometimes it looks like a mini-scrimmage. During the second session Saturday, Marinelli set up a couple of aides as offensive linemen and called over chief operating officer Tom Lewand to mimic a running back. Then he started instructing Alama-Francis on the intricacies of the Tampa Two run defense."


Joking about Detroit's indoor practice facility to Detroit's sun-starved reporters, Ikaika said:
"We don't have this kind of stuff in Hawaii. In Hawaii, it's all outdoors because it's 85 degrees every day. It's a miserable 85, of course." (DFP)


About the special tutoring he's been getting from Marinelli, Ikaika said:
"I'm having fun with it. I just smile and enjoy it. This is the experience of a lifetime. So I'm just going to go with it, give it everything I've got and hopefully play a few downs for the Detroit Lions." (DFP)

DFP Note: "At the end of one of his sessions with Marinelli, Alama-Francis let out a loud, exaggerated "Whew!" and took a long drink of water."


About facing former Michigan State QB Drew Stanton (and fellow Detroit rookie) when they played UH, Ikaika said:
"I got my hands on him a couple times. I brought him down a couple times. But he's a little nifty. He eluded me a couple times." (DFP)

Saturday, May 5, 2007

Quotes about Kenny Graham joining UH this summer

About joining UH for this season instead of grayshirting for next season, Kenny Graham said:
"I'm happy to be joining the team this year." (HA)

HA Notes that: "the Warriors' improved Academic Progress Rate score led to four scholarships being reinstated, one of which will go to Graham."


Graham, who has a 3.0 GPA this semester and is on track to earn his associate's degree in June, said:
"I knew I would make it." (HA)

HA Note: "It is fitting that Graham should benefit. Graham was a highly regarded cornerback, receiving a 4-star rating from Scout.com, before struggling academically. Several schools, including Florida and Louisville, backed away when it appeared Graham would not earn an associate degree before the end of the summer. A two-year degree is an NCAA requirement for a junior-college transfer."


About how he stuck with his UH commitment, even when it appeared that he would have to grayshirt, Graham said:
"Hawai'i and especially coach (Rich) Miano stood by me all the way. They were loyal to me. That's why I'm loyal to them." (HA)

HA Note: "Graham, who is 5 feet 11 and 203 pounds, said he can run 100 meters in 10.6 seconds and 40 yards in 4.4 seconds. Last week, his vertical jump was measured at 41 inches. Despite playing with a hamstring injury last year, he made eight interceptions in 11 games."


Looking forward to joining The Warriors, Graham said:
"I know Hawai'i has a great family atmosphere. They told me the team is like — what's the word? — 'ohana. I'm looking forward to joining the 'ohana." (HA)

UH responds to Colt's criticism, vows to upgrade its facilities

HF says that Uh is working on a master plan to improve facilities:
"in athletics and the entire university." (HA)


Associate AD John McNamara said that the Athletic department is:
"working on problems that can be solved immediately." (HA)


About their lack of soap, colt said:
"We've had broken (soap) dispensers ever since I got here. We've never had soap on a consistent basis." (HA)

HA Note: "Two companies offered yesterday to donate soap dispensers. Heide & Cook, a mechanical contractor, is willing to pay for a year's supply of liquid soap. The Honolulu Quarterback Club started a soap drive."


About why he spoke out, Colt said:
"I didn't speak out because I wanted to point the finger or put any people in a bad situation. That was not the intent. I wanted to bring awareness to the upper campus and the people who allocate the resources to the lower campus (where the athletic department is located). I think upper campus really put the athletic department and faculty in the lower campus in a tough position by not implementing a plan to get us the resources and money to take all of our athletic programs to the next level." (HA)


McNamara said that they have to prioritize projects due to:
"limited resources" (HA)

HA Note: "Topping the list, he said, is changing the artificial turf at Les Murakami Stadium and the Cooke Field infield, which was condemned more than a year ago."


About how every little thing adds up, Colt said:
"What trickles down affects us. When resources are tight, things like soap can get overlooked pretty easily." (HA)


One of the comments on the HA website was very interesting to me, so I'm quoting it here:
I am a student at UH, and was overjoyed to read Colt Brennan's comments the other day. I serendipitously sent a complaint email at exactly the right time.

On Tuesday of this week, I sent a complaint via email to the facilities maintenance director at UH about the atrocious conditions of the women's bathrooms in the class room area of athletic complex. I received a note back that the athletic facilities maintenance is strictly under the control of the athletic department and that my email was being forwarded on to them. I haven't yet gotten a reply back, but I'm hoping some action might take place now that Colt has come forward.

For all the complaints we hear about the condition of facilities at UH, the maintenance of the athletic complex is by far the worst I have seen anywhere on campus in the three years I've been here. The women's bathroom near the large lecture hall is so disgusting it is unusable by me, and an embarrassment to the University.

So I say, bravo Colt! Its not just the athletes who understand your frustration and disappointment in the facilities.


Another comment is below:
Mr. Brennan has really impressed me a whole lot the past 2 days. I think we are observing the start of something really special; a Man's connection to the people around him. His actions over the last 2 days has shown a lot of leadership to his teammates and also to the other UH athletes and athletic programs out there.
Colt is in the beginning of his heisman campaign for next year and instead of playing the safe route and not making waves is bringing awareness to an internal situation at UH that has plagued this school for the last 25 years.
I am a former UH athlete that played at UH for 4 years and then went on to play professionally for a while and it felt like Colt read my mind. It was embarrassing hearing players from other schools talk about how bad our actual facilities were in comparison to other mid-sized schools out there. They weren't commenting on the big things either. The fact that anyone can just walk into your locker room is one of them. We used to have things stolen from our locker room all the time and the excuse was that "sorry, but we can't hire security just to watch your things." From not having soap to being told there are no towels to having your cars ticketed for parking by your practice field for a Sunday morning workout on campus. It's what athletes call the "Bush League."
I've since have given back my time and money to help the athletic department in any way that I can, but I've had to be careful in where I send that money because I know that if I don't give directly to the booster club for that sport, the team will not get the $ they need.
Just imagine that you are working for a good sized company and your division earns the most revenue by far. Your company then tells you that they will be taking most of the $ and allocate it to the rest of the divisions, but in doing so, it will take from making necessary improvements and maintenance needed to help your division become more productive and successful. Wouldn't that be disheartening as a worker to find out that this has been the story for the last 25 years.
I'm glad that Colt has brought attention to this and the reason UH is in this mess is solely a result of mismanagement of the University as a whole. This is a prime example of how not to run a business. Isn't that funny, when the business department is supposed to be one of the better aspects of the academics of UH. Wouldn't you think that they could come up with a simple business plan that would be a little proactive. Obviously not.