About why he signed with Colorado out of high school instead of UH, David Veikune said that UH:
"didn't start to recruit me until the week before the signing date. If they tried earlier, I would have stayed home. This was the first place I wanted to go." (HA)
HA Note: "The previous five years, the Warriors' strategy was to bring in recruits in the three weekends leading to the start of the NCAA signing period, which is always the first Wednesday in February. Because of a limited recruiting budget, many of those prospects were discovered from videos they had submitted."
About how UH contacted him late, Michael Washington said:
"They contacted me real late. I gave my verbal to Cal when (the UH coaches) asked me to visit Hawai'i." (HA)
HA Note: "But the recruiting emphasis has changed under Greg McMackin, who was hired as the Warriors' head coach in January. The recruiting budget was expanded, a trade agreement was reached with an airline, and former UH defensive tackle Tony Tuioti was hired as essentially a recruiting coordinator. McMackin also decided to push for early commitments. In doing so, McMackin and Tuioti set up a schedule in which the coaches would go on recruiting trips during bye weeks, and prospects would be brought in for visits during the fall.
The Warriors are on a two-game road trip to Utah State and New Mexico State. Because there is a bye week following the New Mexico State game, many of the coaches will remain on the Mainland to recruit. This is considered to be an evaluation period, meaning the coaches can speak with high school coaches and counselors, but not have face-to-face contact with recruits. In recent years, the UH coaches did not stay on the Mainland after road games to recruit."
Happy that the UH coaches will visit his school during the bye week, Long Beach Poly coach Raul Lara said:
"I'm glad they're coming around again." (HA)
HA Note: "Poly graduates who went on to play at UH include quarterback Michael Carter, receiver Chris Roscoe, linebacker Mark Odom and offensive guard Hercules Satele."
About how he recommends UH to some players, Lara said:
"I tell (some players), if I had an offer from Hawai'i, I'd go there." (HA)
HA Note: "The decision to make early offers has been productive. UH already has secured commitments from 15 prospects. The drawback is that commitments are not binding until put into writing. And that the early interest also draws attention from other schools. Poly linebacker George Daily-Lyles gave a verbal commitment, but now wants to take other recruiting trips. Defensive end Liloa Nobriga of Silverado High (Henderson, Nev.) said he gave a verbal commitment Sunday, the last day of his recruiting trip. Nobriga was raised in Hawai'i, where his mother, girlfriend and best friends live. He also is a self-proclaimed "life-long UH fan." But after consulting with his father, who lives in Nevada, Nobriga said he will take recruiting trips to Fresno State and Utah. Those close to the situation believe Daily-Lyles and Nobriga still will end up as Warriors."
About how their early recruiting will have a positive impact, Veikune said:
"It's been a real drastic change." (HA)
About how Colorado recruited him, Veikune said:
"Colorado talked to me for two months. I had a relationship with them. ... The head coach came down. He flew in all the way from Colorado just to meet me. Plus, the linebacker coach came. It showed they care that much about you." (HA)
Veikune said that Uh recruiting:
"is definitely a positive now with this new coaching staff." (HA)
Friday, October 31, 2008
Other quotes from the local papers
Looking forward to their road trip to Utah, Tim Grasso (who grew up in Kaysville, Utah, near where they will be staying this weekend) said:
"This is a game I've been looking forward to for two years, ever since I decided to come out here." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Grasso is heading home coming off one of his best games. The senior averaged a season-high 45.8 yards per punt last week, including a career-best 55-yarder, and killed three inside the Wolf Pack 20-yard line in Hawaii's 38-31 win over Nevada. Not bad for a former receiver who didn't focus on punting until his freshman year at Dixie State College of Utah. Grasso was an all-state player at Davis High in Kaysville and did some punting on the side. He got a scholarship to Dixie as a receiver, but when he wasn't getting much playing time, he shifted his focus to punting rather than catching."
About focusing on being a punter at his JC, Grasso said:
"They needed a punter, so I worked on it and worked on it and I realized if I'm going to make it in Division I it's going to be as a punter." (HSB)
About JoPierre Davis downing two of his punts inside the Nevada 5 last week, Grasso said:
"I told JP I owe him lunch." (HSB)
About how they practice "Sky punt" on Thursdays, where he angle kicks towards the corner and the gunners try to keep the ball out of the end zone, Grasso said:
"I just have a good time with it on Thursday and it's been paying off. It's personal to me, because I know it'll help the defense, especially in a tight game." (HSB)
About why Rausch made the travel roster while Tyler did not, Mac said:
"He's our third-best quarterback in everything you rate them on." (HSB)
"This is a game I've been looking forward to for two years, ever since I decided to come out here." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Grasso is heading home coming off one of his best games. The senior averaged a season-high 45.8 yards per punt last week, including a career-best 55-yarder, and killed three inside the Wolf Pack 20-yard line in Hawaii's 38-31 win over Nevada. Not bad for a former receiver who didn't focus on punting until his freshman year at Dixie State College of Utah. Grasso was an all-state player at Davis High in Kaysville and did some punting on the side. He got a scholarship to Dixie as a receiver, but when he wasn't getting much playing time, he shifted his focus to punting rather than catching."
About focusing on being a punter at his JC, Grasso said:
"They needed a punter, so I worked on it and worked on it and I realized if I'm going to make it in Division I it's going to be as a punter." (HSB)
About JoPierre Davis downing two of his punts inside the Nevada 5 last week, Grasso said:
"I told JP I owe him lunch." (HSB)
About how they practice "Sky punt" on Thursdays, where he angle kicks towards the corner and the gunners try to keep the ball out of the end zone, Grasso said:
"I just have a good time with it on Thursday and it's been paying off. It's personal to me, because I know it'll help the defense, especially in a tight game." (HSB)
About why Rausch made the travel roster while Tyler did not, Mac said:
"He's our third-best quarterback in everything you rate them on." (HSB)
Feature story on Ryan Mouton
About how they will still use Mouton on offense, Mac said:
"In our Sunday meeting, that was the first thing (offensive coordinator) Ron Lee asked me, if we were going to still play Mouton on offense. He's a key player on defense -- that's where his future is -- but he's a playmaker. I think he really brought the offense, especially the receivers, to another level." (HSB)
About playing slotback instead of CB, Mouton said:
"It's a little difficult. It's fun, though, doing something new. We're having a good time with it." (HSB)
About how he wanted to play offense, but didn't expect to play it full-time, Mouton said:
"I've been asking in earlier weeks when I might get on the other side of the ball. When (head coach Greg McMackin) called me in his office that Monday morning, it was what I was waiting for, telling me I could play a little offense. Didn't think it would be full-time, though." (HSB)
HSB Note: "In his first game as a two-way player, Mouton was on the field for 78 snaps last week against Nevada, 58 as a starting slotback and 20 in the secondary as the Warriors' nickel back."
About possibly needing a new nickname for Mouton (who wears jersey #2), Mac said:
"We were calling him 'deuce.' Now we might call him 'iron man.' " (HSB)
HSB Note: "Still, McMackin would like to keep Mouton's play total closer to 60 to keep the senior from wearing down in his new roles over the second half of the season."
About how they need to limit Mouton's plays since he won't complain, Mac said:
"He will just keep going ... and won't say a word and will compete until he falls over, so we as coaches have to monitor that." (HSB)
Mac said they had planned to just play Mouton on offense in a limited basis to spark the offense:
"but we felt we needed another playmaker full-time." (HSB)
About how Mouton does what is best for the team, Mac said:
"His future is as a DB and he's got a great future. But he's a team guy and he didn't even hesitate when I talked to him about moving over to offense and what we were planning." (HSB)
About how his teammates on the D have reacted to his moving to the offense, Mouton said:
"I hear it every day. I'm surrounded by defensive guys in the locker room. They always tell me, 'traitor, traitor.' They'll take a shot at me every now and then. But it's all in good fun." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Mouton caught five passes for 58 yards in his debut as a slotback and coaches noted more pep in the other receivers following the move. Mike Washington posted his second 100-yard game of the season against Nevada and Malcolm Lane had his most productive game."
About having Mouton next to him on the offense, Malcolm Lane said:
"That's a blast. He brought that fire to the offense, and with his speed he opens up a lot of things in our offense." (HSB)
About playing receiver, Mouton said:
"Being a defensive player you want to try to get the ball anyway. So when you know some of the plays might come to you and you end up getting the ball, it excites me a lot." (HSB)
About being their punt returner, Aaron Bain said:
"I like having the pressure on to try to make plays. I like getting the emotions high. If you get a good return it just pumps everybody up." (HSB)
About how the receivers like Bain have been a big help to him adjusting to slotback, Mouton said:
"I'll ask them to refresh my memory. Those guys have been a great help to me. Guys like Aaron, his unselfishness, is the best thing for me right now." (HSB)
"In our Sunday meeting, that was the first thing (offensive coordinator) Ron Lee asked me, if we were going to still play Mouton on offense. He's a key player on defense -- that's where his future is -- but he's a playmaker. I think he really brought the offense, especially the receivers, to another level." (HSB)
About playing slotback instead of CB, Mouton said:
"It's a little difficult. It's fun, though, doing something new. We're having a good time with it." (HSB)
About how he wanted to play offense, but didn't expect to play it full-time, Mouton said:
"I've been asking in earlier weeks when I might get on the other side of the ball. When (head coach Greg McMackin) called me in his office that Monday morning, it was what I was waiting for, telling me I could play a little offense. Didn't think it would be full-time, though." (HSB)
HSB Note: "In his first game as a two-way player, Mouton was on the field for 78 snaps last week against Nevada, 58 as a starting slotback and 20 in the secondary as the Warriors' nickel back."
About possibly needing a new nickname for Mouton (who wears jersey #2), Mac said:
"We were calling him 'deuce.' Now we might call him 'iron man.' " (HSB)
HSB Note: "Still, McMackin would like to keep Mouton's play total closer to 60 to keep the senior from wearing down in his new roles over the second half of the season."
About how they need to limit Mouton's plays since he won't complain, Mac said:
"He will just keep going ... and won't say a word and will compete until he falls over, so we as coaches have to monitor that." (HSB)
Mac said they had planned to just play Mouton on offense in a limited basis to spark the offense:
"but we felt we needed another playmaker full-time." (HSB)
About how Mouton does what is best for the team, Mac said:
"His future is as a DB and he's got a great future. But he's a team guy and he didn't even hesitate when I talked to him about moving over to offense and what we were planning." (HSB)
About how his teammates on the D have reacted to his moving to the offense, Mouton said:
"I hear it every day. I'm surrounded by defensive guys in the locker room. They always tell me, 'traitor, traitor.' They'll take a shot at me every now and then. But it's all in good fun." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Mouton caught five passes for 58 yards in his debut as a slotback and coaches noted more pep in the other receivers following the move. Mike Washington posted his second 100-yard game of the season against Nevada and Malcolm Lane had his most productive game."
About having Mouton next to him on the offense, Malcolm Lane said:
"That's a blast. He brought that fire to the offense, and with his speed he opens up a lot of things in our offense." (HSB)
About playing receiver, Mouton said:
"Being a defensive player you want to try to get the ball anyway. So when you know some of the plays might come to you and you end up getting the ball, it excites me a lot." (HSB)
About being their punt returner, Aaron Bain said:
"I like having the pressure on to try to make plays. I like getting the emotions high. If you get a good return it just pumps everybody up." (HSB)
About how the receivers like Bain have been a big help to him adjusting to slotback, Mouton said:
"I'll ask them to refresh my memory. Those guys have been a great help to me. Guys like Aaron, his unselfishness, is the best thing for me right now." (HSB)
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Mike Wadsworth commits to the Warriors!
About committing to the Warriors (he's projected to be a safety), Mike Wadsworth of Silverado High School in Henderson, Nevada (a teammate of T.J. Alofipo) said:
"I like what they have to offer. I like the defense they run, and the style that they like to play." (HA)
About how Wadsworth is his team's best overall player and a model student, head coach Andy Ostolaza said:
"A lot of it comes from his mom and dad. They push him in the right direction, and he takes direction well. When it comes to grades, you don't have to worry about Mike Wadsworth. If I were starting a program, he would be the kind of kid you'd build a program around." (HA)
HA Note: "Wadsworth, it seems, never gets any rest. He was named to the 2007 All-State first team as a cornerback, although, at 6 feet 1 and 192 pounds, he often plays safety. In this week's game, he will align as a weak-side linebacker."
About using Wadsworth at a lot of different positions, Ostolaza said:
"We move him around. If we play a team with a big-time receiver, we will move him to corner. When we play running teams, we move him to run support." (HA)
HA Note: "Wadsworth also plays tailback and wideout on offense. What's more, he is used as a punt returner, kickoff returner and kick-blocker."
About another role he has this season, Wadsworth said:
"This year, I'm actually punting, too." (HA)
HA Note: "Wadsworth is indeed special on special teams. This season, he has scored on punt and kickoff returns. Last year, he scored on three punt returns and a kickoff return. He also blocked five point-after kicks and a field-goal attempt. He is capable of running 40 yards in 4.5 seconds and 100 meters in 10.9 seconds. In track, he was the leadoff runner for the 4x100 team that won a regional title. He is a power forward and small forward on Silverado's basketball team. And his cumulative grade-point average is better than 4.0. (He takes honor classes.) He is ranked 10th academically in a class of about 600 students."
HA Note: "Wadsworth visited Arizona the past weekend, and has received interest from Oregon State, Brigham Young and Stanford."
About choosing Hawaii, Wadsworth said:
"I like Hawai'i the best. I love being around the ocean." (HA)
HA Note: "Wadsworth said he wanted to play in the Warriors' defensive scheme. He also wants to reunite with UH director of player personnel Tony Tuioti, who was Silverado's defensive coordinator last year."
HA Note: "Wadsworth is living with a neighbor this season after his family moved to Utah because of business obligations. His father, John Wadsworth, is a food scientist who developed the formula used in Tahitian Noni Juice, a health-promoting beverage."
About how he wants to learn the ha'a (Silverado learned the haka last year), Wadsworth said:
"I love watching it. I can't wait to learn it." (HA)
"I like what they have to offer. I like the defense they run, and the style that they like to play." (HA)
About how Wadsworth is his team's best overall player and a model student, head coach Andy Ostolaza said:
"A lot of it comes from his mom and dad. They push him in the right direction, and he takes direction well. When it comes to grades, you don't have to worry about Mike Wadsworth. If I were starting a program, he would be the kind of kid you'd build a program around." (HA)
HA Note: "Wadsworth, it seems, never gets any rest. He was named to the 2007 All-State first team as a cornerback, although, at 6 feet 1 and 192 pounds, he often plays safety. In this week's game, he will align as a weak-side linebacker."
About using Wadsworth at a lot of different positions, Ostolaza said:
"We move him around. If we play a team with a big-time receiver, we will move him to corner. When we play running teams, we move him to run support." (HA)
HA Note: "Wadsworth also plays tailback and wideout on offense. What's more, he is used as a punt returner, kickoff returner and kick-blocker."
About another role he has this season, Wadsworth said:
"This year, I'm actually punting, too." (HA)
HA Note: "Wadsworth is indeed special on special teams. This season, he has scored on punt and kickoff returns. Last year, he scored on three punt returns and a kickoff return. He also blocked five point-after kicks and a field-goal attempt. He is capable of running 40 yards in 4.5 seconds and 100 meters in 10.9 seconds. In track, he was the leadoff runner for the 4x100 team that won a regional title. He is a power forward and small forward on Silverado's basketball team. And his cumulative grade-point average is better than 4.0. (He takes honor classes.) He is ranked 10th academically in a class of about 600 students."
HA Note: "Wadsworth visited Arizona the past weekend, and has received interest from Oregon State, Brigham Young and Stanford."
About choosing Hawaii, Wadsworth said:
"I like Hawai'i the best. I love being around the ocean." (HA)
HA Note: "Wadsworth said he wanted to play in the Warriors' defensive scheme. He also wants to reunite with UH director of player personnel Tony Tuioti, who was Silverado's defensive coordinator last year."
HA Note: "Wadsworth is living with a neighbor this season after his family moved to Utah because of business obligations. His father, John Wadsworth, is a food scientist who developed the formula used in Tahitian Noni Juice, a health-promoting beverage."
About how he wants to learn the ha'a (Silverado learned the haka last year), Wadsworth said:
"I love watching it. I can't wait to learn it." (HA)
Other quotes from the local papers
About the benefits of staying on the mainland instead of returning to Hawaii between games, JD said:
"By staying in the Mountain time zone rather than going back and forth (to Hawai'i), we hope to minimize the the difficulties getting acclimated to the road." (HA)
HA Note: "UH estimates it will spend $326,615 in combining travel for Saturday's game at Utah State and the following week's game at New Mexico State, according to associate athletic director Carl Clapp. By remaining on the Mainland — the Warriors will spend seven days in El Paso, Texas prior to the nearby New Mexico State game Nov. 8 — instead of returning home between games, UH forecasts a savings of approximately $27,200 for its financially strapped athletic department."
HA Note: "Donovan said tutors will travel with the team and study halls will be held daily."
About the monetary savings of not flying back to Hawaii, JD said:
"At the airfare rates we would have had to pay three or four months ago in booking separate trips, the savings will be significant." (HA)
About being named their starting free safety, Desmond Thomas said:
"I'm very humbled about it. I just want to go out and try to make plays and do my responsibilities. I'm grateful for the opportunity and want to make the best of it." (HSB)
About having Thomas start, Rich Miano said:
"He's practiced hard, he's started before and made plays for us and it's Desmond's turn to start." (HSB)
"By staying in the Mountain time zone rather than going back and forth (to Hawai'i), we hope to minimize the the difficulties getting acclimated to the road." (HA)
HA Note: "UH estimates it will spend $326,615 in combining travel for Saturday's game at Utah State and the following week's game at New Mexico State, according to associate athletic director Carl Clapp. By remaining on the Mainland — the Warriors will spend seven days in El Paso, Texas prior to the nearby New Mexico State game Nov. 8 — instead of returning home between games, UH forecasts a savings of approximately $27,200 for its financially strapped athletic department."
HA Note: "Donovan said tutors will travel with the team and study halls will be held daily."
About the monetary savings of not flying back to Hawaii, JD said:
"At the airfare rates we would have had to pay three or four months ago in booking separate trips, the savings will be significant." (HA)
About being named their starting free safety, Desmond Thomas said:
"I'm very humbled about it. I just want to go out and try to make plays and do my responsibilities. I'm grateful for the opportunity and want to make the best of it." (HSB)
About having Thomas start, Rich Miano said:
"He's practiced hard, he's started before and made plays for us and it's Desmond's turn to start." (HSB)
Alexander named the starting QB
About being named the starting QB vs. Utah State, Alexander said:
"I'm excited." (HA)
Alexander said that the difference between the Florida and Nevada games is:
"like night and day. I feel more comfortable with the reads. But then again, it's only one half of football. I still have to focus." (HA)
"The Florida game was tough -- there was a lot to think about. Now it's just go out and play, and I can just focus in on the job and let my instincts take over." (HSB)
About Alexander's progress, Mac said:
"You can see Greg has a good feel for things now." (HA)
About how they have an offensive package for Inoke, Mac said:
"We've got a package for Inoke and we're going to start Greg. He showed he can handle it in a game." (HSB)
About preparing as the #1 QB instead of the #2 or #3 QB, Alexander said:
"You prepare the same way. Obviously you get the reps in practice, but as far as watching film and all that, you still have to prepare the same way." (HSB)
About treating the QB position just like any other position, Mac said:
"I look at the quarterback position like every position. I look at it just like our center or our left guard. If a guy's producing, then he plays." (HSB)
About Alexander's improvement, Rolo said:
"He's grown a lot in the offense. He knows what he does wrong in film (sessions), so we can concentrate on deciphering or talking about opposing defenses rather than teaching the offense. We only opened a few pages of the playbook for him (against Florida), so now this thing's pretty wide open. ... He knows where his guys are going to be a lot more than seven or eight weeks ago." (HSB)
"I'm excited." (HA)
Alexander said that the difference between the Florida and Nevada games is:
"like night and day. I feel more comfortable with the reads. But then again, it's only one half of football. I still have to focus." (HA)
"The Florida game was tough -- there was a lot to think about. Now it's just go out and play, and I can just focus in on the job and let my instincts take over." (HSB)
About Alexander's progress, Mac said:
"You can see Greg has a good feel for things now." (HA)
About how they have an offensive package for Inoke, Mac said:
"We've got a package for Inoke and we're going to start Greg. He showed he can handle it in a game." (HSB)
About preparing as the #1 QB instead of the #2 or #3 QB, Alexander said:
"You prepare the same way. Obviously you get the reps in practice, but as far as watching film and all that, you still have to prepare the same way." (HSB)
About treating the QB position just like any other position, Mac said:
"I look at the quarterback position like every position. I look at it just like our center or our left guard. If a guy's producing, then he plays." (HSB)
About Alexander's improvement, Rolo said:
"He's grown a lot in the offense. He knows what he does wrong in film (sessions), so we can concentrate on deciphering or talking about opposing defenses rather than teaching the offense. We only opened a few pages of the playbook for him (against Florida), so now this thing's pretty wide open. ... He knows where his guys are going to be a lot more than seven or eight weeks ago." (HSB)
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
KHNL article on the Warriors
Happy that Alexander was named WAC player of the week, Mac said:
"I was really happy to see that he was awarded the WAC player of the week and I was really impressed by his temperament and his ability." (KHNL)
About using both Alexander and Funaki at QB, Mac said:
"If you have something that causes people problems and doesn't foul up your rhythm, then why not?" (KHNL)
About how they will keep using Mouton at slotback, Mac said:
"He's a key player on defense that's where his future is, but he's a play maker and I really feel that he brought the offense, especially the receivers to a higher level, and we're going to continue playing him both ways." (KHNL)
About how they need to keep improving, Mac said:
"We have to get a lot better than we are right now and continue to get better and be playing championship caliber at the end of the season." (KHNL)
"I was really happy to see that he was awarded the WAC player of the week and I was really impressed by his temperament and his ability." (KHNL)
About using both Alexander and Funaki at QB, Mac said:
"If you have something that causes people problems and doesn't foul up your rhythm, then why not?" (KHNL)
About how they will keep using Mouton at slotback, Mac said:
"He's a key player on defense that's where his future is, but he's a play maker and I really feel that he brought the offense, especially the receivers to a higher level, and we're going to continue playing him both ways." (KHNL)
About how they need to keep improving, Mac said:
"We have to get a lot better than we are right now and continue to get better and be playing championship caliber at the end of the season." (KHNL)
Quotes from the local papers
About UH's win-a-trip-to-Vegas contest, David Farmer said:
"Hopefully, they'll let me do that halftime thing, where I throw the ball into the hole, and cash my plane ticket into (a trip to) Europe instead." (HA)
HA Note: "Farmer's interest in the Old World stems from his fascination with history and, in turn, the coaches are intrigued with Farmer's comparable skills to successful historical football figures."
Comparing Farmer to two NFL greats, Mac said:
"He's like (John) Riggins of the Washington Redskins, or Franco (Harris) of Pittsburgh. For a big man, he has good moves." (HA)
About Farmer, Mac said:
"He doesn't have breakaway speed, but he has breakaway attitude." (HA)
HA Note: "The coaches decided to expand Farmer's role. Not only is he receiving handoffs, but against Nevada, he sometimes was aligned as a slotback. He even ran a streak route."
About being used as a receiver in the Nevada game, Farmer said:
"I've got some tricks up my sleeve. Looks can be deceiving. ... I've always had good hands. If they want to use me (as a receiver), I'm open to it. I'll take on the challenge." (HA)
About using 245-pound Farmer at slotback instead of their smaller slotbacks, Mac said:
"He's got speed and he's a good athlete, so he can catch the ball. He's got more size than any defensive back he's going to face. He fits right into everything we do." (HA)
About how it took until the 5th week of the season for him to return from his MCL injury, Farmer said:
"My first week, I was a little timid. Now it feels good again." (HA)
About how the brace that he wears during games and practices bothered him at first, Farmer said:
"There's a lot of Velcro. It nags at you. It kind of limits your mobility." (HA)
Farmer said that after awhile his knee brace became:
"like my new knee. It takes away that mental aspect. It lets me go out there and put a juke move on or throw an extra block." (HA)
About how he will earn a bachelor's degree in history in May, later than he would have graduated if he hadn't changed majors, Farmer said:
"I wasn't happy in business school. I wanted to switch to something I enjoyed a little better. I've always liked history since I was a kid." (HA)
About how he prefers European history, especially the Age of Enlightenment of the18th century, Farmer said:
"There's more drama and soap opera in European history than American history. I like it." (HA)
HA Note: "He is considering applying for law school or graduate studies."
About Farmer, Mac said:
"Farmer is in our plans." (HA)
About how he suffered a fractured ring finger in his left hand, Adam Leonard said:
"I went out there and, I don't know how, but when I got up (after a tackle), it was pointing in a different direction." (HA)
HA Note: "Leonard tried to force the finger back in place. When he went to the UH sideline, he told the medical staff that it felt as if the finger were dislocated, and that he needed assistance."
About how they tried to fix his injured finger during the game, Adam said:
"There was one spot I couldn't get. It stayed the same. I think the part of the bone was sticking up there. They were trying to mess with it, yanking at it. They said it might be broken." (HA)
HA Note: "After going to the training room in Aloha Stadium, Leonard underwent X-rays. He then received special wrapping that allowed him to resume playing. He finished with nine tackles, tying a season high."
About how his injured right knee will force him to miss the Utah State game, Victor Clore said:
"It's going to get worse if I re-injure it. I'd rather be safe than sorry." (HA)
HA Note: "The Warriors will stay in El Paso during the week between the Utah State and New Mexico State road games. Clore was told that if he is healthy, he might be brought up to play against NMSU."
Josh Leonard said that the walking boot on his right foot yesterday was a:
"precaution right now." (HA)
John Leonard said that he has a sprain and the foot is:
"definitely not broken. If it's not broken, don't fix it." (HA)
After his first practice in more than a month, Keith AhSoon said:
"I've been out for a while so I just have to go in slowly and work my way back into fullspeed contact. I'm trying to make that audition in this week's practices and hopefully I'll make that (travel) squad." (HSB)
About remaining positive after suffering his MCL injury, AhSoon said:
"When I got hurt it was just devastating. I didn't think I was going to come back and my family motivated me to just be positive and keep my head up and don't be mad at things I have no control of. I have to deal with what's given to me, have fun and be positive about it. It was a challenge." (HSB)
Excited about AhSoon's return, Mac said:
"I'm really excited about (AhSoon's return) because he's such a class individual. We'll practice him this week and see where he's at. ... He'll be a big addition and give us a lot more depth on the offensive line." (HSB)
About ESPN choosing to televise their Cincinnati game instead of their Washington State game, JD said:
"To me, it was the obvious choice based upon performance. The first Saturday in December provides a nice time slot and great exposure for our football program, the school and the state." (HA)
About a benefit of having an ESPN game in December, JD said:
"It also comes during our recruiting period." (HA)
About how both he and DE John Fonoti played well in the Nevada game, DE David Veikune said:
"Finally we put it together and we fed off each other and made some big plays." (HSB)
About what they had their D focus on for the Nevada game, Mac said:
"The things we talked about on defense were to score or set up a score, we needed to play well on third-down conversions, and get three turnovers. That's what we focused on." (HSB)
About their DEs Fonoti and Veikune, Mac said:
"They're like big linebackers playing defensive end. So they're really athletic guys and we ask a lot out of them." (HSB)
About how he had 7 sacks last season as a backup player and went 6 games this season before getting his first sack, Veikune said:
"It's a relief. There's still always pressure to make plays every week, but it kind of took off some pressure." (HSB)
About had he didn't realize that he got his first sack and forced Kaepernick to fumble, Veikune said:
"I didn't know it was a sack or a fumble. I thought I just missed a tackle and I was disappointed. But I got up and saw the ball was loose and went to go block for John." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Fonoti, calling on the "score drills" the defense runs most mornings in practice, secured the bouncing ball and took it 9 yards into the end zone."
About scooping the ball up and scoring a TD, Fonoti said:
"I was thinking about jumping on it. But I saw a lot of my defensive guys helping me out and blocking for me, so I figured I'd try to pick it up." (HSB)
About returning the fumble for a TD, Mac said:
"The assistant coaches did a great job of coaching the fundamentals and we see those kind of things come out and it wins ballgames." (HSB)
About the Warriors, Utah State coach Brent Guy said:
"On defense they look a lot like last year's team. They bring a lot of pressure and have a lot of speed and we have to be able to protect the quarterback." (HSB)
Liloa Nobriga, who committed to the Warriors recently, said he still plans to be a Warrior and has:
"100 percent respect for UH. I grew up a UH fan and Hawaii is where my heart is." (HSB)
Nobriga said that his visit to UH over the weekend:
"was everything I could have imagined." (HSB)
HSB Note: "After talking over the decision with his father upon returning to Las Vegas, he said he plans to visit other campuses before finalizing his choice."
"Hopefully, they'll let me do that halftime thing, where I throw the ball into the hole, and cash my plane ticket into (a trip to) Europe instead." (HA)
HA Note: "Farmer's interest in the Old World stems from his fascination with history and, in turn, the coaches are intrigued with Farmer's comparable skills to successful historical football figures."
Comparing Farmer to two NFL greats, Mac said:
"He's like (John) Riggins of the Washington Redskins, or Franco (Harris) of Pittsburgh. For a big man, he has good moves." (HA)
About Farmer, Mac said:
"He doesn't have breakaway speed, but he has breakaway attitude." (HA)
HA Note: "The coaches decided to expand Farmer's role. Not only is he receiving handoffs, but against Nevada, he sometimes was aligned as a slotback. He even ran a streak route."
About being used as a receiver in the Nevada game, Farmer said:
"I've got some tricks up my sleeve. Looks can be deceiving. ... I've always had good hands. If they want to use me (as a receiver), I'm open to it. I'll take on the challenge." (HA)
About using 245-pound Farmer at slotback instead of their smaller slotbacks, Mac said:
"He's got speed and he's a good athlete, so he can catch the ball. He's got more size than any defensive back he's going to face. He fits right into everything we do." (HA)
About how it took until the 5th week of the season for him to return from his MCL injury, Farmer said:
"My first week, I was a little timid. Now it feels good again." (HA)
About how the brace that he wears during games and practices bothered him at first, Farmer said:
"There's a lot of Velcro. It nags at you. It kind of limits your mobility." (HA)
Farmer said that after awhile his knee brace became:
"like my new knee. It takes away that mental aspect. It lets me go out there and put a juke move on or throw an extra block." (HA)
About how he will earn a bachelor's degree in history in May, later than he would have graduated if he hadn't changed majors, Farmer said:
"I wasn't happy in business school. I wanted to switch to something I enjoyed a little better. I've always liked history since I was a kid." (HA)
About how he prefers European history, especially the Age of Enlightenment of the18th century, Farmer said:
"There's more drama and soap opera in European history than American history. I like it." (HA)
HA Note: "He is considering applying for law school or graduate studies."
About Farmer, Mac said:
"Farmer is in our plans." (HA)
About how he suffered a fractured ring finger in his left hand, Adam Leonard said:
"I went out there and, I don't know how, but when I got up (after a tackle), it was pointing in a different direction." (HA)
HA Note: "Leonard tried to force the finger back in place. When he went to the UH sideline, he told the medical staff that it felt as if the finger were dislocated, and that he needed assistance."
About how they tried to fix his injured finger during the game, Adam said:
"There was one spot I couldn't get. It stayed the same. I think the part of the bone was sticking up there. They were trying to mess with it, yanking at it. They said it might be broken." (HA)
HA Note: "After going to the training room in Aloha Stadium, Leonard underwent X-rays. He then received special wrapping that allowed him to resume playing. He finished with nine tackles, tying a season high."
About how his injured right knee will force him to miss the Utah State game, Victor Clore said:
"It's going to get worse if I re-injure it. I'd rather be safe than sorry." (HA)
HA Note: "The Warriors will stay in El Paso during the week between the Utah State and New Mexico State road games. Clore was told that if he is healthy, he might be brought up to play against NMSU."
Josh Leonard said that the walking boot on his right foot yesterday was a:
"precaution right now." (HA)
John Leonard said that he has a sprain and the foot is:
"definitely not broken. If it's not broken, don't fix it." (HA)
After his first practice in more than a month, Keith AhSoon said:
"I've been out for a while so I just have to go in slowly and work my way back into fullspeed contact. I'm trying to make that audition in this week's practices and hopefully I'll make that (travel) squad." (HSB)
About remaining positive after suffering his MCL injury, AhSoon said:
"When I got hurt it was just devastating. I didn't think I was going to come back and my family motivated me to just be positive and keep my head up and don't be mad at things I have no control of. I have to deal with what's given to me, have fun and be positive about it. It was a challenge." (HSB)
Excited about AhSoon's return, Mac said:
"I'm really excited about (AhSoon's return) because he's such a class individual. We'll practice him this week and see where he's at. ... He'll be a big addition and give us a lot more depth on the offensive line." (HSB)
About ESPN choosing to televise their Cincinnati game instead of their Washington State game, JD said:
"To me, it was the obvious choice based upon performance. The first Saturday in December provides a nice time slot and great exposure for our football program, the school and the state." (HA)
About a benefit of having an ESPN game in December, JD said:
"It also comes during our recruiting period." (HA)
About how both he and DE John Fonoti played well in the Nevada game, DE David Veikune said:
"Finally we put it together and we fed off each other and made some big plays." (HSB)
About what they had their D focus on for the Nevada game, Mac said:
"The things we talked about on defense were to score or set up a score, we needed to play well on third-down conversions, and get three turnovers. That's what we focused on." (HSB)
About their DEs Fonoti and Veikune, Mac said:
"They're like big linebackers playing defensive end. So they're really athletic guys and we ask a lot out of them." (HSB)
About how he had 7 sacks last season as a backup player and went 6 games this season before getting his first sack, Veikune said:
"It's a relief. There's still always pressure to make plays every week, but it kind of took off some pressure." (HSB)
About had he didn't realize that he got his first sack and forced Kaepernick to fumble, Veikune said:
"I didn't know it was a sack or a fumble. I thought I just missed a tackle and I was disappointed. But I got up and saw the ball was loose and went to go block for John." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Fonoti, calling on the "score drills" the defense runs most mornings in practice, secured the bouncing ball and took it 9 yards into the end zone."
About scooping the ball up and scoring a TD, Fonoti said:
"I was thinking about jumping on it. But I saw a lot of my defensive guys helping me out and blocking for me, so I figured I'd try to pick it up." (HSB)
About returning the fumble for a TD, Mac said:
"The assistant coaches did a great job of coaching the fundamentals and we see those kind of things come out and it wins ballgames." (HSB)
About the Warriors, Utah State coach Brent Guy said:
"On defense they look a lot like last year's team. They bring a lot of pressure and have a lot of speed and we have to be able to protect the quarterback." (HSB)
Liloa Nobriga, who committed to the Warriors recently, said he still plans to be a Warrior and has:
"100 percent respect for UH. I grew up a UH fan and Hawaii is where my heart is." (HSB)
Nobriga said that his visit to UH over the weekend:
"was everything I could have imagined." (HSB)
HSB Note: "After talking over the decision with his father upon returning to Las Vegas, he said he plans to visit other campuses before finalizing his choice."
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Feature stories on Greg Alexander
Mac said that Alexander has benefited from his tutorial sessions with Rolo and:
"I think it's his time now." (HA)
HA Note: "That was reaffirmed yesterday when Alexander was named the Western Athletic Conference's Offensive Player of the Week. In a coming-of-age second half against Nevada, Alexander completed 17 of 22 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner with 20 seconds to play. He was not intercepted."
Impressed with Alexander and the job that Rolo did in teaching him, Mac said:
"I was really impressed with his temperament and ability. Nick Rolovich has done a great job of coaching the quarterbacks, and Ron (Lee, the offensive coordinator) has done a great job of calling the plays. We knew (Alexander) was getting better and better." (HA)
About his WAC award, Alexander said:
"It feels good. It's all right." (HA)
HA Note: "Alexander was not part of the game plan. In the three full practices leading to the game, Alexander was the No. 3 quarterback, behind the platoon of Inoke Funaki, who would make his sixth start in eight games, and Tyler Graunke. Alexander took "mental reps" while Funaki and Graunke split the reps with the first-team offense."
About how he learned during his "mental reps", Alexander said:
"Definitely. Watching Inoke and Tyler do the offense, you see everything from a different perspective. When you're in there, you've got the rush and all of that. When you step back, you can focus on the secondary and the receivers; see what the receivers are looking at. That helps you a lot." (HA)
HA Note: "It was pivotal on a third-and-11 play in the third quarter. Alexander went through his read progressions — 1 ... 2 ... 3 ... — before pirouetting and throwing to slotback Michael Washington in the left flat. Washington, with a running start, gained 12 yards, keeping alive an 11-play drive that would result in a touchdown. It was a play that Alexander acknowledged he would not have been able to make during the season-opener against Florida."
About how he has learned a lot since the Florida game, Alexander said:
"There's a huge difference. Going into the Florida game, I had an idea where my guys were going to be. But if I was going backside, I didn't know what I was seeing. Now, it's pre-snap 'I've two here, we've got so and so ...' I can really anticipate what's happening backside." (HA)
HA Note: "During the game-winning drive, the Warriors faced a third-and-9 situation. After correctly reading the defensive end, who tried crashing down on the right side of the UH offense, Alexander weaved up the middle, and juked the Nevada free safety to complete the 10-yard run and gain the first down."
About how his scramble for the first down surprised the UH coaches, Alexander said:
"It surprised me, too. I had to go out there and make plays." (HA)
About how his release seemed quicker in the Nevada game because he knows the offense better now, Alexander said:
"Mechanically, I haven't really changed too much — little tweaks here and there. But it comes from knowing the offense, knowing where guys are going to be, and you can start anticipating." (HA)
About Alexander being available right before signing day, Rolo said:
"It was surprising. For what he did at the junior college level not to be heavily recruited, we weren't really sure why that was happening." (HSB)
About how they haven't decided on a starting QB, Mac said:
"We haven't talked (about) who's starting. I really liked how (Alexander) handled the pressure at the end of the ballgame. Looking right into a guy's eyes, that's why I've always coached on the sidelines, you know their emotion. He was a cool guy on the sideline and was focused." (HSB)
About not getting D-IA scholarship offers, Alexander said:
"It was frustrating. I was walking around town and everybody's asking me where are you going? I'm like, 'I don't know, stop asking me.' So I tried to stay in my house as much as I could." (HSB)
About how he learned from Inoke and Tyler to get better in the offense, Alexander said:
"I wanted to get back on the field and the only way I was going to be able to do that was I was learning from Inoke and Tyler (Graunke) and trying to get my mental reps. I wasn't really expecting to play on Saturday ... but you have to stay prepared and prepare like you're going to play." (HSB)
"I think it's his time now." (HA)
HA Note: "That was reaffirmed yesterday when Alexander was named the Western Athletic Conference's Offensive Player of the Week. In a coming-of-age second half against Nevada, Alexander completed 17 of 22 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner with 20 seconds to play. He was not intercepted."
Impressed with Alexander and the job that Rolo did in teaching him, Mac said:
"I was really impressed with his temperament and ability. Nick Rolovich has done a great job of coaching the quarterbacks, and Ron (Lee, the offensive coordinator) has done a great job of calling the plays. We knew (Alexander) was getting better and better." (HA)
About his WAC award, Alexander said:
"It feels good. It's all right." (HA)
HA Note: "Alexander was not part of the game plan. In the three full practices leading to the game, Alexander was the No. 3 quarterback, behind the platoon of Inoke Funaki, who would make his sixth start in eight games, and Tyler Graunke. Alexander took "mental reps" while Funaki and Graunke split the reps with the first-team offense."
About how he learned during his "mental reps", Alexander said:
"Definitely. Watching Inoke and Tyler do the offense, you see everything from a different perspective. When you're in there, you've got the rush and all of that. When you step back, you can focus on the secondary and the receivers; see what the receivers are looking at. That helps you a lot." (HA)
HA Note: "It was pivotal on a third-and-11 play in the third quarter. Alexander went through his read progressions — 1 ... 2 ... 3 ... — before pirouetting and throwing to slotback Michael Washington in the left flat. Washington, with a running start, gained 12 yards, keeping alive an 11-play drive that would result in a touchdown. It was a play that Alexander acknowledged he would not have been able to make during the season-opener against Florida."
About how he has learned a lot since the Florida game, Alexander said:
"There's a huge difference. Going into the Florida game, I had an idea where my guys were going to be. But if I was going backside, I didn't know what I was seeing. Now, it's pre-snap 'I've two here, we've got so and so ...' I can really anticipate what's happening backside." (HA)
HA Note: "During the game-winning drive, the Warriors faced a third-and-9 situation. After correctly reading the defensive end, who tried crashing down on the right side of the UH offense, Alexander weaved up the middle, and juked the Nevada free safety to complete the 10-yard run and gain the first down."
About how his scramble for the first down surprised the UH coaches, Alexander said:
"It surprised me, too. I had to go out there and make plays." (HA)
About how his release seemed quicker in the Nevada game because he knows the offense better now, Alexander said:
"Mechanically, I haven't really changed too much — little tweaks here and there. But it comes from knowing the offense, knowing where guys are going to be, and you can start anticipating." (HA)
About Alexander being available right before signing day, Rolo said:
"It was surprising. For what he did at the junior college level not to be heavily recruited, we weren't really sure why that was happening." (HSB)
About how they haven't decided on a starting QB, Mac said:
"We haven't talked (about) who's starting. I really liked how (Alexander) handled the pressure at the end of the ballgame. Looking right into a guy's eyes, that's why I've always coached on the sidelines, you know their emotion. He was a cool guy on the sideline and was focused." (HSB)
About not getting D-IA scholarship offers, Alexander said:
"It was frustrating. I was walking around town and everybody's asking me where are you going? I'm like, 'I don't know, stop asking me.' So I tried to stay in my house as much as I could." (HSB)
About how he learned from Inoke and Tyler to get better in the offense, Alexander said:
"I wanted to get back on the field and the only way I was going to be able to do that was I was learning from Inoke and Tyler (Graunke) and trying to get my mental reps. I wasn't really expecting to play on Saturday ... but you have to stay prepared and prepare like you're going to play." (HSB)
Feature stories on Malcolm Lane
About how his game-winning TD catch was with his right hand and helmet, Lane said:
"I caught it with my hands." (HA)
Lane said that CB mike Evans:
"was pulling my other arm down. So I was holding (the football) with my hand on my helmet." (HA)
About averaging 38.3 yards per return and having UH start on average at their 46-yard-line, Lane said:
"We've been practicing at getting better and better every week. Guys went out there and opened up some huge holes for me to run through." (HA)
About how he was different in the Nevada game, Lane said:
"I was more relaxed. People were giving me advice about games and things like that. They told me to go out and have fun. I went out there and had fun. I was having a blast." (HA)
About Mouton playing next to him on offense instead of facing him in practice, Lane said:
"People say I see him all day and then I have to see him on offense. But when I see him making plays, it inspires me. It drives me. We try to compete against each other to see who has a better game. He's the perfect guy to have next to me. I used to go against him in practice. Now I'm telling him what he has to do on this route and what he has to do on that route. He's a very quick learner, a smart football player." (HA)
About playing slotback and nickleback, Mouton said:
"It's a lot of fun to play both ways. The offensive guys really accepted me. They rallied around me." (HA)
HA Note: "Mouton and Lane are close friends, often going to Sunday barbecue dinners at Lane's mother's house at Schofield Barracks. When Lane did not have a place to live, Mouton invited him to stay at an apartment originally shared by two other UH teammates."
About how Lane serves as his chauffeur, Mouton said:
"He drives all of the time. I left my car back in Texas." (HA)
About how the Nevada game helped his confidence, Lane said:
"I need to continue to work hard and get better from this. But this really increases my confidence." (HSB)
About how he was struggling this season, Lane said:
"It's been hard for our offense to get on a roll and I haven't been stepping up and doing my job like the rest of the team's been doing their jobs. I felt like I was letting the team down, and just had to turn it around." (HSB)
About his game-winning TD, Lane said that waiting for the ball to come down:
"took forever." (HA)
About how he thought of his critics while the ball was in the air, Lane said:
"Everybody was doubting. I just wanted to go up and get that ball so bad, and it worked out perfect." (HA)
Grateful that Ron Lee called the play for him, Lane said:
"I'm so happy (offensive coordinator Ron Lee) trusted me and called the play for me. I owe a lot to him that he had the trust in me and gave me a chance." (HA)
"I caught it with my hands." (HA)
Lane said that CB mike Evans:
"was pulling my other arm down. So I was holding (the football) with my hand on my helmet." (HA)
About averaging 38.3 yards per return and having UH start on average at their 46-yard-line, Lane said:
"We've been practicing at getting better and better every week. Guys went out there and opened up some huge holes for me to run through." (HA)
About how he was different in the Nevada game, Lane said:
"I was more relaxed. People were giving me advice about games and things like that. They told me to go out and have fun. I went out there and had fun. I was having a blast." (HA)
About Mouton playing next to him on offense instead of facing him in practice, Lane said:
"People say I see him all day and then I have to see him on offense. But when I see him making plays, it inspires me. It drives me. We try to compete against each other to see who has a better game. He's the perfect guy to have next to me. I used to go against him in practice. Now I'm telling him what he has to do on this route and what he has to do on that route. He's a very quick learner, a smart football player." (HA)
About playing slotback and nickleback, Mouton said:
"It's a lot of fun to play both ways. The offensive guys really accepted me. They rallied around me." (HA)
HA Note: "Mouton and Lane are close friends, often going to Sunday barbecue dinners at Lane's mother's house at Schofield Barracks. When Lane did not have a place to live, Mouton invited him to stay at an apartment originally shared by two other UH teammates."
About how Lane serves as his chauffeur, Mouton said:
"He drives all of the time. I left my car back in Texas." (HA)
About how the Nevada game helped his confidence, Lane said:
"I need to continue to work hard and get better from this. But this really increases my confidence." (HSB)
About how he was struggling this season, Lane said:
"It's been hard for our offense to get on a roll and I haven't been stepping up and doing my job like the rest of the team's been doing their jobs. I felt like I was letting the team down, and just had to turn it around." (HSB)
About his game-winning TD, Lane said that waiting for the ball to come down:
"took forever." (HA)
About how he thought of his critics while the ball was in the air, Lane said:
"Everybody was doubting. I just wanted to go up and get that ball so bad, and it worked out perfect." (HA)
Grateful that Ron Lee called the play for him, Lane said:
"I'm so happy (offensive coordinator Ron Lee) trusted me and called the play for me. I owe a lot to him that he had the trust in me and gave me a chance." (HA)
Other quotes from the local papers
Wanting people to remember him for more than just the career tackle record, Sol said he wants to be thought of as:
"somebody who worked hard, who tried to do what was best for the team." (HA)
About how he "feels blessed" to have set the record, Sol said:
"I'm blessed to even be here. It started with my decision to come here." (HA)
Thanking his coaches, Sol said:
"I've had great defensive linemen, great coaches. Cal Lee taught me everything. He's a great coach, a great father figure." (HA)
About former record holder Levi Stanley, Sol said:
"For a defensive lineman having that many tackles is like a linebacker breaking the UH record for interceptions. I have a lot of respect for that guy." (HA)
About how their kick coverage team has custom "K.O. Unit" t-shirts, Dan Kelly said:
"A double meaning. Kickoff, and knockout." (HSB)
HSB Note: "We can't call UH's special teams consistent yet (it was just a week ago that coach Greg McMackin labeled the kickoff return a "suicide mission"). But they were spectacular in Saturday's win against Nevada, and after a horrific start they're a major reason UH has won three of its last four games. Don't forget Kelly's game-winning field goal and Ryan Mouton's kickoff return for a touchdown at Fresno State."
HSB Note: "Last year, Tim Grasso was as useful as an ukulele player in a heavy metal band as the Warriors rarely needed a punter, other than to hold for extra points. Now McMackin says Grasso is "probably our MVP" after he pinned Nevada near the goal line three times."
About Richard Torres on kick coverage, Mac said:
"Kahuku Munchkin, kicking tail." (HSB)
Not minding how the improved coverage isn't allowing him to get tackles on kick coverage, Dan Kelly said:
"Nope, not at all, it's not really in my job description anyway. And I enjoy watching (teammates) lay out guys. That's more entertaining for me." (HSB)
Worried about Utah State's kick return unit, Kelly said:
"The guys have come to understand we set the tone, kickoff and kickoff return. We wake everybody up. Special teams needs to be our phase. Utah State took it to the house against us last year, and we have to make sure that doesn't happen." (HSB)
"somebody who worked hard, who tried to do what was best for the team." (HA)
About how he "feels blessed" to have set the record, Sol said:
"I'm blessed to even be here. It started with my decision to come here." (HA)
Thanking his coaches, Sol said:
"I've had great defensive linemen, great coaches. Cal Lee taught me everything. He's a great coach, a great father figure." (HA)
About former record holder Levi Stanley, Sol said:
"For a defensive lineman having that many tackles is like a linebacker breaking the UH record for interceptions. I have a lot of respect for that guy." (HA)
About how their kick coverage team has custom "K.O. Unit" t-shirts, Dan Kelly said:
"A double meaning. Kickoff, and knockout." (HSB)
HSB Note: "We can't call UH's special teams consistent yet (it was just a week ago that coach Greg McMackin labeled the kickoff return a "suicide mission"). But they were spectacular in Saturday's win against Nevada, and after a horrific start they're a major reason UH has won three of its last four games. Don't forget Kelly's game-winning field goal and Ryan Mouton's kickoff return for a touchdown at Fresno State."
HSB Note: "Last year, Tim Grasso was as useful as an ukulele player in a heavy metal band as the Warriors rarely needed a punter, other than to hold for extra points. Now McMackin says Grasso is "probably our MVP" after he pinned Nevada near the goal line three times."
About Richard Torres on kick coverage, Mac said:
"Kahuku Munchkin, kicking tail." (HSB)
Not minding how the improved coverage isn't allowing him to get tackles on kick coverage, Dan Kelly said:
"Nope, not at all, it's not really in my job description anyway. And I enjoy watching (teammates) lay out guys. That's more entertaining for me." (HSB)
Worried about Utah State's kick return unit, Kelly said:
"The guys have come to understand we set the tone, kickoff and kickoff return. We wake everybody up. Special teams needs to be our phase. Utah State took it to the house against us last year, and we have to make sure that doesn't happen." (HSB)
Note about Levi Stanley
About how Stanley played an amazing game against Washington (where UH was from a lower division and upset Washington 10-7 in the season opener), with 11 unassisted tackles and 5 assists, then-defensive coordinator Larry Price said:
"I think I wore out the film looking at him (Stanley) in that one. He was something to behold." (HA)
Ferd wrote: "Stanley had an important off-the-field impact, too. He was, Price notes proudly, "our experiment." And, not just because he came to UH a raw, skinny recruit whose weight room performance became as remarkable as his game day ones. Price and UH sought to admit to the school prospects that had not had the benefit of college prep programs but could, given a shot, make their way. And, Stanley was to be their Leeward Coast test case. When Stanley, through persistence, not only graduated but, according to Price, added a master's degree in education, it helped open the way for others. And many followed."
"I think I wore out the film looking at him (Stanley) in that one. He was something to behold." (HA)
Ferd wrote: "Stanley had an important off-the-field impact, too. He was, Price notes proudly, "our experiment." And, not just because he came to UH a raw, skinny recruit whose weight room performance became as remarkable as his game day ones. Price and UH sought to admit to the school prospects that had not had the benefit of college prep programs but could, given a shot, make their way. And, Stanley was to be their Leeward Coast test case. When Stanley, through persistence, not only graduated but, according to Price, added a master's degree in education, it helped open the way for others. And many followed."
Monday, October 27, 2008
Liloa Nobriga and Joey Iosefa commit to the Warriors!
About committing to the Warriors, 6'3", 235-pound LB Liloa Nobriga (from Palo Verde High in Las Vegas) said:
"I like everything about the program. I like the coaches. I like the players. Everything is great." (HA)
HA Note: "Nobriga attended 'Iolani School, where he was a second-team Interscholastic League of Honolulu basketball player as a sophomore, before transferring to Palo Verde last year. Nobriga, who played intermediate football at 'Iolani, emerged as a top linebacker, amassing 121 tackles and 11 sacks in 13 games as a junior. He can run 40 yards in 4.7 seconds, and bench press 185 pounds 18 times.
About choosing UH, QB/DB Joey Iosefa (Faga'itua High in American Samoa) said:
"I have a lot of family down here, and it's closer to home." (HA)
"I like the (UH) coaches. I was impressed with all of them." (HA)
HA Note: "Iosefa is considered by some scouts as the best all-around high school athlete in American Samoa. He was named American Samoa's 2007 Offensive Player of the Year in Football. He also plays basketball, and is an outside hitter in volleyball and a striker in soccer."
About Iosefa, who lives in American Samoa's Eastern district, a rural area, family friend Moana Purcell said:
"He's from the country. The country kids are more well-rounded." (HA)
HA Note: "Iosefa, it is believed, is one of the first American Samoa high school players recruited as a quarterback. He said he has been told UH is looking at him as an "athlete," and it will be determined whether he plays quarterback, safety or another position when he participates in training camp next August. Iosefa is 6 feet 1 and 190 pounds, and he can run 40 yards in 4.6 seconds."
HA Note: "Moana Purcell, whose sons Melila Purcell III and Amani Purcell were UH defensive ends, said Iosefa comes from a good family life. The Purcells were helpful in steering Iosefa to UH. Iosefa also said he was impressed with the UH coaches who visited American Samoa the past summer. The UH coaches were featured instructors at free clinics as part of a goodwill tour. Faga'itua coach Suaese "Pooch" Taase, who played at Louisiana Tech, also was instrumental in guiding Iosefa. Taase has helped several American Samoa players prepare academically and athletically for NCAA schools."
Moana Purcell said that Iosefa's character is the:
"most admirable. (Iosefa) is very respectful kid. He's family-oriented. He's down-to-earth. He's a very good athlete. Just for them to offer and for him to accept is such an honor to his family. He will be the pride to American Samoa." (HA)
"I like everything about the program. I like the coaches. I like the players. Everything is great." (HA)
HA Note: "Nobriga attended 'Iolani School, where he was a second-team Interscholastic League of Honolulu basketball player as a sophomore, before transferring to Palo Verde last year. Nobriga, who played intermediate football at 'Iolani, emerged as a top linebacker, amassing 121 tackles and 11 sacks in 13 games as a junior. He can run 40 yards in 4.7 seconds, and bench press 185 pounds 18 times.
About choosing UH, QB/DB Joey Iosefa (Faga'itua High in American Samoa) said:
"I have a lot of family down here, and it's closer to home." (HA)
"I like the (UH) coaches. I was impressed with all of them." (HA)
HA Note: "Iosefa is considered by some scouts as the best all-around high school athlete in American Samoa. He was named American Samoa's 2007 Offensive Player of the Year in Football. He also plays basketball, and is an outside hitter in volleyball and a striker in soccer."
About Iosefa, who lives in American Samoa's Eastern district, a rural area, family friend Moana Purcell said:
"He's from the country. The country kids are more well-rounded." (HA)
HA Note: "Iosefa, it is believed, is one of the first American Samoa high school players recruited as a quarterback. He said he has been told UH is looking at him as an "athlete," and it will be determined whether he plays quarterback, safety or another position when he participates in training camp next August. Iosefa is 6 feet 1 and 190 pounds, and he can run 40 yards in 4.6 seconds."
HA Note: "Moana Purcell, whose sons Melila Purcell III and Amani Purcell were UH defensive ends, said Iosefa comes from a good family life. The Purcells were helpful in steering Iosefa to UH. Iosefa also said he was impressed with the UH coaches who visited American Samoa the past summer. The UH coaches were featured instructors at free clinics as part of a goodwill tour. Faga'itua coach Suaese "Pooch" Taase, who played at Louisiana Tech, also was instrumental in guiding Iosefa. Taase has helped several American Samoa players prepare academically and athletically for NCAA schools."
Moana Purcell said that Iosefa's character is the:
"most admirable. (Iosefa) is very respectful kid. He's family-oriented. He's down-to-earth. He's a very good athlete. Just for them to offer and for him to accept is such an honor to his family. He will be the pride to American Samoa." (HA)
Quotes from the local papers
About how they will play both Alexander and Inoke to force opponents to prepare for both QBs, Mac said:
"We're going to platoon again. Inoke (Funaki) does things with his legs and we're going to have a run-and-shoot guy ready, so we're going to let the next defensive coordinator get ready for both." (HSB)
About how Tyler's INT made them decide to play Alexander instead of Tyler in the second half, Mac said:
"We felt when (Graunke) threw that pick, maybe he's not quite ready yet, maybe he needs more reps. So the next guy in line was Greg Alexander." (HSB)
About how he wants to give Alexander a lot of reps in practice (as opposed to how Alexander only got "mental reps" last week), Mac said:
"I want to give him a lot of reps, that's for sure. He made some plays (against Nevada). He made some throws. He ran when he needed to run. He had some great presence in the pocket." (HA)
About how Mouton will keep playing slotback, Mac said:
"He's an outstanding athlete." (HA)
About how Mouton is dangerous on offense, Ron Lee said:
"He was close to breaking a couple. He adds so much more (to the offense) because of his quickness." (HA)
About how their offense is more dangerous now, Ron Lee said:
"Now we've got some weapons." (HA)
Mac said that he "could care less about stats", but he does pay close attention to the 3rd-down conversion stat:
"That's one of the stats I am interested in." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Warriors converted a season-high 50 percent of their third-down opportunities against the Wolf Pack, going 7-for-14 in the game and converting on six of nine chances in the second half. The defense, meanwhile, held Nevada to 31 percent."
About how teams that playing well will naturally do well on 3rd down, Ron Lee said:
"You always want to do well on third down. But when you're playing well, a lot of those things fall into place. Definitely, that helps when you stay on the field. It's overall the way we played that did it." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Warriors went 1-for-5 in the first half, the exception coming on the final play of the first quarter when starting quarterback Inoke Funaki scrambled and dove for the marker on a 13-yard gain on third and 12. The drive culminated with a touchdown pass from Funaki to Mike Washington to put the Warriors up 14-7. Though not as nimble as Funaki, Alexander -- who passed for 205 yards in operating the offense for all but one possession in the second half -- also escaped the Nevada pass rush to run for two third-down conversions, including a 10-yard scamper on third and 9 to extend UH's game-winning drive."
About how he scrambled for two 3rd down conversions, Alexander said:
"I just want to make a play and get positive yards. I'd rather be throwing though." (HSB)
HSB Note: "When he did throw, Alexander was 6-for-7 on third-down plays -- although two came up short of the marker -- and hit Lane for the winning score on a third and 1."
About his game-winning reception, Lane said:
"He played me bump-and-run, man. Any wide receiver loves that -- it's a challenge, it's one-on-one." (HSB)
Happy that the offense bailed them out when the D could not win the game, Sol said:
"One thing I like was the fact that when (the defense) had a chance to win the game we didn't really do it and the offense had our back. That's how you win as a team." (HSB)
About how Josh Leonard's ankle injury might force him to miss the next game, Mac said:
"I'm hoping he can play, but right now it's questionable. It depends how fast he can recover." (HSB)
About how he expects to play in their next game, Josh Leonard said:
"It's nothing." (HA)
About how the Warriors pinned them inside the 5 multiple times (JoPierre Davis downed two punts inside the 5), Nevada coach Chris Ault said:
"We never had field position. It's very difficult to win the game playing from inside the 5." (HSB)
About John Fonoti's TD off a fumble caused by David Veikune, DE coach Dave Aranda said:
"It was good to finally get on the board as a defense. Dave's got about 30 almost-sacks. It was good to see him hit home, and John scoop and score. We don't want just sacks, we want sack-fumbles." (HSB)
About career tackle record holder Sol, Mac said:
"He's right up there with Jeff Ulbrich and Pisa Tinoisamoa." (HSB)
Not caring about his stats, Vai Taua said:
"We've got to be able to pull this kind of game out. ... No way can I consider myself having a good game." (HSB)
About how they went back to UH's run-and-shoot offense, Mike Washington said:
"We weren't putting enough points on the board, so we went back to that old Hawaii, that run-and-shoot attacking offense." (HSB)
Asked about the rumors that he destroyed a laptop at halftime to fire up his team, Mac chuckled and said:
"You know how rumors can get started." (HSB)
HSB Note: "But we have good reason to believe that at halftime -- in punctuating his speech to his team -- Mack cracked a Mac, or wasn't very PC to a PC. Truly an action all of the techno-enslaved Luddites-at-heart among us can appreciate."
About Mac's actions at halftime, Sol said:
"Coach tried to fire us up, and it worked." (HSB)
"We're going to platoon again. Inoke (Funaki) does things with his legs and we're going to have a run-and-shoot guy ready, so we're going to let the next defensive coordinator get ready for both." (HSB)
About how Tyler's INT made them decide to play Alexander instead of Tyler in the second half, Mac said:
"We felt when (Graunke) threw that pick, maybe he's not quite ready yet, maybe he needs more reps. So the next guy in line was Greg Alexander." (HSB)
About how he wants to give Alexander a lot of reps in practice (as opposed to how Alexander only got "mental reps" last week), Mac said:
"I want to give him a lot of reps, that's for sure. He made some plays (against Nevada). He made some throws. He ran when he needed to run. He had some great presence in the pocket." (HA)
About how Mouton will keep playing slotback, Mac said:
"He's an outstanding athlete." (HA)
About how Mouton is dangerous on offense, Ron Lee said:
"He was close to breaking a couple. He adds so much more (to the offense) because of his quickness." (HA)
About how their offense is more dangerous now, Ron Lee said:
"Now we've got some weapons." (HA)
Mac said that he "could care less about stats", but he does pay close attention to the 3rd-down conversion stat:
"That's one of the stats I am interested in." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Warriors converted a season-high 50 percent of their third-down opportunities against the Wolf Pack, going 7-for-14 in the game and converting on six of nine chances in the second half. The defense, meanwhile, held Nevada to 31 percent."
About how teams that playing well will naturally do well on 3rd down, Ron Lee said:
"You always want to do well on third down. But when you're playing well, a lot of those things fall into place. Definitely, that helps when you stay on the field. It's overall the way we played that did it." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Warriors went 1-for-5 in the first half, the exception coming on the final play of the first quarter when starting quarterback Inoke Funaki scrambled and dove for the marker on a 13-yard gain on third and 12. The drive culminated with a touchdown pass from Funaki to Mike Washington to put the Warriors up 14-7. Though not as nimble as Funaki, Alexander -- who passed for 205 yards in operating the offense for all but one possession in the second half -- also escaped the Nevada pass rush to run for two third-down conversions, including a 10-yard scamper on third and 9 to extend UH's game-winning drive."
About how he scrambled for two 3rd down conversions, Alexander said:
"I just want to make a play and get positive yards. I'd rather be throwing though." (HSB)
HSB Note: "When he did throw, Alexander was 6-for-7 on third-down plays -- although two came up short of the marker -- and hit Lane for the winning score on a third and 1."
About his game-winning reception, Lane said:
"He played me bump-and-run, man. Any wide receiver loves that -- it's a challenge, it's one-on-one." (HSB)
Happy that the offense bailed them out when the D could not win the game, Sol said:
"One thing I like was the fact that when (the defense) had a chance to win the game we didn't really do it and the offense had our back. That's how you win as a team." (HSB)
About how Josh Leonard's ankle injury might force him to miss the next game, Mac said:
"I'm hoping he can play, but right now it's questionable. It depends how fast he can recover." (HSB)
About how he expects to play in their next game, Josh Leonard said:
"It's nothing." (HA)
About how the Warriors pinned them inside the 5 multiple times (JoPierre Davis downed two punts inside the 5), Nevada coach Chris Ault said:
"We never had field position. It's very difficult to win the game playing from inside the 5." (HSB)
About John Fonoti's TD off a fumble caused by David Veikune, DE coach Dave Aranda said:
"It was good to finally get on the board as a defense. Dave's got about 30 almost-sacks. It was good to see him hit home, and John scoop and score. We don't want just sacks, we want sack-fumbles." (HSB)
About career tackle record holder Sol, Mac said:
"He's right up there with Jeff Ulbrich and Pisa Tinoisamoa." (HSB)
Not caring about his stats, Vai Taua said:
"We've got to be able to pull this kind of game out. ... No way can I consider myself having a good game." (HSB)
About how they went back to UH's run-and-shoot offense, Mike Washington said:
"We weren't putting enough points on the board, so we went back to that old Hawaii, that run-and-shoot attacking offense." (HSB)
Asked about the rumors that he destroyed a laptop at halftime to fire up his team, Mac chuckled and said:
"You know how rumors can get started." (HSB)
HSB Note: "But we have good reason to believe that at halftime -- in punctuating his speech to his team -- Mack cracked a Mac, or wasn't very PC to a PC. Truly an action all of the techno-enslaved Luddites-at-heart among us can appreciate."
About Mac's actions at halftime, Sol said:
"Coach tried to fire us up, and it worked." (HSB)
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Quotes from the UH-Nevada game 10/25/08
HA = Honolulu Advertiser
HSB = Honolulu Star-Bulletin
UH = University of Hawaii official site
RGJ = Reno Gazette-Journal
--------------------------------------------
------------------ Quotes from the UH Coaches ----------------------
About the win, UH head coach Greg McMackin (Mac) said:
“I thought this was a great team win. The offense did some outstanding things and made a huge play late in the game. They were moving the ball in the second half and didn’t commit a turnover.” (UH)
"This was a great team win. The offense did some outstanding things and made a huge play late in the game." (HSB)
Praising their special teams, Mac said:
“Our all around effort tonight was outstanding. Special teams played great and made some key plays, both on punts and kickoffs. Like I said all along, this is a team and we all have to play together to win.” (UH)
RGJ Note: "Pack punt returners Antoine Thompson and Jonathon Amaya fielded just one punt, for zero yards, and let four of them bounce and roll deep into Nevada territory. Of those four, three of the ensuing drives began inside the Pack 5. Tied at 7, the Warriors punted on back-to-back possessions to the Nevada 5 and 2, and the Pack went three-and-out on both."
About moving Mouton to slot receiver, Mac said:
“We made some personnel changes this week. I thought Ryan Mouton played great, you don’t see too many people in Division I football play both ways like he did tonight. We needed to get another playmaker out there and it helped tonight.” (UH)
About how this win was crucial to their and Nevada's bowl chances, Mac said:
“This was a must win. Our goal is to go to the Hawaii bowl and Nevada has that same goal. I couldn’t be prouder of our players and coaches, they did an outstanding job. We are getting better and better as a football team.” (UH)
About going for the TD at the end of the game, Mac said:
"Yep. Why not, man? I'm a defensive guy. Let's get it on. Everybody throws it against me. Why can't I throw it against somebody else? Let's go to score." (HA)
HA Note: "UH head coach Greg McMackin, in consultation with Lee and quarterback coach Nick Rolovich, decided to go "all in.""
About how they had a backup plan in case they didn't score the TD, Mac said:
"We figured if it was incomplete, we'd rush guys on (for the field goal)." (HA)
Praising Alexander, and noting that he was able to run effectively, Mac said:
"Obviously we'll have some evaluation to do and we'll have to go back and look at the film, but these were quality reps in a big-game situation and he handled it really well. People might be surprised that he ran so well because he looks slow, but every time he ran tonight he got us a first down." (HA)
HSB Note: "Inoke Funaki started and alternated series with Tyler Graunke - seeing his first game action in three weeks - in the first quarter. McMackin said the plan entering the game was to stick to those two, but the coaches called on Alexander to start the second half and he led the Warriors to a field goal on his first drive and a touchdown on his second in his most extensive action since starting the opener at Florida."
.
About how they could go for the end zone twice and still kick the FG on 4th down, Ron Lee said:
"We knew we had two shots." (HA)
HA Note: "The Warriors advanced to the Wolf Pack 30, setting the way for a potential field-goal attempt by Dan "Iceman" Kelly. But on second down, an offensive lineman moved before the snap, and the Warriors were deducted 5 yards. While the Warriors assessed their predicament, the play clock was near expiration, and they were forced to use their final timeout with 31 seconds left."
Praising Lane and Alexander, offensive coordinator Ron Lee said:
"I'm so proud of them, both of them. They gave us what we needed." (HA)
About how Lane took practice much more seriously this week, Ron Lee said:
"He had a helluva week of practice. He understood that you can't just show up and expect to do it on Saturday." (HA)
About how Inoke might have suffered a concussion in the game, Ron Lee said:
"Hey, whatever works. Inoke was seeing stars. He might have got his bell rung again. ... We tried Greg Alexander. For the amount of reps he got, he competes. It wasn't pretty, but we got what we needed." (HA)
.
Praising Alexander's attitude even after he was demoted after the Florida game, QB coach Nick Rolovich (Rolo) said:
"Even after Florida, he never took a step backwards, never pouted. He continued to learn. He never missed a day and he really paid attention when we looked at film. His best quality is game awareness, and he's very, very aware of every situation in the game. I'm really happy for him because he worked hard for this." (HA)
.
About how he challenged Mike Washington before this game, WR coach Craig Stutzmann said:
"We told him, we expect more out of you. I told him 'You're such a quick, fast guy (and) that we need you to catch the ball and stay on your feet and really get up the field. I told him it's a challenge. I'm going to challenge you this week. Stay on your feet, make big plays. And he answered the challenge. I feel so proud of him." (HA)
About how Washington got crucial yards after the catch, Stutzmann said:
"He was the backbone of a lot of our drives. He made a guy miss and took it up the field and got another five yards for a first down." (HA)
HA Note: "He made three crucial catches in the drive that increased UH's lead to 31-17. Facing third-and-11 at the UH 21, Washington caught a pass in the left flat and bullied his way for 12 yards and the first down."
About using Bain instead of Washington on punt returns, Stutzmann said:
"My thing is and Coach (Ikaika) Malloe's thing is, you might get five plays returning punts, but you're going to get 75 plays on offense. Aaron Bain did a good job, stepping in his role, stepping away from offense, being a punt returner. It was a total team effort." (HA)
Praising Washington, Stutzmann said:
"He really did everything we asked him to do in meetings and at practice. Trust your technique; trust what you gotta do. He adjusted to the ball really well and the main thing was he was being a leader to the other guys." (HA)
About how Lane knew that he should be playing better, Stutzmann said:
"Real competitors know what they should be doing. They know it; they feel it. It isn't what the fans say. It comes from within and he took it upon himself to toughen up." (HA)
About how Lane backed up his words with his improved effort in practice, Stutzmann said:
"He came in Monday and talked to us and, then, he went out and showed us he meant it in practice." (HA)
"(Lane) worked hard this whole week. When you work that hard, good things happen. I feel so proud of him right now. Greg threw it up to him and let him make a play. What a great play. Everybody did a great job." (HA)
About how Lane had the options of a comeback route, post, or streak on the game-winning TD, Stutzmann said:
"He had all kinds of choices. He went on a streak." (HA)
.
About Lane's success on kickoff returns, special teams coordinator Ikaika Malloe said:
“We always knew (Lane) had the talent to do the job. We just had to make sure we gave him some room. We placed a huge emphasis on the wedge.” (HSB)
HSB Note: "Former starting slotback Aaron Bain returned three punts for 25 yards. J.P. Davis downed two Tim Grasso punts near the Nevada goal line."
.
----------------- Quotes from the UH Players -------------------
.
About going for the TD at the end of the game, QB Greg Alexander said:
“On that last play we were in a situation where we could take a shot down field. It was either going to be a touchdown or out of bounds. Malcolm made a great play. It’s a great feeling, we battled back and made some plays down the stretch when we needed to.” (UH)
"It's either a touchdown or an incomplete, because we're not going to have the opportunity to stop the clock. We put it up, and Malcolm made a hell of a catch for the win." (HSB)
"It was situation where it was going to be us or nobody." (HSB)
"I was just trying to get us down the field to set up a field goal. But we couldn't stop the clock so I had to go for it." (HA)
"It was either complete it or throw it out of bounds. You can't spike it. There was no time. We had no timeouts. I think it was a safe play." (HA)
About how he found out just before the start of the second half that he would be playing instead of Tyler, Alexander said:
"They told me right before we were heading out of the tunnel (at halftime). So I was like, 'Oh, all right. Cool, let's do it.' " (HSB)
"I wasn't expecting it. But I knew when they told me that I just had to go out there and do my job." (HA)
About how he's learned a lot since the Florida game, Alexander said:
"That's what I was hoping for. Things went the way they did (Aug. 30 at Gainesville), but I've learned a lot over the past six weeks or whatever it's been. Just taking advantage of the opportunity, I've learned a lot from Inoke, he's done a fantastic job, and Tyler, he's talked to me a lot." (HSB)
"Going into the Florida game you feel like you know the offense, but you really don't," Alexander said. "After watching the past six weeks I feel like I got it down for the most part and feel more comfortable out there." (HSB)
About his TD pass to Washington, Alexander said:
"They were playing a lot of cover two. So you're going to get that squat corner (route). Put Mike one-on-one with the safety, he's going to win that match every time." (HA)
About how he didn't have many practice reps, aside from "mental reps" to prepare for the game, Alexander said:
"I got a lot of mental reps watching Inoke. When you get in there, you can't think about it. The o-line did a hell of a job. I had a lot of time to throw, and guys made some big catches." (HA)
HA Note: "Thing is, Alexander did not have any tutorial sessions to work on it. The past week, Funaki and Tyler Graunke, who had not played in the previous three games, split reps with the No. 1 offense. Graunke was the quarterback for two drives last night, both in driving rain. His second possession ended with an interception."
.
About his game-winning TD, Malcolm Lane said:
“I didn’t want the game to go into overtime so I needed to make the play right there. It was a nice pass so I went up and got it. The coaches have been telling me all week to go up and make a play on the ball in those situations. He was playing me bump-and-run and I knew we had a chance.” (UH)
"I didn't want to go to overtime. Just looking over at the sideline, everybody was tired, they fought hard and I wanted to end it there. It all came down to who wanted the ball more." (HSB)
"That was the biggest criticism on me, coaches telling me go up and get the ball. So the whole time I saw the ball in the air, that was the No. 1 thing going through my head." (HSB)
"I just wanted to end it right there. The team had worked too hard. They didn't deserve to go into overtime. The team was tired. Luckily, the coach called my name." (HA)
Praising Alexander's throw on his TD, Lane said:
"It was a perfect pass. He couldn't have thrown it any better than that. I just went up and it landed right in my hands." (HA)
About his 1-on-1 battle with CB Evans on the TD, Lane said:
"It didn't come down to executing routes. It came down to who wanted the ball more. I wanted it more than he did." (HA)
HA Note: "Lane had wanted to run a streak pattern several times in the game. But too often, cornerback Mike Evans would force Lane inside. This time, Lane pushed past Evans' jam and raced along the right sideline into the end zone."
About how their theme is "trust" like how the theme last year was "believe", Lane said:
"I just knew Greg would take a shot - there was no other choice but to. We trust in each other, that's our motto. Just how (offensive coordinator Ron) Lee trusted in me to go up and make that play, we trusted each other. Last year it was 'believe,' this year it's 'trust.' " (HSB)
About how Alexander inspired their team in the game, Lane said:
"Talk about inspiring. He was running people over out there. It's people like that making plays like that that inspires the whole team. He hasn't been getting a lot of reps, but he showed a lot of poise out there tonight. He's just a winner." (HA)
About what he told the UH coaches on Monday, Lane said:
"This is my time to step up, to make plays for this team, to play to my capabilities." (HA)
About how he needed to play better, Lane said:
"To tell you the truth, I wasn't playing to my capabilities and I had to step it up for this team." (HA)
"I haven't been playing to my capabilities. I had to step it up. It was my time to lay it on the line for my teammates. They've been doing that for me. It was my time to step it up for them." (HA)
About what he thought when the pass was in the air for the game-winning TD, Lane said:
"I just knew my time had come." (HA)
"All I was thinking was 'go get it! Go get it!' That's it. That's what the coaches have been telling me was the weakest point in my game. I wasn't going up to get the ball. So, that's all I was thinking, 'go up and get it; get that ball.' knew I didn't want (the game) to go into overtime. I knew it was my time to shine." (HA)
HA Note: "Lane came to terms with it himself and then told the coaches as much on Monday, vowing to work harder to become the player they told him he could — and should — be."
About how returning kickoffs got his adrenaline going, Lane said:
"That (returning kickoffs) got my mojo going again. That got me hyped." (HA)
About the success he had on kick returns, Lane said:
“We had so many creases." (HSB)
HA Note: "Lane, who had but 10 pass receptions to show for starts in seven games, caught six passes for 63 yards and, reprising his kickoff return role of last year, had three returns for 115 yards."
.
About how they planned to throw the ball more in this game because they weren't scoring enough points, Mike Washington said:
"The game plan was to throw a lot a balls. We weren't putting enough points on the board, so we went back to that old Hawaii, that run-and-shoot attacking offense and we executed the game plan (McMackin) enforced." (HSB)
About how their game plan used routes like how they used routes last year, which suited him much better than the routes they had called in the other games this year, Washington said:
"At the beginning, I had a lot of flat routes. It's hard to get the ball out of the flat when you have to block and make the turn. But Coach Mack (Greg McMackin) challenged me to make a play. Make the first guy miss and that's what we did. The game plan this week was to attack down field. That's what we're used to. That's what Hawai'i's used to. I made plays today going downfield. I utilized my speed." (HA)
About how not returning punts helped his play at WR, Washington said:
"It did help me concentrate offense. The changes kind of helped this week. It was all for the better." (HA)
About how Alexander played well despite not getting many practice reps, Washington said:
"He just came in and led us down the field the whole second half. It's not easy to do that when you don't get a lot of reps. You have to be mentally strong and focused, and that's what he did." (HA)
.
About the 16-yard pass he received to start their final drive, Ryan Mouton said:
"The route kind of broke down. I saw Greg kind of scrambling. I tried to help him out." (HA)
About playing at slotback and nickle DB, Mouton said:
"I'm exhausted right now. We talk about having that will to win. Coach (McMackin) asked me if I could got on offense and defense. I had to keep pushing. I'm not doing it for myself. I'm doing it for all of the guys in the locker room. They want to win. I want to win just as much as they do." (HA)
.
Crediting the OL for his 9-yard TD run, his first TD since 2006, David Farmer said:
"The O-line blocked, that thing just opened up like the Red Sea. I just happened to be in there. It probably could have been anybody else and they would have been in. I was definitely not going to make a move at the goal line." (HA)
"I want to thank them." (HA)
HA Note: "Running back David Farmer, cleared by two ferocious blocks, scored on a 9-yard run. Center John Estes made the initial block on the middle linebacker who had replaced a defensive tackle. Left guard Laupepa Letuli finished the job."
About the partial tear of his MCL that he suffered in training camp, Farmer said:
"It was serious enough that it sidelined me." (HA)
.
About the win and breaking the UH career tackle record, Solomon Elimimian said:
Solomon Elimimian
“I knew it was going to be a tough game tonight. It feels good to break the tackles record, that was really big to me. But overall this game was had some big moments and we made some plays that we needed to make. The offense really picked up the defense at the end.” (UH)
About how he didn't know when he broke the record, Sol said:
"I didn't know which hit, they told me which hit it was. When the game is going, you don't think about records, you think about winning." (HA)
Happy to have broken the record in a win instead of a loss, Sol said:
"It's icing on the cake. We came out here, we fought, we won. I wouldn't like to win any other way, and the tackling record just comes on top of that. If I got the record (in a loss Oct. 17) at Boise State, I probably wouldn't have been happy." (HA)
About the career tackle record (he now has 373 tackles, passing Levi Stanley's record of 366), Sol said:
"The record means a lot to me, not because of the game, or the season, but the last four years of my life and the memories I shared with the players and coaches who have been through here." (HA)
.
About returning the fumble (caused by David Veikune) for UH's first TD in the game, John Fonoti said:
"I was thinking of jumping on it, but when I saw Brashton (Satele) and David Veikune (occupying offensive players), I picked it up and ran." (HA)
.
Asked about being on crutches after the game, Josh Leonard said:
“My ankle got rolled with about four plays left." (HSB)
.
About his new role as punt returner, Aaron Bain said:
"You just gotta want to make the play. Once you get the ball in your hands you have to keep telling yourself you want to make the play. I don't think there's much difference (mentally) between playing slotback and punt returner." (HA)
About how they worked on their punt returns a lot this week, Bain said:
"We worked on it a lot during the week, so we were scouting the punter and knew he always kicked to his right. I thought we did really well with the blocking and the whole scheme. The coaches made good calls on the returns and where to go with the ball. We got positive yardage so I'm happy." (HA)
HA Note: "With Bain's first return of 12 yards, he surpassed Hawai'i's total yardage for the season. The Warriors averaged -0.3 yards per return — 12 returns for a total of minus four yards — before yesterday's game. He finished with three returns for a total of 25 yards."
About being replaced by Mouton at slotback, Bain said:
"it was cool. We talked about it, everything was positive. I thought (Mouton) did really well. I thought the offense did really good trying to air out the football. They were moving the ball up the field and scoring on the majority of the drives so I thought we did really well." (HA)
.
-------------------- Quotes from the Nevada Coaches ----------------------
.
About how their punt return team hurt their offense in the first half, Nevada Coach Chris Ault said:
“In the first half, our punt return team just killed us. We never had field position. It’s very difficult to win the game playing from inside the five.” (UH, RGJ)
About how bad field position stopped their offense, Ault said:
"It all goes back to field position. I don't think our punt-return team fielded a punt all night. It's tough to run your game plan when you're backed up inside your 10-yard line, and I don't know how many times we started back there. That really put our back to the wall." (HSB)
About how their poor kickoff coverage stopped their momentum in the 2nd half, Ault said:
“The kickoff coverage, I don’t know how many returns they had that put them in great field position. There’s just no excuse for that.” (RGJ)
RGJ Note: "In the second half, the kick-coverage team took over. Nevada’s first three kickoffs of the second half – the latter two after the Pack had climbed back from that 31-17 deficit – were returned to the Hawaii 36 and to the Nevada 49 twice. Each one seemed to kill the momentum the Pack hard worked hard to gain."
About how they lost a lot of sack chances due to missed tackles, Ault said:
“The missed tackles, we had them sacked. Especially the last series here, we had him sacked three times and didn’t make the tackles. It’s tough. No excuses.” (UH)
About UH's final drive, Ault said:
“They did a nice job. They went with a screen game. It’s 31-31, we kick off and we got them pinned back and then we miss tackles. We had him sacked. Then they came up with a couple big plays and the next thing you know our backs are to the wall.” (UH)
“In the second half they went to their screen game to give them some confidence and they did a nice job there. But when we had them sacked, especially in that last series, we had them sacked two, maybe three times, and didn’t make the tackles. (Alexander) came up with some big plays. Next thing you know our backs are against the wall.” (RGJ)
About the loss, Ault said:
“Again, any loss is disappointing. This makes it especially disappointing coming back (from behind) like we did. We tie it up and all you got to do is hold them for whatever time it was. How we didn’t sack them and they threw the same corner route – I want to say four times – and they made big plays.” (UH)
About how their D played well in the first half and their offense played well when they started with decent field position, Ault said:
“Defensively, in the first half, we were just excellent and sporadic on offense because of field position. Second half it was a different story because the offense moved the ball and defense threw us in some real tough spots.” (UH)
“The defense in the first half was just excellent." (RGJ)
About how their turnovers cost them, Ault said:
“The two turnovers, that was 14 points and they cashed in on both of them. I don’t know how many times we were inside the 10. Our punt return guys, I don’t think they fielded a punt all night. I don’t think they fielded one punt all night.” (UH)
About their chances now for a WAC title or bowl game, Ault said:
“It’s real tough. Our backs are against the wall, there’s no question about it. Any loss is disappointing, this one especially, especially when you come back like we did. All we’ve got to do is hold them.” (RGJ)
.
--------------------- Quotes from the Nevada Players -------------------------
.
About the loss, QB Colin Kaepernick said:
"Too many missed opportunities on offense, defense and special teams." (HSB)
Standing behind his D, Kaepernick said:
"They (the Wolf Pack defense) played as hard as they can. Everybody makes mistakes. We all stand behind them." (HSB)
About how they are still playing for a possible WAC title and a bowl game, Kaepernick said:
"We're still playing for the WAC title, whether it's in our hands or not. Or a bowl game. We're not going to send our seniors out without at least a bowl game. If we come together as a team, we can pull it out." (HSB)
“It was too many missed opportunities on offense, defense and special teams. We didn’t play like we could today. We’re still playing for a WAC championship whether it’s in our hands or not, and we’re still playing for a bowl game. We’re not going to send our seniors out with a loss like this or a losing season.” (RGJ)
.
About their fumbles that led to 14 points for UH, Vai Taua said:
"We've got to be able to pull this kind of game out. I fumbled the ball away and Colin fumbled (in the first half, leading to 14 UH points). I blame myself for giving up the ball and that was seven points right there. No way can I consider myself having a good game." (HSB)
About how their offense felt on the sidelines on UH's final drive, Taua said:
"The feeling on the bench was hope. Hope for a stop and get another chance. Just one more try, that's all we could ask for." (HSB)
About losing another close game, Taua said:
“It’s getting old. We’ve got to be able to pull these close ones out.” (RGJ)
RGJ Note: "The Wolf Pack, which is beginning to make a habit of losing close games, had two 100-yard rushers, piled up nearly 500 yards of offense, limited the Hawaii Warriors to 28 rushing yards, intercepted two passes and had six quarterback sacks."
.
About their success on D until Alexander came in, DE Dontay Moch said:
“The key was to put pressure on them in the backfield and make them throw a bad ball. And we wanted to shut down the run so they had nothing else to resort to.” (RGJ)
HSB = Honolulu Star-Bulletin
UH = University of Hawaii official site
RGJ = Reno Gazette-Journal
--------------------------------------------
------------------ Quotes from the UH Coaches ----------------------
About the win, UH head coach Greg McMackin (Mac) said:
“I thought this was a great team win. The offense did some outstanding things and made a huge play late in the game. They were moving the ball in the second half and didn’t commit a turnover.” (UH)
"This was a great team win. The offense did some outstanding things and made a huge play late in the game." (HSB)
Praising their special teams, Mac said:
“Our all around effort tonight was outstanding. Special teams played great and made some key plays, both on punts and kickoffs. Like I said all along, this is a team and we all have to play together to win.” (UH)
RGJ Note: "Pack punt returners Antoine Thompson and Jonathon Amaya fielded just one punt, for zero yards, and let four of them bounce and roll deep into Nevada territory. Of those four, three of the ensuing drives began inside the Pack 5. Tied at 7, the Warriors punted on back-to-back possessions to the Nevada 5 and 2, and the Pack went three-and-out on both."
About moving Mouton to slot receiver, Mac said:
“We made some personnel changes this week. I thought Ryan Mouton played great, you don’t see too many people in Division I football play both ways like he did tonight. We needed to get another playmaker out there and it helped tonight.” (UH)
About how this win was crucial to their and Nevada's bowl chances, Mac said:
“This was a must win. Our goal is to go to the Hawaii bowl and Nevada has that same goal. I couldn’t be prouder of our players and coaches, they did an outstanding job. We are getting better and better as a football team.” (UH)
About going for the TD at the end of the game, Mac said:
"Yep. Why not, man? I'm a defensive guy. Let's get it on. Everybody throws it against me. Why can't I throw it against somebody else? Let's go to score." (HA)
HA Note: "UH head coach Greg McMackin, in consultation with Lee and quarterback coach Nick Rolovich, decided to go "all in.""
About how they had a backup plan in case they didn't score the TD, Mac said:
"We figured if it was incomplete, we'd rush guys on (for the field goal)." (HA)
Praising Alexander, and noting that he was able to run effectively, Mac said:
"Obviously we'll have some evaluation to do and we'll have to go back and look at the film, but these were quality reps in a big-game situation and he handled it really well. People might be surprised that he ran so well because he looks slow, but every time he ran tonight he got us a first down." (HA)
HSB Note: "Inoke Funaki started and alternated series with Tyler Graunke - seeing his first game action in three weeks - in the first quarter. McMackin said the plan entering the game was to stick to those two, but the coaches called on Alexander to start the second half and he led the Warriors to a field goal on his first drive and a touchdown on his second in his most extensive action since starting the opener at Florida."
.
About how they could go for the end zone twice and still kick the FG on 4th down, Ron Lee said:
"We knew we had two shots." (HA)
HA Note: "The Warriors advanced to the Wolf Pack 30, setting the way for a potential field-goal attempt by Dan "Iceman" Kelly. But on second down, an offensive lineman moved before the snap, and the Warriors were deducted 5 yards. While the Warriors assessed their predicament, the play clock was near expiration, and they were forced to use their final timeout with 31 seconds left."
Praising Lane and Alexander, offensive coordinator Ron Lee said:
"I'm so proud of them, both of them. They gave us what we needed." (HA)
About how Lane took practice much more seriously this week, Ron Lee said:
"He had a helluva week of practice. He understood that you can't just show up and expect to do it on Saturday." (HA)
About how Inoke might have suffered a concussion in the game, Ron Lee said:
"Hey, whatever works. Inoke was seeing stars. He might have got his bell rung again. ... We tried Greg Alexander. For the amount of reps he got, he competes. It wasn't pretty, but we got what we needed." (HA)
.
Praising Alexander's attitude even after he was demoted after the Florida game, QB coach Nick Rolovich (Rolo) said:
"Even after Florida, he never took a step backwards, never pouted. He continued to learn. He never missed a day and he really paid attention when we looked at film. His best quality is game awareness, and he's very, very aware of every situation in the game. I'm really happy for him because he worked hard for this." (HA)
.
About how he challenged Mike Washington before this game, WR coach Craig Stutzmann said:
"We told him, we expect more out of you. I told him 'You're such a quick, fast guy (and) that we need you to catch the ball and stay on your feet and really get up the field. I told him it's a challenge. I'm going to challenge you this week. Stay on your feet, make big plays. And he answered the challenge. I feel so proud of him." (HA)
About how Washington got crucial yards after the catch, Stutzmann said:
"He was the backbone of a lot of our drives. He made a guy miss and took it up the field and got another five yards for a first down." (HA)
HA Note: "He made three crucial catches in the drive that increased UH's lead to 31-17. Facing third-and-11 at the UH 21, Washington caught a pass in the left flat and bullied his way for 12 yards and the first down."
About using Bain instead of Washington on punt returns, Stutzmann said:
"My thing is and Coach (Ikaika) Malloe's thing is, you might get five plays returning punts, but you're going to get 75 plays on offense. Aaron Bain did a good job, stepping in his role, stepping away from offense, being a punt returner. It was a total team effort." (HA)
Praising Washington, Stutzmann said:
"He really did everything we asked him to do in meetings and at practice. Trust your technique; trust what you gotta do. He adjusted to the ball really well and the main thing was he was being a leader to the other guys." (HA)
About how Lane knew that he should be playing better, Stutzmann said:
"Real competitors know what they should be doing. They know it; they feel it. It isn't what the fans say. It comes from within and he took it upon himself to toughen up." (HA)
About how Lane backed up his words with his improved effort in practice, Stutzmann said:
"He came in Monday and talked to us and, then, he went out and showed us he meant it in practice." (HA)
"(Lane) worked hard this whole week. When you work that hard, good things happen. I feel so proud of him right now. Greg threw it up to him and let him make a play. What a great play. Everybody did a great job." (HA)
About how Lane had the options of a comeback route, post, or streak on the game-winning TD, Stutzmann said:
"He had all kinds of choices. He went on a streak." (HA)
.
About Lane's success on kickoff returns, special teams coordinator Ikaika Malloe said:
“We always knew (Lane) had the talent to do the job. We just had to make sure we gave him some room. We placed a huge emphasis on the wedge.” (HSB)
HSB Note: "Former starting slotback Aaron Bain returned three punts for 25 yards. J.P. Davis downed two Tim Grasso punts near the Nevada goal line."
.
----------------- Quotes from the UH Players -------------------
.
About going for the TD at the end of the game, QB Greg Alexander said:
“On that last play we were in a situation where we could take a shot down field. It was either going to be a touchdown or out of bounds. Malcolm made a great play. It’s a great feeling, we battled back and made some plays down the stretch when we needed to.” (UH)
"It's either a touchdown or an incomplete, because we're not going to have the opportunity to stop the clock. We put it up, and Malcolm made a hell of a catch for the win." (HSB)
"It was situation where it was going to be us or nobody." (HSB)
"I was just trying to get us down the field to set up a field goal. But we couldn't stop the clock so I had to go for it." (HA)
"It was either complete it or throw it out of bounds. You can't spike it. There was no time. We had no timeouts. I think it was a safe play." (HA)
About how he found out just before the start of the second half that he would be playing instead of Tyler, Alexander said:
"They told me right before we were heading out of the tunnel (at halftime). So I was like, 'Oh, all right. Cool, let's do it.' " (HSB)
"I wasn't expecting it. But I knew when they told me that I just had to go out there and do my job." (HA)
About how he's learned a lot since the Florida game, Alexander said:
"That's what I was hoping for. Things went the way they did (Aug. 30 at Gainesville), but I've learned a lot over the past six weeks or whatever it's been. Just taking advantage of the opportunity, I've learned a lot from Inoke, he's done a fantastic job, and Tyler, he's talked to me a lot." (HSB)
"Going into the Florida game you feel like you know the offense, but you really don't," Alexander said. "After watching the past six weeks I feel like I got it down for the most part and feel more comfortable out there." (HSB)
About his TD pass to Washington, Alexander said:
"They were playing a lot of cover two. So you're going to get that squat corner (route). Put Mike one-on-one with the safety, he's going to win that match every time." (HA)
About how he didn't have many practice reps, aside from "mental reps" to prepare for the game, Alexander said:
"I got a lot of mental reps watching Inoke. When you get in there, you can't think about it. The o-line did a hell of a job. I had a lot of time to throw, and guys made some big catches." (HA)
HA Note: "Thing is, Alexander did not have any tutorial sessions to work on it. The past week, Funaki and Tyler Graunke, who had not played in the previous three games, split reps with the No. 1 offense. Graunke was the quarterback for two drives last night, both in driving rain. His second possession ended with an interception."
.
About his game-winning TD, Malcolm Lane said:
“I didn’t want the game to go into overtime so I needed to make the play right there. It was a nice pass so I went up and got it. The coaches have been telling me all week to go up and make a play on the ball in those situations. He was playing me bump-and-run and I knew we had a chance.” (UH)
"I didn't want to go to overtime. Just looking over at the sideline, everybody was tired, they fought hard and I wanted to end it there. It all came down to who wanted the ball more." (HSB)
"That was the biggest criticism on me, coaches telling me go up and get the ball. So the whole time I saw the ball in the air, that was the No. 1 thing going through my head." (HSB)
"I just wanted to end it right there. The team had worked too hard. They didn't deserve to go into overtime. The team was tired. Luckily, the coach called my name." (HA)
Praising Alexander's throw on his TD, Lane said:
"It was a perfect pass. He couldn't have thrown it any better than that. I just went up and it landed right in my hands." (HA)
About his 1-on-1 battle with CB Evans on the TD, Lane said:
"It didn't come down to executing routes. It came down to who wanted the ball more. I wanted it more than he did." (HA)
HA Note: "Lane had wanted to run a streak pattern several times in the game. But too often, cornerback Mike Evans would force Lane inside. This time, Lane pushed past Evans' jam and raced along the right sideline into the end zone."
About how their theme is "trust" like how the theme last year was "believe", Lane said:
"I just knew Greg would take a shot - there was no other choice but to. We trust in each other, that's our motto. Just how (offensive coordinator Ron) Lee trusted in me to go up and make that play, we trusted each other. Last year it was 'believe,' this year it's 'trust.' " (HSB)
About how Alexander inspired their team in the game, Lane said:
"Talk about inspiring. He was running people over out there. It's people like that making plays like that that inspires the whole team. He hasn't been getting a lot of reps, but he showed a lot of poise out there tonight. He's just a winner." (HA)
About what he told the UH coaches on Monday, Lane said:
"This is my time to step up, to make plays for this team, to play to my capabilities." (HA)
About how he needed to play better, Lane said:
"To tell you the truth, I wasn't playing to my capabilities and I had to step it up for this team." (HA)
"I haven't been playing to my capabilities. I had to step it up. It was my time to lay it on the line for my teammates. They've been doing that for me. It was my time to step it up for them." (HA)
About what he thought when the pass was in the air for the game-winning TD, Lane said:
"I just knew my time had come." (HA)
"All I was thinking was 'go get it! Go get it!' That's it. That's what the coaches have been telling me was the weakest point in my game. I wasn't going up to get the ball. So, that's all I was thinking, 'go up and get it; get that ball.' knew I didn't want (the game) to go into overtime. I knew it was my time to shine." (HA)
HA Note: "Lane came to terms with it himself and then told the coaches as much on Monday, vowing to work harder to become the player they told him he could — and should — be."
About how returning kickoffs got his adrenaline going, Lane said:
"That (returning kickoffs) got my mojo going again. That got me hyped." (HA)
About the success he had on kick returns, Lane said:
“We had so many creases." (HSB)
HA Note: "Lane, who had but 10 pass receptions to show for starts in seven games, caught six passes for 63 yards and, reprising his kickoff return role of last year, had three returns for 115 yards."
.
About how they planned to throw the ball more in this game because they weren't scoring enough points, Mike Washington said:
"The game plan was to throw a lot a balls. We weren't putting enough points on the board, so we went back to that old Hawaii, that run-and-shoot attacking offense and we executed the game plan (McMackin) enforced." (HSB)
About how their game plan used routes like how they used routes last year, which suited him much better than the routes they had called in the other games this year, Washington said:
"At the beginning, I had a lot of flat routes. It's hard to get the ball out of the flat when you have to block and make the turn. But Coach Mack (Greg McMackin) challenged me to make a play. Make the first guy miss and that's what we did. The game plan this week was to attack down field. That's what we're used to. That's what Hawai'i's used to. I made plays today going downfield. I utilized my speed." (HA)
About how not returning punts helped his play at WR, Washington said:
"It did help me concentrate offense. The changes kind of helped this week. It was all for the better." (HA)
About how Alexander played well despite not getting many practice reps, Washington said:
"He just came in and led us down the field the whole second half. It's not easy to do that when you don't get a lot of reps. You have to be mentally strong and focused, and that's what he did." (HA)
.
About the 16-yard pass he received to start their final drive, Ryan Mouton said:
"The route kind of broke down. I saw Greg kind of scrambling. I tried to help him out." (HA)
About playing at slotback and nickle DB, Mouton said:
"I'm exhausted right now. We talk about having that will to win. Coach (McMackin) asked me if I could got on offense and defense. I had to keep pushing. I'm not doing it for myself. I'm doing it for all of the guys in the locker room. They want to win. I want to win just as much as they do." (HA)
.
Crediting the OL for his 9-yard TD run, his first TD since 2006, David Farmer said:
"The O-line blocked, that thing just opened up like the Red Sea. I just happened to be in there. It probably could have been anybody else and they would have been in. I was definitely not going to make a move at the goal line." (HA)
"I want to thank them." (HA)
HA Note: "Running back David Farmer, cleared by two ferocious blocks, scored on a 9-yard run. Center John Estes made the initial block on the middle linebacker who had replaced a defensive tackle. Left guard Laupepa Letuli finished the job."
About the partial tear of his MCL that he suffered in training camp, Farmer said:
"It was serious enough that it sidelined me." (HA)
.
About the win and breaking the UH career tackle record, Solomon Elimimian said:
Solomon Elimimian
“I knew it was going to be a tough game tonight. It feels good to break the tackles record, that was really big to me. But overall this game was had some big moments and we made some plays that we needed to make. The offense really picked up the defense at the end.” (UH)
About how he didn't know when he broke the record, Sol said:
"I didn't know which hit, they told me which hit it was. When the game is going, you don't think about records, you think about winning." (HA)
Happy to have broken the record in a win instead of a loss, Sol said:
"It's icing on the cake. We came out here, we fought, we won. I wouldn't like to win any other way, and the tackling record just comes on top of that. If I got the record (in a loss Oct. 17) at Boise State, I probably wouldn't have been happy." (HA)
About the career tackle record (he now has 373 tackles, passing Levi Stanley's record of 366), Sol said:
"The record means a lot to me, not because of the game, or the season, but the last four years of my life and the memories I shared with the players and coaches who have been through here." (HA)
.
About returning the fumble (caused by David Veikune) for UH's first TD in the game, John Fonoti said:
"I was thinking of jumping on it, but when I saw Brashton (Satele) and David Veikune (occupying offensive players), I picked it up and ran." (HA)
.
Asked about being on crutches after the game, Josh Leonard said:
“My ankle got rolled with about four plays left." (HSB)
.
About his new role as punt returner, Aaron Bain said:
"You just gotta want to make the play. Once you get the ball in your hands you have to keep telling yourself you want to make the play. I don't think there's much difference (mentally) between playing slotback and punt returner." (HA)
About how they worked on their punt returns a lot this week, Bain said:
"We worked on it a lot during the week, so we were scouting the punter and knew he always kicked to his right. I thought we did really well with the blocking and the whole scheme. The coaches made good calls on the returns and where to go with the ball. We got positive yardage so I'm happy." (HA)
HA Note: "With Bain's first return of 12 yards, he surpassed Hawai'i's total yardage for the season. The Warriors averaged -0.3 yards per return — 12 returns for a total of minus four yards — before yesterday's game. He finished with three returns for a total of 25 yards."
About being replaced by Mouton at slotback, Bain said:
"it was cool. We talked about it, everything was positive. I thought (Mouton) did really well. I thought the offense did really good trying to air out the football. They were moving the ball up the field and scoring on the majority of the drives so I thought we did really well." (HA)
.
-------------------- Quotes from the Nevada Coaches ----------------------
.
About how their punt return team hurt their offense in the first half, Nevada Coach Chris Ault said:
“In the first half, our punt return team just killed us. We never had field position. It’s very difficult to win the game playing from inside the five.” (UH, RGJ)
About how bad field position stopped their offense, Ault said:
"It all goes back to field position. I don't think our punt-return team fielded a punt all night. It's tough to run your game plan when you're backed up inside your 10-yard line, and I don't know how many times we started back there. That really put our back to the wall." (HSB)
About how their poor kickoff coverage stopped their momentum in the 2nd half, Ault said:
“The kickoff coverage, I don’t know how many returns they had that put them in great field position. There’s just no excuse for that.” (RGJ)
RGJ Note: "In the second half, the kick-coverage team took over. Nevada’s first three kickoffs of the second half – the latter two after the Pack had climbed back from that 31-17 deficit – were returned to the Hawaii 36 and to the Nevada 49 twice. Each one seemed to kill the momentum the Pack hard worked hard to gain."
About how they lost a lot of sack chances due to missed tackles, Ault said:
“The missed tackles, we had them sacked. Especially the last series here, we had him sacked three times and didn’t make the tackles. It’s tough. No excuses.” (UH)
About UH's final drive, Ault said:
“They did a nice job. They went with a screen game. It’s 31-31, we kick off and we got them pinned back and then we miss tackles. We had him sacked. Then they came up with a couple big plays and the next thing you know our backs are to the wall.” (UH)
“In the second half they went to their screen game to give them some confidence and they did a nice job there. But when we had them sacked, especially in that last series, we had them sacked two, maybe three times, and didn’t make the tackles. (Alexander) came up with some big plays. Next thing you know our backs are against the wall.” (RGJ)
About the loss, Ault said:
“Again, any loss is disappointing. This makes it especially disappointing coming back (from behind) like we did. We tie it up and all you got to do is hold them for whatever time it was. How we didn’t sack them and they threw the same corner route – I want to say four times – and they made big plays.” (UH)
About how their D played well in the first half and their offense played well when they started with decent field position, Ault said:
“Defensively, in the first half, we were just excellent and sporadic on offense because of field position. Second half it was a different story because the offense moved the ball and defense threw us in some real tough spots.” (UH)
“The defense in the first half was just excellent." (RGJ)
About how their turnovers cost them, Ault said:
“The two turnovers, that was 14 points and they cashed in on both of them. I don’t know how many times we were inside the 10. Our punt return guys, I don’t think they fielded a punt all night. I don’t think they fielded one punt all night.” (UH)
About their chances now for a WAC title or bowl game, Ault said:
“It’s real tough. Our backs are against the wall, there’s no question about it. Any loss is disappointing, this one especially, especially when you come back like we did. All we’ve got to do is hold them.” (RGJ)
.
--------------------- Quotes from the Nevada Players -------------------------
.
About the loss, QB Colin Kaepernick said:
"Too many missed opportunities on offense, defense and special teams." (HSB)
Standing behind his D, Kaepernick said:
"They (the Wolf Pack defense) played as hard as they can. Everybody makes mistakes. We all stand behind them." (HSB)
About how they are still playing for a possible WAC title and a bowl game, Kaepernick said:
"We're still playing for the WAC title, whether it's in our hands or not. Or a bowl game. We're not going to send our seniors out without at least a bowl game. If we come together as a team, we can pull it out." (HSB)
“It was too many missed opportunities on offense, defense and special teams. We didn’t play like we could today. We’re still playing for a WAC championship whether it’s in our hands or not, and we’re still playing for a bowl game. We’re not going to send our seniors out with a loss like this or a losing season.” (RGJ)
.
About their fumbles that led to 14 points for UH, Vai Taua said:
"We've got to be able to pull this kind of game out. I fumbled the ball away and Colin fumbled (in the first half, leading to 14 UH points). I blame myself for giving up the ball and that was seven points right there. No way can I consider myself having a good game." (HSB)
About how their offense felt on the sidelines on UH's final drive, Taua said:
"The feeling on the bench was hope. Hope for a stop and get another chance. Just one more try, that's all we could ask for." (HSB)
About losing another close game, Taua said:
“It’s getting old. We’ve got to be able to pull these close ones out.” (RGJ)
RGJ Note: "The Wolf Pack, which is beginning to make a habit of losing close games, had two 100-yard rushers, piled up nearly 500 yards of offense, limited the Hawaii Warriors to 28 rushing yards, intercepted two passes and had six quarterback sacks."
.
About their success on D until Alexander came in, DE Dontay Moch said:
“The key was to put pressure on them in the backfield and make them throw a bad ball. And we wanted to shut down the run so they had nothing else to resort to.” (RGJ)
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Pregame quotes for the UH-Nevada game
About how in the last days they lost Pilares to injury, Ikaika Malloe needed an emergency appendectomy, Tui Tuiasosopo had surgery due to side effects from an infection, and WR Jovonte Taylor withdrew from school after losing more than 20 pounds from a viral infection, Mac said:
"It's been tough." (HA)
Mac said that those type of things are part of life, but self-created mistakes on the field:
"are not acceptable." (HA)
HA Note: "McMackin confirmed that a lack of productivity in post-catch running prompted some of the changes. Against Boise State, the Warriors' yard-after-catch (YAC) average was 3.94 yards. The starting receivers dropped five passes."
About how they need to cut down on their mistakes, Mac said:
"There are always going to be mistakes. But we can't have big mistakes." (HA)
About all of the changes they made, Mac said:
"We've worked very hard this week, and the fans will see that." (HA)
HA Note: "Malloe said Antwan "Tua" Mahaley will be the wedge-setter, a position aligned on the right hash, at about the 25. Mahaley actually earned the job because of his work as a wedge-buster. Mahaley had volunteered to play on the scout kickoff team. On a kickoff, he raced downfield and floored a wedge-setter."
About Tua Mahaley as their wedge-setter, Malloe said:
"He wasn't intimidated." (HA)
"Tua deserves it. He's worked really hard." (HA)
About how this game is critical for them, Mac said:
"This is a very important and very crucial game for us. We're at home. We're playing a good football team. And we need to win at home." (HA)
Mac said that the Warriors are in a:
"position where we have to win out. It's important for us to get better every game and go to a bowl game. This (game) is in our way. This team is coming over to keep us from our goal." (HA)
About Nevada's Pistol offense, Rich Miano said:
"That offense keeps you up at night." (HA)
About the Pistol offense, Adam Leonard said:
"(The pistol) gives the offensive line opportunities to move the line of scrimmage and the running back a chance to read the gaps as the holes develop." (HSB)
Mac said that Nevada's offense (44 points or more in their last 4 games):
"could be one of the best offenses we've played." (HSB)
About QB Colin Kaepernick, Miano said:
"He does look like Vince Young. I'm not saying he's a first-round draft pick. I'm not saying he's gonna be a pro's pro. I'm saying he's the best at what he does in college football. He's phenomenal." (HA)
"That quarterback is such a threat every time he's on the perimeter. He can throw it, and the receivers are good enough to beat you. ... I put (Kaepernick) in the 'freak' category. Very few people get in the freak category." (HA)
About Kaepernick, Adam Leonard said:
"To have a quarterback develop in the passing game and be an awesome runner gives them a different aspect." (HSB)
Comparing Kaepernick to Tebow, Sol said:
"(Kaepernick's) definitely similar. He's a dual-threat quarterback and he has a great football mind. He's right up there with them." (HSB)
About Sol's responsibility on D, Mac said:
"As a middle linebacker you're pretty keyed into the quarterback. He's pretty important in controlling any running game." (HSB)
About how they need more playmakers on offense, Mac said:
"Right now, we have one receiver (left wideout Greg Salas) making plays. I know what I'd do. I'd double him and single up on everybody else. ... We've got to get playmakers out there." (HA)
HA Note: "The Warriors are making some personnel changes at the receiver positions, as well as implementing some new schemes that they test drove during training camp but have yet to use in games. The plans won't include running back/slotback Kealoha Pilares, who yesterday was wearing a walking boot to protect a sprained right foot. There will be some surprise replacements. While quarterback Funaki, 3-2 as a starter, will be in the opening lineup, there are packages ready for what McMackin describes as a "pure passer.""
HA Note: "Defensive tackle Keala Watson had a breakout first quarter against Boise State before leaving with a busted lip (that required two stitches) and then a sprained knee. The lip actually was more troublesome because Watson suffers from von Willebrand's disease in which his blood does not clot quickly. But thanks to a dose of desmopressin (DDAVP), a synthetic hormone that helped stop the bleeding, he was able to return."
About how Ikaika Malloe will coach from the booth despite having an emergency appendectomy on Wednesday, Mac said:
"he's going to coach from the booth so he doesn't get accidentally hit on the sideline." (HA)
About how they need to win this game, Adam Leonard said:
"Games at home are must wins. You've got to protect your house." (HSB)
"It's been tough." (HA)
Mac said that those type of things are part of life, but self-created mistakes on the field:
"are not acceptable." (HA)
HA Note: "McMackin confirmed that a lack of productivity in post-catch running prompted some of the changes. Against Boise State, the Warriors' yard-after-catch (YAC) average was 3.94 yards. The starting receivers dropped five passes."
About how they need to cut down on their mistakes, Mac said:
"There are always going to be mistakes. But we can't have big mistakes." (HA)
About all of the changes they made, Mac said:
"We've worked very hard this week, and the fans will see that." (HA)
HA Note: "Malloe said Antwan "Tua" Mahaley will be the wedge-setter, a position aligned on the right hash, at about the 25. Mahaley actually earned the job because of his work as a wedge-buster. Mahaley had volunteered to play on the scout kickoff team. On a kickoff, he raced downfield and floored a wedge-setter."
About Tua Mahaley as their wedge-setter, Malloe said:
"He wasn't intimidated." (HA)
"Tua deserves it. He's worked really hard." (HA)
About how this game is critical for them, Mac said:
"This is a very important and very crucial game for us. We're at home. We're playing a good football team. And we need to win at home." (HA)
Mac said that the Warriors are in a:
"position where we have to win out. It's important for us to get better every game and go to a bowl game. This (game) is in our way. This team is coming over to keep us from our goal." (HA)
About Nevada's Pistol offense, Rich Miano said:
"That offense keeps you up at night." (HA)
About the Pistol offense, Adam Leonard said:
"(The pistol) gives the offensive line opportunities to move the line of scrimmage and the running back a chance to read the gaps as the holes develop." (HSB)
Mac said that Nevada's offense (44 points or more in their last 4 games):
"could be one of the best offenses we've played." (HSB)
About QB Colin Kaepernick, Miano said:
"He does look like Vince Young. I'm not saying he's a first-round draft pick. I'm not saying he's gonna be a pro's pro. I'm saying he's the best at what he does in college football. He's phenomenal." (HA)
"That quarterback is such a threat every time he's on the perimeter. He can throw it, and the receivers are good enough to beat you. ... I put (Kaepernick) in the 'freak' category. Very few people get in the freak category." (HA)
About Kaepernick, Adam Leonard said:
"To have a quarterback develop in the passing game and be an awesome runner gives them a different aspect." (HSB)
Comparing Kaepernick to Tebow, Sol said:
"(Kaepernick's) definitely similar. He's a dual-threat quarterback and he has a great football mind. He's right up there with them." (HSB)
About Sol's responsibility on D, Mac said:
"As a middle linebacker you're pretty keyed into the quarterback. He's pretty important in controlling any running game." (HSB)
About how they need more playmakers on offense, Mac said:
"Right now, we have one receiver (left wideout Greg Salas) making plays. I know what I'd do. I'd double him and single up on everybody else. ... We've got to get playmakers out there." (HA)
HA Note: "The Warriors are making some personnel changes at the receiver positions, as well as implementing some new schemes that they test drove during training camp but have yet to use in games. The plans won't include running back/slotback Kealoha Pilares, who yesterday was wearing a walking boot to protect a sprained right foot. There will be some surprise replacements. While quarterback Funaki, 3-2 as a starter, will be in the opening lineup, there are packages ready for what McMackin describes as a "pure passer.""
HA Note: "Defensive tackle Keala Watson had a breakout first quarter against Boise State before leaving with a busted lip (that required two stitches) and then a sprained knee. The lip actually was more troublesome because Watson suffers from von Willebrand's disease in which his blood does not clot quickly. But thanks to a dose of desmopressin (DDAVP), a synthetic hormone that helped stop the bleeding, he was able to return."
About how Ikaika Malloe will coach from the booth despite having an emergency appendectomy on Wednesday, Mac said:
"he's going to coach from the booth so he doesn't get accidentally hit on the sideline." (HA)
About how they need to win this game, Adam Leonard said:
"Games at home are must wins. You've got to protect your house." (HSB)
Friday, October 24, 2008
Feature on Mac in the Reno Gazette-Journal
RGJ = Reno Gazette-Journal
About his great respect for Mac, Sol Elimimian said:
"He's totally different than Coach Jones or any other head coach I've been around. He's real, real sincere. He means what he says. I have a lot of respect for him." (RGJ)
About how Mac's personality is different than JJ, Inoke said:
"He's different. He's got a different personality (than Jones). He's very personable. He tries to get to know everybody on the team as individuals. A lot of guys look to him as a good influence, not only on the football field, but off the field and in school. He's a good guy." (RGJ)
About how Mac cares about his players, Sol said:
"Coach Mack is real concerned about how you're doing as a person. When you have a conversation with him, it's not just, 'How you doin'?' and then he walks away. He's a great person." (RGJ)
Ray Lewis (Mac was his defensive coordinator at Miami) said that Mac is:
"... probably one of the greatest men I have met in my entire life." (RGJ)
About their struggles to start the season, Mac said:
"We're not going to panic, but there's a sense of urgency. We have to check everything, and I talked to everybody about self-evaluating every little thing. We're at the point where we have to look at all the little things, because those little things make a difference." (RGJ)
About how his team still believes in what they are doing, Mac said:
"If our guys wanted to jump off board, they would've done it after the San Jose game. I believe in our players, I believe in our coaches, and I believe in our fans." (RGJ)
About how Mac's passion for football get his team fired up, Sol said:
"He's the biggest competitor I've ever been around. He wants to win. He'll do anything to win. As players, we respect him for that. He gets fired up during game days. He's real emotional. His passion for football comes out." (RGJ)
About his great respect for Mac, Sol Elimimian said:
"He's totally different than Coach Jones or any other head coach I've been around. He's real, real sincere. He means what he says. I have a lot of respect for him." (RGJ)
About how Mac's personality is different than JJ, Inoke said:
"He's different. He's got a different personality (than Jones). He's very personable. He tries to get to know everybody on the team as individuals. A lot of guys look to him as a good influence, not only on the football field, but off the field and in school. He's a good guy." (RGJ)
About how Mac cares about his players, Sol said:
"Coach Mack is real concerned about how you're doing as a person. When you have a conversation with him, it's not just, 'How you doin'?' and then he walks away. He's a great person." (RGJ)
Ray Lewis (Mac was his defensive coordinator at Miami) said that Mac is:
"... probably one of the greatest men I have met in my entire life." (RGJ)
About their struggles to start the season, Mac said:
"We're not going to panic, but there's a sense of urgency. We have to check everything, and I talked to everybody about self-evaluating every little thing. We're at the point where we have to look at all the little things, because those little things make a difference." (RGJ)
About how his team still believes in what they are doing, Mac said:
"If our guys wanted to jump off board, they would've done it after the San Jose game. I believe in our players, I believe in our coaches, and I believe in our fans." (RGJ)
About how Mac's passion for football get his team fired up, Sol said:
"He's the biggest competitor I've ever been around. He wants to win. He'll do anything to win. As players, we respect him for that. He gets fired up during game days. He's real emotional. His passion for football comes out." (RGJ)
Ikaika Malloe had an appendectomy Wednesday
Asked how he felt after his appendectomy yesterday, special teams coordinator Ikaika Malloe said:
"I feel good." (HA)
Malloe wanted to attend yesterday's practice, but:
"the doctor looked at me kind of weird." (HA)
About how he started feeling discomfort near the end of Wednesday morning's practice, Malloe said:
"My stomach was hurting. At the 4 o'clock meeting, things got really bad. The right side of my stomach had a piercing feeling." (HA)
HA Note: "After the meeting, he consulted with the team physician, Dr. Andrew Nichols, who ordered Malloe to go to the hospital immediately. After a CAT scan showed the inflamed appendix, Malloe underwent the one-hour appendectomy."
About his surgery, Malloe said:
"The surgery went well. I can walk OK." (HA)
About how he agreed with the doctor and rejected Malloe's request to attend yesterday's practice, Mac said:
"I told him, 'No, stay home and take care of yourself.' " (HA)
"He's OK. I talked to him this morning. I told him to rest and take care of himself. He's so tough he probably wants to come back right away, but I want him to take care of himself." (HSB)
About how Malloe gave him instructions to help him take his role in practice, Rich Miano said that Malloe is:
"such a pro about this. He called. He text-messaged. He gave instructions on what to do for the whole thing." (HA)
HA Note: "Malloe has been instrumental this week in restructuring special teams. Malcolm Lane and Aaron Bain will handle kickoff and punt returns, respectively. The Warriors also are auditioning a replacement for Victor Clore, who was a key wedge blocker on kickoff returns. Clore has a knee injury."
Praising Malloe, Victor Clore said:
"Coach (Malloe) is a great guy, a great coach. He's a player's coach. I can relate to him." (HA)
C.J. Allen-Jones said that Malloe is:
"a good man, very intense. He gets me fired up to play special teams." (HA)
Hoping that he can attend today's walk-through, Malloe said:
"I can't stay away from football." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Assistant head coach George Lumpkin ran the special teams periods in Malloe's place yesterday. Dave Aranda, who normally focuses on defensive ends, handled the defensive line."
"I feel good." (HA)
Malloe wanted to attend yesterday's practice, but:
"the doctor looked at me kind of weird." (HA)
About how he started feeling discomfort near the end of Wednesday morning's practice, Malloe said:
"My stomach was hurting. At the 4 o'clock meeting, things got really bad. The right side of my stomach had a piercing feeling." (HA)
HA Note: "After the meeting, he consulted with the team physician, Dr. Andrew Nichols, who ordered Malloe to go to the hospital immediately. After a CAT scan showed the inflamed appendix, Malloe underwent the one-hour appendectomy."
About his surgery, Malloe said:
"The surgery went well. I can walk OK." (HA)
About how he agreed with the doctor and rejected Malloe's request to attend yesterday's practice, Mac said:
"I told him, 'No, stay home and take care of yourself.' " (HA)
"He's OK. I talked to him this morning. I told him to rest and take care of himself. He's so tough he probably wants to come back right away, but I want him to take care of himself." (HSB)
About how Malloe gave him instructions to help him take his role in practice, Rich Miano said that Malloe is:
"such a pro about this. He called. He text-messaged. He gave instructions on what to do for the whole thing." (HA)
HA Note: "Malloe has been instrumental this week in restructuring special teams. Malcolm Lane and Aaron Bain will handle kickoff and punt returns, respectively. The Warriors also are auditioning a replacement for Victor Clore, who was a key wedge blocker on kickoff returns. Clore has a knee injury."
Praising Malloe, Victor Clore said:
"Coach (Malloe) is a great guy, a great coach. He's a player's coach. I can relate to him." (HA)
C.J. Allen-Jones said that Malloe is:
"a good man, very intense. He gets me fired up to play special teams." (HA)
Hoping that he can attend today's walk-through, Malloe said:
"I can't stay away from football." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Assistant head coach George Lumpkin ran the special teams periods in Malloe's place yesterday. Dave Aranda, who normally focuses on defensive ends, handled the defensive line."
Other quotes from the local papers
About Greg Salas, who has been nicknamed "Greg Moss" (referring to Randy Moss), Mac said:
"He makes plays, unbelievable plays. He can catch it with one hand. He's around the football. He's got great size, and a great attitude." (HA)
HA Note: "The past two games, the 6-foot-2 third-year sophomore has eight catches for 162 yards, accounting for 36 percent of the Warriors' receiving yards. Salas has benefitted from more playing time — this is his first year as a starter — and an intensive offseason training program. He worked out with personal trainers in California, going through a weight-training program focused on bench presses, squats and power cleans. He now weighs 200 pounds, 15 more than his weight when he first enrolled at UH in August 2006."
About the importance of the weight-training that he did in the offseason, Salas said:
"My first year, I used to get jammed a lot on the line. Coming to college, those corners are bigger, and they're physical. They'll try to get in your face. You can't let them do that. Getting bigger was definitely a goal of mine." (HA)
About improving his runs after the catch, Salas said:
"You have to make the most of your opportunity. You have to get extra yards out of the 8-yard routes. You have to push up field. You have to get as much as you can. You don't know when you're going to catch a ball again." (HA)
HA Note: "There's one change that his roommate, Rick Taylor, wishes Salas had not made. Taylor wears a shirt with the words "tres" and "seis" — "3" and "6" — on the back. Salas switched from No. 36 last season to No. 1 this year."
Wishing that Salas would use #36 again instead of #1, Rick Taylor said:
"I told him he needs to go back to 36. It's a funny receiver number." (HA)
About how he doesn't think about his game-winning kick at Nevada last year unless someone brings it up, Dan Kelly said:
"From time to time I get reminded of it by other people, but I don't dwell on the past." (HSB)
About his success last year, Kelly said:
"Last year was a really good year when I just didn't think to much and just played my game and did whatever." (HSB)
Asked how he keeps from getting caught up in the moment as he prepares to kick, Kelly said:
"You just really have to be able to tune stuff out. It's not like you can think about not thinking. It's just something where you don't concern yourself with anything. It's just a mind-set coming into the game, you can't just turn it on and off." (HSB)
"He makes plays, unbelievable plays. He can catch it with one hand. He's around the football. He's got great size, and a great attitude." (HA)
HA Note: "The past two games, the 6-foot-2 third-year sophomore has eight catches for 162 yards, accounting for 36 percent of the Warriors' receiving yards. Salas has benefitted from more playing time — this is his first year as a starter — and an intensive offseason training program. He worked out with personal trainers in California, going through a weight-training program focused on bench presses, squats and power cleans. He now weighs 200 pounds, 15 more than his weight when he first enrolled at UH in August 2006."
About the importance of the weight-training that he did in the offseason, Salas said:
"My first year, I used to get jammed a lot on the line. Coming to college, those corners are bigger, and they're physical. They'll try to get in your face. You can't let them do that. Getting bigger was definitely a goal of mine." (HA)
About improving his runs after the catch, Salas said:
"You have to make the most of your opportunity. You have to get extra yards out of the 8-yard routes. You have to push up field. You have to get as much as you can. You don't know when you're going to catch a ball again." (HA)
HA Note: "There's one change that his roommate, Rick Taylor, wishes Salas had not made. Taylor wears a shirt with the words "tres" and "seis" — "3" and "6" — on the back. Salas switched from No. 36 last season to No. 1 this year."
Wishing that Salas would use #36 again instead of #1, Rick Taylor said:
"I told him he needs to go back to 36. It's a funny receiver number." (HA)
About how he doesn't think about his game-winning kick at Nevada last year unless someone brings it up, Dan Kelly said:
"From time to time I get reminded of it by other people, but I don't dwell on the past." (HSB)
About his success last year, Kelly said:
"Last year was a really good year when I just didn't think to much and just played my game and did whatever." (HSB)
Asked how he keeps from getting caught up in the moment as he prepares to kick, Kelly said:
"You just really have to be able to tune stuff out. It's not like you can think about not thinking. It's just something where you don't concern yourself with anything. It's just a mind-set coming into the game, you can't just turn it on and off." (HSB)
Sol is about to set the UH career tackle record
Comparing DL Levi Stanley and LB Sol, George Lumpkin said:
"Levi was just a great technician. He was very strong -- he'd hit, shed the guy and make the tackle. And Solomon is definitely a technician. He keeps his body squared up on the ball, he reads very well, he gets off blocks very well." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Warriors' current assistant head coach played with Stanley in the early 1970s and has watched Elimimian's growth as a leader of the Hawaii defense over the past four years."
HSB Note: "Elimimian enters tomorrow's Western Athletic Conference game against Nevada with 363 stops, three shy of Stanley's career total."
Praising Stanley, who held the career tackle record for close to 35 years, Sol said:
"When I heard he was a defensive lineman making that many tackles, that's incredible. I tip my hat off to him." (HSB)
Sol said that when he reflects on his UH career what he'll recall is how he suited up on Saturday even though on Fridays:
"when my body was telling me no. More than the record, that's something I'll remember, the fact that when I couldn't do it, God enabled me to do it. That's more important than the record, it's the lessons I've learned throughout my journey." (HSB)
About Nevada's tough running game, Sol said:
"It's a big challenge because they're physical. We have to rise to the occasion and play a physical ballgame." (HSB)
About how he's most concerned with making the Hawaii Bowl, Sol said:
"That's my No. 1 priority right now, get to the bowl game and finishing these last six games hard. That's what I'm fighting for and that's what we're all fighting for." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Elimimian's run at Stanley's mark is a by-product of 42 starts -- including the last 31 straight games -- since 2005, when the Crenshaw (Los Angeles) High grad came to Hawaii almost "by default." He reluctantly chose to accept Hawaii's scholarship offer over attending San Diego State, following older brother and former All-WAC cornerback Abraham Elimimian, who had just finished his Warrior career."
About how he didn't really want to come to UH, Sol said:
"Four years ago it wasn't my decision to come to Hawaii. If you asked me if I wanted to come here I would have told you no, honestly." (HSB)
HSB Noet: "Along the way, he found comfort in his place in Hawaii and on the team. Now a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and leader of a post-practice prayer group, Elimimian also grew in his faith with the help of assistant head coach George Lumpkin, who invited him to church early on, and in his relationship with his older brother."
About how going to UH resulted in a close relationship with his brother, Sol said:
"Abe's probably my best friend. It's crazy, because before I came to Hawaii, we didn't talk really that much. Five years apart, he's the oldest, I'm the youngest, we didn't talk that much. Now that I'm here, he understands what I go through and we talk almost every day. In those tough times, I talk to God and I talk to my brother." (HSB)
About how they moved Sol to OLB earlier but now are moving back to MLB with Brashton injured, Mac said:
"We were in a situation where we wanted to play our three best 'backers when Brashton was healthy, so he was a team guy and went outside. But he's more comfortable inside." (HSB)
Not caring what position UH needs him to play, Sol said:
"I'm just blessed to have the opportunity to play. A lot of people want to be in my shoes, so for me to be playing outside, it's nothing." (HSB)
"Levi was just a great technician. He was very strong -- he'd hit, shed the guy and make the tackle. And Solomon is definitely a technician. He keeps his body squared up on the ball, he reads very well, he gets off blocks very well." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Warriors' current assistant head coach played with Stanley in the early 1970s and has watched Elimimian's growth as a leader of the Hawaii defense over the past four years."
HSB Note: "Elimimian enters tomorrow's Western Athletic Conference game against Nevada with 363 stops, three shy of Stanley's career total."
Praising Stanley, who held the career tackle record for close to 35 years, Sol said:
"When I heard he was a defensive lineman making that many tackles, that's incredible. I tip my hat off to him." (HSB)
Sol said that when he reflects on his UH career what he'll recall is how he suited up on Saturday even though on Fridays:
"when my body was telling me no. More than the record, that's something I'll remember, the fact that when I couldn't do it, God enabled me to do it. That's more important than the record, it's the lessons I've learned throughout my journey." (HSB)
About Nevada's tough running game, Sol said:
"It's a big challenge because they're physical. We have to rise to the occasion and play a physical ballgame." (HSB)
About how he's most concerned with making the Hawaii Bowl, Sol said:
"That's my No. 1 priority right now, get to the bowl game and finishing these last six games hard. That's what I'm fighting for and that's what we're all fighting for." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Elimimian's run at Stanley's mark is a by-product of 42 starts -- including the last 31 straight games -- since 2005, when the Crenshaw (Los Angeles) High grad came to Hawaii almost "by default." He reluctantly chose to accept Hawaii's scholarship offer over attending San Diego State, following older brother and former All-WAC cornerback Abraham Elimimian, who had just finished his Warrior career."
About how he didn't really want to come to UH, Sol said:
"Four years ago it wasn't my decision to come to Hawaii. If you asked me if I wanted to come here I would have told you no, honestly." (HSB)
HSB Noet: "Along the way, he found comfort in his place in Hawaii and on the team. Now a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and leader of a post-practice prayer group, Elimimian also grew in his faith with the help of assistant head coach George Lumpkin, who invited him to church early on, and in his relationship with his older brother."
About how going to UH resulted in a close relationship with his brother, Sol said:
"Abe's probably my best friend. It's crazy, because before I came to Hawaii, we didn't talk really that much. Five years apart, he's the oldest, I'm the youngest, we didn't talk that much. Now that I'm here, he understands what I go through and we talk almost every day. In those tough times, I talk to God and I talk to my brother." (HSB)
About how they moved Sol to OLB earlier but now are moving back to MLB with Brashton injured, Mac said:
"We were in a situation where we wanted to play our three best 'backers when Brashton was healthy, so he was a team guy and went outside. But he's more comfortable inside." (HSB)
Not caring what position UH needs him to play, Sol said:
"I'm just blessed to have the opportunity to play. A lot of people want to be in my shoes, so for me to be playing outside, it's nothing." (HSB)
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Feature story on R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane
Hawai'i's version of Iron Man, unlike his cinematic counterpart, derives his drive from his own heart.
"He has so much passion and energy for the game," UH linebackers coach Cal Lee said of fourth-year junior R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane.
Kiesel-Kauhane, who will start his third consecutive game Saturday against Nevada, credits his football development to his dependency on iron.
When he was in the eighth grade, encouraged by both his father (Richard Kauhane) and step-father (Charles Ka'ahanui), Kiesel-Kauhane began weight training. He started by using a weight set in the back of Ka'ahanui's house.
Ka'ahanui then enrolled Kiesel-Kauhane in a weight-training program administered by the 'Aiea 4-H Club.
One of the club's elders emphasized core training.
"He used to make me do upside-down crunches," Kiesel-Kauhane remembered. "It was all abs, abs, abs. He said, 'if your abs are weak, the other stuff won't matter.' He always made sure we did abs first before we did other things."
As an 'Aiea High School junior, Kiesel-Kauhane bench pressed 300 pounds for the first time.
"I didn't think about that," Kiesel-Kauhane said. "I wanted to beat 400 (pounds). My step-dad always told me, 'You need to do 400 before you finish high school.' "
He reached that milestone during his senior year.
"It was a rush," Kiesel-Kauhane said of the 400-pound bench press.
It also was mathematically remarkable. At the time, Kiesel-Kauhane weighed 195 pounds.
Kiesel-Kauhane, who is now 5 feet 11 and 225 pounds, maintained his iron diet at UH. In March, he bench pressed 455 pounds, tying defensive end David Veikune for the heaviest lift among the Warriors.
He believes a 500-pound bench press "is possible. That's my goal."
The bench marks, it is believed, helped Kiesel-Kauhane ascend the depth chart. He became one of the top members of the special-team units last year.
This season, a series of injuries and shifts helped Kiesel-Kauhane break into the starting lineup.
His cousin, outside linebacker Blaze Soares, suffered a calf injury during training camp. Solomon Elimimian moved from the middle to the outside. Brashton Satele then became the middle linebacker. When outside linebacker Adam Leonard missed the Fresno State game because of a leg injury, Kiesel-Kauhane made his first start since 2004, when he was an 'Aiea senior.
Satele's shoulder injury set off a chain reaction in which Elimimian moved back to the middle and Kiesel-Kauhane remained in the lineup at the outside linebacker position opposite Leonard.
"He did it the right way," head coach Greg McMackin said. "He's a program guy. He showed he can make plays on special teams. Then he got some looks on defense. Then he made plays there, and now he moves up. He's a great character guy."
McMackin praised Lee for helping Kiesel-Kauhane "work on his technique. He's turned into a really good linebacker. He's a hard-working tough kid. His lifting made him faster and stronger."
Kiesel-Kauhane said: "I paid my dues, I guess you could say. But I still have to get my confidence and playing ability up."
"He has so much passion and energy for the game," UH linebackers coach Cal Lee said of fourth-year junior R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane.
Kiesel-Kauhane, who will start his third consecutive game Saturday against Nevada, credits his football development to his dependency on iron.
When he was in the eighth grade, encouraged by both his father (Richard Kauhane) and step-father (Charles Ka'ahanui), Kiesel-Kauhane began weight training. He started by using a weight set in the back of Ka'ahanui's house.
Ka'ahanui then enrolled Kiesel-Kauhane in a weight-training program administered by the 'Aiea 4-H Club.
One of the club's elders emphasized core training.
"He used to make me do upside-down crunches," Kiesel-Kauhane remembered. "It was all abs, abs, abs. He said, 'if your abs are weak, the other stuff won't matter.' He always made sure we did abs first before we did other things."
As an 'Aiea High School junior, Kiesel-Kauhane bench pressed 300 pounds for the first time.
"I didn't think about that," Kiesel-Kauhane said. "I wanted to beat 400 (pounds). My step-dad always told me, 'You need to do 400 before you finish high school.' "
He reached that milestone during his senior year.
"It was a rush," Kiesel-Kauhane said of the 400-pound bench press.
It also was mathematically remarkable. At the time, Kiesel-Kauhane weighed 195 pounds.
Kiesel-Kauhane, who is now 5 feet 11 and 225 pounds, maintained his iron diet at UH. In March, he bench pressed 455 pounds, tying defensive end David Veikune for the heaviest lift among the Warriors.
He believes a 500-pound bench press "is possible. That's my goal."
The bench marks, it is believed, helped Kiesel-Kauhane ascend the depth chart. He became one of the top members of the special-team units last year.
This season, a series of injuries and shifts helped Kiesel-Kauhane break into the starting lineup.
His cousin, outside linebacker Blaze Soares, suffered a calf injury during training camp. Solomon Elimimian moved from the middle to the outside. Brashton Satele then became the middle linebacker. When outside linebacker Adam Leonard missed the Fresno State game because of a leg injury, Kiesel-Kauhane made his first start since 2004, when he was an 'Aiea senior.
Satele's shoulder injury set off a chain reaction in which Elimimian moved back to the middle and Kiesel-Kauhane remained in the lineup at the outside linebacker position opposite Leonard.
"He did it the right way," head coach Greg McMackin said. "He's a program guy. He showed he can make plays on special teams. Then he got some looks on defense. Then he made plays there, and now he moves up. He's a great character guy."
McMackin praised Lee for helping Kiesel-Kauhane "work on his technique. He's turned into a really good linebacker. He's a hard-working tough kid. His lifting made him faster and stronger."
Kiesel-Kauhane said: "I paid my dues, I guess you could say. But I still have to get my confidence and playing ability up."
Other quotes from the local papers
About how UH needs a wedge blocker to replace the loss of Victor Clore, special teams coordinator Ikaika Malloe said:
"When we lost Victor, we lost a big part of our wedge. He was the wedge setter. We fed off of him. With him out of it, you almost took the soul out of the wedge." (HA)
"Victor's really the heart and soul of our wedge. Just his leadership skill and tenacity in hitting it." (HSB)
HA Note: "Defensive end C.J. Allen-Jones is the leading candidate to replace Clore this week. Defensive tackle Tuika Tufaga and defensive end Antwan "Tua" Mahaley also are auditioning. The wedge setter is aligned at about the 25, on the right hash. The goal is to "re-direct" — bump off course but not engage in a block — on-coming defenders. Of the three candidates, Allen-Jones is the fastest. Tufaga is the bigger hitter, although Mahaley had a big block yesterday."
About how he receives inspiration from DE John Fonoti and DT Fale Laeli, Tuika Tufaga said:
"They make you want to run down the field and knock somebody out." (HA)
About Tufaga, Clore said:
"He's a hard-headed guy. He's from Kahuku. They build them tough out there." (HA)
About possibly replacing Clore, C.J. Allen-Jones said:
"I want to help make this team successful on that side of the ball. We need more yards. We need to score more touchdowns. We need better field position for our offense. Victor did a good job. Unfortunately, he got injured. Somebody has to move up." (HA)
About how Kaleo Wong is also an option to replace Clore, Malloe said of Wong:
"A no-nonsense guy who'll definitely crush your head." (HSB)
About using Aaron Bain to return punts, Malloe said:
"He's one of our better hands, we want him to catch the ball first and hopefully with the scheme we have we can get him to a return." (HSB)
About how the are more worried about this year's Warriors than the Warrior team that beat them in Reno last year, Nevada coach Chris Ault said:
"That was last year. We've moved on and you don't want to look in the rearview mirror." (HSB)
About Nevada's excellent offense (2nd in the country in rushing, 6th in total offense, WAC-best 38.9 points per game), Mac said:
"Everybody's been having trouble defending them because they're very talented and they have a good scheme." (HSB)
HSB Note: 'Wolf Pack quarterback Colin Kaepernick and running back Vai Taua have combined to power a Nevada attack that comes to town this weekend sporting some of the nation's gaudiest numbers."
About how they still need to get better on offense, Ault said:
"We're a good offense, but we've still got a ways to go. We still make some fundamental mistakes that we need to correct." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Even with Luke Lippincott, last year's WAC rushing champion, out with a season-ending knee injury, the Wolf Pack offense hasn't broken stride in running to the top of the WAC and national rankings. At 305.3 rushing yards per game, the Wolf Pack are on pace to break the school's single-season record of 3,096 yards set in 1978."
About how the pistol formation provides two running threats, Mac said:
"What (the pistol) does is it's a two-back offense because the quarterback's just as talented as a runner as any backs we've faced, maybe more so." (HSB)
About Kaepernick's improved passing ability (62.5% completions this year, 54% last year), Ault said:
"He's throwing the ball with more accuracy and he's just more comfortable in the offense." (HSB)
About how they relied on Kaepernick's struggles with passing last year, Adam Leonard said:
"Last year it was part of our game plan to put him into passing situations. This year from the velocity on his ball and the throws he's been making, you can definitely see a drastic improvement." (HSB)
About how Taua has replaced Lippincott well, Ault said:
"(Taua) really has been a pleasant surprise. He just has really good balance, that's one of the biggest things and he has good change of direction." (HSB)
About the challenge of facing a running team like Nevada, Adam Leonard said:
"For a linebacker, a team that loves to run, that's a direct challenge to you and the linemen in front of you." (HSB)
"When we lost Victor, we lost a big part of our wedge. He was the wedge setter. We fed off of him. With him out of it, you almost took the soul out of the wedge." (HA)
"Victor's really the heart and soul of our wedge. Just his leadership skill and tenacity in hitting it." (HSB)
HA Note: "Defensive end C.J. Allen-Jones is the leading candidate to replace Clore this week. Defensive tackle Tuika Tufaga and defensive end Antwan "Tua" Mahaley also are auditioning. The wedge setter is aligned at about the 25, on the right hash. The goal is to "re-direct" — bump off course but not engage in a block — on-coming defenders. Of the three candidates, Allen-Jones is the fastest. Tufaga is the bigger hitter, although Mahaley had a big block yesterday."
About how he receives inspiration from DE John Fonoti and DT Fale Laeli, Tuika Tufaga said:
"They make you want to run down the field and knock somebody out." (HA)
About Tufaga, Clore said:
"He's a hard-headed guy. He's from Kahuku. They build them tough out there." (HA)
About possibly replacing Clore, C.J. Allen-Jones said:
"I want to help make this team successful on that side of the ball. We need more yards. We need to score more touchdowns. We need better field position for our offense. Victor did a good job. Unfortunately, he got injured. Somebody has to move up." (HA)
About how Kaleo Wong is also an option to replace Clore, Malloe said of Wong:
"A no-nonsense guy who'll definitely crush your head." (HSB)
About using Aaron Bain to return punts, Malloe said:
"He's one of our better hands, we want him to catch the ball first and hopefully with the scheme we have we can get him to a return." (HSB)
About how the are more worried about this year's Warriors than the Warrior team that beat them in Reno last year, Nevada coach Chris Ault said:
"That was last year. We've moved on and you don't want to look in the rearview mirror." (HSB)
About Nevada's excellent offense (2nd in the country in rushing, 6th in total offense, WAC-best 38.9 points per game), Mac said:
"Everybody's been having trouble defending them because they're very talented and they have a good scheme." (HSB)
HSB Note: 'Wolf Pack quarterback Colin Kaepernick and running back Vai Taua have combined to power a Nevada attack that comes to town this weekend sporting some of the nation's gaudiest numbers."
About how they still need to get better on offense, Ault said:
"We're a good offense, but we've still got a ways to go. We still make some fundamental mistakes that we need to correct." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Even with Luke Lippincott, last year's WAC rushing champion, out with a season-ending knee injury, the Wolf Pack offense hasn't broken stride in running to the top of the WAC and national rankings. At 305.3 rushing yards per game, the Wolf Pack are on pace to break the school's single-season record of 3,096 yards set in 1978."
About how the pistol formation provides two running threats, Mac said:
"What (the pistol) does is it's a two-back offense because the quarterback's just as talented as a runner as any backs we've faced, maybe more so." (HSB)
About Kaepernick's improved passing ability (62.5% completions this year, 54% last year), Ault said:
"He's throwing the ball with more accuracy and he's just more comfortable in the offense." (HSB)
About how they relied on Kaepernick's struggles with passing last year, Adam Leonard said:
"Last year it was part of our game plan to put him into passing situations. This year from the velocity on his ball and the throws he's been making, you can definitely see a drastic improvement." (HSB)
About how Taua has replaced Lippincott well, Ault said:
"(Taua) really has been a pleasant surprise. He just has really good balance, that's one of the biggest things and he has good change of direction." (HSB)
About the challenge of facing a running team like Nevada, Adam Leonard said:
"For a linebacker, a team that loves to run, that's a direct challenge to you and the linemen in front of you." (HSB)
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Bess talks about his special teams role
About how the competition between him and Ted Ginn pushes them both to get better, Bess said:
''He pushes me to be better and I push him to be better." (Miami Herald)
MH Note: "a claim backed up by the sight of Ginn standing down the sideline away from most of the team to yell encouragement at Bess before many punts."
MH Note: "Rookie Davone Bess, who didn't return kickoffs in high school or college, did both until the Dolphins' coaches gave Ginn the kickoff job last Sunday. After Ginn muffed the opening kickoff, then returned it 31 yards and returned another kickoff 27 yards, Baltimore went with pooch kickoffs. With their No. 1-ranked defense, the Ravens preferred giving up a few yards of field position to the threat of Ginn giving the Dolphins easy points."
Miami coach Tony Sparano says that Bess often:
"makes the first guy miss.'' (MH)
MH Note: "Bess often does, but he doesn't do it in the way, of, say, Rick Upchurch, the NFL record-setter whose skill at that made him responsible for more queasy coaching stomachs than any other 1970s punt returner. Upchurch's nimble dodges created lanes he always seemed a breath from hitting. The thickset Bess just gets overrun. Since Bess' lone return in the season opener, a 25-yarder, he's had seven returns for 66 yards, or a 9.4 average."
About their punt return unit, Bess said:
''I feel we have great preparation for it. Now, we've just got to bring what we're taught in practice to the game.'' (MH)
''He pushes me to be better and I push him to be better." (Miami Herald)
MH Note: "a claim backed up by the sight of Ginn standing down the sideline away from most of the team to yell encouragement at Bess before many punts."
MH Note: "Rookie Davone Bess, who didn't return kickoffs in high school or college, did both until the Dolphins' coaches gave Ginn the kickoff job last Sunday. After Ginn muffed the opening kickoff, then returned it 31 yards and returned another kickoff 27 yards, Baltimore went with pooch kickoffs. With their No. 1-ranked defense, the Ravens preferred giving up a few yards of field position to the threat of Ginn giving the Dolphins easy points."
Miami coach Tony Sparano says that Bess often:
"makes the first guy miss.'' (MH)
MH Note: "Bess often does, but he doesn't do it in the way, of, say, Rick Upchurch, the NFL record-setter whose skill at that made him responsible for more queasy coaching stomachs than any other 1970s punt returner. Upchurch's nimble dodges created lanes he always seemed a breath from hitting. The thickset Bess just gets overrun. Since Bess' lone return in the season opener, a 25-yarder, he's had seven returns for 66 yards, or a 9.4 average."
About their punt return unit, Bess said:
''I feel we have great preparation for it. Now, we've just got to bring what we're taught in practice to the game.'' (MH)
Sol about to break the UH career tackle record, Lofton to return kicks
About needing just 4 tackles to become UH's career tackle leader, passing Levi Stanley who had 366 career tackles, Sol said:
"I just want to win, and right now we're losing." (HA)
HA Note: "He said the record would be "icing on the cake" only if the Warriors meet their goal of finishing with a winning regular season and earning a berth in the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl."
About the importance of making the Hawaii bowl, Sol said:
"Anything on top of that is extra." (HA)
Mac said that Sol is a:
"great player. He and Adam (Leonard, an outside linebacker) are two of the best who have ever been here. I compare Solly to Pisa (Tinoisamoa) and Jeff Ulbrich." (HA)
Mac said that Sol is comparable, at this stage of his career, to a future All-Pro LB he coached at Miami:
"Everybody thinks Solly's small, but he weighs 235 pounds. Ray Lewis weighed 215 pounds when I coached him." (HA)
Mac said that Sol has:
"great instincts for the ball. And he's a tough guy." (HA)
HA Note: "Elimimian, in turn, credited the defensive linemen and Leonard for occupying blockers, allowing him to swoop in for tackles. Elimimian, who never redshirted, has not missed a game during his UH career. His first start was against Idaho, the third game of the 2005 season. That was when he made his first career interception."
About how he never missed a game during his UH career, Sol said:
"I thank God for keeping me healthy. A lot of it is God helping me to play on some of those games I didn't think I would be able to play." (HA)
HA Note: "An ankle injury kept him from practicing until three days before the 2008 season opener against Florida. He did not practice in the week leading to this year's game against San Jose State."
About being able to play in the SJSU game, Sol said:
"If we had to play on Friday, I wouldn't be able to play. But Saturday, miraculously, I was healed." (HA)
About how moving to OLB cost Sol some tackles, Mac said:
"It probably cost Solly a bunch of tackles, but he's a team player, and he (made the move) for the team." (HA)
HA Note: "Satele has been bothered by a shoulder injury the past couple of games. He will be used in specific situations against Nevada."
About how Sol will be at MLB the rest of the season, Mac said:
"We're going to let him finish off the year inside." (HA)
About how he will return kickoffs and punts vs. Nevada, Daniel Lofton said:
"I am excited." (HA)
HA Note: "Lofton attended California as a freshman in 2006, then transferred to UH. In accordance with NCAA rules, Lofton redshirted last year."
About how his hip problem forced him to miss most of training camp, Lofton said:
"It's OK now." (HA)
About returning kicks, Lofton said:
"They wanted me to do it, and I wanted to do it, too. I want a way to help the team." (HA)
"I just want to win, and right now we're losing." (HA)
HA Note: "He said the record would be "icing on the cake" only if the Warriors meet their goal of finishing with a winning regular season and earning a berth in the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl."
About the importance of making the Hawaii bowl, Sol said:
"Anything on top of that is extra." (HA)
Mac said that Sol is a:
"great player. He and Adam (Leonard, an outside linebacker) are two of the best who have ever been here. I compare Solly to Pisa (Tinoisamoa) and Jeff Ulbrich." (HA)
Mac said that Sol is comparable, at this stage of his career, to a future All-Pro LB he coached at Miami:
"Everybody thinks Solly's small, but he weighs 235 pounds. Ray Lewis weighed 215 pounds when I coached him." (HA)
Mac said that Sol has:
"great instincts for the ball. And he's a tough guy." (HA)
HA Note: "Elimimian, in turn, credited the defensive linemen and Leonard for occupying blockers, allowing him to swoop in for tackles. Elimimian, who never redshirted, has not missed a game during his UH career. His first start was against Idaho, the third game of the 2005 season. That was when he made his first career interception."
About how he never missed a game during his UH career, Sol said:
"I thank God for keeping me healthy. A lot of it is God helping me to play on some of those games I didn't think I would be able to play." (HA)
HA Note: "An ankle injury kept him from practicing until three days before the 2008 season opener against Florida. He did not practice in the week leading to this year's game against San Jose State."
About being able to play in the SJSU game, Sol said:
"If we had to play on Friday, I wouldn't be able to play. But Saturday, miraculously, I was healed." (HA)
About how moving to OLB cost Sol some tackles, Mac said:
"It probably cost Solly a bunch of tackles, but he's a team player, and he (made the move) for the team." (HA)
HA Note: "Satele has been bothered by a shoulder injury the past couple of games. He will be used in specific situations against Nevada."
About how Sol will be at MLB the rest of the season, Mac said:
"We're going to let him finish off the year inside." (HA)
About how he will return kickoffs and punts vs. Nevada, Daniel Lofton said:
"I am excited." (HA)
HA Note: "Lofton attended California as a freshman in 2006, then transferred to UH. In accordance with NCAA rules, Lofton redshirted last year."
About how his hip problem forced him to miss most of training camp, Lofton said:
"It's OK now." (HA)
About returning kicks, Lofton said:
"They wanted me to do it, and I wanted to do it, too. I want a way to help the team." (HA)
Feature story on Royce Pollard
About how freshman WR Royce Pollard will get playing time vs. Nevada, Ron Lee said:
"He's going to get his shot. This is a week we'll see what he can do." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The coaches said Malcolm Lane remains the starter on the right side opposite Greg Salas, and Pollard will rotate into the game. Pollard has filled in at times this season to give other receivers a break, and has three receptions for 59 yards. He got into last week's game at Boise State on UH's final possession and made a tough catch on the sideline for a 29-yard gain."
Feeling that he's ready for the playing time, Pollard said:
"I feel like I have a good understanding of how the pace is and not to rush through things, just relax and just apply what we do in practice." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Pollard redshirted last season and opened some eyes by turning in big plays in the Warriors' scout bowl during their bye week last month and again last week."
About how Pollard has been improving and has done well when he's had a chance to play, Mac said:
"He made some good plays in the game, he's been steadily improving and he's an excellent freshman so he's going to see more action. He's taken advantage of his opportunities and that's what we always tell them. He's doing good in practice, I'm really excited about him." (HSB)
"He's going to get his shot. This is a week we'll see what he can do." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The coaches said Malcolm Lane remains the starter on the right side opposite Greg Salas, and Pollard will rotate into the game. Pollard has filled in at times this season to give other receivers a break, and has three receptions for 59 yards. He got into last week's game at Boise State on UH's final possession and made a tough catch on the sideline for a 29-yard gain."
Feeling that he's ready for the playing time, Pollard said:
"I feel like I have a good understanding of how the pace is and not to rush through things, just relax and just apply what we do in practice." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Pollard redshirted last season and opened some eyes by turning in big plays in the Warriors' scout bowl during their bye week last month and again last week."
About how Pollard has been improving and has done well when he's had a chance to play, Mac said:
"He made some good plays in the game, he's been steadily improving and he's an excellent freshman so he's going to see more action. He's taken advantage of his opportunities and that's what we always tell them. He's doing good in practice, I'm really excited about him." (HSB)
Injury update for the Warriors
About how WR Jovonte Taylor has withdrawn from UH and returned home to LA after suffering serious symptoms from a viral infection, Mac said:
"It's a shame." (HA)
HA Note: "Taylor was taking reps as a first-team receiver in the practices leading to the Sept. 27 game against San Jose State. But he did not play in that game, and has not practiced since. He was scratched from the travel roster for the Oct. 4 game against Fresno State. Taylor, who is listed as 5 feet 9 and 185 pounds, reportedly has lost more than 20 pounds because of the illness. He has withdrawn from all of his classes to remain in good academic standing. McMackin said he expects Taylor to return to UH in January."
HA Note: "Taylor was one of the most heralded members of the 2008 recruiting class, McMackin's first as UH head coach. Taylor was the California community college 100-meter champion, winning in 10.47 seconds. He claims to have run sub-4.3 seconds in the 40-yard dash."
About running with the team yesterday, Keith AhSoon (who has been out since suffering a sprained ligament in his knee early in the 9/13 Oregon State game) said:
"It was great being around them, way better than being by yourself in rehab." (HSB)
About his left knee (he suffered a 3rd degree sprain of his MCL), AhSoon said:
"It feels good." (HA)
About AhSoon's return, OL coach Brian Smith said:
"It all depends on the doctors." (HA)
Smith said that AhSoon, who has played both LT and LG this season, would:
"most likely would come back as a tackle." (HA)
HSB Note: "McMackin said linebacker Blaze Soares, out since the first week of fall camp with a torn calf muscle, is also getting closer to being ready to play. Defensive tackle Keala Watson sat out yesterday's practice with a hand injury he suffered against Boise State. He could be back today and is expected to be ready for the game. Fale Laeli, who returned from an ankle injury last week, got more repetitions in Watson's place."
About getting season-ending surgery on his torn triceps and planning to apply for a medical hardship year, Rocky Savaiigaea said:
"Everyone was more concerned about the long term." (HSB)
"It's a shame." (HA)
HA Note: "Taylor was taking reps as a first-team receiver in the practices leading to the Sept. 27 game against San Jose State. But he did not play in that game, and has not practiced since. He was scratched from the travel roster for the Oct. 4 game against Fresno State. Taylor, who is listed as 5 feet 9 and 185 pounds, reportedly has lost more than 20 pounds because of the illness. He has withdrawn from all of his classes to remain in good academic standing. McMackin said he expects Taylor to return to UH in January."
HA Note: "Taylor was one of the most heralded members of the 2008 recruiting class, McMackin's first as UH head coach. Taylor was the California community college 100-meter champion, winning in 10.47 seconds. He claims to have run sub-4.3 seconds in the 40-yard dash."
About running with the team yesterday, Keith AhSoon (who has been out since suffering a sprained ligament in his knee early in the 9/13 Oregon State game) said:
"It was great being around them, way better than being by yourself in rehab." (HSB)
About his left knee (he suffered a 3rd degree sprain of his MCL), AhSoon said:
"It feels good." (HA)
About AhSoon's return, OL coach Brian Smith said:
"It all depends on the doctors." (HA)
Smith said that AhSoon, who has played both LT and LG this season, would:
"most likely would come back as a tackle." (HA)
HSB Note: "McMackin said linebacker Blaze Soares, out since the first week of fall camp with a torn calf muscle, is also getting closer to being ready to play. Defensive tackle Keala Watson sat out yesterday's practice with a hand injury he suffered against Boise State. He could be back today and is expected to be ready for the game. Fale Laeli, who returned from an ankle injury last week, got more repetitions in Watson's place."
About getting season-ending surgery on his torn triceps and planning to apply for a medical hardship year, Rocky Savaiigaea said:
"Everyone was more concerned about the long term." (HSB)
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