Inoke adjusts to the RB position

About Inoke's first contact practice at RB, Brashton Satele said:
"I gave him that little extra shove. It was: 'Welcome to running back.' " (HA)

HA Note: "The third spring practice was the first in pads. Head coach Greg McMackin tried to impose the two-hand touch rule. That meant no takedowns, no wrap-ups. Linebackers R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane, Marc Moody and Satele delivered some loud hits during the 2-hour practice on UH's grass practice field."

About some players making loud his during practice, Mac smiled and said:
"Some guys get a little excited, and they forget the general rule." (HA)

HA Note: "To be sure, Funaki needed the physical education. The coaches want to see if Funaki can handle the blocking and toughness demanded of the running back's role. The test came in the inside drill, a 7-on-9 discipline that excludes the receivers and cornerbacks. Every play is a rush."

About their 7-on-9 inside drill, Inoke said:
"You know you're going to get whacked. They're not playing any pass. They know the play is coming right between the tackles. You have to man up, and hit the gap." (HA)

About running into Brashton on a play, Inoke said:
"I went up the middle and — boom! — Brashton pushed me right back." (HA)

About his contact with Inoke on that play, Brashton said:
"It's two-hand touch, and I two-hand-touched him pretty good." (HA)

HA Note: "On another play, Funaki went right, then tried to cut back to what was supposed to be a vacated area. Moody sniffed out the play, and belted Funaki, who suffered a scratch on his neck."

About the hit Moody (a Saint Louis grad) made on him (Inoke led Kahuku to state titles over Saint Louis), Inoke joked:
"Still taking it personal. Still holding grudges." (HA)

About that contact, Moody said:
"He actually ran into me. I felt it, too." (HA)

About Kahuku beating Saint Louis during his senior year, Moody said:
"we lost to (Kahuku) by one. I love all of the Kahuku guys. They're all real humble people. But we'll always have that little thing." (HA)

HA Note: "In all, Funaki appears to be adjusting to running back. His blocking has improved and, despite fumbling a shovel pass, he is making better decisions."

About how Inoke will do well at RB, Brashton said:
"He's going to be a good running back. Get him in the open field, and he's going to make a lot of guys miss." (HA)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090405/SPORTS0201/904050360/1312&template=UHSports