Spring Practice Notes

About trying Inoke at slotback and possibly on special teams, Mac said:
"If he feels comfortable and we feel he can contribute, then great. If not, we're going to move him back to quarterback and let him fight it out for the backup role." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Funaki, who changed his number from 11 to 2, is listed as the backup to Leon Wright-Jackson at running back on the depth chart heading into spring practice."

HSB Note: "McMackin said the Warriors aren't planning significant changes in their schemes on offense or defense, and probably won't work the tight end package into practice until summer. The coaches are looking at using defensive ends Tua Mahaley and Bo Montgomery and backup quarterback Steele Jantz in that role, with them learning one of the slot receiver positions. It will give the coaches the option of putting them in as a receiver or using them as part of the protection scheme."

About using several players in one of the slot receiver positions, using them kind of like a TE, Mac said:
"Now you have this guy in the game who knows the routes. You see a blitz, now you bring him inside, so it gives you max protection. I'm thinking it's more of an if-we-need-it type of thing. ... It's a wrinkle, it's something we can go to if we need to." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Although his name doesn't appear on the Hawaii football's team's two-deeps heading into spring practice, Viliami Nauahi figures to get ample opportunity to prove himself once the Warriors hit the field on Monday. Blaze Soares and Paipai Falemalu are listed as the top candidates at one of the outside linebacker spots on the Warriors' depth chart released yesterday. But both are expected to sit out spring practice as they continue their recovery from injuries. UH head coach Greg McMackin said the absences will give Nauahi, a converted safety, a chance to see more reps at linebacker."

About how Blazae is still not over the lower leg injury he suffered early in Fall camp last year, Mac said:
"I've talked to the trainers and the doctors and he's not going to be ready for spring. They're hoping after spring he'll be ready to go, but we're not going to take a chance on hurting him." (HSB)

HSB Note: "McMackin said Falemalu, a freshman who had shoulder surgery last season, and defensive tackle Rocky Savaiigaea (coming off an arm injury) have been cleared, but their roles will likely be limited this spring."

HSB Note: "Greg McMackin says the kicking game will get a "complete overhaul." The guy who will do it is new assistant Chris Tormey. He spent some time in Gainesville last week with Florida's and Cincinnati's special teams coaches."

About spending time last week learning about Florida's and Cincinnati's special teams, Tormey said:
"It went really well. We covered all aspects and I met with their defensive coaches, too." (HSB)