At the start of his 6th year at UH, HF chuckled and said:
"it seems like longer." (HA)
Feeling good about what he's done at UH, HF said:
"I think, given all the things that we have had an opportunity to touch since we've been here — and everyone might not always agree that we did the right thing — we will certainly tell you that we believe that we have." (HA)
Praising HF, WAC commissioner Karl Benson said:
"In the past five years under the leadership of Herman Frazier, (UH) has continued to be one of the WAC's flagship programs. He has also provided strong leadership within the WAC structure and he is an AD I turn to often for advice and counsel. He recognizes the 'big picture' when it comes to conference matters and that sometimes decisions need to be made that are in the best interest of the league rather than just one school." (HA)
Wondering if HF has done enough to justify his $250k salary, Rep. Mark Takai said:
"In my few interactions with Mr. Frazier he seems like an intelligent person and nice guy. However, for the amount of money we're paying him ($250,000), I just don't see what he has personally done to bring Hawai'i to the next level." (HA)
About the weak football schedule this year and the budgetary questions under HF, Takai said:
"Those two issues are examples. The finances, some could argue, have put the UH athletic program in a more financially risky (position) and deeper in debt." (HA)
HA Note: "UH had deficits for three of Frazier's first four years. The audit for the just-completed fiscal year isn't complete."
About the harm caused by the weak schedule, Takai said:
"In terms of the schedule, I think, with Colt Brennan leading the way, and the confusion that particular issue brought to the program could, potentially, be harmful." (HA)
Former UH TE Kent Untermann, a businessman and booster now, is not satisfied with HF:
"I'm looking forward to him (Frazier) embracing the community more. I'm extremely disappointed in the facilities, with Cooke Field, which doesn't have (artificial) turf on it. I'm very (dissatisfied) with the way the schedule has been handled. We have a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate and a very exciting football (season) ahead of us, so I'm struggling to understand why we have only (20,400) season tickets sold." (HA)
About the poor attendance at Aloha Stadium, Untermann said:
"My senior year we averaged 47,000 (45,765) people per game and we didn't have nearly as exciting of an offense, so I'm disappointed (they) can't get more bodies in the seats because part of the excitement of playing Division I football is playing in front of a large homefield crowd." (HA)
HF defends his budgetary performance, saying that any other WAC school would be happy because:
"while everybody here likes to talk about the budget all the time, if we were any other school in our conference able to accomplish what we have with our budget process ... they (would) marvel at it. The other aspect, is that we are running a high-caliber, broad-based program. You look at our Olympic sports and what they have accomplished over the last three, four years." (HA)
UH President McClian, who led the search committee that picked HF, praised HF:
"During Herman Frazier's tenure as UH-Manoa athletics director, I've been impressed with his emphasis on the 'student' in 'student-athlete-athlete'; with the growing competitiveness of UH teams in many sports; and with his efforts to improve the financial picture of the department. I appreciate the professionalism and integrity with which Herman leads UHM athletics." (HA)
HF claims that he never was interested in the past openings at Washington and Colorado that his name was linked to:
"those never came into play because, for the most part, we were committed to getting some things accomplished here." (HA)
About how he might leave UH for the US Olympic Committee, HF said:
"There has been speculation that I will (someday) be president of the Olympic Committee. That can always be in my future, but Peter Ueberroth is like 65 years old ...and I'm only 52, so it is nothing that I have to run to tomorrow." (HA)
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Leon Wright-Jackson arrives in Hawaii!
Very critical of his performance in the awesome YouTube videos of him, LWJ said:
"All I see are my weaknesses. I'll see when I don't hit the hole quick enough, or if I have the wrong footwork, little nitpicks." (HA)
About how his grandmother was a perfectionist, making him practice writing sentences over and over, LWJ said:
"Sometimes if the letters didn't match, I'd throw away the paper and start over." (HA)
Not expecting to just be given the starting job, LWJ said:
"I want to get this system down first. It wouldn't do the team any good to throw me out there if I'm lost. I know it's going to be a challenge. I know about the hype and the pressure. I'm going to give it 100 percent and try to get better." (HA)
About how he met his wife DominiQue in the 6th grade, LWJ said:
"I was running laps. She told one of my teammates, 'I'm going to marry him one day.' We've been together 10 years. She was my first girlfriend, my first kiss, all of that romantic stuff." (HA)
About how he proposed to her after the homecoming game their senior year (getting married just this past February after a 3-year engagement), LWJ said:
"Nobody thought we were too young. Pasco is not really a big place. Everyone knew our history, how we were always in each other's lives." (HA)
About transferring from Nebraska, LWJ said:
"It wasn't the place for me. They have a great coach. You can never say anything bad about Nebraska. But it was a wrong deal for me. The coaches understood." (HA)
About how he received a phone call with a scholarship offer from UH last fall while he attended a community college in Washington, LWJ said:
"It was so random. I knew a little bit about Hawai'i from watching Colt (Brennan) on TV. I knew about the system, even about (former UH quarterback) Timmy Chang. Once the offer came, I was more into watching them." (HA)
About how other schools stopped recruiting him after he verbally committed to UH, LWJ said:
"They backed off. If I make a commitment, why would I wander off to another school? I'm loyal." (HA)
About how he added Wright to his last name in memory of his grandfather (Brady Wright) who passed away last November, LWJ said:
"We became really close. When he started to age, I took care of him. I wanted him to be comfortable before he went home to God. I was happy he was going to a better place. I owed him a lot. That's why I wanted to extend my name." (HA)
About how his grandfather lived long enough to know that LWJ had accepted a UH scholarship, LWJ said:
"He knew everything would be all right." (HA)
"All I see are my weaknesses. I'll see when I don't hit the hole quick enough, or if I have the wrong footwork, little nitpicks." (HA)
About how his grandmother was a perfectionist, making him practice writing sentences over and over, LWJ said:
"Sometimes if the letters didn't match, I'd throw away the paper and start over." (HA)
Not expecting to just be given the starting job, LWJ said:
"I want to get this system down first. It wouldn't do the team any good to throw me out there if I'm lost. I know it's going to be a challenge. I know about the hype and the pressure. I'm going to give it 100 percent and try to get better." (HA)
About how he met his wife DominiQue in the 6th grade, LWJ said:
"I was running laps. She told one of my teammates, 'I'm going to marry him one day.' We've been together 10 years. She was my first girlfriend, my first kiss, all of that romantic stuff." (HA)
About how he proposed to her after the homecoming game their senior year (getting married just this past February after a 3-year engagement), LWJ said:
"Nobody thought we were too young. Pasco is not really a big place. Everyone knew our history, how we were always in each other's lives." (HA)
About transferring from Nebraska, LWJ said:
"It wasn't the place for me. They have a great coach. You can never say anything bad about Nebraska. But it was a wrong deal for me. The coaches understood." (HA)
About how he received a phone call with a scholarship offer from UH last fall while he attended a community college in Washington, LWJ said:
"It was so random. I knew a little bit about Hawai'i from watching Colt (Brennan) on TV. I knew about the system, even about (former UH quarterback) Timmy Chang. Once the offer came, I was more into watching them." (HA)
About how other schools stopped recruiting him after he verbally committed to UH, LWJ said:
"They backed off. If I make a commitment, why would I wander off to another school? I'm loyal." (HA)
About how he added Wright to his last name in memory of his grandfather (Brady Wright) who passed away last November, LWJ said:
"We became really close. When he started to age, I took care of him. I wanted him to be comfortable before he went home to God. I was happy he was going to a better place. I owed him a lot. That's why I wanted to extend my name." (HA)
About how his grandfather lived long enough to know that LWJ had accepted a UH scholarship, LWJ said:
"He knew everything would be all right." (HA)
Monday, July 30, 2007
Quotes about Chad Owens
http://sports.tbo.com/sports/MGBS1O59Q4F.html
About the uphill battle he has to make the Bucs, Chad Owens said:
"I've had to work hard my whole life. Nothing was ever given to me. I don't expect anyone to feel sorry for me because I'm not the only guy who had to do it this way. There are free agents who have come in and ended up being superstars.
I had an opportunity to walk onto Hawaii, play in front of my friends and family, and when I got an opportunity to play, I made the best of it, excelled, and the rest is history. Here I am in the same boat." (TBO)
About how Chad wasn't well known to many from his UH days, Gruden said:
"He's from the University of Hawaii, so a lot of us haven't seen them. We were in bed when they played." (TBO)
About how he hasn't been able to duplicate his college performance in the NFL, Owens said:
"I really don't have the answer to that. It just comes down to making the best of your opportunities. I got a new opportunity here, and I'm definitely going to make the best of it. I can tell you that. I'm just excited and trying to get back to my form.
I don't think I ever really lost anything I had. Unfortunately, things happen in life, but it's up to you to respond. Some people crawl into a shell and give up, but I'm not one of those guys. I'm going to be working until I die." (TBO)
TBO Note: "Through three days of practice, Gruden has been impressed by Owens. Gruden said Owens' problem in Jacksonville was he dropped too many passes, but is excited about his potential on special teams with him possibly evolving into a third-down receiver.
Owens admits he dropped passes, but said catching has never been a problem. His biggest concern is grabbing an opportunity to become a key contributor this year."
About the importance of preseason to him, Owens said:
"For a lot of the vets, preseason is kind of like, 'Ah, let's just get through this already. Let's get the regular season started.' For me, it's a game. A chance to get out there and prove myself. To show these fans what I can do, and give myself an opportunity to make this team and be able to help during the season." (TBO)
About the uphill battle he has to make the Bucs, Chad Owens said:
"I've had to work hard my whole life. Nothing was ever given to me. I don't expect anyone to feel sorry for me because I'm not the only guy who had to do it this way. There are free agents who have come in and ended up being superstars.
I had an opportunity to walk onto Hawaii, play in front of my friends and family, and when I got an opportunity to play, I made the best of it, excelled, and the rest is history. Here I am in the same boat." (TBO)
About how Chad wasn't well known to many from his UH days, Gruden said:
"He's from the University of Hawaii, so a lot of us haven't seen them. We were in bed when they played." (TBO)
About how he hasn't been able to duplicate his college performance in the NFL, Owens said:
"I really don't have the answer to that. It just comes down to making the best of your opportunities. I got a new opportunity here, and I'm definitely going to make the best of it. I can tell you that. I'm just excited and trying to get back to my form.
I don't think I ever really lost anything I had. Unfortunately, things happen in life, but it's up to you to respond. Some people crawl into a shell and give up, but I'm not one of those guys. I'm going to be working until I die." (TBO)
TBO Note: "Through three days of practice, Gruden has been impressed by Owens. Gruden said Owens' problem in Jacksonville was he dropped too many passes, but is excited about his potential on special teams with him possibly evolving into a third-down receiver.
Owens admits he dropped passes, but said catching has never been a problem. His biggest concern is grabbing an opportunity to become a key contributor this year."
About the importance of preseason to him, Owens said:
"For a lot of the vets, preseason is kind of like, 'Ah, let's just get through this already. Let's get the regular season started.' For me, it's a game. A chance to get out there and prove myself. To show these fans what I can do, and give myself an opportunity to make this team and be able to help during the season." (TBO)
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Quotes about Nate Ilaoa being star-struck with the Eagles
http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2007/072007/07292007/304056/index_html?page=1
About being a bit overwhelmed when he was at a mini-camp with the Eagles, Nate said:
"When you come out to practice and you take hand-offs from Donovan McNabb and you have to block Takeo Spikes, you realize you aren't playing with these guys on a video game anymore," Ilaoa said in a telephone interview last week. "These guys are actually real, and you're actually out there playing with them." (Free Lance-Star)
About competing with Moats and Hunt for a roster spot, Nate said:
"I'm just going to try to make it hard for the coaches to decide. All I can really do is put my best foot forward, and hopefully the coaches will recognize that." (FLS)
Nate's high school coach Chris Beatty can see Nate helping Philly in a variety of roles, especially because of his WR background:
"He catches the ball really well out of the backfield. And now he's got a little more power than he used to. He adjusted well to playing running back." (FLS)
About how Nate could have leave North Stafford after his junior year to move to Hawaii with his parents, but Nate chose to stay at his high school to show loyalty to the program, Beatty said:
"Nowadays in the NFL, character is so important. Nate doesn't have any issues as far as that. He's got as much character as anybody I've ever dealt with." (FLS)
About the NFL, Nate said:
"This is my job now. I have to keep working if I want to be successful at it." (FLS)
About being a bit overwhelmed when he was at a mini-camp with the Eagles, Nate said:
"When you come out to practice and you take hand-offs from Donovan McNabb and you have to block Takeo Spikes, you realize you aren't playing with these guys on a video game anymore," Ilaoa said in a telephone interview last week. "These guys are actually real, and you're actually out there playing with them." (Free Lance-Star)
About competing with Moats and Hunt for a roster spot, Nate said:
"I'm just going to try to make it hard for the coaches to decide. All I can really do is put my best foot forward, and hopefully the coaches will recognize that." (FLS)
Nate's high school coach Chris Beatty can see Nate helping Philly in a variety of roles, especially because of his WR background:
"He catches the ball really well out of the backfield. And now he's got a little more power than he used to. He adjusted well to playing running back." (FLS)
About how Nate could have leave North Stafford after his junior year to move to Hawaii with his parents, but Nate chose to stay at his high school to show loyalty to the program, Beatty said:
"Nowadays in the NFL, character is so important. Nate doesn't have any issues as far as that. He's got as much character as anybody I've ever dealt with." (FLS)
About the NFL, Nate said:
"This is my job now. I have to keep working if I want to be successful at it." (FLS)
Random Warrior Quotes
Asked if he was now 100% after recovering from the quad strain that kept him out of almost all offseason activities, Ashley Lelie said:
"It feels close to that. I expect to practice. I can't wait to get out there and just play football." (SJ Mercury News)
About how Al Davis was "crazy" for drafting JaMarcus Russell with the 1st pick, JJ said:
"That guy isn't ready to play, I'm sorry. If [Brennan] had come out last year, after it's all said and done, after all the coaches worked out everybody, after they sat and talked to everybody, that he would have gone first. This guy can play. You've got to be nuts not to take a quarterback who can throw like that." (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
About how BSU's success last season helps their preseason hype this season, JJ said:
"Boise State set the standard that everybody's shooting for. Some of our preseason hype is the result of their success." (FWST)
"It feels close to that. I expect to practice. I can't wait to get out there and just play football." (SJ Mercury News)
About how Al Davis was "crazy" for drafting JaMarcus Russell with the 1st pick, JJ said:
"That guy isn't ready to play, I'm sorry. If [Brennan] had come out last year, after it's all said and done, after all the coaches worked out everybody, after they sat and talked to everybody, that he would have gone first. This guy can play. You've got to be nuts not to take a quarterback who can throw like that." (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
About how BSU's success last season helps their preseason hype this season, JJ said:
"Boise State set the standard that everybody's shooting for. Some of our preseason hype is the result of their success." (FWST)
Quotes about Reagan Mauia's journey to the NFL
http://www.lodinews.com/articles/2007/07/28/sports/1_mauia_070728.txt
About how his classmates react when he says that his "Uncle Reagan" is on the Dolphins, 13-year-old Marquell said:
"They don't believe me." (LN)
About how he tries to live his life, Reagan said:
"I live by the two H's. Stay humble and stay hungry." (LN)
About growing up poor in Samoa, Reagan said:
"I didn't know I was poor until I went to school and saw what other kids were wearing. We were at the bottom." (LN)
Not bothered by his family's financial status when he was growing up, Reagan said:
"My childhood was a happy one." (LN)
About how his older brother carried him to the top of a waterfall when he was 6, telling him the only way he'd get home was to jump into the water below and swim his way back, Reagan said:
"I remember standing up there. He left me by myself. I just started wailing in the water and splashed my way back. I told him never to do that again." (LN)
Not upset with the rough treatment he got from his brothers, Reagan said:
"I probably would have been a wimp. Probably not." (LN)
About how their family's lives didn't get easier when they moved into a poor neighborhood in East Oakland where he Dad took a warehouse job, Reagan said:
"You come from one jungle to a whole different jungle." (LN)
About how being a Samoan family in an African-American neighborhood resulted in a lot of misunderstanding and fights, Reagan said:
"We had to survive." (LN)
About how he was a scrawny little kid weighing under 100 pounds in 6th grade until he found weights in back of an Oakland housing project, Reagan said:
"I just started lifting on my own and never stopped." (LN)
Note: Reagan was 263 pounds by the time his family moved to Stockton before he started high school.
When he was sent to the freshmen team when he tried to go out for football as a freshman, Reagan was told:
"The freshmen coach said, 'No son, the varsity field is back that way.'" (LN)
About Reagan as a freshman, Coach Tracy said:
"He was a creature, man. He had a lot to learn, but he learned real fast." (LN)
Note: The coach would have put Reagan on the Varsity if it wasn't for his rule that players had to be 15 before they were on the varsity.
Reagan had never played football before, but was put at RG and NG on the freshmen team, learning from teammates what to do:
"I'd line up and ask my tackle, 'Who do I hit?' "He'd tell me which number, and when the ball moved I'd knock them down." (LN)
About how Reagan wanted to learn all he could and not just rely on his ability, Tracy said:
"He was a student of the game. He didn't just want his natural ability to lead him. He wanted to learn all the fine details of the game." (LN)
His work ethic translated to the weight room as well, learning lifting techniques from John Hunt, the first person he ever met on the Tokay campus.
About Reagan's work ethic at Tokay High, John Hunt (a counselor and track and field coach who taught Reagan lifting techniques) said:
"He was bench-pressing 220 pounds as a freshman and 330 pounds by his sophomore year." (LN)
LN Note: "When the track and field season came around, Hunt convinced Mauia to go out for the shot put and discus. Mauia didn't like the sport at first, but he was a natural, eventually setting the school record in the discus with a mark of 172 feet, 6 inches."
About how his brother Tuitafega transferred from Bear Creek to Tokay and they got to play together during Reagan's junior year, Reagan (San Joaquin Athletic Association's Defensive Player of the Year that year) said:
"That made me feel at home." (LN)
About how Reagan was ruled athletically ineligible halfway through his Senior season when he and some teammates were found to have been drinking at a party, Hunt said:
"He made some choices and got himself into some situations, but it was hard to be disappointed with him because he felt he let the team down. He was never elitist or cocky. He was truly humble and sorry for any bad decisions he made." (LN)
Note: Hunt's parents took in Reagan his senior year because Reagan's parents had to relocate to South Stockton.
Mauia signed a scholarship to play for Sacramento State, but he quickly backed out.
About how Reagan backed out of a scholarship agreement to play for Sacramento State, Reagan (lightly recruited because he was 6' tall with a short wingspan, despite running a 4.8 40-yard dash while being 300 pounds) said:
"I would have been a Hornet, but I didn't think it was the thing for me to do. I knew I could do better, but I wasn't going to stop playing ball." (LN)
About how he redshirted as a sophomore at Delta College after the birth of his son, Reagan said:
"I worked two jobs and went to school. Just trying to help out." (LN)
LN: "During that time, Mauia continued to receive several scholarship offers from smaller schools. Knowing that Jesus Reyes, Delta's wide receivers coach, knew someone at the University of Hawaii, Mauia asked him for a favor."
About asking Reyes to contact UH for him, Reagan said:
"I got up the courage to ask Reyes to make a phone call for me. Just to get my name in the door." (LN)
LN Note: "When Reyes did, Mauia was asked to send the school some game film. He gathered all the tape he could find from Tokay and Delta, sending an overnight package to Hawaii. The very next day, Hawaii head coach June Jones was on the phone."
About the phone call with JJ, Reagan said:
"I couldn't believe it was him. He told me, 'If you're willing to walk on, we're willing to have you.'" (LN)
LN Note: "Mauia walked onto the team as a nose guard with Jones' word that if he worked hard enough, he would eventually earn a scholarship. In the first 10 games of his junior season, he made one start and one tackle. But during the following week of practice, everything changed for Mauia. In preparation for Wisconsin, Hawaii's scout offense needed a running back. Jokingly, Mauia offered his services."
About his first play at RB, Reagan said:
"I laid out our starting linebacker." (LN)
Note: Reagan played RB for UH that weekend.
LN Note: "At 350 pounds, Mauia made a quick impression, rushing for 56 yards on 10 carries, including a 10-yard touchdown trot up the middle in Hawaii's regular-season finale against San Diego State.
If Mauia was going to reach the NFL, he knew this was his only chance to do so. But in order to make that a realistic goal, he had to lose significant weight. Drastically changing his diet — which began with cutting out trips to Jack in the Box — he was down to 315 pounds by the time spring ball came around. By fall, he was down to 290."
About how JJ told him that he needed to lose weight to have a shot at the NFL, Reagan said:
"Coach Jones told me I had a chance (to make the NFL). I just had to think speed and agility." (LN)
About how he learned to play FB at the Hula Bowl, Reagan said:
"I wasn't worried about (the scouts). I was worried about learning to play fullback." (LN)
About how scouts noticed him at the Hula Bowl, Reagan said:
"Scouts would come up to me and ask, 'Where'd you play? We don't have you listed as a fullback.'" (LN)
LN Note: "The Miami Dolphins were the only team Mauia visited, and as it turned out, he was one of four Samoans selected by the Dolphins on draft day, a group no referred to by the local media as the "Polynesian Wrecking Crew." "
Reagan's 5'6" father, Pili Mauia, wears a Miami Dolphins hat all the time now, Reagan said:
"He always wears that hat. He doesn't have to, but he always does." (LN)
About how he's looking forward to buying a home for his parents soon, Reagan said:
"The 209 is still going to be my area code when I find a home. I'm definitely sticking around." (LN)
Hoping to play in the NFL for a long time, Reagan said:
"I got the best advice from (Dolphins veteran) Zach Thomas. He just told me to stay healthy." (LN)
About how his classmates react when he says that his "Uncle Reagan" is on the Dolphins, 13-year-old Marquell said:
"They don't believe me." (LN)
About how he tries to live his life, Reagan said:
"I live by the two H's. Stay humble and stay hungry." (LN)
About growing up poor in Samoa, Reagan said:
"I didn't know I was poor until I went to school and saw what other kids were wearing. We were at the bottom." (LN)
Not bothered by his family's financial status when he was growing up, Reagan said:
"My childhood was a happy one." (LN)
About how his older brother carried him to the top of a waterfall when he was 6, telling him the only way he'd get home was to jump into the water below and swim his way back, Reagan said:
"I remember standing up there. He left me by myself. I just started wailing in the water and splashed my way back. I told him never to do that again." (LN)
Not upset with the rough treatment he got from his brothers, Reagan said:
"I probably would have been a wimp. Probably not." (LN)
About how their family's lives didn't get easier when they moved into a poor neighborhood in East Oakland where he Dad took a warehouse job, Reagan said:
"You come from one jungle to a whole different jungle." (LN)
About how being a Samoan family in an African-American neighborhood resulted in a lot of misunderstanding and fights, Reagan said:
"We had to survive." (LN)
About how he was a scrawny little kid weighing under 100 pounds in 6th grade until he found weights in back of an Oakland housing project, Reagan said:
"I just started lifting on my own and never stopped." (LN)
Note: Reagan was 263 pounds by the time his family moved to Stockton before he started high school.
When he was sent to the freshmen team when he tried to go out for football as a freshman, Reagan was told:
"The freshmen coach said, 'No son, the varsity field is back that way.'" (LN)
About Reagan as a freshman, Coach Tracy said:
"He was a creature, man. He had a lot to learn, but he learned real fast." (LN)
Note: The coach would have put Reagan on the Varsity if it wasn't for his rule that players had to be 15 before they were on the varsity.
Reagan had never played football before, but was put at RG and NG on the freshmen team, learning from teammates what to do:
"I'd line up and ask my tackle, 'Who do I hit?' "He'd tell me which number, and when the ball moved I'd knock them down." (LN)
About how Reagan wanted to learn all he could and not just rely on his ability, Tracy said:
"He was a student of the game. He didn't just want his natural ability to lead him. He wanted to learn all the fine details of the game." (LN)
His work ethic translated to the weight room as well, learning lifting techniques from John Hunt, the first person he ever met on the Tokay campus.
About Reagan's work ethic at Tokay High, John Hunt (a counselor and track and field coach who taught Reagan lifting techniques) said:
"He was bench-pressing 220 pounds as a freshman and 330 pounds by his sophomore year." (LN)
LN Note: "When the track and field season came around, Hunt convinced Mauia to go out for the shot put and discus. Mauia didn't like the sport at first, but he was a natural, eventually setting the school record in the discus with a mark of 172 feet, 6 inches."
About how his brother Tuitafega transferred from Bear Creek to Tokay and they got to play together during Reagan's junior year, Reagan (San Joaquin Athletic Association's Defensive Player of the Year that year) said:
"That made me feel at home." (LN)
About how Reagan was ruled athletically ineligible halfway through his Senior season when he and some teammates were found to have been drinking at a party, Hunt said:
"He made some choices and got himself into some situations, but it was hard to be disappointed with him because he felt he let the team down. He was never elitist or cocky. He was truly humble and sorry for any bad decisions he made." (LN)
Note: Hunt's parents took in Reagan his senior year because Reagan's parents had to relocate to South Stockton.
Mauia signed a scholarship to play for Sacramento State, but he quickly backed out.
About how Reagan backed out of a scholarship agreement to play for Sacramento State, Reagan (lightly recruited because he was 6' tall with a short wingspan, despite running a 4.8 40-yard dash while being 300 pounds) said:
"I would have been a Hornet, but I didn't think it was the thing for me to do. I knew I could do better, but I wasn't going to stop playing ball." (LN)
About how he redshirted as a sophomore at Delta College after the birth of his son, Reagan said:
"I worked two jobs and went to school. Just trying to help out." (LN)
LN: "During that time, Mauia continued to receive several scholarship offers from smaller schools. Knowing that Jesus Reyes, Delta's wide receivers coach, knew someone at the University of Hawaii, Mauia asked him for a favor."
About asking Reyes to contact UH for him, Reagan said:
"I got up the courage to ask Reyes to make a phone call for me. Just to get my name in the door." (LN)
LN Note: "When Reyes did, Mauia was asked to send the school some game film. He gathered all the tape he could find from Tokay and Delta, sending an overnight package to Hawaii. The very next day, Hawaii head coach June Jones was on the phone."
About the phone call with JJ, Reagan said:
"I couldn't believe it was him. He told me, 'If you're willing to walk on, we're willing to have you.'" (LN)
LN Note: "Mauia walked onto the team as a nose guard with Jones' word that if he worked hard enough, he would eventually earn a scholarship. In the first 10 games of his junior season, he made one start and one tackle. But during the following week of practice, everything changed for Mauia. In preparation for Wisconsin, Hawaii's scout offense needed a running back. Jokingly, Mauia offered his services."
About his first play at RB, Reagan said:
"I laid out our starting linebacker." (LN)
Note: Reagan played RB for UH that weekend.
LN Note: "At 350 pounds, Mauia made a quick impression, rushing for 56 yards on 10 carries, including a 10-yard touchdown trot up the middle in Hawaii's regular-season finale against San Diego State.
If Mauia was going to reach the NFL, he knew this was his only chance to do so. But in order to make that a realistic goal, he had to lose significant weight. Drastically changing his diet — which began with cutting out trips to Jack in the Box — he was down to 315 pounds by the time spring ball came around. By fall, he was down to 290."
About how JJ told him that he needed to lose weight to have a shot at the NFL, Reagan said:
"Coach Jones told me I had a chance (to make the NFL). I just had to think speed and agility." (LN)
About how he learned to play FB at the Hula Bowl, Reagan said:
"I wasn't worried about (the scouts). I was worried about learning to play fullback." (LN)
About how scouts noticed him at the Hula Bowl, Reagan said:
"Scouts would come up to me and ask, 'Where'd you play? We don't have you listed as a fullback.'" (LN)
LN Note: "The Miami Dolphins were the only team Mauia visited, and as it turned out, he was one of four Samoans selected by the Dolphins on draft day, a group no referred to by the local media as the "Polynesian Wrecking Crew." "
Reagan's 5'6" father, Pili Mauia, wears a Miami Dolphins hat all the time now, Reagan said:
"He always wears that hat. He doesn't have to, but he always does." (LN)
About how he's looking forward to buying a home for his parents soon, Reagan said:
"The 209 is still going to be my area code when I find a home. I'm definitely sticking around." (LN)
Hoping to play in the NFL for a long time, Reagan said:
"I got the best advice from (Dolphins veteran) Zach Thomas. He just told me to stay healthy." (LN)
Quote about Chad Owens
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/07/29/Bucs/Gruden_not_a_goodbye_.shtml
About Chad, Jon Gruden said:
"You know, he's from the University of Hawaii, so a lot of us haven't seen him because we're in bed when they're playing. But he's had a knack for making huge plays in the kicking game. Struggled hanging onto the ball. It's been well-documented at times in Jacksonville. He's got a real compact build, he's got power and instant acceleration and quickness and he'll be a guy that will make the kick return game interesting. And as a luxury receiver, a guy who can come in and play three or four positions, he has a knack for making plays." (SPT)
About Chad, Jon Gruden said:
"You know, he's from the University of Hawaii, so a lot of us haven't seen him because we're in bed when they're playing. But he's had a knack for making huge plays in the kicking game. Struggled hanging onto the ball. It's been well-documented at times in Jacksonville. He's got a real compact build, he's got power and instant acceleration and quickness and he'll be a guy that will make the kick return game interesting. And as a luxury receiver, a guy who can come in and play three or four positions, he has a knack for making plays." (SPT)
Quotes from Colt and his problem in Colorado
Looking back on his college career, Colt said:
"From where I started in college football to a Heisman Trophy candidate is ... unreal, a surreal feeling. I just want to do it right." (HSB)
Freely talking about his problems in Colorado, Colt said:
"After I got sentenced I lost my scholarship (offers)." (HSB)
"It will be an issue once I become a candidate for the NFL. It will resurface. I'm going to try to use it as a chance to really clear my name. I really got dragged through the mud by the media. A lot of stuff that was said was untrue. Articles that came out after I was sentenced were galaxies away from what I got charged with." (HSB)
Praising Colt, SJSU All-America CB Dwight Lowery said:
"In my opinion, Colt Brennan is probably the best quarterback in the nation. He can make every throw and you have to respect that. And he can run. He brings a lot to the table." (HSB)
About a lesson he took from the Colorado experience, Colt said:
"The biggest thing (learned) is probably humility. Walking away from that ... you can't embarrass me, you can't humiliate me. I have nothing to hide. There's no doubt what happened, the position I put myself in, I've got no one to blame but myself. But a lot of things that followed just weren't right.
You're meant to experience misfortune. You're meant to deal with stuff that's just not right. It's just how you deal with it and how you move on with your life. I think people who want to talk about my character, should look at what I've done since then. Let the actions speak for themselves." (HSB)
Asked for his career highlight, Colt said:
"Watching this past spring when everybody like Samson (Satele) and Nate (Ilaoa) signed contracts and got their money. We had a big barbecue for Samson before he left. To see those guys and last year's success really pay off for the guys and hopefully a foundation set for years to come, that was special." (HSB)
About how Colt is such a team-first player, JJ said:
"Colt's such a team guy. He's a great kid and a very talented player. Most of all he's a winner. When the game starts he's as excited as anyone to play football." (HSB)
Asked why Colt stayed for his senior season, JJ said:
"I kind of think it's the camaraderie, staying in the same place for three years. The consistency, being in one place meant something to him. He wanted to continue to enjoy that. It says a lot about him." (HSB)
About entering his 3rd year at UH, Colt said:
"For the first time in my life I feel like a veteran. I never experienced that, even in Pop Warner. Every team it was one year. Now with two years and a comfort level I can practice leadership skills. With Samson, Nate, Leonard (Peters) and Tala (Esera) gone we have a lot of leadership roles to fill." (HSB)
About how the NFL scouts want him to get bigger, Colt said:
"(The scouts) said they want a bigger kid. But without a doubt the main reason I came back was the experience of last year, all the fun times." (HSB)
About how he's up to 205 now and wants to be at 210 by NFL combine, Colt said:
"I've made a commitment to lifting. I do enjoy it to an extent. I've just never been a very strong kid. I feel bad when I'm taking so much weight off when it's my turn." (HSB)
About how he told Colt to work on his deep passes this offseason, JJ said:
"He's already good at it, but it's an area he can improve on." (HSB)
Asked about Ian Johnson and the ESPY he flaunted at him, Colt got in some good digs at Ian:
"First of all, congratulations to Ian on his ESPY. Really. And I really missed him at the Walter Camp All-American banquet and I especially missed him at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show. Maybe next year we can meet up." (HSB)
Asked why he wasn't bitter about his Colorado days, Colt said:
"I just take it out on the field I guess. I learned you can't hold grudges. If you want to prove people wrong you have to go out there and have a lot of success. I just realized that focusing on myself on being a good person and on the football field would do more for me than being bitter." (HSB)
QB Coach Dan Morrison said that Colt has matured a lot during his time at UH:
"It's one of the things that sets him apart. And much of his growth is due to the journey. Who he's become is partly tied to difficult times. Everyone handles it differently, some disastrously so. Colt's a shining example of turning adversity into positives." (HSB)
"From where I started in college football to a Heisman Trophy candidate is ... unreal, a surreal feeling. I just want to do it right." (HSB)
Freely talking about his problems in Colorado, Colt said:
"After I got sentenced I lost my scholarship (offers)." (HSB)
"It will be an issue once I become a candidate for the NFL. It will resurface. I'm going to try to use it as a chance to really clear my name. I really got dragged through the mud by the media. A lot of stuff that was said was untrue. Articles that came out after I was sentenced were galaxies away from what I got charged with." (HSB)
Praising Colt, SJSU All-America CB Dwight Lowery said:
"In my opinion, Colt Brennan is probably the best quarterback in the nation. He can make every throw and you have to respect that. And he can run. He brings a lot to the table." (HSB)
About a lesson he took from the Colorado experience, Colt said:
"The biggest thing (learned) is probably humility. Walking away from that ... you can't embarrass me, you can't humiliate me. I have nothing to hide. There's no doubt what happened, the position I put myself in, I've got no one to blame but myself. But a lot of things that followed just weren't right.
You're meant to experience misfortune. You're meant to deal with stuff that's just not right. It's just how you deal with it and how you move on with your life. I think people who want to talk about my character, should look at what I've done since then. Let the actions speak for themselves." (HSB)
Asked for his career highlight, Colt said:
"Watching this past spring when everybody like Samson (Satele) and Nate (Ilaoa) signed contracts and got their money. We had a big barbecue for Samson before he left. To see those guys and last year's success really pay off for the guys and hopefully a foundation set for years to come, that was special." (HSB)
About how Colt is such a team-first player, JJ said:
"Colt's such a team guy. He's a great kid and a very talented player. Most of all he's a winner. When the game starts he's as excited as anyone to play football." (HSB)
Asked why Colt stayed for his senior season, JJ said:
"I kind of think it's the camaraderie, staying in the same place for three years. The consistency, being in one place meant something to him. He wanted to continue to enjoy that. It says a lot about him." (HSB)
About entering his 3rd year at UH, Colt said:
"For the first time in my life I feel like a veteran. I never experienced that, even in Pop Warner. Every team it was one year. Now with two years and a comfort level I can practice leadership skills. With Samson, Nate, Leonard (Peters) and Tala (Esera) gone we have a lot of leadership roles to fill." (HSB)
About how the NFL scouts want him to get bigger, Colt said:
"(The scouts) said they want a bigger kid. But without a doubt the main reason I came back was the experience of last year, all the fun times." (HSB)
About how he's up to 205 now and wants to be at 210 by NFL combine, Colt said:
"I've made a commitment to lifting. I do enjoy it to an extent. I've just never been a very strong kid. I feel bad when I'm taking so much weight off when it's my turn." (HSB)
About how he told Colt to work on his deep passes this offseason, JJ said:
"He's already good at it, but it's an area he can improve on." (HSB)
Asked about Ian Johnson and the ESPY he flaunted at him, Colt got in some good digs at Ian:
"First of all, congratulations to Ian on his ESPY. Really. And I really missed him at the Walter Camp All-American banquet and I especially missed him at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show. Maybe next year we can meet up." (HSB)
Asked why he wasn't bitter about his Colorado days, Colt said:
"I just take it out on the field I guess. I learned you can't hold grudges. If you want to prove people wrong you have to go out there and have a lot of success. I just realized that focusing on myself on being a good person and on the football field would do more for me than being bitter." (HSB)
QB Coach Dan Morrison said that Colt has matured a lot during his time at UH:
"It's one of the things that sets him apart. And much of his growth is due to the journey. Who he's become is partly tied to difficult times. Everyone handles it differently, some disastrously so. Colt's a shining example of turning adversity into positives." (HSB)
Quotes about looking forward to the start of camp
Looking forward to the start of camp on Thursday, JJ said:
"I'm anxious to get started. I've been looking forward to this for a long time. The last three weeks, we've been counting down the days until the players show up (for camp)." (HA)
About how they are getting excited that the season is getting closer, Colt said:
"We're definitely getting excited. When you start putting together all of the pieces, you're creating a team. It's all building up. We understand the opportunity we have in front of us, and we want to take advantage of it." (HA)
About how Colt understands their offense better now, QB Coach Dan Morrison said:
"It was apparent in the spring that he's seeing things so much faster." (HA)
About how he can get better, Colt said:
"I know I can always do more. It has nothing to do with throwing for more touchdowns or yards. It's making better decisions." (HA)
About how Colt responds to tough times on the field, Morrison said:
"The more you put him under stress and in competitive situations, the better he is. He loves competitive environments. When things aren't right, which is normal in football, he's good at saying: 'Let's make a play.' " (HA)
Before he left for Philly's training camp, Nate said about the Warriors:
"They're going to have a great season." (HA)
When Pilares caught a ball during a recent workout and got by the CB and S, a defender yelled at him:
"That's how it's going to be, huh?" (HA)
About the year he sat out of football after transferring from Nebraska, Leon Wright-Jackson (LWJ) said:
"The year off really helped me mature." (HA)
About how JJ and Glanville agreed that Wright-Jackson reminded them of Eric Dickerson on film, Wright-Jackson said:
"Eric Dickerson is my favorite running back. When I was little, I used to watch his NFL films, and I trained to do what he did." (HA)
About protecting the QB, LWJ said:
"If you're going to be a running back, you have to be ready for the whole job. Pass-blocking is my job. My main job is to take care of the quarterback. He's the key to the offense. I don't mind going in there and hitting the linebacker." (HA)
About how they get dozens of highlight tapes on WRs each week, WR coach Ron Lee said:
"From all of the exposure we're getting, and the amount of times we throw the ball, a lot of people are interested." (HA)
Happy to be back at WR after playing CB last season, CJ Hawthorne said:
"I'm back home on offense." (HA)
HA Note: "In testing in March, Hawthorne tied Rivers and cornerback Ryan Keomaka by running a team-best 4.45 seconds over 40 yards."
About how Malcolm Lane and Dylan Linkner will press him for playing time, Hawthorne said:
"Competition is good. But it's not a popularity contest. We're all here to do a job. Whoever does the job, praise God, will play." (HA)
About taking a class on tai chi this summer, Lane said:
"Sometimes you're standing on one foot the entire class." (HA)
Having confidence in their OL, OL coach Dennis McKnight said:
"I have all of the confidence in the guys who will play. They won't be like Apollo Creed, they'll be like Rocky Balboa. They'll win the fight. It just won't be a knockout. It'll be a 15-round decision. Give me guys who'll go 15 rounds all day long." (HA)
About moving Estes to center, McKnight said:
"People ask why we would move a great guard. It's because he's going to be a great center." (HA)
About how Hercules has emerged as the leader of the OL, McKnight said:
"You can't force somebody to be a leader. That rah-rah stuff doesn't work. Herc's the guy who plays his ass off, the guy everyone respects. It's like that old commercial: When Herc speaks, everyone listens." (HA)
About Lafaele's vicious club technique, DL coach Jeff Reinbold said:
"That's Michael's signature move. "You really need that kind of physicalness at the point." (HA)
HA Note: "Last year, Lafaele used the club to floor an Oregon State offensive lineman."
DE Coach George Lumpkin said that Karl Noa will be:
"outstanding. He'll be as good as anybody we've ever had." (HA)
"He looks lean, but he's 250, and he's strong. He understands offensive linemen, and he knows how to get by them." (HA)
Promising to be academically eligible to play this season, Francis Maka said:
"No doubt about it." (HA)
About how he's played football since he was a little kid, Blaze Soares said:
"Football is something I need. It's in my blood. When I'm playing football, I'm happy." (HA)
Cal Lee recruited Blaze out of Castle and said:
"I looked into his eyes, and I knew he had passion for football. It's everything to him. He loves to make contact, which makes him an ideal linebacker, because linebackers make a lot of contact. He can run. He can hit." (HA)
About Sol Eliminian, Cal Lee said:
"He has a sense of where the ball is going. You can't teach that. He's awfully bright. He could be a hell of a coach." (HA)
About all of the DBs UH has recruited, Myron Newberry said:
"It doesn't matter to me. Competition is competition. There's going to be competition everywhere." (HA)
"Defense is going to step up this year." (HA)
"I'm anxious to get started. I've been looking forward to this for a long time. The last three weeks, we've been counting down the days until the players show up (for camp)." (HA)
About how they are getting excited that the season is getting closer, Colt said:
"We're definitely getting excited. When you start putting together all of the pieces, you're creating a team. It's all building up. We understand the opportunity we have in front of us, and we want to take advantage of it." (HA)
About how Colt understands their offense better now, QB Coach Dan Morrison said:
"It was apparent in the spring that he's seeing things so much faster." (HA)
About how he can get better, Colt said:
"I know I can always do more. It has nothing to do with throwing for more touchdowns or yards. It's making better decisions." (HA)
About how Colt responds to tough times on the field, Morrison said:
"The more you put him under stress and in competitive situations, the better he is. He loves competitive environments. When things aren't right, which is normal in football, he's good at saying: 'Let's make a play.' " (HA)
Before he left for Philly's training camp, Nate said about the Warriors:
"They're going to have a great season." (HA)
When Pilares caught a ball during a recent workout and got by the CB and S, a defender yelled at him:
"That's how it's going to be, huh?" (HA)
About the year he sat out of football after transferring from Nebraska, Leon Wright-Jackson (LWJ) said:
"The year off really helped me mature." (HA)
About how JJ and Glanville agreed that Wright-Jackson reminded them of Eric Dickerson on film, Wright-Jackson said:
"Eric Dickerson is my favorite running back. When I was little, I used to watch his NFL films, and I trained to do what he did." (HA)
About protecting the QB, LWJ said:
"If you're going to be a running back, you have to be ready for the whole job. Pass-blocking is my job. My main job is to take care of the quarterback. He's the key to the offense. I don't mind going in there and hitting the linebacker." (HA)
About how they get dozens of highlight tapes on WRs each week, WR coach Ron Lee said:
"From all of the exposure we're getting, and the amount of times we throw the ball, a lot of people are interested." (HA)
Happy to be back at WR after playing CB last season, CJ Hawthorne said:
"I'm back home on offense." (HA)
HA Note: "In testing in March, Hawthorne tied Rivers and cornerback Ryan Keomaka by running a team-best 4.45 seconds over 40 yards."
About how Malcolm Lane and Dylan Linkner will press him for playing time, Hawthorne said:
"Competition is good. But it's not a popularity contest. We're all here to do a job. Whoever does the job, praise God, will play." (HA)
About taking a class on tai chi this summer, Lane said:
"Sometimes you're standing on one foot the entire class." (HA)
Having confidence in their OL, OL coach Dennis McKnight said:
"I have all of the confidence in the guys who will play. They won't be like Apollo Creed, they'll be like Rocky Balboa. They'll win the fight. It just won't be a knockout. It'll be a 15-round decision. Give me guys who'll go 15 rounds all day long." (HA)
About moving Estes to center, McKnight said:
"People ask why we would move a great guard. It's because he's going to be a great center." (HA)
About how Hercules has emerged as the leader of the OL, McKnight said:
"You can't force somebody to be a leader. That rah-rah stuff doesn't work. Herc's the guy who plays his ass off, the guy everyone respects. It's like that old commercial: When Herc speaks, everyone listens." (HA)
About Lafaele's vicious club technique, DL coach Jeff Reinbold said:
"That's Michael's signature move. "You really need that kind of physicalness at the point." (HA)
HA Note: "Last year, Lafaele used the club to floor an Oregon State offensive lineman."
DE Coach George Lumpkin said that Karl Noa will be:
"outstanding. He'll be as good as anybody we've ever had." (HA)
"He looks lean, but he's 250, and he's strong. He understands offensive linemen, and he knows how to get by them." (HA)
Promising to be academically eligible to play this season, Francis Maka said:
"No doubt about it." (HA)
About how he's played football since he was a little kid, Blaze Soares said:
"Football is something I need. It's in my blood. When I'm playing football, I'm happy." (HA)
Cal Lee recruited Blaze out of Castle and said:
"I looked into his eyes, and I knew he had passion for football. It's everything to him. He loves to make contact, which makes him an ideal linebacker, because linebackers make a lot of contact. He can run. He can hit." (HA)
About Sol Eliminian, Cal Lee said:
"He has a sense of where the ball is going. You can't teach that. He's awfully bright. He could be a hell of a coach." (HA)
About all of the DBs UH has recruited, Myron Newberry said:
"It doesn't matter to me. Competition is competition. There's going to be competition everywhere." (HA)
"Defense is going to step up this year." (HA)
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Quotes about the Hawaii Football Camp
About 6'1", 245-pound Reeve Koehler, JJ said:
"He's 12? That's incredible." (HA)
About the interest in UH from his highly-touted brother and him, Reeve said:
"My older brother (Solomon) wants to play for UH. I want to play for UH. I wanted to come out here and impress the (UH) coaches." (HA)
Reeve, who is too big to play in youth football leagues, said about the camp where the UH coaches served as instructors:
"I learned a lot." (HA)
About UH, Solomon Koehler (considered the top prospect in Hawaii) said:
"I'm very excited about the idea of staying home. Hawaii's at least in the top three." (HSB)
About how the camp develops UH fans in addition to identifying players, Rich Miano said:
"This is good for our marketing, too. Not all of these players can play on our team, but we're selling season tickets, we're giving out schedule cards. We want them and their families to know we need their support and we appreciate it. We'll definitely have this again next year." (HSB)
Praising Rich Miano and Mel DeLaura for organizing the Hawaii football camp, JJ said:
"Rich and Mel did a great job of putting this together." (HA)
HA Note: "The camp, the first since 1999 to involve the full UH coaching staff, came at the urging of defensive backs coach Rich Miano and conditioning coach Mel deLaura. Both are organizers of the successful Hawai'i Speed and Quickness clinics."
HA Note: "The intent was twofold: Provide affordable instruction and widespread exposure. The top fee was $60 for the four-day camp. In comparison, Southern California charged $180 for two days."
Christian Vasconcellos, who accepted a scholarship offer from UH during the camp, said about the Hawaii Football Camp:
"I couldn't go to Mainland camps because of the cost. This is pretty affordable." (HA)
Chris Fetters, recruiting director for scout.com, was impressed with the talent at the camp and said:
"It's a solid crop, no question about it," Fetters said. "I think they're starting to scratch their potential. When you talk about kids on the islands, you're talking about unlimited potential. You see physical strength and innate ability." (HA)
HA Note: "Fetters rated wideout/defensive back Jermaine Kearse of Lakes High school in Washington as the camp's best prospect.
Kearse is 6 feet 2 and 170 pounds, and can run 40 yards in 4.5 seconds.
He already has received offers from Washington, Washington State, Oregon, Oregon State, California, Arizona State and Colorado."
After the 4-day Hawaii camp, Kearse said:
"I'm putting down Hawai'i as one of the schools I'm considering. It's a nice place. I got along with the people." (HA)
HSB Note: "Receiver Jermaine Kearse (6-2, 170, 4.5) has offers from most of the Pac-10 schools. The second cousin of Philadelphia Eagles' defensive end Jevon Kearse was among several Lakes High School players in attendance - including his quarterback, Calvin Schmidtke (6-0, 186). Kearse said it was a possibility when asked if he and Schmidtke might be a package deal."
Praising Kearse, Fetters said:
"He can play offense and defense. He's a great return guy. He showed a real great burst here." (HA)
HA Note: Fetters said he gave high marks to defensive linemen Aaron Tipoti of Pac-Five, Haku Correa of Damien, Geordon Hanohano of Saint Louis and Solomon Koehler; offensive linemen Mykenna Ikehara of Kamehameha and Sean Tesoro of Baldwin; and running backs Kama Bailey of Damien and Dalton Hilliard of Punahou."
Praising a few other standouts at the camp, Fetters said:
"Sean Tesoro was a big boost. And when Mykenna showed up, it really upped the level. There were some guys who obviously stood out." (HA)
About the Hawaii Football Camp, Mykenna Ikehara (who has received offers from UH, UNLV, and SDSU) said:
"Part of going to this camp is to get exposure. And I'm learning a lot." (HA)
Aaron Tipoti, who missed most of his sophomore and junior seasons due to injury, received an offer from UH at the camp and said:
"I didn't have too good of a season in past years. I was injured. This camp is good. I'm learning new techniques, and I'm getting to meet a lot of coaches. This gives me a chance to show them I'm D-I material, and I have a lot to give." (HA)
About how he learned from the camp, Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez said:
"We have one Division I school in this state, and nothing else above high school. We don't have junior college teams here. This is a good chance to learn." (HA)
About the UH Camp, which he ended with an 1-on-1 with Tipoti, Ikahara said:
"I liked it. I learned a lot." (HSB)
HSB: "During the final rotation of the four-day clinic, the offensive and defensive linemen squared off for physical 1-on-1 battles. The finale featured Pac-Five defensive end Aaron Tipoti and Kamehameha tackle Mykenna Ikehara - both of whom have already received scholarship offers from the Warriors.
They worked each other hard, with a collision worthy of Aloha Stadium in October. But Ikehara kept Tipoti under wraps as UH defensive line coach Jeff Reinebold and Damien coach Brian Derby, one of the state's most noted offensive line tutors, verbally motivated them."
About ending the Camp with his 1-on-1 vs. Ikehara, Tipoti said:
"It's awesome. He's a great tackle and I'm looking forward to playing against him (in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu) this year." (HSB)
About UH (who has offered him a scholarship), Tesoro (who is also hoping Oregon State offes him) said:
"I haven't decided yet, but Hawaii's definitely in my top two," said Tesoro, who is also hoping for an offer from the Beavers. "I've always wanted to play for UH, but I think I should take my time to decide." (HSB)
"He's 12? That's incredible." (HA)
About the interest in UH from his highly-touted brother and him, Reeve said:
"My older brother (Solomon) wants to play for UH. I want to play for UH. I wanted to come out here and impress the (UH) coaches." (HA)
Reeve, who is too big to play in youth football leagues, said about the camp where the UH coaches served as instructors:
"I learned a lot." (HA)
About UH, Solomon Koehler (considered the top prospect in Hawaii) said:
"I'm very excited about the idea of staying home. Hawaii's at least in the top three." (HSB)
About how the camp develops UH fans in addition to identifying players, Rich Miano said:
"This is good for our marketing, too. Not all of these players can play on our team, but we're selling season tickets, we're giving out schedule cards. We want them and their families to know we need their support and we appreciate it. We'll definitely have this again next year." (HSB)
Praising Rich Miano and Mel DeLaura for organizing the Hawaii football camp, JJ said:
"Rich and Mel did a great job of putting this together." (HA)
HA Note: "The camp, the first since 1999 to involve the full UH coaching staff, came at the urging of defensive backs coach Rich Miano and conditioning coach Mel deLaura. Both are organizers of the successful Hawai'i Speed and Quickness clinics."
HA Note: "The intent was twofold: Provide affordable instruction and widespread exposure. The top fee was $60 for the four-day camp. In comparison, Southern California charged $180 for two days."
Christian Vasconcellos, who accepted a scholarship offer from UH during the camp, said about the Hawaii Football Camp:
"I couldn't go to Mainland camps because of the cost. This is pretty affordable." (HA)
Chris Fetters, recruiting director for scout.com, was impressed with the talent at the camp and said:
"It's a solid crop, no question about it," Fetters said. "I think they're starting to scratch their potential. When you talk about kids on the islands, you're talking about unlimited potential. You see physical strength and innate ability." (HA)
HA Note: "Fetters rated wideout/defensive back Jermaine Kearse of Lakes High school in Washington as the camp's best prospect.
Kearse is 6 feet 2 and 170 pounds, and can run 40 yards in 4.5 seconds.
He already has received offers from Washington, Washington State, Oregon, Oregon State, California, Arizona State and Colorado."
After the 4-day Hawaii camp, Kearse said:
"I'm putting down Hawai'i as one of the schools I'm considering. It's a nice place. I got along with the people." (HA)
HSB Note: "Receiver Jermaine Kearse (6-2, 170, 4.5) has offers from most of the Pac-10 schools. The second cousin of Philadelphia Eagles' defensive end Jevon Kearse was among several Lakes High School players in attendance - including his quarterback, Calvin Schmidtke (6-0, 186). Kearse said it was a possibility when asked if he and Schmidtke might be a package deal."
Praising Kearse, Fetters said:
"He can play offense and defense. He's a great return guy. He showed a real great burst here." (HA)
HA Note: Fetters said he gave high marks to defensive linemen Aaron Tipoti of Pac-Five, Haku Correa of Damien, Geordon Hanohano of Saint Louis and Solomon Koehler; offensive linemen Mykenna Ikehara of Kamehameha and Sean Tesoro of Baldwin; and running backs Kama Bailey of Damien and Dalton Hilliard of Punahou."
Praising a few other standouts at the camp, Fetters said:
"Sean Tesoro was a big boost. And when Mykenna showed up, it really upped the level. There were some guys who obviously stood out." (HA)
About the Hawaii Football Camp, Mykenna Ikehara (who has received offers from UH, UNLV, and SDSU) said:
"Part of going to this camp is to get exposure. And I'm learning a lot." (HA)
Aaron Tipoti, who missed most of his sophomore and junior seasons due to injury, received an offer from UH at the camp and said:
"I didn't have too good of a season in past years. I was injured. This camp is good. I'm learning new techniques, and I'm getting to meet a lot of coaches. This gives me a chance to show them I'm D-I material, and I have a lot to give." (HA)
About how he learned from the camp, Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez said:
"We have one Division I school in this state, and nothing else above high school. We don't have junior college teams here. This is a good chance to learn." (HA)
About the UH Camp, which he ended with an 1-on-1 with Tipoti, Ikahara said:
"I liked it. I learned a lot." (HSB)
HSB: "During the final rotation of the four-day clinic, the offensive and defensive linemen squared off for physical 1-on-1 battles. The finale featured Pac-Five defensive end Aaron Tipoti and Kamehameha tackle Mykenna Ikehara - both of whom have already received scholarship offers from the Warriors.
They worked each other hard, with a collision worthy of Aloha Stadium in October. But Ikehara kept Tipoti under wraps as UH defensive line coach Jeff Reinebold and Damien coach Brian Derby, one of the state's most noted offensive line tutors, verbally motivated them."
About ending the Camp with his 1-on-1 vs. Ikehara, Tipoti said:
"It's awesome. He's a great tackle and I'm looking forward to playing against him (in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu) this year." (HSB)
About UH (who has offered him a scholarship), Tesoro (who is also hoping Oregon State offes him) said:
"I haven't decided yet, but Hawaii's definitely in my top two," said Tesoro, who is also hoping for an offer from the Beavers. "I've always wanted to play for UH, but I think I should take my time to decide." (HSB)
Friday, July 27, 2007
Christian Vasconcellos commits to UH
6'1" Christian Vasconcellos, DB from Damien accepted a scholarship to UH and said:
"I like the hype. This is my home. I have to protect my home." (HA)
"I'm going to be a Warrior." (HA)
"My goal was to play Division I football and play here, but I wasn't getting noticed by UH. All I got was a questionnaire when I was a sophomore, so I started thinking mainland. Now I'm happy because I don't think I can leave my grandma (Nancy Vasconcellos), and I can play in front of my family." (HSB)
HA Note: "Vasconcellos said he made his decision after attending the Hawai'i Football Camp at the UH athletic complex. The UH football coaches serve as instructors."
About attending the Hawaii Football Camp, Christian said:
"It's the only one I could afford. I couldn't afford any other camp." (HA)
Christian said that he learned:
"new things and different techniques I could bring back. It was really helpful." (HA)
Christian had not received any offers before the camp, and went to it to:
"get on the radar." (HSB)
HSB Note: "He has played cornerback, safety and wide receiver at Damien. He is also one of the state's best triple jumpers. Vasconcellos will probably be a safety at UH."
"I like the hype. This is my home. I have to protect my home." (HA)
"I'm going to be a Warrior." (HA)
"My goal was to play Division I football and play here, but I wasn't getting noticed by UH. All I got was a questionnaire when I was a sophomore, so I started thinking mainland. Now I'm happy because I don't think I can leave my grandma (Nancy Vasconcellos), and I can play in front of my family." (HSB)
HA Note: "Vasconcellos said he made his decision after attending the Hawai'i Football Camp at the UH athletic complex. The UH football coaches serve as instructors."
About attending the Hawaii Football Camp, Christian said:
"It's the only one I could afford. I couldn't afford any other camp." (HA)
Christian said that he learned:
"new things and different techniques I could bring back. It was really helpful." (HA)
Christian had not received any offers before the camp, and went to it to:
"get on the radar." (HSB)
HSB Note: "He has played cornerback, safety and wide receiver at Damien. He is also one of the state's best triple jumpers. Vasconcellos will probably be a safety at UH."
Some random Warrior-related quotes
About how he had to miss a few days of practices when he suffered leg pain while trying out new leg-strengthening workouts, Jason Rivers said:
"That was the hard part. I wanted to be out there. I need to be out there." (HA)
About how their team has been working hard during the offseason, Colt said:
"Everyone is working hard. We want to have a good year." (HA)
About how he's looking forward to the UH game, Preseason WAC Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Lowery said:
"All of us got burned at Hawaii. Looking forward to it is an understatement. But if we're not at our best, we could get beat the same exact way." (HSB)
"That was the hard part. I wanted to be out there. I need to be out there." (HA)
About how their team has been working hard during the offseason, Colt said:
"Everyone is working hard. We want to have a good year." (HA)
About how he's looking forward to the UH game, Preseason WAC Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Lowery said:
"All of us got burned at Hawaii. Looking forward to it is an understatement. But if we're not at our best, we could get beat the same exact way." (HSB)
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Awesome story about Ikaika and walking on to UH
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/Still_Pinching_Myself/20891
When I was heading to the University of Hawaii out of high school I was offered a scholarship by June Jones. I played basketball in high schools and I weighed maybe 200 pounds so I really don't know what he saw in me. When I was going into UH I started working out with the football team to stay in shape before basketball season. When Coach Jones offered the scholarship my dad turned it down. I thought he was crazy turning away a free education, that's a lot of money. But he told me he did not want me to be given anything. If I was going to get a scholarship I needed to earn it.
After playing basketball my first year I decided I did want to play football and Coach Jones welcomed me to the team. He still had the scholarship for me but I wouldn't take it. I was a walk on until my junior year. I'll never forget the day when I did earn the scholarship. Coach Jones announced it in front of the team and it was the same emotion I felt when I got the call from the Lions. It was really unbelievable.
The decision my dad made really taught me to always work hard. The fact that he was paying for schooling just made me work harder for him.
When I was heading to the University of Hawaii out of high school I was offered a scholarship by June Jones. I played basketball in high schools and I weighed maybe 200 pounds so I really don't know what he saw in me. When I was going into UH I started working out with the football team to stay in shape before basketball season. When Coach Jones offered the scholarship my dad turned it down. I thought he was crazy turning away a free education, that's a lot of money. But he told me he did not want me to be given anything. If I was going to get a scholarship I needed to earn it.
After playing basketball my first year I decided I did want to play football and Coach Jones welcomed me to the team. He still had the scholarship for me but I wouldn't take it. I was a walk on until my junior year. I'll never forget the day when I did earn the scholarship. Coach Jones announced it in front of the team and it was the same emotion I felt when I got the call from the Lions. It was really unbelievable.
The decision my dad made really taught me to always work hard. The fact that he was paying for schooling just made me work harder for him.
Quotes about how Chad Mock beat the odds and will play this week in the CFL
http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/sports/story.html?id=63d1eacf-6c73-476d-863d-0f7c95942a22
About how Chad was the best of the 8 rookie WRs the had in training camp, coach Wally Buono said:
"Of all the young guys, he was the most polished." (The Province)
TP Note: "An engaging Hawaiian who came back home after two seasons playing at a small Catholic junior college program in Kansas City, Mock overcame long odds and a four-week stay on the developmental roster to get his chance this week."
About the fierce competition in training camp, Chad said:
"I had a little doubt about things at training camp. But I know how to run routes." (TP)
TP Note: "He'll be indoctrinated as a slotback in five-receiver packages Saturday. But given Buono's recent track record with receivers, Mock won't have long to make an impression. He'll be the seventh different receiver to play for the CFL team outside the core group of Geroy Simon, Jason Clermont and Paris Jackson since the start of last season."
About how Chad was the best of the 8 rookie WRs the had in training camp, coach Wally Buono said:
"Of all the young guys, he was the most polished." (The Province)
TP Note: "An engaging Hawaiian who came back home after two seasons playing at a small Catholic junior college program in Kansas City, Mock overcame long odds and a four-week stay on the developmental roster to get his chance this week."
About the fierce competition in training camp, Chad said:
"I had a little doubt about things at training camp. But I know how to run routes." (TP)
TP Note: "He'll be indoctrinated as a slotback in five-receiver packages Saturday. But given Buono's recent track record with receivers, Mock won't have long to make an impression. He'll be the seventh different receiver to play for the CFL team outside the core group of Geroy Simon, Jason Clermont and Paris Jackson since the start of last season."
Quotes from Ikaika after his first NFL training camp practice
Note: Ikaika wasn't healthy enough to fully participate in any of the minicamps during the offseason, so his first training camp practice was the first NFL practice he was able to fully participate in.
“Being out here is exciting. What more can you say? It’s what we’ve been working for all of our lives – me four years – but it’s a dream come true. You ask any football player in the world what he wants to be and that’s a professional. I’m living the dream and I’m going to take advantage of it. I’m going to work hard every day and prove to myself that I belong here.
“(Compared to) OTAs, training camp is the same thing, just a little more intense and a little more up-tempo – but I love it. I love it. Just to be out here with the guys going through what they go through and just working hard. It’s my rookie year, I’m going to have to battle through a lot of things but I’m going to have a smile on my face and I’m going to enjoy it.
“We usually go helmets the first three days of college, (but) now it’s just full pads. That’s the way it is: whatever they ask us, that’s what we’ve got to do. So, Coach Marinelli wants pads so we’re going to do it. (But) it was good to be out there again. It really was. I haven’t hit in almost half a year now – I enjoy every minute of it.”
“(Practicing in front of the fans is) fantastic. It’s for them. Just to come out and see what we can do and see what the team brings this year. It’s exciting and I thank the fans for coming out because it takes time and effort to come out here just like us. We’re behind them 100-percent.”
“Being out here is exciting. What more can you say? It’s what we’ve been working for all of our lives – me four years – but it’s a dream come true. You ask any football player in the world what he wants to be and that’s a professional. I’m living the dream and I’m going to take advantage of it. I’m going to work hard every day and prove to myself that I belong here.
“(Compared to) OTAs, training camp is the same thing, just a little more intense and a little more up-tempo – but I love it. I love it. Just to be out here with the guys going through what they go through and just working hard. It’s my rookie year, I’m going to have to battle through a lot of things but I’m going to have a smile on my face and I’m going to enjoy it.
“We usually go helmets the first three days of college, (but) now it’s just full pads. That’s the way it is: whatever they ask us, that’s what we’ve got to do. So, Coach Marinelli wants pads so we’re going to do it. (But) it was good to be out there again. It really was. I haven’t hit in almost half a year now – I enjoy every minute of it.”
“(Practicing in front of the fans is) fantastic. It’s for them. Just to come out and see what we can do and see what the team brings this year. It’s exciting and I thank the fans for coming out because it takes time and effort to come out here just like us. We’re behind them 100-percent.”
Ikaika talks about the Detroit winters
http://detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070726/UPDATE/707260470/1126/SPORTS0101
About playing for the Lions, Ikaika said:
"It's a blessing for myself. It's been a great experience. Everything, I go into knowing I'm going to have fun -- and I'm going to work. That's my mindset with everything. Come out here, work as hard as I can, only good things can come from that." (DN)
Asked if he has seen snow before, Ikaika said:
"I have seen snow once but not like this. Everyone's been warning me. I've been around maybe 40 degrees. I haven't been around zero. So we'll see how that goes." (DN)
Not worried about Ikaika's ability to adjust to the cold, Ikaika said:
"He jumped in the (ice-filled) cold tub one day I was in there with him and he went underneath the water, so I don't think he's going to have any problem with the winters here." (DN)
About the horror stories his Dad told him about the Winter weather, Ikaika said:
"My dad played for Green Bay so he's given me the horror stories. I'm just going to go in, have my mind focused and do the best I can." (DN)
About some of the little (and not-so-little) things that Ikaika has to learn, Coach Marinelli said:
"First of all, to get aligned correctly. He couldn't get aligned. Not getting off the ball well enough and he's a little bit high. That's my expectations right now, just do the little things. But he's a big, good-looking athlete with a great willingness. He's got to get the basic stuff right now. He'll be fine." (DN)
About how their other defensive linemen have been giving him advice, Ikaika said:
"They're all veterans, they've all been here. I'm the only rookie this year so I'm just trying to learn as much from them as I can. So I've got my ears wide open to the coaches, to the players and hopefully I get to their level." (DN)
About how the NFL players were once the best players in their college teams, Ikaika said:
"That means I've got to get better. That means really I've got to fine-tune everything, be on top of everything and I've got to be ready to work. If I come out here and go through the motions, people are going to pass me up. My personality is I can't let that happen." (DN)
About his goal to play in the Pro Bowl in Hawaii, Ikaika said:
"I'm trying to get back to Hawaii. That is my home state so the more times I can get back, the better. I'll take that trip any day of the year." (DN)
About playing for the Lions, Ikaika said:
"It's a blessing for myself. It's been a great experience. Everything, I go into knowing I'm going to have fun -- and I'm going to work. That's my mindset with everything. Come out here, work as hard as I can, only good things can come from that." (DN)
Asked if he has seen snow before, Ikaika said:
"I have seen snow once but not like this. Everyone's been warning me. I've been around maybe 40 degrees. I haven't been around zero. So we'll see how that goes." (DN)
Not worried about Ikaika's ability to adjust to the cold, Ikaika said:
"He jumped in the (ice-filled) cold tub one day I was in there with him and he went underneath the water, so I don't think he's going to have any problem with the winters here." (DN)
About the horror stories his Dad told him about the Winter weather, Ikaika said:
"My dad played for Green Bay so he's given me the horror stories. I'm just going to go in, have my mind focused and do the best I can." (DN)
About some of the little (and not-so-little) things that Ikaika has to learn, Coach Marinelli said:
"First of all, to get aligned correctly. He couldn't get aligned. Not getting off the ball well enough and he's a little bit high. That's my expectations right now, just do the little things. But he's a big, good-looking athlete with a great willingness. He's got to get the basic stuff right now. He'll be fine." (DN)
About how their other defensive linemen have been giving him advice, Ikaika said:
"They're all veterans, they've all been here. I'm the only rookie this year so I'm just trying to learn as much from them as I can. So I've got my ears wide open to the coaches, to the players and hopefully I get to their level." (DN)
About how the NFL players were once the best players in their college teams, Ikaika said:
"That means I've got to get better. That means really I've got to fine-tune everything, be on top of everything and I've got to be ready to work. If I come out here and go through the motions, people are going to pass me up. My personality is I can't let that happen." (DN)
About his goal to play in the Pro Bowl in Hawaii, Ikaika said:
"I'm trying to get back to Hawaii. That is my home state so the more times I can get back, the better. I'll take that trip any day of the year." (DN)
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Quotes from another awesome article about Samson
http://www.miamiherald.com/616/story/182473.html
About Samson's confidence, Tala said:
''He always acts like he knows all of his stuff. Even though sometimes he might not.'' (MH)
About Samson's confidence, OL coach Hudson Houch said:
''I think that's half the battle. If you can just sell people on what you're doing, you can sell ice water to Eskimos. People believe in him as a leader.'' (MH)
About how the early projection as a rookie starter motivated him, Samson said:
''That motivates me a lot. They weren't just going to hand me the spot. I've got to work for that spot. Now, I'm there. Somebody has to take it away from me, and I'm not going to let that happen for as long as I can.'' (MH)
About Samson and how they want him to be more vocal, Houck said:
''He's fairly serious, although he does have a little bit of a comedian in him. But he is very conscientious about what he does. If you're a rookie, it's hard to really speak up and control the group. Considering he's a rookie, he's doing a pretty damn good job of it.'' (MH)
Praising Samson, Houck said:
''He has a desire to be a good football player. As silly as it may sound, if you really like something, you generally become pretty good at it. He really likes football. He's a student of the game.'' (MH)
About how Samson had 5 root canals the week before their final minicamp, Houck said:
''He didn't complain a bit. That's a pretty good test on toughness right there.'' (MH)
About all that Samson will need to learn to start at center, Houck said:
''He's going to have to learn all of the defenses, and he's going to have to make most of the offensive-line calls. I think he's ready to take that role on. It doesn't come easy, but since he's a pretty dedicated guy, I think he'll be very successful at that position.'' (MH)
About Samson's confidence, Tala said:
''He always acts like he knows all of his stuff. Even though sometimes he might not.'' (MH)
About Samson's confidence, OL coach Hudson Houch said:
''I think that's half the battle. If you can just sell people on what you're doing, you can sell ice water to Eskimos. People believe in him as a leader.'' (MH)
About how the early projection as a rookie starter motivated him, Samson said:
''That motivates me a lot. They weren't just going to hand me the spot. I've got to work for that spot. Now, I'm there. Somebody has to take it away from me, and I'm not going to let that happen for as long as I can.'' (MH)
About Samson and how they want him to be more vocal, Houck said:
''He's fairly serious, although he does have a little bit of a comedian in him. But he is very conscientious about what he does. If you're a rookie, it's hard to really speak up and control the group. Considering he's a rookie, he's doing a pretty damn good job of it.'' (MH)
Praising Samson, Houck said:
''He has a desire to be a good football player. As silly as it may sound, if you really like something, you generally become pretty good at it. He really likes football. He's a student of the game.'' (MH)
About how Samson had 5 root canals the week before their final minicamp, Houck said:
''He didn't complain a bit. That's a pretty good test on toughness right there.'' (MH)
About all that Samson will need to learn to start at center, Houck said:
''He's going to have to learn all of the defenses, and he's going to have to make most of the offensive-line calls. I think he's ready to take that role on. It doesn't come easy, but since he's a pretty dedicated guy, I think he'll be very successful at that position.'' (MH)
Quotes from another feature article about Samson
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-flspdolphins26nbjul26,0,4139513.story
About starting at center for Miami, Samson said:
"I'm getting more comfortable, mentally I'm getting better. I'm still just a rookie trying to learn the plays. ... Now when I say I'll do it, I do it. They moved Rex over. They're not just going to hand me the spot. I've got to work for the spot. Now I'm there, somebody's got to take it away from me, and I'm not going to let that happen as long as I can." (SFSS)
About the importance of intelligence in a center, Cam Cameron said about Samson:
"When you're choosing a potential guy who could start for you at center you better have a bright guy. You better have a guy that's tough; you have to have a guy that wants to lead. It's like you hear me say about the quarterback position, [center] is a leadership position. If a guy puts his hand on that ball and he's not a leader, you're in trouble." (SFSS)
About how he started 2 rookies on the OL with the Chargers in 2004, Cameron said:
"We went from rookie to rookie basically [in San Diego], and here we are again. We were able to maintain a high level of offensive play, so I think it depends on the guy." (SFSS)
Praising Samson's intellence and hands, John Beck said:
"He's the one recognizing everything, recognizing the fronts quick and making a decision on how he wants them to block. I know the guy did a lot of shotgun snaps in college, but he's extremely easy to get a snap from. I don't think he or I have had one fumble on a quarterback-center exchange, and I think that just shows his talent." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "Satele's comfort level has been made even greater, as the Dolphins now have six players with Samoan roots, including former Hawaii teammates Esera and fullback Reagan Mauia. Across the line, looking to take his head off on Wednesday, was 344-pound rookie defensive tackle Paul Soliai."
About being on the field with Tala and Reagan, across from Paul Soliai, Samson said:
"It was like old days seeing Tala and Reagan [on the field together]. Stopping Paul is like trying to stop a train going full speed off his stance. I'm getting better because I'm blocking him every day." (SFSS)
Told that DT Keith "Truck" Taylor would be across from him on Saturday, Samson smiled and said:
"I'll just have to be faster." (SFSS)
About Samson, Cameron said:
"He's doing fine, but let's not put him in the Hall of Fame yet." (SFSS)
About starting at center for Miami, Samson said:
"I'm getting more comfortable, mentally I'm getting better. I'm still just a rookie trying to learn the plays. ... Now when I say I'll do it, I do it. They moved Rex over. They're not just going to hand me the spot. I've got to work for the spot. Now I'm there, somebody's got to take it away from me, and I'm not going to let that happen as long as I can." (SFSS)
About the importance of intelligence in a center, Cam Cameron said about Samson:
"When you're choosing a potential guy who could start for you at center you better have a bright guy. You better have a guy that's tough; you have to have a guy that wants to lead. It's like you hear me say about the quarterback position, [center] is a leadership position. If a guy puts his hand on that ball and he's not a leader, you're in trouble." (SFSS)
About how he started 2 rookies on the OL with the Chargers in 2004, Cameron said:
"We went from rookie to rookie basically [in San Diego], and here we are again. We were able to maintain a high level of offensive play, so I think it depends on the guy." (SFSS)
Praising Samson's intellence and hands, John Beck said:
"He's the one recognizing everything, recognizing the fronts quick and making a decision on how he wants them to block. I know the guy did a lot of shotgun snaps in college, but he's extremely easy to get a snap from. I don't think he or I have had one fumble on a quarterback-center exchange, and I think that just shows his talent." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "Satele's comfort level has been made even greater, as the Dolphins now have six players with Samoan roots, including former Hawaii teammates Esera and fullback Reagan Mauia. Across the line, looking to take his head off on Wednesday, was 344-pound rookie defensive tackle Paul Soliai."
About being on the field with Tala and Reagan, across from Paul Soliai, Samson said:
"It was like old days seeing Tala and Reagan [on the field together]. Stopping Paul is like trying to stop a train going full speed off his stance. I'm getting better because I'm blocking him every day." (SFSS)
Told that DT Keith "Truck" Taylor would be across from him on Saturday, Samson smiled and said:
"I'll just have to be faster." (SFSS)
About Samson, Cameron said:
"He's doing fine, but let's not put him in the Hall of Fame yet." (SFSS)
Quotes about Samson starting at C as a rookie
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/dolphins/content/sports/epaper/2007/07/25/0725satele.html
About having a rookie start at center, Jim Langer (NFL Hall-of-Fame center who didn't start until his 3rd year) said:
"I don't think it's a position you necessarily want to be in, having to play a rookie at such a crucial position. I guess if it were my line, I probably wouldn't want to have the newest member making all the line calls, regardless if he's the center or not. That being said, you have to make do." (PBP
About starting Samson as a rookie center, Miami OL coach Hudson Houch (who was SD's OL coach when rookie C Nick Hardwick started) said:
"He's going to have to learn all of the defenses, and he's going to have to make most of the offensive line calls. I think he's ready to take that role on. It doesn't come easy, but since he's a pretty dedicated guy, I think he'll be very successful at that position." (PBP)
PBP Note: "Satele certainly has the size (6-foot-3, 300 pounds) to back up Houck's talk. He also draws raves about his athletic ability from two guys who would know — fullback Reagan Mauia and guard Tala Esera, fellow Dolphins rookies who also played with him at the University of Hawaii."
About how Samson has to change his leadership style and be more vocal as a starting C, Cam Cameron said:
"It's like you hear me say about the quarterback position, center is a leadership position. If a guy puts his hand on that ball and he's not a leader, you're in trouble." (PBP)
About how he led by example at UH, Samson said:
"I told coach Hudson straight up that I'm not a vocal guy. But if he wants me to be, I'll be. I'm a leader by actions. That's what I've been living by since I played Pop Warner.
I want to get everybody's respect through my actions first and then be a vocal guy. I can't just be a vocal guy and not show these guys what I can do before I tell them what to do." (PBP)
About how Samson has been making progress as a leader, Houch said:
"People believe in him as a leader. Right now, I don't think he's a very verbal leader, but he's certainly a leader in terms of work ethic and caring about his job.
If you're a rookie, it's hard to really speak up and control the group. But considering he's a rookie, he's doing a pretty damn good job of it." (PBP)
About having a rookie start at center, Jim Langer (NFL Hall-of-Fame center who didn't start until his 3rd year) said:
"I don't think it's a position you necessarily want to be in, having to play a rookie at such a crucial position. I guess if it were my line, I probably wouldn't want to have the newest member making all the line calls, regardless if he's the center or not. That being said, you have to make do." (PBP
About starting Samson as a rookie center, Miami OL coach Hudson Houch (who was SD's OL coach when rookie C Nick Hardwick started) said:
"He's going to have to learn all of the defenses, and he's going to have to make most of the offensive line calls. I think he's ready to take that role on. It doesn't come easy, but since he's a pretty dedicated guy, I think he'll be very successful at that position." (PBP)
PBP Note: "Satele certainly has the size (6-foot-3, 300 pounds) to back up Houck's talk. He also draws raves about his athletic ability from two guys who would know — fullback Reagan Mauia and guard Tala Esera, fellow Dolphins rookies who also played with him at the University of Hawaii."
About how Samson has to change his leadership style and be more vocal as a starting C, Cam Cameron said:
"It's like you hear me say about the quarterback position, center is a leadership position. If a guy puts his hand on that ball and he's not a leader, you're in trouble." (PBP)
About how he led by example at UH, Samson said:
"I told coach Hudson straight up that I'm not a vocal guy. But if he wants me to be, I'll be. I'm a leader by actions. That's what I've been living by since I played Pop Warner.
I want to get everybody's respect through my actions first and then be a vocal guy. I can't just be a vocal guy and not show these guys what I can do before I tell them what to do." (PBP)
About how Samson has been making progress as a leader, Houch said:
"People believe in him as a leader. Right now, I don't think he's a very verbal leader, but he's certainly a leader in terms of work ethic and caring about his job.
If you're a rookie, it's hard to really speak up and control the group. But considering he's a rookie, he's doing a pretty damn good job of it." (PBP)
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Random Quotes from the WAC Preview
About their improved depth on the OL, JJ said:
"Over the last few years we've gotten deeper. We're losing three offensive linemen to the NFL, but I think we'll be OK. The first year we had five guys on the offensive line. If we lost one we're done. The next guy wouldn't have played at Grant High School (Jones' alma mater in Portland, Ore.)." (HSB)
Colt said that his new hairstyle was so he could bond with his starting WRs, as they all sport dreadlocks:
"They thought I would never do it. They think I'm some prissy boy." (HSB)
"Over the last few years we've gotten deeper. We're losing three offensive linemen to the NFL, but I think we'll be OK. The first year we had five guys on the offensive line. If we lost one we're done. The next guy wouldn't have played at Grant High School (Jones' alma mater in Portland, Ore.)." (HSB)
Colt said that his new hairstyle was so he could bond with his starting WRs, as they all sport dreadlocks:
"They thought I would never do it. They think I'm some prissy boy." (HSB)
Quotes about NMSU and UH
Asked what it will take to beat UH this season, NMSU coach Hal Mumme said:
"More (points and yards) than last year." (HA)
About last year's 49-30 UH win, Mumme said:
"And, it was pretty much like a defensive struggle." (HA)
Mumme said the defensive coordinators:
"just wanted to keep (both offenses) under 1,000 yards." (HA)
About how they try to emulate UH, Mumme said:
"Boise has kinda set the fantasy benchmark for everybody in college football that's not a Bowl Championship Series member. Everybody wants to be like Boise but when we look at our league and when we do things, we try to emulate Hawai'i a lot. We study them quite a bit. Obviously June (Jones) and I have some of the same ideas on offense. We study them a lot and we really admire them a lot." (HA)
HA Note: "Jones tabbed the Aggies as "the sleeper" team in the WAC this season and Mumme compared his quarterback, junior Chase Holbrook, with where UH's Colt Brennan was last year in terms of development."
"More (points and yards) than last year." (HA)
About last year's 49-30 UH win, Mumme said:
"And, it was pretty much like a defensive struggle." (HA)
Mumme said the defensive coordinators:
"just wanted to keep (both offenses) under 1,000 yards." (HA)
About how they try to emulate UH, Mumme said:
"Boise has kinda set the fantasy benchmark for everybody in college football that's not a Bowl Championship Series member. Everybody wants to be like Boise but when we look at our league and when we do things, we try to emulate Hawai'i a lot. We study them quite a bit. Obviously June (Jones) and I have some of the same ideas on offense. We study them a lot and we really admire them a lot." (HA)
HA Note: "Jones tabbed the Aggies as "the sleeper" team in the WAC this season and Mumme compared his quarterback, junior Chase Holbrook, with where UH's Colt Brennan was last year in terms of development."
Quotes about Colt
About Colt, Idaho LB David Vobora said:
"He's an awesome player. I've been in a game that I literally felt, that no matter what we called, Colt Brennan was going to complete a pass. There was literally times I'd call this or call that, a check out of this, and just pray: 'Can we at least get someone within 5 feet of him?' He's impressive. Stopping him is impossible. Slowing him down will be a task." (HA)
About Colt (UH's leading returning rusher) and his mobility, Fresno St DE Tyler Cutts said:
"From a defensive line perspective, it's tough, because he's a double threat. He can run and he can throw. He's quick. He's deceptively elusive. He changes up your pass rush. You're a little more hesitant because you don't want to lose contain. He's much harder to defend than a guy who's a pocket passer." (HA)
Idaho CB Stanley Franks talked about playing against Colt when they were in junior-college:
"I was a receiver at the time, so I got to stand on the sideline and really study him. He's a very smart quarterback. You can't blitz him. He'll run right by you. And he has that composure. He's so cool back there you wouldn't even know he's playing a game. He never gets too high or too low out there." (HA)
About how he had been told before that Colt had a low-throwing motion, Clutts said:
"He must have changed it. The last time we played Hawai'i, he wasn't throwing low. You still have to get your hands up when you rush him. Even if you don't knock it down, it disrupts the vision of the quarterback and the receivers have trouble seeing the pass come out. But that's not easy against him." (HA)
Asked if Colt's accuracy was god-given or a result of coaching, JJ said:
"It's God-given. You can improve a quarterback's technique, his fundamentals. But when you get under pressure you go back to what comes naturally and you either hit the guy or you don't. Jeff George, Dan Marino and Colt are the only guys I've seen sometimes release the ball and their right foot is off the ground." (HSB)
Asked about the significance of throwing the ball with the right foot off the ground, JJ said:
"I don't know what it means, but I'm gonna start looking for it in high school (recruits)." (HSB)
"He's an awesome player. I've been in a game that I literally felt, that no matter what we called, Colt Brennan was going to complete a pass. There was literally times I'd call this or call that, a check out of this, and just pray: 'Can we at least get someone within 5 feet of him?' He's impressive. Stopping him is impossible. Slowing him down will be a task." (HA)
About Colt (UH's leading returning rusher) and his mobility, Fresno St DE Tyler Cutts said:
"From a defensive line perspective, it's tough, because he's a double threat. He can run and he can throw. He's quick. He's deceptively elusive. He changes up your pass rush. You're a little more hesitant because you don't want to lose contain. He's much harder to defend than a guy who's a pocket passer." (HA)
Idaho CB Stanley Franks talked about playing against Colt when they were in junior-college:
"I was a receiver at the time, so I got to stand on the sideline and really study him. He's a very smart quarterback. You can't blitz him. He'll run right by you. And he has that composure. He's so cool back there you wouldn't even know he's playing a game. He never gets too high or too low out there." (HA)
About how he had been told before that Colt had a low-throwing motion, Clutts said:
"He must have changed it. The last time we played Hawai'i, he wasn't throwing low. You still have to get your hands up when you rush him. Even if you don't knock it down, it disrupts the vision of the quarterback and the receivers have trouble seeing the pass come out. But that's not easy against him." (HA)
Asked if Colt's accuracy was god-given or a result of coaching, JJ said:
"It's God-given. You can improve a quarterback's technique, his fundamentals. But when you get under pressure you go back to what comes naturally and you either hit the guy or you don't. Jeff George, Dan Marino and Colt are the only guys I've seen sometimes release the ball and their right foot is off the ground." (HSB)
Asked about the significance of throwing the ball with the right foot off the ground, JJ said:
"I don't know what it means, but I'm gonna start looking for it in high school (recruits)." (HSB)
Mana Silva transferring to UH
2006 Kam-Hawaii graduate Keanemana "Mana" Silva said that he'd be able to get his release from Oregon State to transfer to UH:
"it won't be any trouble" (HA)
HA Note: "Silva said he wishes to transfer because of family concerns. He declined to disclose those reasons. But he was in good academic standing at OSU."
About his time at Oregon State, Silva said:
"It was fun. I had a good experience. The coaching staff at Oregon State was really good. There are a lot of Hawai'i kids over there. I felt like I was at home." (HA)
Silva redshirted last season and will have to redshirt again due to transfer rules, and said:
"I know I have to wait another year, but I want to get on the field already. I'll wait one year, and plan for the 2008 season." (HA)
The 6'1", 210-pound (4.5 in the 40) Silva who wishes to play safety said about going to UH:
"I'm really excited about going home." (HA)
"it won't be any trouble" (HA)
HA Note: "Silva said he wishes to transfer because of family concerns. He declined to disclose those reasons. But he was in good academic standing at OSU."
About his time at Oregon State, Silva said:
"It was fun. I had a good experience. The coaching staff at Oregon State was really good. There are a lot of Hawai'i kids over there. I felt like I was at home." (HA)
Silva redshirted last season and will have to redshirt again due to transfer rules, and said:
"I know I have to wait another year, but I want to get on the field already. I'll wait one year, and plan for the 2008 season." (HA)
The 6'1", 210-pound (4.5 in the 40) Silva who wishes to play safety said about going to UH:
"I'm really excited about going home." (HA)
Quote from Samson about not missing training camp
About the threat by the owner of the Dolphins to sit out any player who doesn't report to camp, Samson said:
"It's a scary thought. I went straight home and called my agent. I told him to take care of everything -- and make sure I get here before camp starts." (Miami Herald)
"It's a scary thought. I went straight home and called my agent. I told him to take care of everything -- and make sure I get here before camp starts." (Miami Herald)
Monday, July 23, 2007
Quotes from the WAC Preview Day
About the importance of the BSU game, Colt said:
"We've circled the (Boise State) game on the calendar. It (Nov. 23) has been circled for a l-o-n-g time now. We did it right when we got stuck in the Boise airport for all that time." (HA)
HA Note: "After a 41-34 loss at Boise last season, the late arrival of the Warriors' charter flight left them six hours in the terminal — and several more at the hotel — to reflect on the Broncos' six-year dominance of UH and five-year mastery of the conference."
About how they have to beat BSU to win the WAC, JJ said:
"If you want to win the WAC, you have to go through Boise to do it. Until you can beat them, there's not much to say." (HA)
Not caring about his stats, just wanting the win, Colt said:
"The last two years I've had good (statistical) games against Boise, but we haven't walked away with a win. This year I don't care how I play individually. I mean that. All I want is that win. Especially at our place. If both teams take care of what they have to do we can give the nation quite a show between two great teams from the WAC." (HA)
About how the media kept asking him about their schedule, Colt said:
"It came up — a lot," in interviews with WAC area and national media. I was asked about it all day." (HA)
About their schedule, Colt told the interviewers:
"We'll make the best of it. The only thing we can do is win games. Boise State proved that last year. Some people said their schedule wasn't that tough, but they won all (13) of their games." (HA)
Vegasinsider.com lists Colt 5th on its Heisman watch, saying:
"The big question surrounding Brennan is whether Heisman voters will overlook an easy schedule. There is no offense in the nation more exciting to watch than the one Brennan quarterbacks but that may not be enough to bring the Heisman home." (HA)
Not too surprised about UH being picked over BSU in the preseason WAC polls, Ian Johnson said:
"A quarterback has his hands in every play and can influence the outcome more than a running back. They (Hawai'i) have their quarterback — a good one — returning. We don't." (HA)
About how they didn't like UH doing the haka, even filing a protest with the WAC last year, La Tech RB Patrick Jackson said;
"When we first saw it, we looked at it as a little taunting. But we didn't get caught up in it. Maybe that's their pre-game thing. We went out and played the game." (HA)
About his admiration for JJ, La Tech coach Derek Dooley said:
"I certainly have a lot of respect for what he's done and what he's accomplished. His teams always could throw the ball. I never worked with him, but his influence has probably traveled through other coaches to me. That's the effect of really good coaches. ... Anytime people get in four-wideout (formations), there's some kind of June Jones influence." (HA)
Asked about missing out on the pizza Colt buys the OL because he switched to DL, Mike Lafaele said:
"Whenever (linebackers) Adam (Leonard) or Solomon (Elimimian) made seven-plus tackles last year, they fed all the D-linemen. McDonald's double cheeseburgers. Pretty cool." (HSB)
About how backup QBs Nick Lomax and Taylor Tharp, both recruited by UH, really look forward to running the UH offense in the scout team the week before the UH game, BSU coach Chris Peterson said:
"Every quarterback in our system is especially excited and wants to run the scout team. They know they're going to throw the ball a lot and the (scout) receivers are fired up. Still it's hard to replicate that precision, that timing. Especially when we go to Hawaii on a short week." (HSB)
"We've circled the (Boise State) game on the calendar. It (Nov. 23) has been circled for a l-o-n-g time now. We did it right when we got stuck in the Boise airport for all that time." (HA)
HA Note: "After a 41-34 loss at Boise last season, the late arrival of the Warriors' charter flight left them six hours in the terminal — and several more at the hotel — to reflect on the Broncos' six-year dominance of UH and five-year mastery of the conference."
About how they have to beat BSU to win the WAC, JJ said:
"If you want to win the WAC, you have to go through Boise to do it. Until you can beat them, there's not much to say." (HA)
Not caring about his stats, just wanting the win, Colt said:
"The last two years I've had good (statistical) games against Boise, but we haven't walked away with a win. This year I don't care how I play individually. I mean that. All I want is that win. Especially at our place. If both teams take care of what they have to do we can give the nation quite a show between two great teams from the WAC." (HA)
About how the media kept asking him about their schedule, Colt said:
"It came up — a lot," in interviews with WAC area and national media. I was asked about it all day." (HA)
About their schedule, Colt told the interviewers:
"We'll make the best of it. The only thing we can do is win games. Boise State proved that last year. Some people said their schedule wasn't that tough, but they won all (13) of their games." (HA)
Vegasinsider.com lists Colt 5th on its Heisman watch, saying:
"The big question surrounding Brennan is whether Heisman voters will overlook an easy schedule. There is no offense in the nation more exciting to watch than the one Brennan quarterbacks but that may not be enough to bring the Heisman home." (HA)
Not too surprised about UH being picked over BSU in the preseason WAC polls, Ian Johnson said:
"A quarterback has his hands in every play and can influence the outcome more than a running back. They (Hawai'i) have their quarterback — a good one — returning. We don't." (HA)
About how they didn't like UH doing the haka, even filing a protest with the WAC last year, La Tech RB Patrick Jackson said;
"When we first saw it, we looked at it as a little taunting. But we didn't get caught up in it. Maybe that's their pre-game thing. We went out and played the game." (HA)
About his admiration for JJ, La Tech coach Derek Dooley said:
"I certainly have a lot of respect for what he's done and what he's accomplished. His teams always could throw the ball. I never worked with him, but his influence has probably traveled through other coaches to me. That's the effect of really good coaches. ... Anytime people get in four-wideout (formations), there's some kind of June Jones influence." (HA)
Asked about missing out on the pizza Colt buys the OL because he switched to DL, Mike Lafaele said:
"Whenever (linebackers) Adam (Leonard) or Solomon (Elimimian) made seven-plus tackles last year, they fed all the D-linemen. McDonald's double cheeseburgers. Pretty cool." (HSB)
About how backup QBs Nick Lomax and Taylor Tharp, both recruited by UH, really look forward to running the UH offense in the scout team the week before the UH game, BSU coach Chris Peterson said:
"Every quarterback in our system is especially excited and wants to run the scout team. They know they're going to throw the ball a lot and the (scout) receivers are fired up. Still it's hard to replicate that precision, that timing. Especially when we go to Hawaii on a short week." (HSB)
Quotes about Colt and Ian Johnson
About the similar situation he and Ian Johnson have now, Colt said:
"Ian and I are going through the same experiences. We can understand each other." (HA)
About how he and Colt have to watch everything they do or say, Ian said:
"It's like we're out here everyday, watching those who are watching us. We've been given a great gift. The worst thing we can do is ruin it by anything said or done in the heat of any moment." (HA)
About the attention that will be focused on Colt since he returned for his senior season, JJ said:
"I told him all of the media exposure would get him ready at his next stop, when he goes to the National Football League. It will be like this every day." (HA)
JJ advised Colt to:
"Turn everything into a positive thing." (HA)
About how JJ never twisted his arm to stay at UH, Colt said:
"He never tried to force me to stay. He encouraged me to make my own decision." (HA)
Note: That was a very unselfish, player-focused way to approach that issue. I'm so happy that JJ was just concerned about what was best for Colt, not what was best for JJ or UH.
HA Note: "He "probably" would have applied for the NFL draft if Jones had left. Jones received an inquiry from an NFL team prior to Brennan's decision."
HA Note: "He sometimes called plays in Samoan."
Praising Colt for the way that he addressed his pre-UH difficulty, ESPN's Ivan Maisel said:
"It's refreshing to see a young guy like that be as forthright in talking about his past. He's clearly mature about it. A lot of times, in our business, the elephant is in the room and everybody talks around it. He comes straight at it. There's a lesson to be learned, for a lot of people, by the way he handles it." (HA)
About talking about his situation, Colt said:
"It was cool. It was good to address things and let people know where things stand. Hopefully, everyone got a good understanding of me, about Hawai'i, and what we're trying to do this year." (HA)
About how he always speaks highly of Colt, Ian Johnson said:
"He's a great guy. Anytime anyone asks about him, I tell them nothing but good stuff, because it's the truth. ... He's come from a tough situation. Also, he's had a whole lot of adversity that he's overcome. I'm proud to say he's a member of the WAC." (HA)
About how he'll decided to go to the NFL or stay at BSU for his Senior season based on what is best for his family, Ian said:
"My goal for the rest of my life is to be a great husband. If football was to get in the way of that, then football would have to go. ... My mindset is I'm playing two more years (for Boise State), I'm getting my degree, I'm going to graduate. After that, we'll entertain thoughts (about a pro career)." (HA)
About how his childhood dreams did not include becoming a pro athlete, Ian said:
"My dream was to be a great husband, to have the white picket fence, to be stable. My thing is I want stability." (HA)
If he has to leave or move around his wife and future children to chase an NFL dream, Ian said:
"that's not for me. If that's my option, I'm choosing 'nay.' If it's, 'Hey, you're going to get $27 million next year,' I'm sorry, nobody leaves $27 million on the table, unless ..." (HA)
HA Note: "He then turned toward Brennan, who sacrificed a fat check by returning to UH."
Asked about his future life with his wife, Ian said:
"I promise you this, whatever happens, I'll be stable. As of right now, the only offer I have is $650 a month and a scholarship, so I'm taking it." (HA)
"Ian and I are going through the same experiences. We can understand each other." (HA)
About how he and Colt have to watch everything they do or say, Ian said:
"It's like we're out here everyday, watching those who are watching us. We've been given a great gift. The worst thing we can do is ruin it by anything said or done in the heat of any moment." (HA)
About the attention that will be focused on Colt since he returned for his senior season, JJ said:
"I told him all of the media exposure would get him ready at his next stop, when he goes to the National Football League. It will be like this every day." (HA)
JJ advised Colt to:
"Turn everything into a positive thing." (HA)
About how JJ never twisted his arm to stay at UH, Colt said:
"He never tried to force me to stay. He encouraged me to make my own decision." (HA)
Note: That was a very unselfish, player-focused way to approach that issue. I'm so happy that JJ was just concerned about what was best for Colt, not what was best for JJ or UH.
HA Note: "He "probably" would have applied for the NFL draft if Jones had left. Jones received an inquiry from an NFL team prior to Brennan's decision."
HA Note: "He sometimes called plays in Samoan."
Praising Colt for the way that he addressed his pre-UH difficulty, ESPN's Ivan Maisel said:
"It's refreshing to see a young guy like that be as forthright in talking about his past. He's clearly mature about it. A lot of times, in our business, the elephant is in the room and everybody talks around it. He comes straight at it. There's a lesson to be learned, for a lot of people, by the way he handles it." (HA)
About talking about his situation, Colt said:
"It was cool. It was good to address things and let people know where things stand. Hopefully, everyone got a good understanding of me, about Hawai'i, and what we're trying to do this year." (HA)
About how he always speaks highly of Colt, Ian Johnson said:
"He's a great guy. Anytime anyone asks about him, I tell them nothing but good stuff, because it's the truth. ... He's come from a tough situation. Also, he's had a whole lot of adversity that he's overcome. I'm proud to say he's a member of the WAC." (HA)
About how he'll decided to go to the NFL or stay at BSU for his Senior season based on what is best for his family, Ian said:
"My goal for the rest of my life is to be a great husband. If football was to get in the way of that, then football would have to go. ... My mindset is I'm playing two more years (for Boise State), I'm getting my degree, I'm going to graduate. After that, we'll entertain thoughts (about a pro career)." (HA)
About how his childhood dreams did not include becoming a pro athlete, Ian said:
"My dream was to be a great husband, to have the white picket fence, to be stable. My thing is I want stability." (HA)
If he has to leave or move around his wife and future children to chase an NFL dream, Ian said:
"that's not for me. If that's my option, I'm choosing 'nay.' If it's, 'Hey, you're going to get $27 million next year,' I'm sorry, nobody leaves $27 million on the table, unless ..." (HA)
HA Note: "He then turned toward Brennan, who sacrificed a fat check by returning to UH."
Asked about his future life with his wife, Ian said:
"I promise you this, whatever happens, I'll be stable. As of right now, the only offer I have is $650 a month and a scholarship, so I'm taking it." (HA)
Quotes from the WAC Football Preview Day
About being picked 1st in the preseason WAC polls, JJ said:
"Preseason polls are preseason polls. Hopefully we'll be there at the end. They don't really mean much. We were picked last in '99 (and finished first). We were picked first one other time and finished last." (HA)
"It's nice that people think highly of us, especially coaching peers. But preseason polls don't really mean a lot other than those are people's opinions, and everybody has one. We are very excited about the season and hopefully we will live up to expectations, especially our own." (HSB)
Joking about his competition with Colt, Ian Johnson said:
"I went to the ESPYs, though. That was great. He can't have that. I've got an ESPY. Colt, where's your ESPY? Thank you, thank you. Chalk that as one to nothing." (HA)
Feeling that BSU should be picked to win the WAC in the preseason polls, Ian said:
"We did go 13-0 last year. I think we kind of have the crown. Nobody can say they beat us last year. They're going to have to take the crown. But when we go (to Hawai'i), we're going to give them the respect that they deserve. They're a great team." (HA)
Feeling that every WAC school has set their sights on them, Ian said:
"Not to take away from Hawaii, but we totally feel like every school in the WAC is a rivalry because we have bad blood with everyone. We're in a lot of people's cross-hairs. We're told San Jose State's talking about us, and the Idaho guys are talking about us. That's the way we love it. That's the way we want it to be." (HSB)
About the WAC's success last season, WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said:
"We finished the last football and basketball regular seasons with teams ranked in the top 10 of each poll and I don't know another (non-Bowl Championship Series) conference that can say that. The WAC is still the second most-recognized conference in the West — and that says a lot." (HA)
About how the WAC is in much better shape now than when the MWC teams left, former UH president Kenneth Mortimer said:
"It is very different now than when the conference split up. Karl has done a distinguished job in holding things together as national and regional alignments sorted themselves out." (HA)
Asked how the WAC never had players with such credentials entering a season like Colt and Ian Johnson this year, Benson said:
"Not in my time. We didn't have two returning players like Brennan and Johnson, guys who had done something so special the previous year. Their numbers and the Heisman voting, and obviously Johnson's Jan. 1 display (in the Fiesta Bowl victory) put him on the map, and a week ago the ESPYs brought it back into focus. Even LaDainian Tomlinson, he wasn't on any preseason Heisman list." (HSB)
About how the WAC spent $10k in the offseason to promote Colt, Ian Johnson, and some other WAC stars, Benson said:
"We spent time and money to make sure people didn't forget about them and I think that it's worked." (HSB)
About how it helps him for Colt to share the perseason spotlight, Ian Johnson said:
"It definitely helps. He's a real good guy and presents himself well. It helps show we're from a classy conference. As a player, there's an extremely great chance that he's going to be drafted very high." (HSB)
About how 3 Pac-10 schools turned down $1 mil for a game vs UH on 10/20, Benson said:
"Arizona State, Oregon State and Washington State turned down the offer." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Pac-10 would have paid $400,000 of the amount and UH would have paid $600,000."
"Preseason polls are preseason polls. Hopefully we'll be there at the end. They don't really mean much. We were picked last in '99 (and finished first). We were picked first one other time and finished last." (HA)
"It's nice that people think highly of us, especially coaching peers. But preseason polls don't really mean a lot other than those are people's opinions, and everybody has one. We are very excited about the season and hopefully we will live up to expectations, especially our own." (HSB)
Joking about his competition with Colt, Ian Johnson said:
"I went to the ESPYs, though. That was great. He can't have that. I've got an ESPY. Colt, where's your ESPY? Thank you, thank you. Chalk that as one to nothing." (HA)
Feeling that BSU should be picked to win the WAC in the preseason polls, Ian said:
"We did go 13-0 last year. I think we kind of have the crown. Nobody can say they beat us last year. They're going to have to take the crown. But when we go (to Hawai'i), we're going to give them the respect that they deserve. They're a great team." (HA)
Feeling that every WAC school has set their sights on them, Ian said:
"Not to take away from Hawaii, but we totally feel like every school in the WAC is a rivalry because we have bad blood with everyone. We're in a lot of people's cross-hairs. We're told San Jose State's talking about us, and the Idaho guys are talking about us. That's the way we love it. That's the way we want it to be." (HSB)
About the WAC's success last season, WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said:
"We finished the last football and basketball regular seasons with teams ranked in the top 10 of each poll and I don't know another (non-Bowl Championship Series) conference that can say that. The WAC is still the second most-recognized conference in the West — and that says a lot." (HA)
About how the WAC is in much better shape now than when the MWC teams left, former UH president Kenneth Mortimer said:
"It is very different now than when the conference split up. Karl has done a distinguished job in holding things together as national and regional alignments sorted themselves out." (HA)
Asked how the WAC never had players with such credentials entering a season like Colt and Ian Johnson this year, Benson said:
"Not in my time. We didn't have two returning players like Brennan and Johnson, guys who had done something so special the previous year. Their numbers and the Heisman voting, and obviously Johnson's Jan. 1 display (in the Fiesta Bowl victory) put him on the map, and a week ago the ESPYs brought it back into focus. Even LaDainian Tomlinson, he wasn't on any preseason Heisman list." (HSB)
About how the WAC spent $10k in the offseason to promote Colt, Ian Johnson, and some other WAC stars, Benson said:
"We spent time and money to make sure people didn't forget about them and I think that it's worked." (HSB)
About how it helps him for Colt to share the perseason spotlight, Ian Johnson said:
"It definitely helps. He's a real good guy and presents himself well. It helps show we're from a classy conference. As a player, there's an extremely great chance that he's going to be drafted very high." (HSB)
About how 3 Pac-10 schools turned down $1 mil for a game vs UH on 10/20, Benson said:
"Arizona State, Oregon State and Washington State turned down the offer." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Pac-10 would have paid $400,000 of the amount and UH would have paid $600,000."
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Quotes from the feature article about Sol Eliminian
About his part-time job teaching PE at Loveland Academy to youngsters age 11-18 who have autism, Eliminian said:
"It's a real joy for me. The kids are great. I learn a lot of things from them. One thing I found out is these kids try harder than we try. It's fun working with them. It's a whole different environment than school and football and I enjoy it." (HSB)
About how he told Sol to stay away from gangs, but them left for UH so Sol had to resist the temptation without him being around, Abraham Eliminian said:
"He was at a crossroads. I gave him some advice, but it was Solomon who decided to be a leader and not a follower and take the right path." (HSB)
About his big brother Abe, Sol said:
"If it wasn't for him, I'd probably be in a gang right now. A lot of kids who were in gangs were my friends and I used to hang out with them a lot. There were a lot of situations. My brother found out and told me to stop. It's kind of fun and trendy, but my brother, he stopped me where I was at." (HSB)
About his father's influence, and how his father exposed him to life beyond South Central LA, Sol said:
"My father instilled a lot of great qualities in me. We looked beyond the neighborhood. He always had me reading newspapers. So I got a wider perspective of how life is." (HSB)
About how he regretted choosing UH over Cal for much of his freshman year, Sol said:
"Probably that whole season. It was hard adjusting. A lot of things happened fast. I learned to handle it." (HSB)
About how he told his brother that he'd get used to the different lifestyle and laid-back pace of Hawaii, Abe said:
"He didn't believe me. He was, yeah, yeah, but I could tell he didn't believe me when I told him he'd end up loving Hawaii. Now he won't leave." (HSB)
About how he and his brother bonded over those cell phone calls during his freshman year, Sol said:
"The first year here for me was hard and the only person who understood it was my brother. I talk to him about every other day now. Since I came to Hawaii we got very close. The age difference, five, six years apart, we never had a close bond. He was in Hawaii and I was with our family." (HSB)
About how Coach Lee helped him adjust to Hawaii as well as college football, Sol said:
"Coach Cal goes beyond football. It's like a father-son relationship in a lot of ways. "(HSB)
About the Warriors ohana, Sol said:
"I think that's why our team is as good as we are. We have ohana. There's different colors, different cultures. But we don't look at color. Last year it was a big year due to that. We love each other in another aspect -- it's not just about football. And it's not cliques here and there. It's the whole team." (HSB)
Praising Sol's work at Loveland, Loveland teacher Gerald Wong said:
"He's a good role model. They look forward to seeing him and they're very excited about UH football." (HSB)
About how he looks forward to every day that he has at Loveland, Sol said:
"It's a real joy for me. The kids are great. I learn a lot of things from them. One thing I found out is these kids try harder than we try. It's fun working with them. It's a whole different environment than school and footbalI and I enjoy it." (HSB)
Sol's Loveland supervisor Nate Dudoit praised Sol's work at Loveland:
"He's able to reach these kids with his heart and personality. He's a natural working with kids. He's one of a kind. He just steps in and does the right thing." (HSB)
About how he'll give his tickets to the Loveland kids this season, Sol said:
"They know I play football for UH, and they're always asking how Colt's (Brennan) doing, how's Davone (Bess) is doing. This kind of work, and other appearances we do to impact young people, we all look at it as an opportunity." (HSB)
About how it hasn't been hard for him to adjust to being the MLB in the 4-3 instead of an ILB in the 3-4, Sol said:
"I think it's coming natural for me. A linebacker's heart is a linebacker's heart, you know? It doesn't change that you've got to hit and you've got to run. A lot of the guys on our team are intelligent. Our whole defense is picking it up pretty good. As far as me, I love the transition. I think it fits our personnel better. Guys can actually play now that couldn't before. It's a joy for us. Like (defensive end) Karl Noa, he's going to have a really good year this year." (HSB)
About how he doesn't mind Hawaii's high expectations for them this season, Sol said:
"I think, for us, we embrace it. We're confident, in ourselves and the next guy, every guy. We're very confident in everybody on the team. We have chemistry and enough talent to run the table. We know we have to take every game as critical. We can't just go into a game thinking, we're gonna blow out Northern Colorado or Charleston Southern. We understand that every game is an important game and we have to respect every opponent." (HSB)
About the importance of his work at Loveland, Sol said:
"It was time for me to get out of the anonymous life of school and football. The kids here are the same (as in Crenshaw). Different skin color, but the same, because they just want an opportunity. I feel like I'm always going to have something to do with kids. I know how important opportunities are for them." (HSB)
Proud of Sol's work at Loveland, Abe said:
"He's learned that when you give, you end up getting a lot back. He's always been a really good person, quiet and thoughtful and caring. Now he's showing it." (HSB)
"It's a real joy for me. The kids are great. I learn a lot of things from them. One thing I found out is these kids try harder than we try. It's fun working with them. It's a whole different environment than school and football and I enjoy it." (HSB)
About how he told Sol to stay away from gangs, but them left for UH so Sol had to resist the temptation without him being around, Abraham Eliminian said:
"He was at a crossroads. I gave him some advice, but it was Solomon who decided to be a leader and not a follower and take the right path." (HSB)
About his big brother Abe, Sol said:
"If it wasn't for him, I'd probably be in a gang right now. A lot of kids who were in gangs were my friends and I used to hang out with them a lot. There were a lot of situations. My brother found out and told me to stop. It's kind of fun and trendy, but my brother, he stopped me where I was at." (HSB)
About his father's influence, and how his father exposed him to life beyond South Central LA, Sol said:
"My father instilled a lot of great qualities in me. We looked beyond the neighborhood. He always had me reading newspapers. So I got a wider perspective of how life is." (HSB)
About how he regretted choosing UH over Cal for much of his freshman year, Sol said:
"Probably that whole season. It was hard adjusting. A lot of things happened fast. I learned to handle it." (HSB)
About how he told his brother that he'd get used to the different lifestyle and laid-back pace of Hawaii, Abe said:
"He didn't believe me. He was, yeah, yeah, but I could tell he didn't believe me when I told him he'd end up loving Hawaii. Now he won't leave." (HSB)
About how he and his brother bonded over those cell phone calls during his freshman year, Sol said:
"The first year here for me was hard and the only person who understood it was my brother. I talk to him about every other day now. Since I came to Hawaii we got very close. The age difference, five, six years apart, we never had a close bond. He was in Hawaii and I was with our family." (HSB)
About how Coach Lee helped him adjust to Hawaii as well as college football, Sol said:
"Coach Cal goes beyond football. It's like a father-son relationship in a lot of ways. "(HSB)
About the Warriors ohana, Sol said:
"I think that's why our team is as good as we are. We have ohana. There's different colors, different cultures. But we don't look at color. Last year it was a big year due to that. We love each other in another aspect -- it's not just about football. And it's not cliques here and there. It's the whole team." (HSB)
Praising Sol's work at Loveland, Loveland teacher Gerald Wong said:
"He's a good role model. They look forward to seeing him and they're very excited about UH football." (HSB)
About how he looks forward to every day that he has at Loveland, Sol said:
"It's a real joy for me. The kids are great. I learn a lot of things from them. One thing I found out is these kids try harder than we try. It's fun working with them. It's a whole different environment than school and footbalI and I enjoy it." (HSB)
Sol's Loveland supervisor Nate Dudoit praised Sol's work at Loveland:
"He's able to reach these kids with his heart and personality. He's a natural working with kids. He's one of a kind. He just steps in and does the right thing." (HSB)
About how he'll give his tickets to the Loveland kids this season, Sol said:
"They know I play football for UH, and they're always asking how Colt's (Brennan) doing, how's Davone (Bess) is doing. This kind of work, and other appearances we do to impact young people, we all look at it as an opportunity." (HSB)
About how it hasn't been hard for him to adjust to being the MLB in the 4-3 instead of an ILB in the 3-4, Sol said:
"I think it's coming natural for me. A linebacker's heart is a linebacker's heart, you know? It doesn't change that you've got to hit and you've got to run. A lot of the guys on our team are intelligent. Our whole defense is picking it up pretty good. As far as me, I love the transition. I think it fits our personnel better. Guys can actually play now that couldn't before. It's a joy for us. Like (defensive end) Karl Noa, he's going to have a really good year this year." (HSB)
About how he doesn't mind Hawaii's high expectations for them this season, Sol said:
"I think, for us, we embrace it. We're confident, in ourselves and the next guy, every guy. We're very confident in everybody on the team. We have chemistry and enough talent to run the table. We know we have to take every game as critical. We can't just go into a game thinking, we're gonna blow out Northern Colorado or Charleston Southern. We understand that every game is an important game and we have to respect every opponent." (HSB)
About the importance of his work at Loveland, Sol said:
"It was time for me to get out of the anonymous life of school and football. The kids here are the same (as in Crenshaw). Different skin color, but the same, because they just want an opportunity. I feel like I'm always going to have something to do with kids. I know how important opportunities are for them." (HSB)
Proud of Sol's work at Loveland, Abe said:
"He's learned that when you give, you end up getting a lot back. He's always been a really good person, quiet and thoughtful and caring. Now he's showing it." (HSB)
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Quotes from JJ about his "not caring if the other team scored" quote
Asked "where he got that sickness from" after he said that he just wants the defense to take the ball away, not caring if the other team scored, JJ said:
"I'll tell you where I got it. Because I was never that way. I was brought up (defense wins ball games), yeah. I was on the sideline, this is an unbelievable story, and I watched it happen." (HSB)
"We're playing Montana and I'm quarterback, this is 1977. They're like one of the top offenses in the country, but they're running the veer, and they're optioning, but their quarterback is throwing for like 300 yards that day, they had like 600 yards, we had like 600-something yards. The game is whoever has the ball just scores, and it's going like this all game. So we scored a touchdown to go ahead 44-42 with 2 1/2 minutes to go. OK, so we kick off and they get the ball on their own 20." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The young Jones is standing on the sideline, watching, horrified, standing next to Mouse as hope fades away. He looks over, only to see that Mouse is walking toward the defensive coach.
"Let 'em score," Mouse says.
"What?!!!"
Mouse is serious. "Let 'em score."
In the retelling Jones uses italics in the tone of his voice: "They got into a physical altercation." "
JJ said that as Mouse was fighting with the defensive coordinator:
"And as they're doing that, the quarterback throws a 60-yard touchdown pass to go ahead. The d-coordinator goes, 'There, you got your #%^&*@$ way now!' " (HSB)
JJ continued the story:
"We got the ball back with a minute, 20 to go, I throw a touchdown pass on the last play of the game to beat 'em 50-48. That's the God's honest truth." (HSB)
JJ shook his head and concluded:
"Let 'em score. I never heard that." (HSB)
"I'll tell you where I got it. Because I was never that way. I was brought up (defense wins ball games), yeah. I was on the sideline, this is an unbelievable story, and I watched it happen." (HSB)
"We're playing Montana and I'm quarterback, this is 1977. They're like one of the top offenses in the country, but they're running the veer, and they're optioning, but their quarterback is throwing for like 300 yards that day, they had like 600 yards, we had like 600-something yards. The game is whoever has the ball just scores, and it's going like this all game. So we scored a touchdown to go ahead 44-42 with 2 1/2 minutes to go. OK, so we kick off and they get the ball on their own 20." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The young Jones is standing on the sideline, watching, horrified, standing next to Mouse as hope fades away. He looks over, only to see that Mouse is walking toward the defensive coach.
"Let 'em score," Mouse says.
"What?!!!"
Mouse is serious. "Let 'em score."
In the retelling Jones uses italics in the tone of his voice: "They got into a physical altercation." "
JJ said that as Mouse was fighting with the defensive coordinator:
"And as they're doing that, the quarterback throws a 60-yard touchdown pass to go ahead. The d-coordinator goes, 'There, you got your #%^&*@$ way now!' " (HSB)
JJ continued the story:
"We got the ball back with a minute, 20 to go, I throw a touchdown pass on the last play of the game to beat 'em 50-48. That's the God's honest truth." (HSB)
JJ shook his head and concluded:
"Let 'em score. I never heard that." (HSB)
Quotes from Karl Benson about the WAC Football Preview
About how they have a lot to promote in San Jose at the WAC Football Preview, WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said:
"We have individuals; we have teams; we have coaches. It is by far the most we've had to promote in recent years." (HA)
About the importance of starting the season high enough to have a good shot at a BCS game, Benson said:
"History has shown us how much of an advantage that can be." (HA)
"We have individuals; we have teams; we have coaches. It is by far the most we've had to promote in recent years." (HA)
About the importance of starting the season high enough to have a good shot at a BCS game, Benson said:
"History has shown us how much of an advantage that can be." (HA)
Quotes about the start of Colt's Heisman campaign
Looking forward to the WAC Football Media Preview, where his Heisman campaign will kick off, Colt said:
"I'm excited to go up there. I've never done it before, so it's a new experience. Obviously it will be a chance to let people know what our team has been doing this summer and where we stand and what we plan on doing this year." (HA)
About his Heisman campaign DVD that Robert Kekaula edited, Colt said:
"From what I've heard, when people talk about other DVDs, it's put together really well. It's really well done. I wanted something simple, but they took the torch and ran with it. It's cool. It's good for the school. It shows how much the school wants to take care of the players and promote them. I'm excited." (HA)
Looking forward to meeting opposing players in the WAC, Colt said:
"I'm really more curious about what other teams out there in the WAC think of themselves. I know how everyone talks about how we have an easy schedule this year." (HA)
About one of the ramifications of their weak schedule, Colt said:
"People are expecting a lot, obviously, because our schedule is not that tough. They're not going to give us a big margin for error." (HA)
About the upcoming season, Colt said:
"We watch every week how a one-win football team takes an undefeated team to the wire, and sometimes upsets them. It's going to be a tough season, no matter how you look at it. You never know how injuries are going to take. We need to take care of business either way. We need to focus on winning every week. We have to capitalize and take advantage of opportunities and set out to do something big and win football games." (HA)
About how he decided to walk on to UH, Colt's high school teammates CB Camron Carmona said:
"I kind of based my decision on him staying. I didn't want to go back East and play in the cold weather. I visited here, and I felt this is where I want to be." (HA)
HA Notes that Camron has 2 years of eligibility left.
"I'm excited to go up there. I've never done it before, so it's a new experience. Obviously it will be a chance to let people know what our team has been doing this summer and where we stand and what we plan on doing this year." (HA)
About his Heisman campaign DVD that Robert Kekaula edited, Colt said:
"From what I've heard, when people talk about other DVDs, it's put together really well. It's really well done. I wanted something simple, but they took the torch and ran with it. It's cool. It's good for the school. It shows how much the school wants to take care of the players and promote them. I'm excited." (HA)
Looking forward to meeting opposing players in the WAC, Colt said:
"I'm really more curious about what other teams out there in the WAC think of themselves. I know how everyone talks about how we have an easy schedule this year." (HA)
About one of the ramifications of their weak schedule, Colt said:
"People are expecting a lot, obviously, because our schedule is not that tough. They're not going to give us a big margin for error." (HA)
About the upcoming season, Colt said:
"We watch every week how a one-win football team takes an undefeated team to the wire, and sometimes upsets them. It's going to be a tough season, no matter how you look at it. You never know how injuries are going to take. We need to take care of business either way. We need to focus on winning every week. We have to capitalize and take advantage of opportunities and set out to do something big and win football games." (HA)
About how he decided to walk on to UH, Colt's high school teammates CB Camron Carmona said:
"I kind of based my decision on him staying. I didn't want to go back East and play in the cold weather. I visited here, and I felt this is where I want to be." (HA)
HA Notes that Camron has 2 years of eligibility left.
Mel and Nate signed their first NFL contracts!
HA wrote: "Purcell, the Browns' sixth-round pick this year, will receive a signing bonus of $87,250. The total value of his contract is worth up to $2.3 million.
Ilaoa, the Eagles' seventh-round selection, will earn a signing bonus of $45,000. His contract could be worth up to $2.16 million if he plays four seasons."
Their agent Leo Goeas expects both players to earn a spot on their teams "in some form" this season:
"In the worst-case scenario, they'll be on the practice roster. And that's the worst case." (HA)
HA Note: "Practice-squad players earn the standard salary of $4,800 a week. While significant, that would pale in comparison to the hefty NFL salaries.
According to the NFL pay scale, the minimum base salaries are $285,000 for the first year, $370,000 for the second, $460,000 for the third and $550,000 for the fourth. Only the signing bonuses are guaranteed.
An NFL source said Purcell and Ilaoa agreed to deals that include "escalated" fourth-year salaries. By playing a fourth season, Purcell will receive an additional $550,000 and Ilaoa will earn an extra $450,000. That means for the 2010 season, Purcell would earn $1.1 million and Ilaoa would draw $1 million."
About how he's adjusting to Phily, Nate said:
"I'm getting the hang of things. It was like that the first time I came (to UH). I got comfortable after that." (HA)
About competing with Ryan Mots for the final RB roster spot, Nate said:
"Its not about competing with Moats or whoever, its about just going out there and competing period. I just want to get there and let the tough part rest with the Eagles, make it hard for them to cut me." (HSB)
About Philly's training camp, Nate said:
''I heard it's hot up there. Yeah, it can get hot in Hawaii, but there's always a breeze in Hawaii. They told me there isn't any breeze up [at Lehigh].'' (Morning Call)
Ilaoa, the Eagles' seventh-round selection, will earn a signing bonus of $45,000. His contract could be worth up to $2.16 million if he plays four seasons."
Their agent Leo Goeas expects both players to earn a spot on their teams "in some form" this season:
"In the worst-case scenario, they'll be on the practice roster. And that's the worst case." (HA)
HA Note: "Practice-squad players earn the standard salary of $4,800 a week. While significant, that would pale in comparison to the hefty NFL salaries.
According to the NFL pay scale, the minimum base salaries are $285,000 for the first year, $370,000 for the second, $460,000 for the third and $550,000 for the fourth. Only the signing bonuses are guaranteed.
An NFL source said Purcell and Ilaoa agreed to deals that include "escalated" fourth-year salaries. By playing a fourth season, Purcell will receive an additional $550,000 and Ilaoa will earn an extra $450,000. That means for the 2010 season, Purcell would earn $1.1 million and Ilaoa would draw $1 million."
About how he's adjusting to Phily, Nate said:
"I'm getting the hang of things. It was like that the first time I came (to UH). I got comfortable after that." (HA)
About competing with Ryan Mots for the final RB roster spot, Nate said:
"Its not about competing with Moats or whoever, its about just going out there and competing period. I just want to get there and let the tough part rest with the Eagles, make it hard for them to cut me." (HSB)
About Philly's training camp, Nate said:
''I heard it's hot up there. Yeah, it can get hot in Hawaii, but there's always a breeze in Hawaii. They told me there isn't any breeze up [at Lehigh].'' (Morning Call)
Quotes from Greg McMackin
Happy to be back at UH, GM said:
"It's great to be back. I'm really enjoying Hawai'i." (HA)
"June is the best coach in the country. It's so important, to me, to coach with guys I like, guys who are good people. June is definitely that. And he's hired a staff of guys who are great people. It was a no-brainer to come back." (HA)
About how he told GM to take the $350k Texas Tech job, a huge raise over the $90k GM earned at UH, JJ said:
"I told him he needed to take that job." (HA)
About his wife, GM said:
"My wife was there when June called. She was excited about (the offer). Heather is the best as a football wife. She's been through it. It's tough on wives. You're gone a lot, and you work long hours. She understands that.
We've been married a long time. We were childhood sweethearts. I used to watch her when I was an eighth grader dive into the pool. She never made a splash. That made a big impression on me. We finally got together (in high school), and went out. Springfield (Ore.) is a small town. You know everybody. She's been my best friend for many years. She's very understanding, and she's into the game. She knows what's going on in the game. She's helped a lot of young coaches' wives along the way. It's a tough business. She's been the best at it." (HA)
Asked about his managing style, GM said:
"Just like June, I believe you have to get your work done. But I believe there's no reason to meet just to meet. If you have your work done, you should be able to be with your family. I try to get (the assistant coaches) out of the office as soon as possible, and just let them be with their families. That's what it's all about, anyway.
I've worked with both kinds — guys who worked 24 hours a day, and guys who get their work done and get out of there. (The latter is) how June is. Your head coach has to believe in that, in wanting for you to get with your family." (HA)
Asked about distributing coaching assignments, GM said:
"I believe if you have good coaches, you should let them coach. I put a lot of responsibility on the coaches. We have good coaches. They're top guys. They really relate to the players. Rich Miano, Cal Lee, George Lumpkin and Jeff Reinebold are just outstanding coaches. Everybody is on the same page, teaching the same package. You get a lot more done when you break it up and let the coaches coach. They picked it up right off the bat. We talked about what we were going to put in, and we went out and did it. I thought we had an outstanding spring." (HA)
About implementing a new defense (the 4-3), GM said:
"Package wise, the big decision was between playing 3-4, which we had (the past two years), and 4-3. After talking to the defensive staff and looking at it, the 4-3 fit our personnel so much better. I've always been a 4-3 guy, with a touch of 3-4 in it. So that's the direction we went. I basically got the package in playbooks and PowerPoint. The secretaries and our staff did a good job of getting that together. We had all of that for spring (practice)." (HA)
Asked about returning to college football, GM said:
"I love college football. You can have an influence on these young men. In the pros, it's a business. They have their accountant and agent. Here, you can touch a person's life and help the young man. Here, it's still a game. They have other things going on, such as academics. In the pros, it's about money. I really enjoyed the pros. It was great coaching guys at the level. But it's purely Xs and Os. It's different. I like the college atmosphere. I like the idea of having a chance to help somebody.
I met with each (defensive player) after spring practice. It's important to get to know them. It's important to let them know you care about them as a person instead of only as a player on the field. The players are the most important aspect of the program. If they need to talk to you, you need to drop what you're doing and talk to them. If you're in a meeting or you're in your office, they should feel they can come in and talk to you." (HA)
Asked how UH compares to BCS teams, GM said:
"I don't think this is a smaller program. June has made this into a big program. I can't believe what he and his staff have done. Really, the budget is the same (as it was in 1999). The coaches have had one raise in eight years. The defensive room is exactly the same when I was here. The recruiting budget is the same. And they're beating people like Alabama and BYU and Arizona State and Purdue and Michigan State. I'd like to put the SC coach or the Florida State coach in that situation. June has done it without a lot of things. Putting 11 guys in the pros (this year), that's remarkable. I don't look at it as a small program. I look at it as June building a tradition. He cares about his coaches and players. I think he's a genius and the best coach in the game." (HA)
Asked about the difference between this team and the 99 team, GM said:
"I think the depth and the quality are better in the front seven, but that '99 team had the greatest heart of anybody I've seen. This group is just fun to coach. They really want to get better. They have a great attitude." (HA)
Asked how his defense has changed, GM said:
"It hasn't changed a lot. Football has been going on for a long time. There aren't a lot of original ideas. We will change if the offense makes a change. Football evolves. We've added several things, mainly (pass) coverages. Now the zone is a big part of it. We have a package for that. If teams try to take advantage of something, at this point, we have an answer for it. I'm sure somebody will come up with something that we'll have to adjust to." (HA)
Asked about their LBs, GM said:
"We're going to play Adam (Leonard) on the outside and inside. He's going to be our joker (pass rusher) in our Okie package (3-3-5 alignment). We're putting a lot of things on Adam. He's a talent. He's a good player.
Solomon (Elimimian) is our starting middle linebacker. We're going to roll four guys (in the three positions), so Adam will play inside, too. We're going to roll Blaze (Soares), Solomon, Adam and Brad (Kalilimoku). Cal (Lee, the linebacker coach) feels those guys are all starters, so they're all going to play. They're first-string guys.
I think Blaze is a big-time player. If he continues to grow with Cal, he has a chance to be one of the best to ever come out of here. He has the speed. He has the instinct. He's a great hitter. He has that look in his eyes. Some of those great 'backers have that look in their eyes — (Jeff) Ulbrich, Ray Lewis — and he has that look." (HA)
Asked about recruiting, GM gave an excellent answer:
"I'll be involved in defensive recruiting. Texas has a lot of players. Mississippi has JC players. The way I look at it, if we need immediate help at a position, we'll recruit a JC guy. Other than that, we'll go for high school guys. The local recruiting will always be the biggest part of this program." (HA)
"It's great to be back. I'm really enjoying Hawai'i." (HA)
"June is the best coach in the country. It's so important, to me, to coach with guys I like, guys who are good people. June is definitely that. And he's hired a staff of guys who are great people. It was a no-brainer to come back." (HA)
About how he told GM to take the $350k Texas Tech job, a huge raise over the $90k GM earned at UH, JJ said:
"I told him he needed to take that job." (HA)
About his wife, GM said:
"My wife was there when June called. She was excited about (the offer). Heather is the best as a football wife. She's been through it. It's tough on wives. You're gone a lot, and you work long hours. She understands that.
We've been married a long time. We were childhood sweethearts. I used to watch her when I was an eighth grader dive into the pool. She never made a splash. That made a big impression on me. We finally got together (in high school), and went out. Springfield (Ore.) is a small town. You know everybody. She's been my best friend for many years. She's very understanding, and she's into the game. She knows what's going on in the game. She's helped a lot of young coaches' wives along the way. It's a tough business. She's been the best at it." (HA)
Asked about his managing style, GM said:
"Just like June, I believe you have to get your work done. But I believe there's no reason to meet just to meet. If you have your work done, you should be able to be with your family. I try to get (the assistant coaches) out of the office as soon as possible, and just let them be with their families. That's what it's all about, anyway.
I've worked with both kinds — guys who worked 24 hours a day, and guys who get their work done and get out of there. (The latter is) how June is. Your head coach has to believe in that, in wanting for you to get with your family." (HA)
Asked about distributing coaching assignments, GM said:
"I believe if you have good coaches, you should let them coach. I put a lot of responsibility on the coaches. We have good coaches. They're top guys. They really relate to the players. Rich Miano, Cal Lee, George Lumpkin and Jeff Reinebold are just outstanding coaches. Everybody is on the same page, teaching the same package. You get a lot more done when you break it up and let the coaches coach. They picked it up right off the bat. We talked about what we were going to put in, and we went out and did it. I thought we had an outstanding spring." (HA)
About implementing a new defense (the 4-3), GM said:
"Package wise, the big decision was between playing 3-4, which we had (the past two years), and 4-3. After talking to the defensive staff and looking at it, the 4-3 fit our personnel so much better. I've always been a 4-3 guy, with a touch of 3-4 in it. So that's the direction we went. I basically got the package in playbooks and PowerPoint. The secretaries and our staff did a good job of getting that together. We had all of that for spring (practice)." (HA)
Asked about returning to college football, GM said:
"I love college football. You can have an influence on these young men. In the pros, it's a business. They have their accountant and agent. Here, you can touch a person's life and help the young man. Here, it's still a game. They have other things going on, such as academics. In the pros, it's about money. I really enjoyed the pros. It was great coaching guys at the level. But it's purely Xs and Os. It's different. I like the college atmosphere. I like the idea of having a chance to help somebody.
I met with each (defensive player) after spring practice. It's important to get to know them. It's important to let them know you care about them as a person instead of only as a player on the field. The players are the most important aspect of the program. If they need to talk to you, you need to drop what you're doing and talk to them. If you're in a meeting or you're in your office, they should feel they can come in and talk to you." (HA)
Asked how UH compares to BCS teams, GM said:
"I don't think this is a smaller program. June has made this into a big program. I can't believe what he and his staff have done. Really, the budget is the same (as it was in 1999). The coaches have had one raise in eight years. The defensive room is exactly the same when I was here. The recruiting budget is the same. And they're beating people like Alabama and BYU and Arizona State and Purdue and Michigan State. I'd like to put the SC coach or the Florida State coach in that situation. June has done it without a lot of things. Putting 11 guys in the pros (this year), that's remarkable. I don't look at it as a small program. I look at it as June building a tradition. He cares about his coaches and players. I think he's a genius and the best coach in the game." (HA)
Asked about the difference between this team and the 99 team, GM said:
"I think the depth and the quality are better in the front seven, but that '99 team had the greatest heart of anybody I've seen. This group is just fun to coach. They really want to get better. They have a great attitude." (HA)
Asked how his defense has changed, GM said:
"It hasn't changed a lot. Football has been going on for a long time. There aren't a lot of original ideas. We will change if the offense makes a change. Football evolves. We've added several things, mainly (pass) coverages. Now the zone is a big part of it. We have a package for that. If teams try to take advantage of something, at this point, we have an answer for it. I'm sure somebody will come up with something that we'll have to adjust to." (HA)
Asked about their LBs, GM said:
"We're going to play Adam (Leonard) on the outside and inside. He's going to be our joker (pass rusher) in our Okie package (3-3-5 alignment). We're putting a lot of things on Adam. He's a talent. He's a good player.
Solomon (Elimimian) is our starting middle linebacker. We're going to roll four guys (in the three positions), so Adam will play inside, too. We're going to roll Blaze (Soares), Solomon, Adam and Brad (Kalilimoku). Cal (Lee, the linebacker coach) feels those guys are all starters, so they're all going to play. They're first-string guys.
I think Blaze is a big-time player. If he continues to grow with Cal, he has a chance to be one of the best to ever come out of here. He has the speed. He has the instinct. He's a great hitter. He has that look in his eyes. Some of those great 'backers have that look in their eyes — (Jeff) Ulbrich, Ray Lewis — and he has that look." (HA)
Asked about recruiting, GM gave an excellent answer:
"I'll be involved in defensive recruiting. Texas has a lot of players. Mississippi has JC players. The way I look at it, if we need immediate help at a position, we'll recruit a JC guy. Other than that, we'll go for high school guys. The local recruiting will always be the biggest part of this program." (HA)
Quotes from Leonard Peters
http://www.khnl.com/Global/story.asp?S=6810180
About how he didn't even think he could play football in college, LP said:
"I don't even think I was thinking college when I came out of high school. I was just glad coach (Rich) Miano gave me the opportunity to come and play college. He gave a lot of words of encouragement that helped me through college and so its a great opportunity for me to take a big step in my life." (KHNL)
About the Jets, LP said:
"Just being in New York, you know big city, its like Vegas the city that never sleeps, its business up there and you're under the spotlight. You know it felt like my freshman year in college, you don't know what to expect but you're excited at the same time." (KHNL)
About how he is the underdog to make the roster, LP said:
"Its a good thing because it makes for a good story, you know if you make the team you can tell the kids what you had to go through. For me it doesn't matter if I was a draft pick or a free agent, just making the team is good enough for me." (KHNL)
About how he didn't even think he could play football in college, LP said:
"I don't even think I was thinking college when I came out of high school. I was just glad coach (Rich) Miano gave me the opportunity to come and play college. He gave a lot of words of encouragement that helped me through college and so its a great opportunity for me to take a big step in my life." (KHNL)
About the Jets, LP said:
"Just being in New York, you know big city, its like Vegas the city that never sleeps, its business up there and you're under the spotlight. You know it felt like my freshman year in college, you don't know what to expect but you're excited at the same time." (KHNL)
About how he is the underdog to make the roster, LP said:
"Its a good thing because it makes for a good story, you know if you make the team you can tell the kids what you had to go through. For me it doesn't matter if I was a draft pick or a free agent, just making the team is good enough for me." (KHNL)
Quotes from JJ, Part 3
Asked about the change in his recruiting philosophy, with early scholarship offers, JJ said:
"We did that last year. I don't know looking back on it. We have already offered a lot of kids this year. But to be quite honest I don't know whether that works or not. ... We haven't seen the kids yet, some of them are still struggling with grades and we don't know if they're going to make it, and if we have kids we like, we've already given that scholarship to other guys.
The bottom line is we can offer a million guys and if you don't ever call the guy back he'll de-commit and go someplace else.
But we have done it. On the top kids it matters. That quarterback we had (Robert Marve, who chose Miami over Hawaii), we wouldn't have even had a shot at that kid if we didn't offer him on the phone." (HSB)
Asked about his plan to station a coach on the mainland for recruiting purposes, JJ said:
"Yeah, but I was going to move a guy to do that and then I'd let Greg (defensive coordinator McMackin) just be one short and he didn't want to do that this year, so ... but, yes.
For 30 years we had three coaches on offense and three on defense and a head coach. The NFL has 25 coaches (per team) now. I'm going, 'No wonder these guys get so screwed up.' That's what happens. You've got 13 guys on defense, you've got one head coach. And you've got 12 guys who don't believe in the coordinator that's doing it. You used to have to worry about three guys, now you have to worry about 12 guys trying to get you (fired)." (HSB)
AskeD if he had 13 assistants when he was an offensive coordinator, JJ said:
"No. My owner loved me. I'll get a line coach, a receivers coach, and a running backs coach." (HSB)
Asked what Duff's job will be, JJ said:
"It's up to Greg to assign him. I think he's doing most of the defensive computer stuff. But he'll have some gameday responsibilities." (HSB)
Asked about his new GA, Brian Kajiyama, JJ said:
"Brian's great. He keeps us all in good spirits all the time. It was his birthday today, we had a little party for him. He'll do a lot of the computer stuff and a lot of the recruiting background. He's a great kid." (HSB)
Asked if he heard about the plan for a 4-team playoff for the naional title, JJ said:
"I did hear that. That won't be until 2011. I might not be alive in 2011.
I would say they could ... and they could utilize the bowl games still and they could stagger them so the money is still the same. And rotate just like they do with the games now ... kind of makes sense. I would think if they were to do something like that you'd always have somebody who was down at three, four, five that thinks they're the best in the country." (HSB)
Asked if the gap is closing between the mid-majors and the BCS or if programs like UH and BSU are just an aberration, JJ said:
"I don't know because we're not really around it a lot. But I don't see a whole lot of difference. Fresno State, not last year but the previous two or three years, even though they lost two or three at the end, they had SC beat that year, kind of let it get away from them and went downhill. But, I don't know how to answer that.
Certainly the conferences, the top four or five teams in our conference -- if you were at Mississippi, week in and week out in the SEC is more physical than in the WAC down the line with the lower of the 10 teams. But if you go play Boise, you go play Fresno, you go play Reno, all of those schools can compete in the top conferences." (HSB)
Asked if BSU's accomplishments and Colt's success would inspire other WAC programs to make real commitments to football, to invest more dollars and hire more established coaches, JJ said:
"I think schools are making some steps to get better. San Jose, New Mexico State, those teams are going to be better. And because of their coaches there's going to be consistency too, which you have to have. If you're constantly changing this, changing that, you've got no chance to stay consistent winning and keep the tradition going. It's very hard to do that." (HSB)
Asked if they should have done a lot of scheduling when they were 3-9, JJ said:
"Thank you. That's the way it should have been. I agree. (All the big BCS teams). All of them.
Now it's harder. The only way you can -- to me, the next five years it's going to be harder if we have openings. ... Even that is going to be costly because we're going to have to pay a I-AA team, because I-AA teams are being paid on the mainland to go to UCLA, to go to Stanford, to go wherever.
But what should be done is 2012 through 2018, we should have all of them done. And they should be done now. Because even a coach would just say, 'Yeah, go ahead.' Because six years from now he might be dead or not here. Yeah, exactly.
A lot of those teams would give reasons why they don't want to, the money will change, we'll wait. Well, just put it in the contract: 'Teams will have the right to renegotiate that in 2011 for the 2013 game.' But get them on the hook. There are ways to solve that problem.
I'm still kind of waiting to see if there are any repercussions on the Hawaii exemption." (HSB)
Asked if he thought there was a chance he'd be here this long, JJ said:
"Well, I was thinking I'd end my career here. But I've never been at any place this long. Two years is the longest I've been somewhere (other than three years as head coach in Atlanta.) Well, I was in Atlanta longer because I was an assistant with Jerry (Glanville). That was my longest stay." (HSB)
Asked if he thought he'd make $1 mil in a year, JJ said:
"No. But college football has changed so much in the last 10 years. You couldn't predict it. And I didn't come here for the money. It was just a by-product of college football." (HSB)
Asked if there was a way his contract would get done before the season starts, JJ said:
I'm just going to let them deal with it. I don't know what the procedure is on it. My whole (pro) career I never had a contract. So having one is new to me.
I remember almost every job that I had in the NFL, they offered it at two (years) and I always took one. Because I had a lot of confidence in the places that I was at, if it was really bad and they were giving you two or three years for nothing. And you'd turn it around and you can't make any money. And if you have a two-year contract (success in the first year) it isn't going to help you.
But most coaches are into security, you know, they get fired, they want to have the contract." (HSB)
Asked about how coaching is not a profession with a lot of security, JJ said:
"Exactly. I lived in 18 cities in 15 years. But I climbed the ladder very quickly.
I'm talking about these are full moves, furniture. Two full moves in one year twice." (HSB)
"We did that last year. I don't know looking back on it. We have already offered a lot of kids this year. But to be quite honest I don't know whether that works or not. ... We haven't seen the kids yet, some of them are still struggling with grades and we don't know if they're going to make it, and if we have kids we like, we've already given that scholarship to other guys.
The bottom line is we can offer a million guys and if you don't ever call the guy back he'll de-commit and go someplace else.
But we have done it. On the top kids it matters. That quarterback we had (Robert Marve, who chose Miami over Hawaii), we wouldn't have even had a shot at that kid if we didn't offer him on the phone." (HSB)
Asked about his plan to station a coach on the mainland for recruiting purposes, JJ said:
"Yeah, but I was going to move a guy to do that and then I'd let Greg (defensive coordinator McMackin) just be one short and he didn't want to do that this year, so ... but, yes.
For 30 years we had three coaches on offense and three on defense and a head coach. The NFL has 25 coaches (per team) now. I'm going, 'No wonder these guys get so screwed up.' That's what happens. You've got 13 guys on defense, you've got one head coach. And you've got 12 guys who don't believe in the coordinator that's doing it. You used to have to worry about three guys, now you have to worry about 12 guys trying to get you (fired)." (HSB)
AskeD if he had 13 assistants when he was an offensive coordinator, JJ said:
"No. My owner loved me. I'll get a line coach, a receivers coach, and a running backs coach." (HSB)
Asked what Duff's job will be, JJ said:
"It's up to Greg to assign him. I think he's doing most of the defensive computer stuff. But he'll have some gameday responsibilities." (HSB)
Asked about his new GA, Brian Kajiyama, JJ said:
"Brian's great. He keeps us all in good spirits all the time. It was his birthday today, we had a little party for him. He'll do a lot of the computer stuff and a lot of the recruiting background. He's a great kid." (HSB)
Asked if he heard about the plan for a 4-team playoff for the naional title, JJ said:
"I did hear that. That won't be until 2011. I might not be alive in 2011.
I would say they could ... and they could utilize the bowl games still and they could stagger them so the money is still the same. And rotate just like they do with the games now ... kind of makes sense. I would think if they were to do something like that you'd always have somebody who was down at three, four, five that thinks they're the best in the country." (HSB)
Asked if the gap is closing between the mid-majors and the BCS or if programs like UH and BSU are just an aberration, JJ said:
"I don't know because we're not really around it a lot. But I don't see a whole lot of difference. Fresno State, not last year but the previous two or three years, even though they lost two or three at the end, they had SC beat that year, kind of let it get away from them and went downhill. But, I don't know how to answer that.
Certainly the conferences, the top four or five teams in our conference -- if you were at Mississippi, week in and week out in the SEC is more physical than in the WAC down the line with the lower of the 10 teams. But if you go play Boise, you go play Fresno, you go play Reno, all of those schools can compete in the top conferences." (HSB)
Asked if BSU's accomplishments and Colt's success would inspire other WAC programs to make real commitments to football, to invest more dollars and hire more established coaches, JJ said:
"I think schools are making some steps to get better. San Jose, New Mexico State, those teams are going to be better. And because of their coaches there's going to be consistency too, which you have to have. If you're constantly changing this, changing that, you've got no chance to stay consistent winning and keep the tradition going. It's very hard to do that." (HSB)
Asked if they should have done a lot of scheduling when they were 3-9, JJ said:
"Thank you. That's the way it should have been. I agree. (All the big BCS teams). All of them.
Now it's harder. The only way you can -- to me, the next five years it's going to be harder if we have openings. ... Even that is going to be costly because we're going to have to pay a I-AA team, because I-AA teams are being paid on the mainland to go to UCLA, to go to Stanford, to go wherever.
But what should be done is 2012 through 2018, we should have all of them done. And they should be done now. Because even a coach would just say, 'Yeah, go ahead.' Because six years from now he might be dead or not here. Yeah, exactly.
A lot of those teams would give reasons why they don't want to, the money will change, we'll wait. Well, just put it in the contract: 'Teams will have the right to renegotiate that in 2011 for the 2013 game.' But get them on the hook. There are ways to solve that problem.
I'm still kind of waiting to see if there are any repercussions on the Hawaii exemption." (HSB)
Asked if he thought there was a chance he'd be here this long, JJ said:
"Well, I was thinking I'd end my career here. But I've never been at any place this long. Two years is the longest I've been somewhere (other than three years as head coach in Atlanta.) Well, I was in Atlanta longer because I was an assistant with Jerry (Glanville). That was my longest stay." (HSB)
Asked if he thought he'd make $1 mil in a year, JJ said:
"No. But college football has changed so much in the last 10 years. You couldn't predict it. And I didn't come here for the money. It was just a by-product of college football." (HSB)
Asked if there was a way his contract would get done before the season starts, JJ said:
I'm just going to let them deal with it. I don't know what the procedure is on it. My whole (pro) career I never had a contract. So having one is new to me.
I remember almost every job that I had in the NFL, they offered it at two (years) and I always took one. Because I had a lot of confidence in the places that I was at, if it was really bad and they were giving you two or three years for nothing. And you'd turn it around and you can't make any money. And if you have a two-year contract (success in the first year) it isn't going to help you.
But most coaches are into security, you know, they get fired, they want to have the contract." (HSB)
Asked about how coaching is not a profession with a lot of security, JJ said:
"Exactly. I lived in 18 cities in 15 years. But I climbed the ladder very quickly.
I'm talking about these are full moves, furniture. Two full moves in one year twice." (HSB)
Friday, July 20, 2007
Quotes from JJ, Part 2
Asked who was their best blocking RB, JJ said:
"(David) Farmer. He'll get his time. There will be times when I know he knows what to do. The other kids, I don't know if they know what to do yet.
It matters because it's all about the quarterback. The fullback is a sixth offensive lineman without the tight end. You've got to have a guy who when the line screws up he knows that the line screwed up." (HSB)
Asked if the fans don't know about Farmer because he doesn't have a YouTube video, JJ laughed and said:
"(Laughs.) He's just a solid team player, played on special teams last year. He played (offense). ... I played him at times because he knew what to do." (HSB)
Asked who was the best blocking back he ever had, JJ said:
"Craig Heyward was the best I ever had, in the pros. In college, probably the best I've ever had in knowing what to do was Afatia (Thompson). You know, like Farmer. Afatia wasn't fast like Farmer, about the same speed, but he knew who to block and what to do. Actually, to be honest, a guy who I should say is better than Afatia is Michael Brewster. He was only 5-foot-6, 185 pounds, but he was as good as anybody I've had." (HSB)
Asked if Leon Wright-Jackson has ever been asked to block, JJ said:
"I feel comfortable after watching film of him running. When guys come he'll power run, so he's not afraid, he'll initiate contact when he's running. So if he'll do that he'll be fine." (HSB)
Asked how the defense is handling the transition from Glanville to McMackin, JJ said:
"Greg is unique in how he does stuff, just like Jerry's unique in what he does and Greg has the same philosophy that I want -- that's why I brought him here in '99. He's always fielding one of the top takeaway teams wherever he's been. We were when he was here in '99. And that goes with what we do offensively. They don't have to stop anybody, if they take the ball away and give us more chances, we win." (HSB)
Asked how a defensive coach like Buddy Ryan bought into his takeaway philosophy for the D, JJ said:
"Oh, Buddy Ryan could work with me. That's why it's freaky. I'll never forget this, when he was in Philadelphia they won 27-0. He's in the press conference (upset) ... 'We didn't take the ball away today!' And he also realized that that's the only thing that matters on defense. If you give us four more chances on offense, we're going to win. Takeaways and being the top offensive team win more games than any other combination." (HSB)
Asked if it was hard to get defensive coaches to buy into the takeaway philosophy for the D, JJ said:
"It is, because it's been inbred in them for so long that you want to burn the clock. And I said, If you don't want to be on the field get off the field! Stop 'em in three plays. (Take the ball away.) Yeah, exactly. Get me on the field!
So the mind-set was not that way. I think any defensive coach who coached for me ... I guarantee you they'd rather coach in what we do than coach with what other coaches do. Because I don't hassle them. I say just get off the field and be aggressive and take the ball away. I don't care if they score. Just go get the ball." (HSB)
Asked if the defensive coaches like his aggressive philosophy for the D, JJ said:
"Exactly. You hold onto your rear end, in every game if you make a mistake in the fourth quarter you're going to lose. I'd rather play the other way. Go blitz. Just go blitz, I don't care. If you sack 'em that's great, if you get a pick, that's great, if they score, that's OK, too." (HSB)
Asked if he ever told a defensive coordinator to let the other team score, JJ said:
"No, I've never told anybody that. But I've had games where I knew they were going to run out the clock and kick a field goal with no time. It's kind of like basketball, the philosophy of letting them have the last shot. They're running down the clock, should you foul them, let them make the one-and-one, and then you've got enough time to make the last shot, or are you going to let them go down the final second, take the shot, and you lose?" (HSB)
Asked what new players might surprise the fans this season, JJ said:
"Of the new guys coming in? I would say Leon Jackson obviously, just off his tapes. I haven't seen him yet. But I would say he's a guy who might have the opportunity to make a lot of big plays. The two linemen coming in, Sila Lefiti and Austin Hansen, are going to be competitive on the O-line right away. Defensively, the kid from Hoover High School (Ala.), Korey Reynolds, can run. He can run and he's 240. We need to decide whether he's a D-end or outside 'backer. He'll probably play like Cameron Allen-Jones did, he might play some offense in that big slot position, too. And Chris Leatigaga on the defensive line, he's a player." (HSB)
About how he's said that Graunke will play more this season, JJ was asked if Graunke would have a different role and answered:
"Probably the same. I've put him in in the first quarter, second quarter, that kind of thing. He's done that for a couple years. But more this year." (HSB)
Asked if he expected to attract more QBs because Colt is a senior and has so much success, JJ said:
"We've gotten more video the last six months than we've ever had, even Dan (quarterbacks coach Morrison) said. Because he looks at every one of them. And then he brings me down and says, 'You need to look at these 10 guys.' And he's gotten more this year than ever before from guys who can play. He didn't know if it just happens to be one of those years or more kids sending it because of Colt's success. I think we're a combination of both. I mean, we've been on national TV. College Football Today, and everybody watches that stuff." (HSB)
Asked if playing in the daytime on the mainland helped with exposure, JJ said:
"I don't know if the time thing hurts us. Like you say, Alabama, that's why that (Miami recruit Robert) Marve kid called us, he was on a visit at Alabama, that weekend, he saw us and he called us.
I think the Florida thing next year would help us. I don't know if it's the daytime or East Coast time, every thing helps. That's one of the reasons I wanted to play the (military) academies, because they get covered. The New York Times, the Washington Post, they cover Navy. You know, they cover Army. The Army game was here, but it got that kind of national exposure that maybe 1 o'clock games get." (HSB)
Asked why UH doesn't have more games scheduled against academies (just Navy in 2009), JJ said:
"I have no idea. I know Paul Johnson was here, I played golf with him. He doesn't want to play us. But we've been talking about it since 1999. Now, we have scheduled (all the academies) since I've been here. But why don't we have five years -- like that deal with Colorado? Why don't we play Air Force five straight years? In 2011, -12, -13, -14, -15 right now? Or you know, why don't we have Army -- Army says 'We're filled up through 2012.' OK, we'll take 2013 through 2017.
We can't play Army or Navy unless there's a bye week after the game, and the Army-Navy game must be the last game. They won't go past that. I told them (come late). (Paul Johnson) said, 'That's it, we can't go past that.' ... I said, We'll come up there.
It would be a hell of a game because he can move the ball against anybody, they've proven that. But he knows that they would have trouble stopping us because they don't have the athletes in the secondary." (HSB)
"(David) Farmer. He'll get his time. There will be times when I know he knows what to do. The other kids, I don't know if they know what to do yet.
It matters because it's all about the quarterback. The fullback is a sixth offensive lineman without the tight end. You've got to have a guy who when the line screws up he knows that the line screwed up." (HSB)
Asked if the fans don't know about Farmer because he doesn't have a YouTube video, JJ laughed and said:
"(Laughs.) He's just a solid team player, played on special teams last year. He played (offense). ... I played him at times because he knew what to do." (HSB)
Asked who was the best blocking back he ever had, JJ said:
"Craig Heyward was the best I ever had, in the pros. In college, probably the best I've ever had in knowing what to do was Afatia (Thompson). You know, like Farmer. Afatia wasn't fast like Farmer, about the same speed, but he knew who to block and what to do. Actually, to be honest, a guy who I should say is better than Afatia is Michael Brewster. He was only 5-foot-6, 185 pounds, but he was as good as anybody I've had." (HSB)
Asked if Leon Wright-Jackson has ever been asked to block, JJ said:
"I feel comfortable after watching film of him running. When guys come he'll power run, so he's not afraid, he'll initiate contact when he's running. So if he'll do that he'll be fine." (HSB)
Asked how the defense is handling the transition from Glanville to McMackin, JJ said:
"Greg is unique in how he does stuff, just like Jerry's unique in what he does and Greg has the same philosophy that I want -- that's why I brought him here in '99. He's always fielding one of the top takeaway teams wherever he's been. We were when he was here in '99. And that goes with what we do offensively. They don't have to stop anybody, if they take the ball away and give us more chances, we win." (HSB)
Asked how a defensive coach like Buddy Ryan bought into his takeaway philosophy for the D, JJ said:
"Oh, Buddy Ryan could work with me. That's why it's freaky. I'll never forget this, when he was in Philadelphia they won 27-0. He's in the press conference (upset) ... 'We didn't take the ball away today!' And he also realized that that's the only thing that matters on defense. If you give us four more chances on offense, we're going to win. Takeaways and being the top offensive team win more games than any other combination." (HSB)
Asked if it was hard to get defensive coaches to buy into the takeaway philosophy for the D, JJ said:
"It is, because it's been inbred in them for so long that you want to burn the clock. And I said, If you don't want to be on the field get off the field! Stop 'em in three plays. (Take the ball away.) Yeah, exactly. Get me on the field!
So the mind-set was not that way. I think any defensive coach who coached for me ... I guarantee you they'd rather coach in what we do than coach with what other coaches do. Because I don't hassle them. I say just get off the field and be aggressive and take the ball away. I don't care if they score. Just go get the ball." (HSB)
Asked if the defensive coaches like his aggressive philosophy for the D, JJ said:
"Exactly. You hold onto your rear end, in every game if you make a mistake in the fourth quarter you're going to lose. I'd rather play the other way. Go blitz. Just go blitz, I don't care. If you sack 'em that's great, if you get a pick, that's great, if they score, that's OK, too." (HSB)
Asked if he ever told a defensive coordinator to let the other team score, JJ said:
"No, I've never told anybody that. But I've had games where I knew they were going to run out the clock and kick a field goal with no time. It's kind of like basketball, the philosophy of letting them have the last shot. They're running down the clock, should you foul them, let them make the one-and-one, and then you've got enough time to make the last shot, or are you going to let them go down the final second, take the shot, and you lose?" (HSB)
Asked what new players might surprise the fans this season, JJ said:
"Of the new guys coming in? I would say Leon Jackson obviously, just off his tapes. I haven't seen him yet. But I would say he's a guy who might have the opportunity to make a lot of big plays. The two linemen coming in, Sila Lefiti and Austin Hansen, are going to be competitive on the O-line right away. Defensively, the kid from Hoover High School (Ala.), Korey Reynolds, can run. He can run and he's 240. We need to decide whether he's a D-end or outside 'backer. He'll probably play like Cameron Allen-Jones did, he might play some offense in that big slot position, too. And Chris Leatigaga on the defensive line, he's a player." (HSB)
About how he's said that Graunke will play more this season, JJ was asked if Graunke would have a different role and answered:
"Probably the same. I've put him in in the first quarter, second quarter, that kind of thing. He's done that for a couple years. But more this year." (HSB)
Asked if he expected to attract more QBs because Colt is a senior and has so much success, JJ said:
"We've gotten more video the last six months than we've ever had, even Dan (quarterbacks coach Morrison) said. Because he looks at every one of them. And then he brings me down and says, 'You need to look at these 10 guys.' And he's gotten more this year than ever before from guys who can play. He didn't know if it just happens to be one of those years or more kids sending it because of Colt's success. I think we're a combination of both. I mean, we've been on national TV. College Football Today, and everybody watches that stuff." (HSB)
Asked if playing in the daytime on the mainland helped with exposure, JJ said:
"I don't know if the time thing hurts us. Like you say, Alabama, that's why that (Miami recruit Robert) Marve kid called us, he was on a visit at Alabama, that weekend, he saw us and he called us.
I think the Florida thing next year would help us. I don't know if it's the daytime or East Coast time, every thing helps. That's one of the reasons I wanted to play the (military) academies, because they get covered. The New York Times, the Washington Post, they cover Navy. You know, they cover Army. The Army game was here, but it got that kind of national exposure that maybe 1 o'clock games get." (HSB)
Asked why UH doesn't have more games scheduled against academies (just Navy in 2009), JJ said:
"I have no idea. I know Paul Johnson was here, I played golf with him. He doesn't want to play us. But we've been talking about it since 1999. Now, we have scheduled (all the academies) since I've been here. But why don't we have five years -- like that deal with Colorado? Why don't we play Air Force five straight years? In 2011, -12, -13, -14, -15 right now? Or you know, why don't we have Army -- Army says 'We're filled up through 2012.' OK, we'll take 2013 through 2017.
We can't play Army or Navy unless there's a bye week after the game, and the Army-Navy game must be the last game. They won't go past that. I told them (come late). (Paul Johnson) said, 'That's it, we can't go past that.' ... I said, We'll come up there.
It would be a hell of a game because he can move the ball against anybody, they've proven that. But he knows that they would have trouble stopping us because they don't have the athletes in the secondary." (HSB)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
