Other quotes from training camp

About how freshman Michael Wadsworth did well in their special teams drill yesterday, special teams coordinator Chris Tormey said:
"We did a punt-protection drill, and he didn't have very many repetitions in the drills. Two guys in front of him (on the depth chart) were injured. He stepped in, and did it perfectly. That's what we're looking for: athletic guys who are coachable and can execute the techniques we're trying to teach." (HA)

About trying to earn reps, Wadsworth said:
"I'm trying to get as many reps as I can, and show the coaches what I can do." (HA)

HA Note: "Wadsworth is on the clock. After this season, he will go on a two-year church mission. After that, he will return to UH."

Happy to be at practice, Wadsworth said:
"I'm grateful for every opportunity they give me. Playing is fun to me. I'm glad I'm out here." (HA)

HA Note: "Wadsworth is a blocker on punt and kickoff returns. He is the gunner on punt and kick coverages. He also is capable of blocking kicks. And he is the backup punter."

Praising Wadsworth, Mac said:
"He has excellent speed. He's a good player." (HA)

About how Mac and Tormey have praised his intense playing style, Wadsworth said:
"I try to change my mindset when I'm on the field. 'm more physical." (HA)

About the special tackling drills he created for punter Alex Dunnachie and kickers Scott Enos and Brian Blumbert, Tormey said:
"Hopefully, they won't have to (make tackles) too many times. But if they're put in that situation, we'd like to give them the opportunity to make a play. They're going to be a safety in all of our coverage schemes. They need to understand leverage and tackling technique. If they can get a guy down, it becomes a 50-yard return instead of a touchdown." (HA)

About tackling in American football differs from Australian football, Dunnachie said that the:
"technique is different here. I have to get used to it." (HA)

Enjoying the tackling drills, Enos said:
"It's fun. I'm going to have to tackle somebody eventually." (HA)

About being part of the #1 defense yesterday and running without difficulty during drills, Blaze Soares said:
"It's good to be out there." (HA)

About how his mother is recovering well from her heart attack last week, Lewis Walker said:
"She's better and doing good." (HSB)

About trying to earn his spot in the depth chart, Walker said:
"I'm out here, more motivated, kind of, just working harder. You see a lot of us competing for jobs out there, anywhere we can get, special teams or defense. So I'm just out there trying to earn a spot and help this team out as much as I can." (HSB)

HSB Note: "With Tank Hopkins and Lametrius Davis both out with ailments during the team's 11-on-11 morning session yesterday, Walker got his chance. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound DB stepped in ably at left corner — across from Jeramy Bryant, who he'd been backing up on the right — and held his own."

About the interception that walker made during 7-on-7 drills yesterday afternoon, Rich Miano said:
"Lewis has played so well the last four or five days that sometimes it's justice, he's playing well enough to be a starter. One guy goes down, next guy's gotta step up. We're not playing this Saturday or next Saturday, and we're going to continue to evaluate. Lewis has not been ruled out as a starter." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Miano wants his corners to experience life near both sidelines to expand their versatility. Walker's polarity swap wasn't a big deal to him despite his experience falling entirely on the right side since his arrival out of Judge Memorial High last fall."

About doing well after being switched to the left CB spot, Walker said:
"I think I kind of showed them that I could be that guy, be in that role. The depth chart isn't steady yet, so any chance ... you have to go in there and prove yourself. I think I kind of did that today." (HSB)

HSB Note: "In recent years, two-a-days generally consisted of a 3-hour practice in the morning followed by an afternoon session dedicated to special teams. The UH staff tweaked the structure this year where the morning practice is closer to 2 hours and the Warriors have a full practice in the afternoon. Special teams periods are scheduled in both."

About changing their two-a-day practice schedule, Mac said:
"We just have a lot of reps we want to work on. We get more team reps and special teams reps." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Safeties Mana Silva and Kenny Estes both pulled down picks, as did linebackers Jake Heun and R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane."

About the INTs they made in practice yesterday, Mac said:
"We started making plays today. I saw a big jump today both offensively and defensively. And the biggest thing was we started to have fun today." (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/notebook/20090813_Extra_inspiration_for_Walker.html

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