Warrior notes including an OL update

Reflecting back on last season, Ah-Soon said:
"For me, I always try to look at the positive. We made it that far and we had a great experience. But at the same time, there's a little part in me saying we should've done better. It makes me a little upset still. If I watch ESPN they always talk about it. It always hits me right there (pointing to his heart). So we work hard for this upcoming season and hopefully we're going to (have a good year) again." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Starting tackles Keith Ah-Soon and Keoni Steinhoff, both seniors now, could find themselves competing for positions one spot closer to the middle of the line when practice starts at the end of the month. At 6-foot-1 and 6-3, Ah-Soon and Steinhoff are closer to the prototype for guard than tackle, and the Warriors have some taller players waiting in the wings to try out for the tackles. Of course, height isn't everything, and Ah-Soon and Steinhoff started every game of the 12-0 regular season on the flanks. But they also played a big part in allowing half-a-season's worth of sacks (eight) in the Sugar Bowl against Georgia. That's what a lot of people remember."

About experimenting with OL at different positions, OL coach Brian Smith said:
"That's really what spring ball is for. Our goal is first to find the best five and get them in the slots they fit best. And we really want to develop some depth. As far as Keith goes, he's had a good offseason. It's tough to talk about last season because they weren't my guys and I didn't coach them, but as a group they're all real hungry to get out there and show what they can do. (The Sugar Bowl) did leave a little sour taste in their mouths, and I know that they're excited to get out to Florida (for the Aug. 30 season opener) and show everybody what they can do." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Ray Hisatake, Aaron Kia, Laupepa Letuli and incoming JC transfer Kainoa LaCount (he arrives in the summer) are among the many possibilities at the tackle spots."

About how they want to develop 5 backups that they will have confidence to put into a game at any time, Mack said:
"We have a lot of guys competing. We've got 17 linemen on scholarship. We need at least 10 good offensive linemen when we go to Florida. The humidity there is going to be a big factor." (HSB)

About keeping Estes at center, Mack said:
"We're going to open it all up, but John is pretty well settled in. He's one of the best players in the country at his position." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Smith said the protection schemes he teaches are somewhat different than those of his predecessor, Dennis McKnight, but Estes will pick them up quickly."

About how Estes will adjust to his blocking schemes, Smith said:
"He has a good understanding of the offense. Some things will change with the rules. The blocking's a little different than they've had in the past. But he's got a real good feel and understanding for center, and that's something I really don't want to screw with -- center's definitely an important spot." (HSB)

About moving back to safety, Peoples said:
"It's my senior year. I want to knock some people out." (HSB)

About how Peoples wanted to try safety after not getting much playing time at LB and RB, Mack said:
"He wanted to look at safety this year, so we're going to give him a shot there. He's a good athlete." (HSB)

About working at slotback and RB in the spring, Pilares said:
"I'll go wherever I can get the ball more." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Senior Daniel Libre will move from running back to slot in the spring."