About how some UH fans think that her efforts with PIAA hurt UH's recruiting, Doris Sullivan said:
"I get that all the time. But ask the coaches, UH gets the dibs, gets the information first. Sometimes kids want to go away. If they want to go to UH, they'll go to UH. I don't get the kids scholarships, they get it themselves." (HSB)
About PIAA's need for more donors, Doris said:
"If we were helping 100 ballerinas or 100 violin players, we'd probably get enormous amounts of grants. But because they're athletes, people assume they're getting full scholarships to go to college. That's not the case 90 percent of the time." (HSB)
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/20090531_Sullivan_hustles_to_help_athletes_get_scholarships.html
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Corey Nielsen started summer school and UH's offseason conditioning program
HSB Note: "Nielsen started summer school on Tuesday and said he’ll join in the team’s offseason conditioning program this coming week. He’s finished his requirements at Gahr High in California and will return for graduation on June 16. A 4.0 student, he’ll be one of the class valedictorians."
About starting early at UH, Nielsen said:
"It’s good to get a head start on everything." (HSB)
http://blogs.starbulletin.com/uhsportsextra/summer-sessions/
About starting early at UH, Nielsen said:
"It’s good to get a head start on everything." (HSB)
http://blogs.starbulletin.com/uhsportsextra/summer-sessions/
Preseason forecasts predict a 5th or 6th place finish in the WAC for UH
About picking UH to tie for 6th place with Utah State, Phil Steele wrote:
"My main concern is just two returning starters (fewest in the WAC) on defense with 11 of their top 13 tacklers gone. UH will be potent offensively but after finishing first in the WAC in 2007 and second last year, it looks like a bigger step back in 2009." (HA)
About picking UH to finish 5th in the WAC, Lindy's wrote:
"Hawai'i will be hard pressed to remain in the upper tier of the WAC. This team is still in transition as it tries to redefine run-and-shoot approach." (HA)
About picking UH to finish 5th in the WAC, GamePlan Magazine wrote:
"Hawai'i fans have grown very accustomed to winning in recent years, but this looks to be the weakest team this school has fielded in several seasons." (HA)
About picking UH to finish with a losing record, GamePlan wrote:
"We may be out on a limb here, but we feel Hawai'i is headed for their first losing season in several years." (HA)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090531/COLUMNISTS06/905310355/1142&template=UHSports
"My main concern is just two returning starters (fewest in the WAC) on defense with 11 of their top 13 tacklers gone. UH will be potent offensively but after finishing first in the WAC in 2007 and second last year, it looks like a bigger step back in 2009." (HA)
About picking UH to finish 5th in the WAC, Lindy's wrote:
"Hawai'i will be hard pressed to remain in the upper tier of the WAC. This team is still in transition as it tries to redefine run-and-shoot approach." (HA)
About picking UH to finish 5th in the WAC, GamePlan Magazine wrote:
"Hawai'i fans have grown very accustomed to winning in recent years, but this looks to be the weakest team this school has fielded in several seasons." (HA)
About picking UH to finish with a losing record, GamePlan wrote:
"We may be out on a limb here, but we feel Hawai'i is headed for their first losing season in several years." (HA)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090531/COLUMNISTS06/905310355/1142&template=UHSports
Timmy Chang is returning to UH to get his degree
About retiring from pro football and returning to UH this fall to complete work on his bachelor's degree, Timmy Chang said:
"I’m hangin ‘em up." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Chang will also work as a student assistant in the athletic department’s compliance office."
HSB Note: "Former Hawaii quarterback Tim Chang, the nation's all-time leading passer, said he's hanging it up after playing for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League the past two seasons."
HSB Note: "Chang finished his Hawaii career in 2004 with 17,072 yards and 117 touchdowns and had training camp stints with the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles. He also played with the Rhein Fire in NFL Europe."
http://blogs.starbulletin.com/quickreads/?p=301
"I’m hangin ‘em up." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Chang will also work as a student assistant in the athletic department’s compliance office."
HSB Note: "Former Hawaii quarterback Tim Chang, the nation's all-time leading passer, said he's hanging it up after playing for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League the past two seasons."
HSB Note: "Chang finished his Hawaii career in 2004 with 17,072 yards and 117 touchdowns and had training camp stints with the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles. He also played with the Rhein Fire in NFL Europe."
http://blogs.starbulletin.com/quickreads/?p=301
Saturday, May 30, 2009
UH could get lower Aloha Stadium costs for large crowds
About giving UH a lower clean-up fee if they hit attendance targets, Aloha Stadium Authority Chairman Keven Chong Kee said:
"The more fans — and revenue — they bring into the stadium, the more relief they could see." (HA)
HA Note: "UH was not charged rent for the 2008 season but paid $778,592 in so-called "out-of-pocket" expenses, including $104,846 in combined clean-up and refuse disposal charges, according to the parties."
About their need to get a better deal with the stadium, JD told the Authority:
"it is imperative we get some (financial) help." (HA)
HA Note: "The school is expected to run a $2.5 million to $3 million deficit for the current fiscal year that closes June 30 and has an accumulated $5.4 million net deficit over the past five years."
About how they want to help UH, Chong Kee said:
"We're looking for ways to help the university out. We want to be part of the solution." (HA)
About how UH will be grateful for any help they can get, JD said:
"We'd be appreciative of anything they could do. In my 14 months (as UH AD), the level of cooperation we've enjoyed in all regards has been fantastic." (HA)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090530/SPORTS02/905300337/1312&template=UHsports
"The more fans — and revenue — they bring into the stadium, the more relief they could see." (HA)
HA Note: "UH was not charged rent for the 2008 season but paid $778,592 in so-called "out-of-pocket" expenses, including $104,846 in combined clean-up and refuse disposal charges, according to the parties."
About their need to get a better deal with the stadium, JD told the Authority:
"it is imperative we get some (financial) help." (HA)
HA Note: "The school is expected to run a $2.5 million to $3 million deficit for the current fiscal year that closes June 30 and has an accumulated $5.4 million net deficit over the past five years."
About how they want to help UH, Chong Kee said:
"We're looking for ways to help the university out. We want to be part of the solution." (HA)
About how UH will be grateful for any help they can get, JD said:
"We'd be appreciative of anything they could do. In my 14 months (as UH AD), the level of cooperation we've enjoyed in all regards has been fantastic." (HA)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090530/SPORTS02/905300337/1312&template=UHsports
Friday, May 29, 2009
Pisa Tinoisamoa signed with the Bears!
CT = Chicago Tribune
CT Note: "Tinoisamoa visited Halas Hall on May 20 and chose the Bears over the Bills. He also visited Buffalo and New England. The former Ram reunites with Lovie Smith, his defensive coordinator in St. Louis during the 2003 season. Tinoisamoa is likely to start at strong-side linebacker, joining stars Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs."
About signing Pisa to a 1-year contract, Chicago GM Jerry Angelo said:
"He’s been a real productive player. We don’t, at this point, need any position. But any time we have a chance to add a good football player, we’re going to look at all positions. We don’t necessarily need more production as much as we’re just adding another good football player. It’s not an indictment on our linebackers. We like our (strong-side) linebackers. If this works, great. If it doesn’t work, we’re still fine." (CT)
http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/huddleup/2009/05/by-vaughn-mcclure--the-bears-and-free-agent-linebacker-pisa-tinoisamoa-have-agreed-to-terms-on-a-one-year-contract-accord.html
CT Note: "Tinoisamoa visited Halas Hall on May 20 and chose the Bears over the Bills. He also visited Buffalo and New England. The former Ram reunites with Lovie Smith, his defensive coordinator in St. Louis during the 2003 season. Tinoisamoa is likely to start at strong-side linebacker, joining stars Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs."
About signing Pisa to a 1-year contract, Chicago GM Jerry Angelo said:
"He’s been a real productive player. We don’t, at this point, need any position. But any time we have a chance to add a good football player, we’re going to look at all positions. We don’t necessarily need more production as much as we’re just adding another good football player. It’s not an indictment on our linebackers. We like our (strong-side) linebackers. If this works, great. If it doesn’t work, we’re still fine." (CT)
http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/huddleup/2009/05/by-vaughn-mcclure--the-bears-and-free-agent-linebacker-pisa-tinoisamoa-have-agreed-to-terms-on-a-one-year-contract-accord.html
Thursday, May 28, 2009
UH's Athletic Department is worst in the WAC for Revenue minus Expenses
From madeinhawaii on the Warrior Beat blog:
Revenue minus expenses for Athletic Departments in the WAC
1. Fresno State $1,340,790
2. New Mexico State University $213,682
3. Boise State University $60,615
4. University of Idaho $28,624
5. Louisiana Tech University $13,098
6. Utah State University $502
7. San Jose State University $-871,376
8. University of Nevada $-1,800,138
9. University of Hawaii $-2,157,665
http://www2.indystar.com/NCAA_financial_reports/expense_stat/show?school_id=127
Revenue minus expenses for Athletic Departments in the WAC
1. Fresno State $1,340,790
2. New Mexico State University $213,682
3. Boise State University $60,615
4. University of Idaho $28,624
5. Louisiana Tech University $13,098
6. Utah State University $502
7. San Jose State University $-871,376
8. University of Nevada $-1,800,138
9. University of Hawaii $-2,157,665
http://www2.indystar.com/NCAA_financial_reports/expense_stat/show?school_id=127
Feature article on Jake Ingram
P = Patriots.com
P Note: "He surfs. Jet-skis. Spear fishes. Enjoys the outdoors and the company of others, who seem uncontrollably drawn to his fun-loving personality. Those who know him best say he is blessed with what Hawaiians call the “Aloha spirit.” When it is time to work, however, few are as serious-minded as Ingram. If the Patriots wanted a carbon-copy replacement for long snapper Lonie Paxton, they may have found one. The popular Paxton beat out a competitor to make the Patriots roster as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2000 (Bill Belichick’s first season as head coach in New England). His snow angels in the playoffs and Super Bowl ingratiated him to Patriots fans the following year; his gregarious persona had a similar effect on both teammates and the media. But it was his machine-like consistency on the football field that won over his coaches."
About how he was surprised that the Patriots drafted him after signing Arizona's free-agent long snapper Nathan Hodel, Ingram said:
"Yeah, I was a little surprised. I talked to [Patriots special teams coach Scott] O’Brien weeks earlier, but I didn’t expect to get drafted. I knew it was a possibility, but when he called me and told me they were going to take me, I was surprised. But it’s a huge honor. I’m excited for it." (P)
About drafting Ingram to compete with Hodel, Bill Belichick said:
"We thought that Ingram would be in competition for the position with Nathan. He’s an athletic guy, a little bit smaller than some of the snappers in the league, but a little bit more athletic than most of the snappers in the league. I think his athleticism versus his size is kind of the comparison or where the competition will be. He’s an experienced guy. He’s done that. He can block. He can cover pretty well. His snaps are accurate, they had good velocity. So, I think that he will be competitive for that position. I felt like he was a top player for his position in the draft." (P)
About how JJ had to convince him to be a long snapper, Ingram said:
"Coach Jones told me from the start, but I was young and thought, ‘ Nah, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.’ But I started looking at other long snappers in college, and it hit me that maybe I could do this, maybe I did have a shot [at the NFL]. That’s when I put my head down and went full-bore with it. Learned as much as I could. I’m thankful to Coach Jones." (P)
Praising Jake's work ethic, Rich Miano said:
"I tell people that the two hardest working guys in this program during my time here were Davone Bess [now a receiver for the Dolphins] and Jake Ingram. Jake’s the first one at practice, and the last to leave. He gets really upset when he makes a mistake. He’s not a specialist, he’s a football player and a true good guy. He loves the Hawaiian culture, and the people love him here. He gets along with everybody and lives life to the fullest." (P)
P Note: "Ingram, who has worked in construction, says his perfectionist attitude on the field is a product of his parents’ hard-working influence. Miano believes Ingram could add a little bulk to help boost his NFL credentials, but Ingram is clearly his own harshest critic."
About how he expects every snap of his to be perfect, Ingram said:
"I feel like, when something goes wrong with a snap, I’m letting my whole team down. So, that’s why I get down on myself." (P)
About trying to win the long snapper job with the Patriots, Ingram said:
"I’m just here doing my thing. I just want to take my place and show them that it was a good choice to take me in the draft." (P)
http://www.patriots.com/news/index.cfm?ac=latestnewsdetail&pid=37307&pcid=41
P Note: "He surfs. Jet-skis. Spear fishes. Enjoys the outdoors and the company of others, who seem uncontrollably drawn to his fun-loving personality. Those who know him best say he is blessed with what Hawaiians call the “Aloha spirit.” When it is time to work, however, few are as serious-minded as Ingram. If the Patriots wanted a carbon-copy replacement for long snapper Lonie Paxton, they may have found one. The popular Paxton beat out a competitor to make the Patriots roster as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2000 (Bill Belichick’s first season as head coach in New England). His snow angels in the playoffs and Super Bowl ingratiated him to Patriots fans the following year; his gregarious persona had a similar effect on both teammates and the media. But it was his machine-like consistency on the football field that won over his coaches."
About how he was surprised that the Patriots drafted him after signing Arizona's free-agent long snapper Nathan Hodel, Ingram said:
"Yeah, I was a little surprised. I talked to [Patriots special teams coach Scott] O’Brien weeks earlier, but I didn’t expect to get drafted. I knew it was a possibility, but when he called me and told me they were going to take me, I was surprised. But it’s a huge honor. I’m excited for it." (P)
About drafting Ingram to compete with Hodel, Bill Belichick said:
"We thought that Ingram would be in competition for the position with Nathan. He’s an athletic guy, a little bit smaller than some of the snappers in the league, but a little bit more athletic than most of the snappers in the league. I think his athleticism versus his size is kind of the comparison or where the competition will be. He’s an experienced guy. He’s done that. He can block. He can cover pretty well. His snaps are accurate, they had good velocity. So, I think that he will be competitive for that position. I felt like he was a top player for his position in the draft." (P)
About how JJ had to convince him to be a long snapper, Ingram said:
"Coach Jones told me from the start, but I was young and thought, ‘ Nah, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.’ But I started looking at other long snappers in college, and it hit me that maybe I could do this, maybe I did have a shot [at the NFL]. That’s when I put my head down and went full-bore with it. Learned as much as I could. I’m thankful to Coach Jones." (P)
Praising Jake's work ethic, Rich Miano said:
"I tell people that the two hardest working guys in this program during my time here were Davone Bess [now a receiver for the Dolphins] and Jake Ingram. Jake’s the first one at practice, and the last to leave. He gets really upset when he makes a mistake. He’s not a specialist, he’s a football player and a true good guy. He loves the Hawaiian culture, and the people love him here. He gets along with everybody and lives life to the fullest." (P)
P Note: "Ingram, who has worked in construction, says his perfectionist attitude on the field is a product of his parents’ hard-working influence. Miano believes Ingram could add a little bulk to help boost his NFL credentials, but Ingram is clearly his own harshest critic."
About how he expects every snap of his to be perfect, Ingram said:
"I feel like, when something goes wrong with a snap, I’m letting my whole team down. So, that’s why I get down on myself." (P)
About trying to win the long snapper job with the Patriots, Ingram said:
"I’m just here doing my thing. I just want to take my place and show them that it was a good choice to take me in the draft." (P)
http://www.patriots.com/news/index.cfm?ac=latestnewsdetail&pid=37307&pcid=41
Friday, May 22, 2009
Quotes from a feature article on Jeff Ulbrich
49 = 49ers.com
49 Note: "As a kid growing up in nearby Morgan Hill, Jeff Ulbrich idolized the 49ers defensive units of the 80s and 90s with linebackers like Hacksaw Reynolds, Matt Millen and his favorite player of all, Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott. Wishing to follow in their footsteps, he played at the University of Hawaii to pursue his dream of playing professional football and soon after, he was selected in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the late Bill Walsh, the team’s vice president and general manager at the time. Presently, he’s coming into his tenth season with his beloved 49ers and will soon earn a spot at the conclusion of the ’09 season amongst the players he grew up idolizing, as a member of the 49ers 10-Year Wall."
About Ulbrich (who they nicknamed "Brick") playing 10 seasons for the 49ers, 49ers special teams coordinator Al Everest said:
"For a guy to be going into his tenth season with the same team, going through free agency with him making the decision to stay and for the Niners to keep him is a great tribute to him. He is what football is all about. He prepares well, he has fun, and he’s a great learner. He learns his techniques and plays with those techniques. He knows his assignments and has fun doing it. He’s a real pleasure to coach." (49)
49 Note: "Everest has had no problem relying on Ulbrich over the last few seasons to be a standout on his special teams units. Last season after he started the first two games on defense, Ulbrich was a starter on five of the 49ers special teams units and was named “Top Gun,” an honor bestowed upon the Most Valuable Player on special teams."
About how his special teams involvement has increased under Everest, Ulbrich said:
"I think when coach Al (Everest) came here, he breathed new life into me and it has just been a blast playing for him. Some guys unfortunately look at special teams as an after-thought, but he keeps it competitive with the Top Gun award. He also demands that you play with the same sort of fire and competitiveness as a special teamer as you would play at offensive and defensive positions." (49)
49 Note: "Prior to being a standout on Everest’s units, Ulbrich had a number of responsibilities over the past nine seasons and has totaled 486 tackles (357 solo), 5.5 sacks and two interceptions as a starter and as a key figure on special teams."
About how his role with the 49ers has changed over the past decade, Ulbrich said:
"My role has definitely changed. When I came in I was just a first and second-down inside backer – a run ‘backer. And then that progressed into becoming an every down ‘backer. Then I became just a third-down backer, suddenly I turned into a cover guy. From there, I transitioned to a special teams guy. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I’ve enjoyed every role that I’ve been given." (49)
Asked for his secret to becoming a staple of the 49ers over the past decade, Ulbrich said:
"You could ask my wife, I always took things one year at a time. I’ve approached every single year like this is the year they’re going to release me. Maybe that’s been the secret?" (49)
About being in awe of the locker room when he entered the NFL, Ulbrich said:
"I just remember walking in the locker room the first day and seeing Jerry Rice, Steve Young, Ken Norton Jr., and all these guys who I grew up watching. To be a part of that, it took some time to settle in for me to realize that I was actually a part of it." (49)
About how veteran LBs Norton Jr. and Winfred Tubbs helped him transition to the NFL, Ulbrich said:
"They were two guys who weren’t the type of veterans that were so threatened by me that they wouldn’t share their secrets. They took me under their wing and taught me a whole lot of stuff." (49)
About being in awe when he faced Marshal Faulk as a rookie, Ulbrich said:
"It was like a surreal moment. I just remember lining up, calling the huddle and then looking across the line of scrimmage and seeing him back there. It was pretty cool, but also pretty intimidating at the time." (49)
About how they made the playoffs in his 2nd and 3rd seasons but never got past the Divisional Playoff round, Ulbrich said:
“Those experiences were good and bad. The two losses that we had were pretty devastating. I thought we had the type of team that could have won it all. We had a ton of play-makers and a good nucleus, a good locker room and everything. We had all the components I think you need to be a Super Bowl-type team. It was brutal to lose to Atlanta (’02) and Tampa Bay (’03). Although I think the win we had against the Giants in (’02) was up there in terms of the best games our franchise has played. It’s always replayed on NFL Network as one of the best comebacks in playoff history. That was a very cool game to be a part of." (49)
49 Note: "After the frustrating playoff loss to the Buccaneers, the 49ers made several coaching and personnel changes. Ulbrich however, stayed with the ball club and remained in the teams plans as a key player on defense."
About how he remained with the 49ers despite all of the roster and coaching changes, Ulbrich said:
"I never thought about leaving. It’s been the sort of thing where I understand the business so I know there’s going to be personnel changes, there’s going to be coaching changes. In my perspective I want to be a coach after I’m done playing. That’s been my ultimate dream. The fact that I’ve been exposed to so many great coaches and so many different players, only will help in the long run. I’ve had the opportunity to pick up a lot of stuff and hopefully that will translate into being a pretty good coach." (49)
49 Note: "Over time Ulbrich became a player-coach who has helped the development of several players on the 49ers defense. One of those beneficiaries of Ulbrich’s wisdom has been Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis."
About how Ulbrich has helped him, Patrick Willis said:
"His whole work ethic has rubbed off on me. I think it’s very good for him being included on the 10-Year Wall with those famous names from the 49ers past; because those guys are the ones who helped build our organization. For him to have his name up there, it just lets you know that he’ll forever be a part of this organization’s history. Ten years, that’s a long time to play. You have to be a great player to achieve that." (49)
Not wanting to take credit for helping Willis, Ulbrich said:
"I can’t take much credit for him, he came out of the womb pretty good. He’s been fun to be around. In the offseason program he keeps me young. I try to line up against him every time I can and compete against him. There’s no guy who works harder, so he definitely helps me. He says I help him, but believe me, it’s a mutual deal." (49)
About doing mixed martial arts training as part of his specialized offseason training at Train for Life (gym in Morgan Hill owned and operated by his friends), Ulbrich said:
"I’m a huge fan and I was always into wrestling growing up. You can only do so many 40-yard dashes and so many linebacker drops. MMA training is just a way to stay in shape and keep things interesting. At TFL, we do some MMA stuff, we do judo and wrestling and they have the old-school training which I’m a big fan of. They do the tractor tire flipping and some work with sledgehammers." (49)
About spending time in the offseason with his wife Cristina and their daughter Sammy and sons Jax and Jace, Ulbrich said:
"Our kids are really into their sports right now, so just being able to go to their practices and games and being a part of that has been fun. This has probably been the best offseason because our kids are getting to that age where you can go to their games and cheer them on." (49)
About his NFL future, Ulbrich said:
"Just like I’ve always taken it, I’m going to take my future year-by-year. I’m focused on making the team this year. When I make it, I’ll worry about it next year. I want to play as long as I can. I love this game and I’m not going to be one of those guys who retires gracefully. I’ll leave when one wheel is off and one wheel is flat and a couple of spokes are missing." (49)
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5317§ion=PR%20News
49 Note: "As a kid growing up in nearby Morgan Hill, Jeff Ulbrich idolized the 49ers defensive units of the 80s and 90s with linebackers like Hacksaw Reynolds, Matt Millen and his favorite player of all, Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott. Wishing to follow in their footsteps, he played at the University of Hawaii to pursue his dream of playing professional football and soon after, he was selected in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the late Bill Walsh, the team’s vice president and general manager at the time. Presently, he’s coming into his tenth season with his beloved 49ers and will soon earn a spot at the conclusion of the ’09 season amongst the players he grew up idolizing, as a member of the 49ers 10-Year Wall."
About Ulbrich (who they nicknamed "Brick") playing 10 seasons for the 49ers, 49ers special teams coordinator Al Everest said:
"For a guy to be going into his tenth season with the same team, going through free agency with him making the decision to stay and for the Niners to keep him is a great tribute to him. He is what football is all about. He prepares well, he has fun, and he’s a great learner. He learns his techniques and plays with those techniques. He knows his assignments and has fun doing it. He’s a real pleasure to coach." (49)
49 Note: "Everest has had no problem relying on Ulbrich over the last few seasons to be a standout on his special teams units. Last season after he started the first two games on defense, Ulbrich was a starter on five of the 49ers special teams units and was named “Top Gun,” an honor bestowed upon the Most Valuable Player on special teams."
About how his special teams involvement has increased under Everest, Ulbrich said:
"I think when coach Al (Everest) came here, he breathed new life into me and it has just been a blast playing for him. Some guys unfortunately look at special teams as an after-thought, but he keeps it competitive with the Top Gun award. He also demands that you play with the same sort of fire and competitiveness as a special teamer as you would play at offensive and defensive positions." (49)
49 Note: "Prior to being a standout on Everest’s units, Ulbrich had a number of responsibilities over the past nine seasons and has totaled 486 tackles (357 solo), 5.5 sacks and two interceptions as a starter and as a key figure on special teams."
About how his role with the 49ers has changed over the past decade, Ulbrich said:
"My role has definitely changed. When I came in I was just a first and second-down inside backer – a run ‘backer. And then that progressed into becoming an every down ‘backer. Then I became just a third-down backer, suddenly I turned into a cover guy. From there, I transitioned to a special teams guy. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I’ve enjoyed every role that I’ve been given." (49)
Asked for his secret to becoming a staple of the 49ers over the past decade, Ulbrich said:
"You could ask my wife, I always took things one year at a time. I’ve approached every single year like this is the year they’re going to release me. Maybe that’s been the secret?" (49)
About being in awe of the locker room when he entered the NFL, Ulbrich said:
"I just remember walking in the locker room the first day and seeing Jerry Rice, Steve Young, Ken Norton Jr., and all these guys who I grew up watching. To be a part of that, it took some time to settle in for me to realize that I was actually a part of it." (49)
About how veteran LBs Norton Jr. and Winfred Tubbs helped him transition to the NFL, Ulbrich said:
"They were two guys who weren’t the type of veterans that were so threatened by me that they wouldn’t share their secrets. They took me under their wing and taught me a whole lot of stuff." (49)
About being in awe when he faced Marshal Faulk as a rookie, Ulbrich said:
"It was like a surreal moment. I just remember lining up, calling the huddle and then looking across the line of scrimmage and seeing him back there. It was pretty cool, but also pretty intimidating at the time." (49)
About how they made the playoffs in his 2nd and 3rd seasons but never got past the Divisional Playoff round, Ulbrich said:
“Those experiences were good and bad. The two losses that we had were pretty devastating. I thought we had the type of team that could have won it all. We had a ton of play-makers and a good nucleus, a good locker room and everything. We had all the components I think you need to be a Super Bowl-type team. It was brutal to lose to Atlanta (’02) and Tampa Bay (’03). Although I think the win we had against the Giants in (’02) was up there in terms of the best games our franchise has played. It’s always replayed on NFL Network as one of the best comebacks in playoff history. That was a very cool game to be a part of." (49)
49 Note: "After the frustrating playoff loss to the Buccaneers, the 49ers made several coaching and personnel changes. Ulbrich however, stayed with the ball club and remained in the teams plans as a key player on defense."
About how he remained with the 49ers despite all of the roster and coaching changes, Ulbrich said:
"I never thought about leaving. It’s been the sort of thing where I understand the business so I know there’s going to be personnel changes, there’s going to be coaching changes. In my perspective I want to be a coach after I’m done playing. That’s been my ultimate dream. The fact that I’ve been exposed to so many great coaches and so many different players, only will help in the long run. I’ve had the opportunity to pick up a lot of stuff and hopefully that will translate into being a pretty good coach." (49)
49 Note: "Over time Ulbrich became a player-coach who has helped the development of several players on the 49ers defense. One of those beneficiaries of Ulbrich’s wisdom has been Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis."
About how Ulbrich has helped him, Patrick Willis said:
"His whole work ethic has rubbed off on me. I think it’s very good for him being included on the 10-Year Wall with those famous names from the 49ers past; because those guys are the ones who helped build our organization. For him to have his name up there, it just lets you know that he’ll forever be a part of this organization’s history. Ten years, that’s a long time to play. You have to be a great player to achieve that." (49)
Not wanting to take credit for helping Willis, Ulbrich said:
"I can’t take much credit for him, he came out of the womb pretty good. He’s been fun to be around. In the offseason program he keeps me young. I try to line up against him every time I can and compete against him. There’s no guy who works harder, so he definitely helps me. He says I help him, but believe me, it’s a mutual deal." (49)
About doing mixed martial arts training as part of his specialized offseason training at Train for Life (gym in Morgan Hill owned and operated by his friends), Ulbrich said:
"I’m a huge fan and I was always into wrestling growing up. You can only do so many 40-yard dashes and so many linebacker drops. MMA training is just a way to stay in shape and keep things interesting. At TFL, we do some MMA stuff, we do judo and wrestling and they have the old-school training which I’m a big fan of. They do the tractor tire flipping and some work with sledgehammers." (49)
About spending time in the offseason with his wife Cristina and their daughter Sammy and sons Jax and Jace, Ulbrich said:
"Our kids are really into their sports right now, so just being able to go to their practices and games and being a part of that has been fun. This has probably been the best offseason because our kids are getting to that age where you can go to their games and cheer them on." (49)
About his NFL future, Ulbrich said:
"Just like I’ve always taken it, I’m going to take my future year-by-year. I’m focused on making the team this year. When I make it, I’ll worry about it next year. I want to play as long as I can. I love this game and I’m not going to be one of those guys who retires gracefully. I’ll leave when one wheel is off and one wheel is flat and a couple of spokes are missing." (49)
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5317§ion=PR%20News
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Greg Salas talks about moving from wideout to slotback
About moving from left wideout to left slotback, Greg Salas said:
"Wherever I can help the team, that's what I want to do. It helps that I knew the outside so well. I knew what the inside (receiver) was running on my routes (as a wideout). It wasn't too hard of a transition. It's good. It's nice. It's different. It's better for me." (HA)
http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com/2009/05/21/basketball-interviews-set-2/
"Wherever I can help the team, that's what I want to do. It helps that I knew the outside so well. I knew what the inside (receiver) was running on my routes (as a wideout). It wasn't too hard of a transition. It's good. It's nice. It's different. It's better for me." (HA)
http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com/2009/05/21/basketball-interviews-set-2/
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
David Veikune talked about moving from DE to LB
CR = Canton Repository
CR Note: "It’s asking a lot for Veikune to soar as a rookie in that he is converting from 4-3 college end to 3-4 pro linebacker. He is being tried inside and outside."
About his pass coverage experience at UH and how he played LB in high school, Veikune said:
"At Hawaii we dropped a lot in zone coverages, and I played a little bit of linebacker in high school, but it’s a new position for me." (CR)
Veikune said that he would "work extra hard" to:
"get natural." (CR)
CR Note: "As a head coach, Mangini’s 2007 Jets put rookie second-round linebacker David Harris on a fast track, playing in a rotation early and starting the last nine games. He was in on a combined 41 tackles in his first two starts. It is hard to compare Harris and Veikune, though, since Harris was an inside linebacker in college."
http://www.cantonrep.com/sports/browns/x112678766/The-geezer-gang-is-gone-for-the-Browns-linebackers
CR Note: "It’s asking a lot for Veikune to soar as a rookie in that he is converting from 4-3 college end to 3-4 pro linebacker. He is being tried inside and outside."
About his pass coverage experience at UH and how he played LB in high school, Veikune said:
"At Hawaii we dropped a lot in zone coverages, and I played a little bit of linebacker in high school, but it’s a new position for me." (CR)
Veikune said that he would "work extra hard" to:
"get natural." (CR)
CR Note: "As a head coach, Mangini’s 2007 Jets put rookie second-round linebacker David Harris on a fast track, playing in a rotation early and starting the last nine games. He was in on a combined 41 tackles in his first two starts. It is hard to compare Harris and Veikune, though, since Harris was an inside linebacker in college."
http://www.cantonrep.com/sports/browns/x112678766/The-geezer-gang-is-gone-for-the-Browns-linebackers
KHNL feature on Dylan Linkner
About playing video games to stay involved with football, Dylan Linkner (who just completed his eligibility with UH) said:
"Nowadays it's pretty close to the video game and the real thing as far as the strategy wise, you know reading the defense and being a quarterback and making the right throws and touches." (KHNL)
About how the NCAA Football game lets users adjust the stats for the players, Linkner said:
"You can go on and live this fantasy life through the video game or you can kind of make your stats realistic and see how good he might do against these guys in real life." (KHNL)
About how the video game doesn't come close to the feeling of actually playing the game, Linkner said:
"Nothing can beat the field, I mean the field is unbelievable, I mean, just being out there in front of all those people, it's the live feedback, just being there and feeling the crowd, definitely the field is the winner." (KHNL)
KHNL Note "But in our virtual game, the winner is BYU by a final score of 31-28. Dylan hauls in 8 catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns, while I finish 18 of 32, for 269 yards, two touchdowns and seven costly interceptions."
About having his UH team lose to BYU, Linkner said:
"J Tang came out feeling confident, he had some good abilities in the game, it's just the offensive coordinator, which unfortunately is me, made some bad calls and was a little impatient and threw one too many interceptions, 7 interceptions and two touchdowns, it's not the greatest of stats." (KHNL)
http://www.khnl.com/Global/story.asp?S=10385198
"Nowadays it's pretty close to the video game and the real thing as far as the strategy wise, you know reading the defense and being a quarterback and making the right throws and touches." (KHNL)
About how the NCAA Football game lets users adjust the stats for the players, Linkner said:
"You can go on and live this fantasy life through the video game or you can kind of make your stats realistic and see how good he might do against these guys in real life." (KHNL)
About how the video game doesn't come close to the feeling of actually playing the game, Linkner said:
"Nothing can beat the field, I mean the field is unbelievable, I mean, just being out there in front of all those people, it's the live feedback, just being there and feeling the crowd, definitely the field is the winner." (KHNL)
KHNL Note "But in our virtual game, the winner is BYU by a final score of 31-28. Dylan hauls in 8 catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns, while I finish 18 of 32, for 269 yards, two touchdowns and seven costly interceptions."
About having his UH team lose to BYU, Linkner said:
"J Tang came out feeling confident, he had some good abilities in the game, it's just the offensive coordinator, which unfortunately is me, made some bad calls and was a little impatient and threw one too many interceptions, 7 interceptions and two touchdowns, it's not the greatest of stats." (KHNL)
http://www.khnl.com/Global/story.asp?S=10385198
Quotes about the UH-Army series
HA Note: "The first game of the series is Sept. 11, 2010 in West Point. The Warriors will travel 4,954 miles, their longest journey for a road game in the program's history, exceeding the 4,947-mile trip to play Rutgers in New Brunswick, N.J."
About Army and their head coach Rich Ellerson, Mac said:
"I've got a lot of respect for the program. I've got a lot of respect for the coach. I've known him for a lot of years. He does a great job. He has an offense that's really hard to defend." (HA)
"I've known (Ellerson) for a long time and he's an outstanding coach. They're going to be a big challenge." (HSB)
About playing their first game at West Point on 9/11, Mac said:
"It's a historical time on Sept. 11. It's a historical (opponent). At one time, they were the best team in the game, and we'll face some of the most competitive players." (HA)
Asked how difficult their opening stretch of games are in 2010 (USC, at Army, at Colorado), Mac said:
"We'll find out, won't we? In order to be recognized, you have to play the big people. SC is one of the marquee programs in the country. And any time you play a military academy, it's a special event. The military teams will never let down. It's exciting for us because of the military makeup of Hawai'i. It will be great for the fans of Hawai'i. It's a natural fit. We have so many military people here defending us." (HA)
About playing in Hawaii, Army AD Kevin Anderson said:
"We have a very strong following in the state of Hawaii and we look forward to giving our soldiers at Schofield Barracks an opportunity to see their football team in person." (HSB)
About playing back-to-back road games in 2010 against Army and Colorado, staying on the mainland between games like in recent years, Mac said:
"We should have the routine down." (HSB)
About playing UH, Rich Ellerson said:
"Obviously there is a tremendous military presence in the state of Hawaii and I have a connection with the University of Hawaii. We've talked about having a presence west of the Mississippi and Hawaii is about as far west of the Mississippi as you can go and still speak English." (HSB)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090520/SPORTS0201/905200386/1312&template=UHSports
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090520_Coaches_gung-ho_about_UH-Army_football_series.html
About Army and their head coach Rich Ellerson, Mac said:
"I've got a lot of respect for the program. I've got a lot of respect for the coach. I've known him for a lot of years. He does a great job. He has an offense that's really hard to defend." (HA)
"I've known (Ellerson) for a long time and he's an outstanding coach. They're going to be a big challenge." (HSB)
About playing their first game at West Point on 9/11, Mac said:
"It's a historical time on Sept. 11. It's a historical (opponent). At one time, they were the best team in the game, and we'll face some of the most competitive players." (HA)
Asked how difficult their opening stretch of games are in 2010 (USC, at Army, at Colorado), Mac said:
"We'll find out, won't we? In order to be recognized, you have to play the big people. SC is one of the marquee programs in the country. And any time you play a military academy, it's a special event. The military teams will never let down. It's exciting for us because of the military makeup of Hawai'i. It will be great for the fans of Hawai'i. It's a natural fit. We have so many military people here defending us." (HA)
About playing in Hawaii, Army AD Kevin Anderson said:
"We have a very strong following in the state of Hawaii and we look forward to giving our soldiers at Schofield Barracks an opportunity to see their football team in person." (HSB)
About playing back-to-back road games in 2010 against Army and Colorado, staying on the mainland between games like in recent years, Mac said:
"We should have the routine down." (HSB)
About playing UH, Rich Ellerson said:
"Obviously there is a tremendous military presence in the state of Hawaii and I have a connection with the University of Hawaii. We've talked about having a presence west of the Mississippi and Hawaii is about as far west of the Mississippi as you can go and still speak English." (HSB)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090520/SPORTS0201/905200386/1312&template=UHSports
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090520_Coaches_gung-ho_about_UH-Army_football_series.html
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
UH Announces a Four-Game Series with Army
UH = Official UH Athletics site
UH Note: "The series begins on Sept. 11, 2010 in West Point, N.Y., and continues Nov. 30, 2013 in Honolulu, Sept. 15, 2018 in West Point and concludes on Nov. 30, 2019 in Honolulu."
About scheduling Army, JD said:
"We’re very pleased to have this home and home arrangement with Army put in place. With Rich Ellerson being a former UH football player and now head coach at Army, it adds even more to this series besides the fact that its an academy school and those programs always draw well in Hawai‘i. I’m glad we were able to get it done and we’re looking forward to some great games." (UH)
About scheduling the four-game series with UH, Army Athletics Director Kevin Anderson said:
"We’re very excited to announce this four-game series with the University of Hawai‘i. We have a very strong following in the state of Hawai‘i and we look forward to giving our soldiers at Schofield Barracks an opportunity to see their football team in person. Having those late games in 2013 and 2019 also help fill a void that was created when we elected to move the Army-Navy game back one week in the calendar. It is very important that we add a game after Thanksgiving in certain years. This series helps us avoid a three-week layoff heading into the Navy game in those years we travel to Hawai‘i.” (UH)
UH Note: "The teams’ only meeting was Nov. 22, 2003 in Honolulu with the Warriors prevailing 59-28 at Aloha Stadium. The series will be a homecoming of sorts for Army head coach Rich Ellerson, a former Warrior linebacker (1974, ’76-77) and defensive coordinator (1987-91)."
About bringing his Army team to Hawaii, Army coach Rich Ellerson said:
"Obviously there is a tremendous military presence in the state of Hawai‘i and I have a connection with the University of Hawai‘i. We’ve talked about having a presence west of the Mississippi and Hawai‘i is about as far west of the Mississippi as you can go and still speak English. This is an opportunity for us to engage in a part of the country where we aren’t as well-known. Three weeks off before the Navy game is just too much of a layoff. When the calendar presents that situation, it’s very important to try and schedule a game after Thanksgiving. We’ll have a bye coming off the trip in both years we travel to Hawai‘i. That’s something that I think is important when you play there. This will help to provide a little extra continuity between the regular season and the Navy game. I think this an opportunity, and it’s healthy for a lot of reasons.” (UH)
About playing Army, Mac said:
“We’re excited about this opportunity to play Army. I’ve got the utmost respect for their program. I’ve known Rich Ellerson for years and he’s an outstanding coach. With the large military presence here in Hawai‘i, it seems like a natural fit to schedule those programs like we’ve done with Navy this upcoming season.” (UH)
http://hawaiiathletics.com/news/2009/5/19/FB_0519090401.aspx
UH Note: "The series begins on Sept. 11, 2010 in West Point, N.Y., and continues Nov. 30, 2013 in Honolulu, Sept. 15, 2018 in West Point and concludes on Nov. 30, 2019 in Honolulu."
About scheduling Army, JD said:
"We’re very pleased to have this home and home arrangement with Army put in place. With Rich Ellerson being a former UH football player and now head coach at Army, it adds even more to this series besides the fact that its an academy school and those programs always draw well in Hawai‘i. I’m glad we were able to get it done and we’re looking forward to some great games." (UH)
About scheduling the four-game series with UH, Army Athletics Director Kevin Anderson said:
"We’re very excited to announce this four-game series with the University of Hawai‘i. We have a very strong following in the state of Hawai‘i and we look forward to giving our soldiers at Schofield Barracks an opportunity to see their football team in person. Having those late games in 2013 and 2019 also help fill a void that was created when we elected to move the Army-Navy game back one week in the calendar. It is very important that we add a game after Thanksgiving in certain years. This series helps us avoid a three-week layoff heading into the Navy game in those years we travel to Hawai‘i.” (UH)
UH Note: "The teams’ only meeting was Nov. 22, 2003 in Honolulu with the Warriors prevailing 59-28 at Aloha Stadium. The series will be a homecoming of sorts for Army head coach Rich Ellerson, a former Warrior linebacker (1974, ’76-77) and defensive coordinator (1987-91)."
About bringing his Army team to Hawaii, Army coach Rich Ellerson said:
"Obviously there is a tremendous military presence in the state of Hawai‘i and I have a connection with the University of Hawai‘i. We’ve talked about having a presence west of the Mississippi and Hawai‘i is about as far west of the Mississippi as you can go and still speak English. This is an opportunity for us to engage in a part of the country where we aren’t as well-known. Three weeks off before the Navy game is just too much of a layoff. When the calendar presents that situation, it’s very important to try and schedule a game after Thanksgiving. We’ll have a bye coming off the trip in both years we travel to Hawai‘i. That’s something that I think is important when you play there. This will help to provide a little extra continuity between the regular season and the Navy game. I think this an opportunity, and it’s healthy for a lot of reasons.” (UH)
About playing Army, Mac said:
“We’re excited about this opportunity to play Army. I’ve got the utmost respect for their program. I’ve known Rich Ellerson for years and he’s an outstanding coach. With the large military presence here in Hawai‘i, it seems like a natural fit to schedule those programs like we’ve done with Navy this upcoming season.” (UH)
http://hawaiiathletics.com/news/2009/5/19/FB_0519090401.aspx
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Davone Bess and Greg Camarillo discuss Miami drafting two WRs
PBP = Palm Beach Post
Asked about Miami drafting WRs Patrick Turner from USC and Brian Hartline from Ohio State, Bess said:
“Obviously we took a lot of criticism last season for not having enough depth, so we knew something was going to happen eventually. But at the same time this raises (expectations), to go out and be the best we can be.” (PBP)
About the WRs they drafted, Camarillo said that he was:
"impressed with the people we picked up. With these coaches the whole theme is competition. Competition brings out the best in each position and bettering the team through that. That’s what they did. They brought in some corners to compete, and they brought in receivers to compete, and we all know we’re going to be fighting for playing time.” (PBP)
About all the experts who said that Miami didn't have enough talent at the WR position, Camarillo said:
“I’ve always been used to being an underdog, people telling me I wasn’t talented enough. People said going into last year that we didn’t have enough talented receivers. But you saw the production in our passing game, so it obviously was a solid group of receivers. We don’t need a big name; we know we have big talent. We needed depth and they went and picked up some talent there, so it’ll be interesting to see how everything works out.” (PBP)
PBP Note: "Camarillo and Bess finished second and third behind Ted Ginn Jr. in receptions, but just barely. Ginn finished with 56 catches, Camarillo 55 and Bess 54. While Camarillo has some job security after signing a three-year, $6 million extension just before he was injured while trying to make a tackle after an interception against New England last November, Bess knows he’ll have to prove himself, just as he did after coming to the team a year ago as a free agent out of Hawaii."
About fighting to keep his job with the Dolphins, Bess said:
“I’m taking it the same exact way I did last year. I don’t want to change anything. My drive, my work ethic, my determination and my focus got me through the season last year, so I want to approach the season this year the way I did last.” (PBP)
PBP Note: "Like Bess, Hartline is billed as a possession receiver. Bess said he looks forward to the competition if, as he could be the case, the two wind up fighting for one job."
About Hartline (drafted in the 4th round), who will be competing him for the slot receiver position, Bess said:
“I know he’s an excellent athlete. The competition is going to be there, and when the dust settles we’ll see who’s here and who worked hard to get a spot on the team. I’m looking forward to it. There’s no grudges at all; I’m going to help him as much as I can. That’s the kind of player I am. “ (PBP)
http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/thedailydolphin/2009/05/17/greg-camarillo-davone-bess-discuss-receiver-competition/
Asked about Miami drafting WRs Patrick Turner from USC and Brian Hartline from Ohio State, Bess said:
“Obviously we took a lot of criticism last season for not having enough depth, so we knew something was going to happen eventually. But at the same time this raises (expectations), to go out and be the best we can be.” (PBP)
About the WRs they drafted, Camarillo said that he was:
"impressed with the people we picked up. With these coaches the whole theme is competition. Competition brings out the best in each position and bettering the team through that. That’s what they did. They brought in some corners to compete, and they brought in receivers to compete, and we all know we’re going to be fighting for playing time.” (PBP)
About all the experts who said that Miami didn't have enough talent at the WR position, Camarillo said:
“I’ve always been used to being an underdog, people telling me I wasn’t talented enough. People said going into last year that we didn’t have enough talented receivers. But you saw the production in our passing game, so it obviously was a solid group of receivers. We don’t need a big name; we know we have big talent. We needed depth and they went and picked up some talent there, so it’ll be interesting to see how everything works out.” (PBP)
PBP Note: "Camarillo and Bess finished second and third behind Ted Ginn Jr. in receptions, but just barely. Ginn finished with 56 catches, Camarillo 55 and Bess 54. While Camarillo has some job security after signing a three-year, $6 million extension just before he was injured while trying to make a tackle after an interception against New England last November, Bess knows he’ll have to prove himself, just as he did after coming to the team a year ago as a free agent out of Hawaii."
About fighting to keep his job with the Dolphins, Bess said:
“I’m taking it the same exact way I did last year. I don’t want to change anything. My drive, my work ethic, my determination and my focus got me through the season last year, so I want to approach the season this year the way I did last.” (PBP)
PBP Note: "Like Bess, Hartline is billed as a possession receiver. Bess said he looks forward to the competition if, as he could be the case, the two wind up fighting for one job."
About Hartline (drafted in the 4th round), who will be competing him for the slot receiver position, Bess said:
“I know he’s an excellent athlete. The competition is going to be there, and when the dust settles we’ll see who’s here and who worked hard to get a spot on the team. I’m looking forward to it. There’s no grudges at all; I’m going to help him as much as I can. That’s the kind of player I am. “ (PBP)
http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/thedailydolphin/2009/05/17/greg-camarillo-davone-bess-discuss-receiver-competition/
Saturday, May 16, 2009
The Browns want to use both David Veikune and Kaluka Maiava at inside LB
SC = scout.com
SC Note: "Veikune was an end at Hawaii. He is being converted to inside linebacker. Kaluka Maiava was an outside linebacker at Southern California. He will play inside linebacker with the Browns. Two key free-agent signings and former Jets -- Eric Barton and David Bowens -- are linebackers. Barton is the projected starter inside next to D'Qwell Jackson and Bowens is a contender to start at left outside linebacker."
Praising Veikune's adjustment to LB, Eric Mangini said:
"It has been positive. His change-of-direction (agility), his ability to communicate the defense and his understanding of concepts has all been good. I brought him up to the board in the squad meeting and he had to draw a full blitz with everyone -- defensive linemen, linebackers, safeties and cornerbacks. He got it right. He nailed it." (SC)
http://cle.scout.com/2/865203.html
SC Note: "Veikune was an end at Hawaii. He is being converted to inside linebacker. Kaluka Maiava was an outside linebacker at Southern California. He will play inside linebacker with the Browns. Two key free-agent signings and former Jets -- Eric Barton and David Bowens -- are linebackers. Barton is the projected starter inside next to D'Qwell Jackson and Bowens is a contender to start at left outside linebacker."
Praising Veikune's adjustment to LB, Eric Mangini said:
"It has been positive. His change-of-direction (agility), his ability to communicate the defense and his understanding of concepts has all been good. I brought him up to the board in the squad meeting and he had to draw a full blitz with everyone -- defensive linemen, linebackers, safeties and cornerbacks. He got it right. He nailed it." (SC)
http://cle.scout.com/2/865203.html
Friday, May 15, 2009
Pro Football Weekly feature on David Veikune
PFW = Pro Football Weekly
PFW Note: "Browns rookie David Veikune is making the transition from defensive end to outside linebacker, but the second-round pick from Hawaii does bring some experience in pass coverage — perhaps the biggest challenge for a player making such a position switch. Veikune occasionally dropped into coverage when the Warriors played “zone-dog” defenses in passing situations. In such a scheme, the Warriors blitz five players and have six players drop into coverage, with a defensive end and a linebacker responsible for the receivers running underneath while the cornerbacks and safeties play over the top."
About how Veikune would drop into pass coverage and in their "zone-dog" D, UH DL coach Dave Aranda said:
“He would make the drop according to what he saw." (PFW)
Note: Aranda told PFW that Veikune was the hardest-working player he had ever coached.
About Veikune's movement skills at their rookie minicamp, head coach Eric Mangini said:
"“I’ve been really happy with what I’ve seen. He is fluid for someone his size, for someone who has limited exposure to standing up. (PFW)
PFW Note: "Aranda told PFW that playing the run shouldn’t be a problem for Veikune, either, even after playing in the pass-happy Western Athletic Conference, noting that Veikune uses his hands well and plays with physicality."
http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL/AFC/AFC+North/Cleveland/WWHI/2009/wwhi051509.htm
PFW Note: "Browns rookie David Veikune is making the transition from defensive end to outside linebacker, but the second-round pick from Hawaii does bring some experience in pass coverage — perhaps the biggest challenge for a player making such a position switch. Veikune occasionally dropped into coverage when the Warriors played “zone-dog” defenses in passing situations. In such a scheme, the Warriors blitz five players and have six players drop into coverage, with a defensive end and a linebacker responsible for the receivers running underneath while the cornerbacks and safeties play over the top."
About how Veikune would drop into pass coverage and in their "zone-dog" D, UH DL coach Dave Aranda said:
“He would make the drop according to what he saw." (PFW)
Note: Aranda told PFW that Veikune was the hardest-working player he had ever coached.
About Veikune's movement skills at their rookie minicamp, head coach Eric Mangini said:
"“I’ve been really happy with what I’ve seen. He is fluid for someone his size, for someone who has limited exposure to standing up. (PFW)
PFW Note: "Aranda told PFW that playing the run shouldn’t be a problem for Veikune, either, even after playing in the pass-happy Western Athletic Conference, noting that Veikune uses his hands well and plays with physicality."
http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL/AFC/AFC+North/Cleveland/WWHI/2009/wwhi051509.htm
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Jon Medeiros was awarded a scholarship!
About awarding their final football scholarship to Jon Medeiros (who finished the spring as their #1 left slotback), Mac said:
"He's a good student, a hard worker and a good person." (HA)
HA Note: "Medeiros takes the bus every day to make the daily round trip between Kapolei and UH. He also is employed as a UH maintenance worker. McMackin said the Warriors have allotted all of their scholarships. The situation will change only if some recruits do not enroll during the fall semester."
http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com/2009/05/14/volleyball-interviews-today/comment-page-2/#comment-309668
"He's a good student, a hard worker and a good person." (HA)
HA Note: "Medeiros takes the bus every day to make the daily round trip between Kapolei and UH. He also is employed as a UH maintenance worker. McMackin said the Warriors have allotted all of their scholarships. The situation will change only if some recruits do not enroll during the fall semester."
http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com/2009/05/14/volleyball-interviews-today/comment-page-2/#comment-309668
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
UH asks to receive a portion of the revenue football games generate for Aloha Stadium
HA Note: "The University of Hawai'i athletic department has asked the Aloha Stadium Authority to consider some form of financial relief, including a "profit-sharing" plan under which the school might receive a portion of the revenue its football games help generate."
About UH's request for "profit-sharing", Aloha Stadium authority chairman Kevin Chong Kee said:
"We're looking to see what can be done to help the UH athletic program." (HA)
HA Note: "UH was not charged rent at the Halawa facility for the 2008 season but paid $778,592 in so-called "out-of-pocket" expenses, according to the school."
HA Note: "Donovan has told regents that UH is the only school in the nine-member Western Athletic Conference that does not receive concessions, parking or signage revenue from its football venue and is the only one without a student athletic fee. Until the 2006 season UH paid rent and expenses for its use of Aloha Stadium. But beginning with the 2006 season the authority agreed to rescind the rent when financial conditions permitted. UH had been paying approximately $300,000 per season under a formula that called for the school to be assessed $10,000 or 7.5 percent of ticket sales per game, whichever was greater. The stadium regularly generates a surplus, often somewhere between $1 million and $2.5 million per year, though the legislature sometimes "sweeps" much of it for other state use."
About how UH should share in the profits made by Aloha Stadium since it is a major tenant, JD said:
"My logic is that we're bringing in the lion's share of the revenue from sports (events) that actually use the stadium. And, it is imperative for us to be a success in Division I football." (HA)
HA Note: "Chong Kee said the authority may have to amend the administrative rules it operates under to accommodate UH, a review that is under way. Chong Kee said it might be possible to have something in place in time for the upcoming season."
HA Note: "UH was charged $104,846 in combined cleanup and refuse disposal costs for the 2008 season, an average of $14,978 per game."
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090513/SPORTS0201/905130381/1312&template=UHSports
About UH's request for "profit-sharing", Aloha Stadium authority chairman Kevin Chong Kee said:
"We're looking to see what can be done to help the UH athletic program." (HA)
HA Note: "UH was not charged rent at the Halawa facility for the 2008 season but paid $778,592 in so-called "out-of-pocket" expenses, according to the school."
HA Note: "Donovan has told regents that UH is the only school in the nine-member Western Athletic Conference that does not receive concessions, parking or signage revenue from its football venue and is the only one without a student athletic fee. Until the 2006 season UH paid rent and expenses for its use of Aloha Stadium. But beginning with the 2006 season the authority agreed to rescind the rent when financial conditions permitted. UH had been paying approximately $300,000 per season under a formula that called for the school to be assessed $10,000 or 7.5 percent of ticket sales per game, whichever was greater. The stadium regularly generates a surplus, often somewhere between $1 million and $2.5 million per year, though the legislature sometimes "sweeps" much of it for other state use."
About how UH should share in the profits made by Aloha Stadium since it is a major tenant, JD said:
"My logic is that we're bringing in the lion's share of the revenue from sports (events) that actually use the stadium. And, it is imperative for us to be a success in Division I football." (HA)
HA Note: "Chong Kee said the authority may have to amend the administrative rules it operates under to accommodate UH, a review that is under way. Chong Kee said it might be possible to have something in place in time for the upcoming season."
HA Note: "UH was charged $104,846 in combined cleanup and refuse disposal costs for the 2008 season, an average of $14,978 per game."
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090513/SPORTS0201/905130381/1312&template=UHSports
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Davone Bess loves that Pat White will run their Wildcat offense
About having Pat White run their Wildcat offense, Bess said:
"This will take our team to another level." (Miami Herald)
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/football/story/1045271.html
"This will take our team to another level." (Miami Herald)
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/football/story/1045271.html
Davone Bess is ready to compete for his job
HA Note: "Davone Bess said he's lost a few pounds, and is down to 187, in preparation for the start of OTAs next Monday. He said mini camp follows two weeks later."
Asked about the WRs that Miami drafted, Bess said:
"It's football. It's about competition. I'm used to it." (HA)
HA Note: "Bess will be visiting Hawai‘i in July."
http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com/2009/05/12/amemiya-is-chat-guest/comment-page-1/#comment-309127
Asked about the WRs that Miami drafted, Bess said:
"It's football. It's about competition. I'm used to it." (HA)
HA Note: "Bess will be visiting Hawai‘i in July."
http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com/2009/05/12/amemiya-is-chat-guest/comment-page-1/#comment-309127
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Pisa Tinoisamoa handled his release with class
SLPD = Saint Louis Post-Dispatch
About the Rams releasing him, Pisa said:
"I really like the direction they're going. Because the team wasn't winning, you knew this year was going to be different, and a lot of faces would be different. I didn't really honestly think it would involve me. But the change is here, it's come, and I think it's a good change. If something isn't working, you've got to figure things out." (SLPD)
SLPD Note: "Tinoisamoa, 27, led the Rams in tackles in four of his six seasons but didn't fit the mold of coach Steve Spagnuolo, who prefers bigger linebackers."
About Pisa's release, coach Spagnuolo said in a statement (neither coach nor GM was available to the press for comment):
"This was a difficult decision based on a lot of factors. I have a great deal of respect for Pisa and wish him all the best." (SLPD)
SLPD Note: "Chief among those factors was size. Tinoisamoa was listed at 240 pounds but played at 220 last year. When the Rams announced that Will Witherspoon would move to the weak side and Chris Draft to the middle, the only spot remaining was on the strong side, which requires an even beefier guy who frequently mucks with tight ends. The addition of James Laurinaitis in the second round of the draft further complicated Tinoisamoa's situation."
About how he made too much money to be a backup LB, Pisa said:
"They thought I was too good to be a backup. I'm getting paid too much to be a backup. They had brought that up earlier in the week, so (being released) wasn't a total surprise." (SLPD)
SLPD Note: "Tinoisamoa's release frees up about $2.25 million in cap space but leaves the linebacking corps thin."
About how he rotated with the backup LBs in their recently concluded minicamp, Pisa said:
"I thought I did decent. It was a new position, but I didn't think it was anything that was going to be unrealistic or unattainable. But when you see a rotation, you know there was something that just wasn't solidified yet, and that made me uneasy. I thought that I had a good chance of making this team, so the timing kind of hit me out of the blue." (SLPD)
SLPD Note: "A second-round pick out of Hawaii in 2003, Tinoisamoa became the first rookie to lead the team in tackles, with 121. He led the team in tackles the following two seasons and was named a team captain in 2004. Tinoisamoa signed a $24.7 million contract extension after five games of 2006 that locked him up through 2011. About that time, though, he suffered a series of injuries to a hand, elbow, shoulder, ankle and knee that forced him to miss 12 games in 2006 and 2007. He started every game last year, though, and again led the team in tackles, with 135."
About his NFL career with the Rams, Pisa said:
"It was a great moment in my life, coming into a team and making the playoffs my first two seasons. The past couple years haven't been the best, but I've always tried to get back to that level of success as a team. My attitude never changed, and I always strove to be the best." (SLPD)
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/rams/story/C2DDDF592AA77CAB862575B10003B999?OpenDocument
About the Rams releasing him, Pisa said:
"I really like the direction they're going. Because the team wasn't winning, you knew this year was going to be different, and a lot of faces would be different. I didn't really honestly think it would involve me. But the change is here, it's come, and I think it's a good change. If something isn't working, you've got to figure things out." (SLPD)
SLPD Note: "Tinoisamoa, 27, led the Rams in tackles in four of his six seasons but didn't fit the mold of coach Steve Spagnuolo, who prefers bigger linebackers."
About Pisa's release, coach Spagnuolo said in a statement (neither coach nor GM was available to the press for comment):
"This was a difficult decision based on a lot of factors. I have a great deal of respect for Pisa and wish him all the best." (SLPD)
SLPD Note: "Chief among those factors was size. Tinoisamoa was listed at 240 pounds but played at 220 last year. When the Rams announced that Will Witherspoon would move to the weak side and Chris Draft to the middle, the only spot remaining was on the strong side, which requires an even beefier guy who frequently mucks with tight ends. The addition of James Laurinaitis in the second round of the draft further complicated Tinoisamoa's situation."
About how he made too much money to be a backup LB, Pisa said:
"They thought I was too good to be a backup. I'm getting paid too much to be a backup. They had brought that up earlier in the week, so (being released) wasn't a total surprise." (SLPD)
SLPD Note: "Tinoisamoa's release frees up about $2.25 million in cap space but leaves the linebacking corps thin."
About how he rotated with the backup LBs in their recently concluded minicamp, Pisa said:
"I thought I did decent. It was a new position, but I didn't think it was anything that was going to be unrealistic or unattainable. But when you see a rotation, you know there was something that just wasn't solidified yet, and that made me uneasy. I thought that I had a good chance of making this team, so the timing kind of hit me out of the blue." (SLPD)
SLPD Note: "A second-round pick out of Hawaii in 2003, Tinoisamoa became the first rookie to lead the team in tackles, with 121. He led the team in tackles the following two seasons and was named a team captain in 2004. Tinoisamoa signed a $24.7 million contract extension after five games of 2006 that locked him up through 2011. About that time, though, he suffered a series of injuries to a hand, elbow, shoulder, ankle and knee that forced him to miss 12 games in 2006 and 2007. He started every game last year, though, and again led the team in tackles, with 135."
About his NFL career with the Rams, Pisa said:
"It was a great moment in my life, coming into a team and making the playoffs my first two seasons. The past couple years haven't been the best, but I've always tried to get back to that level of success as a team. My attitude never changed, and I always strove to be the best." (SLPD)
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/rams/story/C2DDDF592AA77CAB862575B10003B999?OpenDocument
Friday, May 8, 2009
Jake Ingram feels that he has a lot of learn
About how he has a lot of learn, Jake Ingram said:
"It's not really overwhelming, it's just a new experience and we've all got a long way to go. I've got a long way to go, a lot to learn. I thought I knew things in college, but I come here and I don't have the slightest clue. I'm excited about learning from the coaches and working hard." (scout.com)
http://nwe.scout.com/2/863562.html
"It's not really overwhelming, it's just a new experience and we've all got a long way to go. I've got a long way to go, a lot to learn. I thought I knew things in college, but I come here and I don't have the slightest clue. I'm excited about learning from the coaches and working hard." (scout.com)
http://nwe.scout.com/2/863562.html
JC Kicker Scott Enos signed with the Warriors!
About his written commitment to the Warriors, Scott Enos said:
"I'm happy to be a Warrior." (HA)
HA Note: "By signing a scholarship agreement with the Warriors, Enos turned down offers from Texas-El Paso and New Mexico State."
About Hawaii, Enos (who was raised in Sacramento) said:
"The location is perfect. The weather is great out there. The people are so welcoming. It's like a family." (HA)
HA Note: "Enos is a successful product of Chris Sailer's prestigious kicking program. At Sailer's 2008 Spring Event by Nike, Enos placed first in field goals and fifth in kickoffs among JC and transfer kickers. Enos was named to the Grid-Wire Preseason All-America third team in 2008. Sailer recommended Enos to Chris Tormey, UH's special teams coordinator. Enos was invited on a recruiting trip last week."
About why he had a shortened recruiting visit, Enos said:
"It was just for one night. I had finals. I couldn't spend a whole lot of time out there." (HA)
About UH, Enos said:
"It's a really good program. I like the coaches." (HA)
About his kicking range, Enos said:
"The deepest (field goal), with a little bit of wind, was 60 yards in practice." (HA)
About the resistance training he does, Enos said:
"You'll see pitchers in the major leagues use resistance bands on their arms to strengthen them and gain arm speed. For kicking, I like to use resistance bands for my legs. It helps build leg speed. Other than that, I go over technique and stretching. Being flexible is very important." (HA)
HA Note: "Enos completes work on his associate degree next week. He will join the Warriors this summer. He will attend summer session, as well as take part in the offseason conditioning program and unsupervised workouts."
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090508/SPORTS0201/905080381/1312&template=UHSports
"I'm happy to be a Warrior." (HA)
HA Note: "By signing a scholarship agreement with the Warriors, Enos turned down offers from Texas-El Paso and New Mexico State."
About Hawaii, Enos (who was raised in Sacramento) said:
"The location is perfect. The weather is great out there. The people are so welcoming. It's like a family." (HA)
HA Note: "Enos is a successful product of Chris Sailer's prestigious kicking program. At Sailer's 2008 Spring Event by Nike, Enos placed first in field goals and fifth in kickoffs among JC and transfer kickers. Enos was named to the Grid-Wire Preseason All-America third team in 2008. Sailer recommended Enos to Chris Tormey, UH's special teams coordinator. Enos was invited on a recruiting trip last week."
About why he had a shortened recruiting visit, Enos said:
"It was just for one night. I had finals. I couldn't spend a whole lot of time out there." (HA)
About UH, Enos said:
"It's a really good program. I like the coaches." (HA)
About his kicking range, Enos said:
"The deepest (field goal), with a little bit of wind, was 60 yards in practice." (HA)
About the resistance training he does, Enos said:
"You'll see pitchers in the major leagues use resistance bands on their arms to strengthen them and gain arm speed. For kicking, I like to use resistance bands for my legs. It helps build leg speed. Other than that, I go over technique and stretching. Being flexible is very important." (HA)
HA Note: "Enos completes work on his associate degree next week. He will join the Warriors this summer. He will attend summer session, as well as take part in the offseason conditioning program and unsupervised workouts."
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090508/SPORTS0201/905080381/1312&template=UHSports
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Gordy Shaw is recruiting in Minnesota this week
PP = Pioneer Press
PP Note: "Gordy Shaw, who recruited in-state football players for the Gophers for 14 years and now is offensive line coach at the University of Hawaii, will be in town this week recruiting at a half-dozen Minnesota high schools."
About going from Hawaii to Minnesota to recruit, Shaw said:
"Haven't worn a pair of long pants since I got here Feb. 22." (PP)
About how he went from South Dakota to UH, Shaw said:
"From Vermillion to Honolulu; that might be the biggest change (in the history) of college recruiting." (PP)
PP Note: "Shaw's daughter Jenna will give the commencement speech for fellow graduates of Minnesota's Institute of Technology on Friday."
http://www.twincities.com/ci_12311805?source=most_emailed
PP Note: "Gordy Shaw, who recruited in-state football players for the Gophers for 14 years and now is offensive line coach at the University of Hawaii, will be in town this week recruiting at a half-dozen Minnesota high schools."
About going from Hawaii to Minnesota to recruit, Shaw said:
"Haven't worn a pair of long pants since I got here Feb. 22." (PP)
About how he went from South Dakota to UH, Shaw said:
"From Vermillion to Honolulu; that might be the biggest change (in the history) of college recruiting." (PP)
PP Note: "Shaw's daughter Jenna will give the commencement speech for fellow graduates of Minnesota's Institute of Technology on Friday."
http://www.twincities.com/ci_12311805?source=most_emailed
The APR will not penalize the Warriors
About how only baseball will be penalized by the APR this year (and baseball's penalty dropped from 0.48 last year to 0.27 this year), JD said:
"I'm very pleased we made improvement in all but one sport. This is something that takes a multi-level commitment — from coaches, players, support staff and administration. This is what it is all about, doing well in school." (HA)
HA Note: "Only women's tennis among the 18 sports surveyed (the NCAA does not include sailing) failed to improve on its single-year numbers over the previous year. Last year, in addition to men's basketball, football lost one scholarship and baseball 0.48. Last year, in addition to men's basketball, football lost one scholarship and baseball 0.48."
About their improvement with the APR, Mac said:
"The APR is here to stay and it's something we have to take seriously. We have to continue to get better and we're headed in the right direction." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The football program avoided penalties for the first time in four years and had a single-year score of 956 to jump to 935 in the multi-year score. Nash and football coach Greg McMackin credited the academic staff (advisors Conred Maddox in basketball and Jennifer Matsuda, Trina Kudlacek and Sara Nunes-Atabaki in football) and cited an emphasis on summer school for contributing to the academic improvements. With the football program moving above the multi-year benchmark of 925 for the first time, McMackin said the Warriors' freshman class posted a grade-point average above 3.0 last season."
HSB Note: "Hawaii was rocked with the loss of five football scholarships the first year the NCAA levied penalties using the APR as a barometer. A big reason the Warriors were hit so hard was June Jones' penchant for finding new schools for players he knew would never play for Hawaii, places where they could play. If you know Jones' history, you know he did this out of empathy; he transferred from Hawaii himself as a player, to stardom at Portland State. The APR in its original form made that troublesome, with unfairly severe penalties for even "clean" transfers. Now, if you move on with a 2.6 and meet other academic requirements, it's no damage. Good to know the NCAA can adapt its policies and do what makes sense once in awhile."
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090507_UH_makes_academic_strides_but_baseball_takes_hit.html
http://www.starbulletin.com/columnists/furtherreview/20090507_Building_on_APR_gains_a_must_for_UH_programs.html
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090507/SPORTS02/905070353/1312&template=UHSports
"I'm very pleased we made improvement in all but one sport. This is something that takes a multi-level commitment — from coaches, players, support staff and administration. This is what it is all about, doing well in school." (HA)
HA Note: "Only women's tennis among the 18 sports surveyed (the NCAA does not include sailing) failed to improve on its single-year numbers over the previous year. Last year, in addition to men's basketball, football lost one scholarship and baseball 0.48. Last year, in addition to men's basketball, football lost one scholarship and baseball 0.48."
About their improvement with the APR, Mac said:
"The APR is here to stay and it's something we have to take seriously. We have to continue to get better and we're headed in the right direction." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The football program avoided penalties for the first time in four years and had a single-year score of 956 to jump to 935 in the multi-year score. Nash and football coach Greg McMackin credited the academic staff (advisors Conred Maddox in basketball and Jennifer Matsuda, Trina Kudlacek and Sara Nunes-Atabaki in football) and cited an emphasis on summer school for contributing to the academic improvements. With the football program moving above the multi-year benchmark of 925 for the first time, McMackin said the Warriors' freshman class posted a grade-point average above 3.0 last season."
HSB Note: "Hawaii was rocked with the loss of five football scholarships the first year the NCAA levied penalties using the APR as a barometer. A big reason the Warriors were hit so hard was June Jones' penchant for finding new schools for players he knew would never play for Hawaii, places where they could play. If you know Jones' history, you know he did this out of empathy; he transferred from Hawaii himself as a player, to stardom at Portland State. The APR in its original form made that troublesome, with unfairly severe penalties for even "clean" transfers. Now, if you move on with a 2.6 and meet other academic requirements, it's no damage. Good to know the NCAA can adapt its policies and do what makes sense once in awhile."
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090507_UH_makes_academic_strides_but_baseball_takes_hit.html
http://www.starbulletin.com/columnists/furtherreview/20090507_Building_on_APR_gains_a_must_for_UH_programs.html
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090507/SPORTS02/905070353/1312&template=UHSports
Feature on the Warriors' Junior Pro Day
About how his arm reach was measured at 33 inches (less than he had hoped), Tua Mahaley said:
"I was working on my biceps today." (HA)
HA Note: "Mahaley was among 13 soon-to-be Warrior football seniors whose weights, heights, arm reaches, hand spans and Wonderlic results were recorded during yesterday's Junior Pro Day at the UH athletic complex. The 90-minute session served as a career day for aspiring pro players. Two National Football League scouting coordinators — Dave Petett of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ray Biggs of the Tennessee Titans — took the data, which will be shared with 26 of the remaining 32 NFL teams."
About having the Junior Pro Day for the Warriors, Petett said:
"It gives us a jump. We can start working on (evaluating) the guys over the summer. We'll know what to expect in the fall." (HA)
About how these assessments are part of the draft evaluation process, Petett said:
"It's an 11-plus-month process. Hawai'i has had good players in recent years. Look at David, Ryan and Jake." (HA)
HA Note: "Defensive end David Veikune, cornerback Ryan Mouton and long-snapper Jake Ingram are former Warriors who were selected in the 2009 NFL draft. Petett and Biggs spent several hours reviewing videos of the UH prospects. They will watch more videos today and tomorrow."
About how the scouts will grade UH's Juniors, Rich Miano said:
"They'll evaluate each senior-to-be, then give them a grade." (HA)
About taking the Wonderlic (50 questions long, 20 minute time limit), Brashton Satele (who was born in November) said:
"One of the questions was: what's the 11th month of the calendar year?" (HA)
About the Wonderlic, John Estes said:
"The questions ranged from ridiculously easy to hard." (HA)
About how his hand span was measured at 10 3/4 inches, Laupepa Letuli said:
"I was surprised." (HA)
HA Note: "Left guard Ray Hisatake had the longest reach (33fi inches). At 6 feet 4, left tackle Aaron Kia was the tallest. Defensive tackle Rocky Savaiigaea weighed the most (335 pounds)."
About being measured at 6' 1.5" and 298 pounds, Estes said:
"I am what I am." (HA)
HA Note: "There were two notable absences: quarterback Greg Alexander and defensive end Fetaiagogo "John" Fonoti, whose girlfriend was in the hospital yesterday."
About Fonoti missing the Junior Pro Day, Biggs said:
"We understand. He would have been here. Give him credit for taking care of his girlfriend." (HA)
HA Note: "The players were not asked to lift weights or run the 40-yard dash. The Warriors lifted in March, and those results were forwarded to the scouts."
About how he didn't want the Warriors to run the 40-yard dash on Ching Field, Miano said:
"We love the surface, and it's good for the knees and ankles and shoulders. But it's not good to run a 40 because the surface is slow. It's so soft. It's like running on long grass. As it gets patted down more, it will become a faster surface. We don't want them to have slow times because of the surfaces they're running on." (HA)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090507/SPORTS0201/905070363/1312&template=UHSports
"I was working on my biceps today." (HA)
HA Note: "Mahaley was among 13 soon-to-be Warrior football seniors whose weights, heights, arm reaches, hand spans and Wonderlic results were recorded during yesterday's Junior Pro Day at the UH athletic complex. The 90-minute session served as a career day for aspiring pro players. Two National Football League scouting coordinators — Dave Petett of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ray Biggs of the Tennessee Titans — took the data, which will be shared with 26 of the remaining 32 NFL teams."
About having the Junior Pro Day for the Warriors, Petett said:
"It gives us a jump. We can start working on (evaluating) the guys over the summer. We'll know what to expect in the fall." (HA)
About how these assessments are part of the draft evaluation process, Petett said:
"It's an 11-plus-month process. Hawai'i has had good players in recent years. Look at David, Ryan and Jake." (HA)
HA Note: "Defensive end David Veikune, cornerback Ryan Mouton and long-snapper Jake Ingram are former Warriors who were selected in the 2009 NFL draft. Petett and Biggs spent several hours reviewing videos of the UH prospects. They will watch more videos today and tomorrow."
About how the scouts will grade UH's Juniors, Rich Miano said:
"They'll evaluate each senior-to-be, then give them a grade." (HA)
About taking the Wonderlic (50 questions long, 20 minute time limit), Brashton Satele (who was born in November) said:
"One of the questions was: what's the 11th month of the calendar year?" (HA)
About the Wonderlic, John Estes said:
"The questions ranged from ridiculously easy to hard." (HA)
About how his hand span was measured at 10 3/4 inches, Laupepa Letuli said:
"I was surprised." (HA)
HA Note: "Left guard Ray Hisatake had the longest reach (33fi inches). At 6 feet 4, left tackle Aaron Kia was the tallest. Defensive tackle Rocky Savaiigaea weighed the most (335 pounds)."
About being measured at 6' 1.5" and 298 pounds, Estes said:
"I am what I am." (HA)
HA Note: "There were two notable absences: quarterback Greg Alexander and defensive end Fetaiagogo "John" Fonoti, whose girlfriend was in the hospital yesterday."
About Fonoti missing the Junior Pro Day, Biggs said:
"We understand. He would have been here. Give him credit for taking care of his girlfriend." (HA)
HA Note: "The players were not asked to lift weights or run the 40-yard dash. The Warriors lifted in March, and those results were forwarded to the scouts."
About how he didn't want the Warriors to run the 40-yard dash on Ching Field, Miano said:
"We love the surface, and it's good for the knees and ankles and shoulders. But it's not good to run a 40 because the surface is slow. It's so soft. It's like running on long grass. As it gets patted down more, it will become a faster surface. We don't want them to have slow times because of the surfaces they're running on." (HA)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090507/SPORTS0201/905070363/1312&template=UHSports
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Jim Zorn wants to have Colt get more playing time during the preseason
WT = Washington Times
WT Note: "Neither Todd Collins nor Colt Brennan threw a pass for the Washington Redskins last season. That's the plan again this season as long as starting quarterback Jason Campbell stays healthy. But that doesn't mean the Redskins' failed attempts last month to replace Campbell with Jay Cutler or Mark Sanchez didn't affect the two backups."
About how it would have affected his chances if Washington got Jay Cutler or Mark Sanchez during the offseason, Colt said:
"[Cutler has] already played for a couple of years, and they would have committed a lot [of money] to him. It was going to set me back. I know Mark; we grew up in Orange County together. Even if they gave him a big check, I have a year in this offense under my belt, and we would've competed. If anything, you can look at it as a positive and have it push you that much more." (WT)
WT Note: "Zorn confirmed that Collins still holds the No. 2 job, but third-stringer Brennan played well in the preseason last year and is looking to make bigger strides this season."
About how he has improved a lot during the past year, Colt said:
"I can already feel this gigantic difference from the quarterback I was out here last year to the quarterback I am now. Not only because I'm healthy but because I'm so much more confident with not only the playbook but the people around me, the coaches and the whole environment. This time last year, I was four or five months after hip surgery. Instead of being 225 pounds and not that mobile, I'm 214 and a much more active quarterback." (WT)
WT Note: "Collins said he wants to play "as long as I can still make the plays," but he's on the downside of his career. Brennan is all upside."
About how he wants to see Colt play more during the preseason, Jim Zorn said:
"Todd has been working out religiously. He [has embraced] the offense with full passion, and I'm going to get him some time in preseason, but I want to see Colt more. I'm still working on his feet. He wants to prance. I tell him, 'Quit acting like a coyote in a snowfield: Just drive, set, step and throw.' He's learning. I'm looking for him to really step up and take charge. He's taking little steps, but he's not ready yet." (WT)
WT Note: "Brennan also throws many of his passes sidearm, an approach that works for him but one that Zorn doesn't think can be effective on certain throws."
About how he needs to prove that he is ready to move up the depth chart, Colt said:
"What Coach has really done is try to slowly make it a little bit more orthodox, but he hasn't taken away what I'm really confident about, and that's getting the ball from point A to point B. Last year I was put to the test: 'Is this kid an NFL quarterback?' I think I passed that test. This year, it's up to me to prove I can move up the depth chart and build towards a future where I can hopefully be a starting quarterback in the NFL." (WT)
http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/may/05/quarterbacks-part-of-backup-plan/
WT Note: "Neither Todd Collins nor Colt Brennan threw a pass for the Washington Redskins last season. That's the plan again this season as long as starting quarterback Jason Campbell stays healthy. But that doesn't mean the Redskins' failed attempts last month to replace Campbell with Jay Cutler or Mark Sanchez didn't affect the two backups."
About how it would have affected his chances if Washington got Jay Cutler or Mark Sanchez during the offseason, Colt said:
"[Cutler has] already played for a couple of years, and they would have committed a lot [of money] to him. It was going to set me back. I know Mark; we grew up in Orange County together. Even if they gave him a big check, I have a year in this offense under my belt, and we would've competed. If anything, you can look at it as a positive and have it push you that much more." (WT)
WT Note: "Zorn confirmed that Collins still holds the No. 2 job, but third-stringer Brennan played well in the preseason last year and is looking to make bigger strides this season."
About how he has improved a lot during the past year, Colt said:
"I can already feel this gigantic difference from the quarterback I was out here last year to the quarterback I am now. Not only because I'm healthy but because I'm so much more confident with not only the playbook but the people around me, the coaches and the whole environment. This time last year, I was four or five months after hip surgery. Instead of being 225 pounds and not that mobile, I'm 214 and a much more active quarterback." (WT)
WT Note: "Collins said he wants to play "as long as I can still make the plays," but he's on the downside of his career. Brennan is all upside."
About how he wants to see Colt play more during the preseason, Jim Zorn said:
"Todd has been working out religiously. He [has embraced] the offense with full passion, and I'm going to get him some time in preseason, but I want to see Colt more. I'm still working on his feet. He wants to prance. I tell him, 'Quit acting like a coyote in a snowfield: Just drive, set, step and throw.' He's learning. I'm looking for him to really step up and take charge. He's taking little steps, but he's not ready yet." (WT)
WT Note: "Brennan also throws many of his passes sidearm, an approach that works for him but one that Zorn doesn't think can be effective on certain throws."
About how he needs to prove that he is ready to move up the depth chart, Colt said:
"What Coach has really done is try to slowly make it a little bit more orthodox, but he hasn't taken away what I'm really confident about, and that's getting the ball from point A to point B. Last year I was put to the test: 'Is this kid an NFL quarterback?' I think I passed that test. This year, it's up to me to prove I can move up the depth chart and build towards a future where I can hopefully be a starting quarterback in the NFL." (WT)
http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/may/05/quarterbacks-part-of-backup-plan/
Monday, May 4, 2009
Feature on Colt Brennan
SC = skinscast.com
SC Note: "Yet while the Redskins have done everything but place a help wanted ad for a quarterback to replace starter Jason Campbell, Brennan, a record-setting collegiate star, has been busy learning the pro game, waiting for a chance to prove himself. And as luck would have it, Washington's inability to land a new starter at the position may prove as beneficial to Brennan as to Campbell in that Brennan is now not relegated to competing for third-string on the depth chart while fighting for playing time in the preseason."
About how Washington did not trade or draft a QB, Colt said:
"You’re relieved in the sense that if they had [gotten a new quarterback] it obviously sets you back from the get-go. After all the work you’ve put in so far you automatically have to take a few steps back if that had happened. But now I can continue to build off of what I did last year and continue to make my mark." (SC)
About what he learned from the scrutiny he had before the NFL draft, Colt said:
"The thing that I kind of learned throughout the draft process and even when I was going through high school and junior college was that it seemed like my whole life everyone said that I wasn’t good enough and I always said that I was going to be one of the best. As long as I held to that, it seemed like every time I got challenged where I got put out there on the field that’s exactly what I was able to do; prove that I could be one of the best." (SC)
SC Note: "His performance in the 2008 preseason didn't do anything to refute his assertions. In his first appearance in the Hall of Fame game against the Indianapolis Colts, Brennan went 9-10 for 163 yards and 2 touchdowns to finish with an impressive QB rating of 157.5 in the Redskins' 30-16 win. After an ordinary performance against Buffalo a week later, Brennan went 4-5 for 79 yards and 1 touchdown with a QB rating of 158.3 against the New York Jets in the 13-10 Redskins win. Following another mediocre showing against the pressure defense of Carolina, Brennan played well against Jacksonville, going 13-18 for 119 yards with a respectable rating of 89.8. He finished the preseason 36-54 for 411 yards, with 3 touchdowns, a 67.9 completion percentage, and a QB rating of 109.9."
About how he's finally healthy, after rehabbing during the offseason after a procedure to correct a slight tear to the meniscus in his left knee, Colt said:
"This is the first time I’ve been healthy in a year and a half on a football field. I’ve had a major hip surgery and a small knee surgery and now I just got done with my rehabilitation on my knee. I haven’t felt healthy for a long time. When I played in the preseason last year I was 80-90 percent. I wasn’t even close to being completely healthy whereas this year when I get in preseason I should be completely 100 percent and should be a lot different quarterback on that football field." (SC)
About how his footwork has improved but still has room to improve further, Colt said:
"I think I’ve come a long way with that. I’ve got a lot more depth with my drop now, a lot more smooth." (SC)
SC Note: "The coaches would also like Brennan to throw in a more traditional manner, rather than his trademark sidearm motion. They are not making it a point of emphasis however and Brennan believes this is because of his accuracy."
About how his coaches want him to change his throwing motion but haven't pushed it too much so far, Colt said:
"I think the one thing is if people really notice, it’s not so much a consistent side-arm release. Sometimes I’m side-armed, sometimes I’m over the top. For me when I throw it’s a feel. It’s not really something that I think is technique. I think one thing that helps me is I’m so consistent on completing passes. I get the ball from point A to point B so consistently that they are not really out there to try and ruin that. That’s something you try and get a quarterback to have. I naturally have it, it just doesn’t look like everybody else." (SC)
Confident in his ability and just hoping for a chance to show what he can do, Colt said:
"Once I get in there and if I can do some things in the preseason I can hopefully continue to show everybody that I belong in this league and can be a starting quarterback in this league. Right now I’m just trying to get big, refine my game, learn about this style of play in the NFL and really I guess it’s just me worrying about myself and worrying about what I can do. Like I said, when that opportunity comes it’s just taking it and running with it." (SC)
http://skinscast.com/man_on_a_mission.html
SC Note: "Yet while the Redskins have done everything but place a help wanted ad for a quarterback to replace starter Jason Campbell, Brennan, a record-setting collegiate star, has been busy learning the pro game, waiting for a chance to prove himself. And as luck would have it, Washington's inability to land a new starter at the position may prove as beneficial to Brennan as to Campbell in that Brennan is now not relegated to competing for third-string on the depth chart while fighting for playing time in the preseason."
About how Washington did not trade or draft a QB, Colt said:
"You’re relieved in the sense that if they had [gotten a new quarterback] it obviously sets you back from the get-go. After all the work you’ve put in so far you automatically have to take a few steps back if that had happened. But now I can continue to build off of what I did last year and continue to make my mark." (SC)
About what he learned from the scrutiny he had before the NFL draft, Colt said:
"The thing that I kind of learned throughout the draft process and even when I was going through high school and junior college was that it seemed like my whole life everyone said that I wasn’t good enough and I always said that I was going to be one of the best. As long as I held to that, it seemed like every time I got challenged where I got put out there on the field that’s exactly what I was able to do; prove that I could be one of the best." (SC)
SC Note: "His performance in the 2008 preseason didn't do anything to refute his assertions. In his first appearance in the Hall of Fame game against the Indianapolis Colts, Brennan went 9-10 for 163 yards and 2 touchdowns to finish with an impressive QB rating of 157.5 in the Redskins' 30-16 win. After an ordinary performance against Buffalo a week later, Brennan went 4-5 for 79 yards and 1 touchdown with a QB rating of 158.3 against the New York Jets in the 13-10 Redskins win. Following another mediocre showing against the pressure defense of Carolina, Brennan played well against Jacksonville, going 13-18 for 119 yards with a respectable rating of 89.8. He finished the preseason 36-54 for 411 yards, with 3 touchdowns, a 67.9 completion percentage, and a QB rating of 109.9."
About how he's finally healthy, after rehabbing during the offseason after a procedure to correct a slight tear to the meniscus in his left knee, Colt said:
"This is the first time I’ve been healthy in a year and a half on a football field. I’ve had a major hip surgery and a small knee surgery and now I just got done with my rehabilitation on my knee. I haven’t felt healthy for a long time. When I played in the preseason last year I was 80-90 percent. I wasn’t even close to being completely healthy whereas this year when I get in preseason I should be completely 100 percent and should be a lot different quarterback on that football field." (SC)
About how his footwork has improved but still has room to improve further, Colt said:
"I think I’ve come a long way with that. I’ve got a lot more depth with my drop now, a lot more smooth." (SC)
SC Note: "The coaches would also like Brennan to throw in a more traditional manner, rather than his trademark sidearm motion. They are not making it a point of emphasis however and Brennan believes this is because of his accuracy."
About how his coaches want him to change his throwing motion but haven't pushed it too much so far, Colt said:
"I think the one thing is if people really notice, it’s not so much a consistent side-arm release. Sometimes I’m side-armed, sometimes I’m over the top. For me when I throw it’s a feel. It’s not really something that I think is technique. I think one thing that helps me is I’m so consistent on completing passes. I get the ball from point A to point B so consistently that they are not really out there to try and ruin that. That’s something you try and get a quarterback to have. I naturally have it, it just doesn’t look like everybody else." (SC)
Confident in his ability and just hoping for a chance to show what he can do, Colt said:
"Once I get in there and if I can do some things in the preseason I can hopefully continue to show everybody that I belong in this league and can be a starting quarterback in this league. Right now I’m just trying to get big, refine my game, learn about this style of play in the NFL and really I guess it’s just me worrying about myself and worrying about what I can do. Like I said, when that opportunity comes it’s just taking it and running with it." (SC)
http://skinscast.com/man_on_a_mission.html
Feature article on Kynan Forney
SDUT = San Diego Union-Tribune
About skipping free agency to sign a 2-year, $4.8 million deal with the Chargers, Kynan Forney said:
“The opportunity, the talent, the excitement with these guys." (SDUT)
SDUT Note: "Forney, who started 89 games for the Atlanta Falcons between 2001 and 2007, has long been in the Chargers' plans for 2009. Signed in September after the Falcons let him go in the final preseason cuts, he quietly has been penciled in as Mike Goff's replacement for some time."
About how Forney will compete with Louis Vasquez (San Diego drafted him in the third round in last weekend's draft) for the starting RG spot, Norv Turner said:
“It will be a very competitive training camp for those guys." (SDUT)
About competing for a starting spot, Forney said:
“I'm still working to have the right to play. It's nice to have a shot again.” (SDUT)
SDUT Note: "But the Chargers are excited by his athleticism, strength and little bit of a nasty streak. And after a year on the sideline – active just three times and never playing – it is clear by the edge in his words that Forney has no intention of watching another year go by. Despite believing he eventually would provide an upgrade from Goff, the Chargers did not make a lineup move last season."
About why they didn't put Forney in the starting lineup last season, Turner said:
“The way things were, we had a veteran group that had been together.” (SDUT)
About not playing last season, Forney said:
“It was difficult last year, I ain't going to lie. It was hard, being used to playing.” (SDUT)
SDUT Note: "He and Turner agree that he is much better positioned to make an impact now that he's had a season to learn the Chargers' terminology and participate in meetings and practices. And being able to learn during an offseason, everyone believes, will prove valuable as well. Forney contends he has no ill will against the Falcons but believes a new coaching staff there made up its mind about him last spring and he had no chance after that."
About being released after playing seven seasons, Forney said:
“You know how the perception is when you get cut. People think you can't play any more. That's not the case.” (SDUT)
About how Forney might have something to prove after being cut by Atlanta, GM A.J. Smith said:
“You just leave it up to veteran players as far as their own thoughts and intentions about their career.” (SDUT)
About how being cut by Atlanta motivates him in San Diego, Forney said:
“I'm not (angry) with Atlanta. That's the way the business is. To me it's just more motivation. Sometimes you need something to happen to motivate you.” (SDUT)
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/may/04/1s4chargers23355-chargers-forney-looking-his-shot/
About skipping free agency to sign a 2-year, $4.8 million deal with the Chargers, Kynan Forney said:
“The opportunity, the talent, the excitement with these guys." (SDUT)
SDUT Note: "Forney, who started 89 games for the Atlanta Falcons between 2001 and 2007, has long been in the Chargers' plans for 2009. Signed in September after the Falcons let him go in the final preseason cuts, he quietly has been penciled in as Mike Goff's replacement for some time."
About how Forney will compete with Louis Vasquez (San Diego drafted him in the third round in last weekend's draft) for the starting RG spot, Norv Turner said:
“It will be a very competitive training camp for those guys." (SDUT)
About competing for a starting spot, Forney said:
“I'm still working to have the right to play. It's nice to have a shot again.” (SDUT)
SDUT Note: "But the Chargers are excited by his athleticism, strength and little bit of a nasty streak. And after a year on the sideline – active just three times and never playing – it is clear by the edge in his words that Forney has no intention of watching another year go by. Despite believing he eventually would provide an upgrade from Goff, the Chargers did not make a lineup move last season."
About why they didn't put Forney in the starting lineup last season, Turner said:
“The way things were, we had a veteran group that had been together.” (SDUT)
About not playing last season, Forney said:
“It was difficult last year, I ain't going to lie. It was hard, being used to playing.” (SDUT)
SDUT Note: "He and Turner agree that he is much better positioned to make an impact now that he's had a season to learn the Chargers' terminology and participate in meetings and practices. And being able to learn during an offseason, everyone believes, will prove valuable as well. Forney contends he has no ill will against the Falcons but believes a new coaching staff there made up its mind about him last spring and he had no chance after that."
About being released after playing seven seasons, Forney said:
“You know how the perception is when you get cut. People think you can't play any more. That's not the case.” (SDUT)
About how Forney might have something to prove after being cut by Atlanta, GM A.J. Smith said:
“You just leave it up to veteran players as far as their own thoughts and intentions about their career.” (SDUT)
About how being cut by Atlanta motivates him in San Diego, Forney said:
“I'm not (angry) with Atlanta. That's the way the business is. To me it's just more motivation. Sometimes you need something to happen to motivate you.” (SDUT)
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/may/04/1s4chargers23355-chargers-forney-looking-his-shot/
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Jim Zorn says that Colt Brennan needs to improve his accuracy?
Asked about Colt's progress during mini-camp, Jim Zorn said:
"He’s moving better and he’s throwing harder than he did when he first got here last year. He’s learning the offense. He didn’t have a lot of reps last year, so now he’s actually under fire." (redskins.com)
Asked what Colt needs to improve on this year, Zorn said:
"Accuracy. And just the knowledge of the offense. As he gets to know our offense better, he’ll become a better player." (redskins.com)
http://www.redskins.com/gen/articles/Mini_Camp_Practice_Report__Sunday__May_3_34959.jsp
"He’s moving better and he’s throwing harder than he did when he first got here last year. He’s learning the offense. He didn’t have a lot of reps last year, so now he’s actually under fire." (redskins.com)
Asked what Colt needs to improve on this year, Zorn said:
"Accuracy. And just the knowledge of the offense. As he gets to know our offense better, he’ll become a better player." (redskins.com)
http://www.redskins.com/gen/articles/Mini_Camp_Practice_Report__Sunday__May_3_34959.jsp
Eric Mangini praised David Veikune
MN = Maui News
Happy how Veikune has done in their practices, Eric Mangini said:
"I've been really happy with what I've seen. He's fluid for someone his size, and someone who has limited exposure to standing up." (MN)
About how they are converting Veikune from DE to LB, Mangini said:
"He looked more like a linebacker than a guy converting from defensive end." (MN)
http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/518029.html?nav=11
Happy how Veikune has done in their practices, Eric Mangini said:
"I've been really happy with what I've seen. He's fluid for someone his size, and someone who has limited exposure to standing up." (MN)
About how they are converting Veikune from DE to LB, Mangini said:
"He looked more like a linebacker than a guy converting from defensive end." (MN)
http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/518029.html?nav=11
David Veikune will be used first at inside LB
TT = Tribune Today
About how they will first test David Veikune at inside LB (not OLB as had been thought previously), Eric Mangini said:
"That's our starting point. So far it's been positive." (TT)
TT Note: "Veikune cost Mangini money on a bet made at a Saturday morning meeting. Mangini asked Veikune to diagram all the blitzes in a certain defense, and he was correct on each one."
http://www.tribtoday.com/page/content.detail/id/521494.html?nav=5024
About how they will first test David Veikune at inside LB (not OLB as had been thought previously), Eric Mangini said:
"That's our starting point. So far it's been positive." (TT)
TT Note: "Veikune cost Mangini money on a bet made at a Saturday morning meeting. Mangini asked Veikune to diagram all the blitzes in a certain defense, and he was correct on each one."
http://www.tribtoday.com/page/content.detail/id/521494.html?nav=5024
Saturday, May 2, 2009
David Veikune showed his mental ability in a team meeting today
About how he brought David Veikune to the white board this morning and had him draw up a full blitz, with the defensive staff betting in favor of Veikune getting it right, Eric Mangini said:
''The defensive staff had the option to bet on him and I was the house. He nailed it. I'm always happy to pay those.'' (Akron Beacon Journal)
http://www.ohio.com/news/break_news/44236432.html
''The defensive staff had the option to bet on him and I was the house. He nailed it. I'm always happy to pay those.'' (Akron Beacon Journal)
http://www.ohio.com/news/break_news/44236432.html
Eric Mangini talked about David Veikune
CPD = Cleveland Plain Dealer
Asked for his impressions of David Veikune, Browns coach Eric Mangini said:
"I've been really happy with what I've seen. He is fluid for someone his size, for someone who has limited exposure to standing up. In the morning we do the bag drill where they run through the bags; you guys have probably seen it over time. His ability to do those different, it's a range of exercises so it could be shuffling through sideways, up and back, it's all the different movements that you have in football. He went through that in a way more similar to a linebacker then a converted defensive end." (CPD)
Asked if Veikune can make a quick transition to LB, Mangini said:
"With all the rookies you are hoping for as quick a transition as possible. I've found some that it clicks right away and some it takes a little bit longer before it really hits, so I never put a timetable on their development. What you are trying to do it just understand how they learn the fastest, what you can do to help facilitate that learning. Put them in all the positions they can possibly be in to expose them to as many different things as possible. Ideally get them with a really good mentor, an older guy that can teach them some of the tricks to the trade. If you get all of those things together and the guy has a great work ethic, attitude and can build on the information, then the transition is usually quicker. You also have to have a level of patience because not all of them are going to develop the same ways." (CPD)
Asked if Eric Barton will be Veikune's mentor, Mangini said:
"You are looking for ideally more than one because he can play some outside, he can play some inside. There's going to be a sub element he could play. If you have pass rush ability, a lot of times you get a chance to sub a down lineman in any time in our system." (CPD)
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2009/05/transcript_of_eric_manginis_mi.html
Asked for his impressions of David Veikune, Browns coach Eric Mangini said:
"I've been really happy with what I've seen. He is fluid for someone his size, for someone who has limited exposure to standing up. In the morning we do the bag drill where they run through the bags; you guys have probably seen it over time. His ability to do those different, it's a range of exercises so it could be shuffling through sideways, up and back, it's all the different movements that you have in football. He went through that in a way more similar to a linebacker then a converted defensive end." (CPD)
Asked if Veikune can make a quick transition to LB, Mangini said:
"With all the rookies you are hoping for as quick a transition as possible. I've found some that it clicks right away and some it takes a little bit longer before it really hits, so I never put a timetable on their development. What you are trying to do it just understand how they learn the fastest, what you can do to help facilitate that learning. Put them in all the positions they can possibly be in to expose them to as many different things as possible. Ideally get them with a really good mentor, an older guy that can teach them some of the tricks to the trade. If you get all of those things together and the guy has a great work ethic, attitude and can build on the information, then the transition is usually quicker. You also have to have a level of patience because not all of them are going to develop the same ways." (CPD)
Asked if Eric Barton will be Veikune's mentor, Mangini said:
"You are looking for ideally more than one because he can play some outside, he can play some inside. There's going to be a sub element he could play. If you have pass rush ability, a lot of times you get a chance to sub a down lineman in any time in our system." (CPD)
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2009/05/transcript_of_eric_manginis_mi.html
Friday, May 1, 2009
Feature article on David Veikune in the Canton Repository
CR = Canton Repository
About how his mother grew up in Canton, David Veikune said before a minicamp practice:
"She went to high school in Canton. What high school? I’m not sure." (CR)
CR Note: "Sheila (Kerr) Veikune is a 1975 graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas."
Excited about the Browns drafting him, Veikune said:
“I was excited about going to the Browns. I still have a lot of family around Canton ... all my cousins ... Mark, Claudia ... They’re all so excited the Browns picked me. I haven’t seen ’em since I was in sixth grade, a lot of them. Some, I haven’t seen since I was a baby." (CR)
"It’s a blessing to play for the Browns and to reunite with my family." (CR)
CR Note: "Sheila Kerr moved to Alaska after graduating from Ohio State. There she met Oma Veikune, a body-builder whose titles include former Mr. Alaska. David was born in Anchorage."
About Alaska, Veikune said:
"I remember Alaska, even though I was just a kid. I remember it never getting dark because of the northern lights. Mom is a pharmacist, and to get promoted we had to move around quite a bit. We were in New Mexico and Arizona and finally Hawaii. Hawaii’s our last stop." (CR)
About how he won't miss being near famous surfing beaches, Veikune said:
"I’m a football player. Not a surfer." (CR)
Evaluating Veikune, Cleveland GM George Kokinis said:
"Big-time motor. He finishes, he runs to the football, and he can get to the quarterback. That size, that versatility, that motor ... we went after it. He’s a smart kid we could probably use in a lot of positions." (CR)
http://www.cantonrep.com/sports/browns/x845561176/Aloha-Ohio-David-Veikune-is-happy-to-be-a-Brown
About how his mother grew up in Canton, David Veikune said before a minicamp practice:
"She went to high school in Canton. What high school? I’m not sure." (CR)
CR Note: "Sheila (Kerr) Veikune is a 1975 graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas."
Excited about the Browns drafting him, Veikune said:
“I was excited about going to the Browns. I still have a lot of family around Canton ... all my cousins ... Mark, Claudia ... They’re all so excited the Browns picked me. I haven’t seen ’em since I was in sixth grade, a lot of them. Some, I haven’t seen since I was a baby." (CR)
"It’s a blessing to play for the Browns and to reunite with my family." (CR)
CR Note: "Sheila Kerr moved to Alaska after graduating from Ohio State. There she met Oma Veikune, a body-builder whose titles include former Mr. Alaska. David was born in Anchorage."
About Alaska, Veikune said:
"I remember Alaska, even though I was just a kid. I remember it never getting dark because of the northern lights. Mom is a pharmacist, and to get promoted we had to move around quite a bit. We were in New Mexico and Arizona and finally Hawaii. Hawaii’s our last stop." (CR)
About how he won't miss being near famous surfing beaches, Veikune said:
"I’m a football player. Not a surfer." (CR)
Evaluating Veikune, Cleveland GM George Kokinis said:
"Big-time motor. He finishes, he runs to the football, and he can get to the quarterback. That size, that versatility, that motor ... we went after it. He’s a smart kid we could probably use in a lot of positions." (CR)
http://www.cantonrep.com/sports/browns/x845561176/Aloha-Ohio-David-Veikune-is-happy-to-be-a-Brown
Note about David Veikune in the Akron Beacon Journal
About how he has 5 or 6 relatives from his mother's side of the family in Canton, David Veikune said:
"They're so excited. I haven't seen them since sixth grade. It's a dream come true. It's not only a blessing to play for the Browns, but also to reunite with my family.'' (Akron Beacon Journal)
http://www.ohio.com/sports/44203522.html
"They're so excited. I haven't seen them since sixth grade. It's a dream come true. It's not only a blessing to play for the Browns, but also to reunite with my family.'' (Akron Beacon Journal)
http://www.ohio.com/sports/44203522.html
Feature article on David Veikune in the Cleveland Plain Dealer
CPD = Cleveland Plain Dealer
CPD Note: "Veikune's mom, the former Sheila Kerr, was born and raised in Canton, Ohio, and graduated from Ohio State. Most of her siblings still live within a mile of each other in Canton and he has "about 30, 40, maybe 50 cousins" living there, too."
About how his Mom's family was excited when the Browns drafted him, David Veikune said:
"They were so excited, they called me that day and I've been keeping in contact with them. It's a dream come true. It's not only a blessing to play for the Browns but to reunite with my family." (CPD)
About how he'd never been to Ohio but his relatives visited him in Hawaii, Veikune said:
"I haven't seen a lot of them since sixth grade. But they're huge Browns fans. They're all going to come to a game." (CPD)
About practicing as a LB today, Veikune said:
"This was my first day ever playing linebacker, so it was a new experience but a lot of fun. I have a lot to learn. It will be hard, because the plays are a lot harder and the tempo is a lot faster. But the coaches are great and I've learned a lot really quickly." (CPD)
Impressed with how Veikune did in his first two practices, Eric Mangini said:
"He's fluid for someone his size and for someone who's had limited exposure to standing up. In the bag drills, he went through more like a linebacker than a defensive end." (CPD)
Praising Veikune, Mangini said:
"I love the guy's motor. This guy's got toughness, aggressiveness and a smoothness to the way that he changes directions and run games. I think he could play both outside and inside for us moving forward." (CPD)
About how Veikune will have no problem adjusting to being a LB, Mac said:
"The Browns were very smart in taking David where they did, They did more homework on him than some of the other teams and [pick] No. 52 is not a reach for him. I have no doubt he'll be fine at that position. We played some 3-4 in passing situations and for the past two years he's dropped back a lot. I know [coach Mangini] will do a great job teaching him the techniques." (CPD)
Praising Veikune, Mac said:
"He's tenacious, smart, physical and his motor runs every play. Our defensive ends were more like outside linebackers -- speed-rushers -- with their hands on the ground. That's what he is. He's got the inner desire to get to the quarterback and he goes full speed every play." (CPD)
CPD Note: "Veikune attributes some of his work ethic to his dad, Oma, a former bodybuilder who won Mr. Alaska in the late 1980s. As early as fifth grade, Veikune was enduring his dad's intense workout regimen -- often before 7:30 a.m. when his dad left for work."
Crediting some of his work ethic to his Dad Oma, a former Mr. Alaska bodybuilder, Veikune said:
"We would always get into arguments. But I would always end up [working out]. He'd tell me if I wanted to play football, I'd have to get up and work out, so I always did. That's when you know you want to play this game." (CPD)
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2009/05/welltraveled_cleveland_browns.html
CPD Note: "Veikune's mom, the former Sheila Kerr, was born and raised in Canton, Ohio, and graduated from Ohio State. Most of her siblings still live within a mile of each other in Canton and he has "about 30, 40, maybe 50 cousins" living there, too."
About how his Mom's family was excited when the Browns drafted him, David Veikune said:
"They were so excited, they called me that day and I've been keeping in contact with them. It's a dream come true. It's not only a blessing to play for the Browns but to reunite with my family." (CPD)
About how he'd never been to Ohio but his relatives visited him in Hawaii, Veikune said:
"I haven't seen a lot of them since sixth grade. But they're huge Browns fans. They're all going to come to a game." (CPD)
About practicing as a LB today, Veikune said:
"This was my first day ever playing linebacker, so it was a new experience but a lot of fun. I have a lot to learn. It will be hard, because the plays are a lot harder and the tempo is a lot faster. But the coaches are great and I've learned a lot really quickly." (CPD)
Impressed with how Veikune did in his first two practices, Eric Mangini said:
"He's fluid for someone his size and for someone who's had limited exposure to standing up. In the bag drills, he went through more like a linebacker than a defensive end." (CPD)
Praising Veikune, Mangini said:
"I love the guy's motor. This guy's got toughness, aggressiveness and a smoothness to the way that he changes directions and run games. I think he could play both outside and inside for us moving forward." (CPD)
About how Veikune will have no problem adjusting to being a LB, Mac said:
"The Browns were very smart in taking David where they did, They did more homework on him than some of the other teams and [pick] No. 52 is not a reach for him. I have no doubt he'll be fine at that position. We played some 3-4 in passing situations and for the past two years he's dropped back a lot. I know [coach Mangini] will do a great job teaching him the techniques." (CPD)
Praising Veikune, Mac said:
"He's tenacious, smart, physical and his motor runs every play. Our defensive ends were more like outside linebackers -- speed-rushers -- with their hands on the ground. That's what he is. He's got the inner desire to get to the quarterback and he goes full speed every play." (CPD)
CPD Note: "Veikune attributes some of his work ethic to his dad, Oma, a former bodybuilder who won Mr. Alaska in the late 1980s. As early as fifth grade, Veikune was enduring his dad's intense workout regimen -- often before 7:30 a.m. when his dad left for work."
Crediting some of his work ethic to his Dad Oma, a former Mr. Alaska bodybuilder, Veikune said:
"We would always get into arguments. But I would always end up [working out]. He'd tell me if I wanted to play football, I'd have to get up and work out, so I always did. That's when you know you want to play this game." (CPD)
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2009/05/welltraveled_cleveland_browns.html
Ryan Mouton was told to take it easy in the Titans' minicamp today
TEN = Tennessean
TEN Note: "Mouton tested his leg in individual drills, running with no visible issues. Later, though, he watched as the rest of the defensive backs faced receivers in passing drills."
Asked when Mouton would be healthy, Titans Coach Jeff Fisher said that Mouton is:
"probably a couple weeks away." (TEN)
About how the Titans' DB coach (Marcus Robertson) traveled to Texas to work him out before the draft, Mouton said:
"They felt like things went well. And here I am.” (TEN)
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090501/SPORTS01/90501092/1002/SPORTS
TEN Note: "Mouton tested his leg in individual drills, running with no visible issues. Later, though, he watched as the rest of the defensive backs faced receivers in passing drills."
Asked when Mouton would be healthy, Titans Coach Jeff Fisher said that Mouton is:
"probably a couple weeks away." (TEN)
About how the Titans' DB coach (Marcus Robertson) traveled to Texas to work him out before the draft, Mouton said:
"They felt like things went well. And here I am.” (TEN)
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090501/SPORTS01/90501092/1002/SPORTS
Chancellor Hinshawa will decide if the $50 student athletics fee should move forward
HA Note: "It is up to Manoa Chancellor Virginia S. Hinshaw whether a controversial proposal to levy an athletic fee on University of Hawai'i-Manoa students will go forward in time for the fall semester."
About the potential $50 student athletics fee, Hinshaw's spokesman Greg Takayama said that there has:
"been no final decision on imposing an athletic fee. "It is still under consideration by the chancellor." (HA)
HA Note: "Should she choose, Hinshaw can forward a proposal to UH President David McClain, who would determine whether it goes to the Board of Regents for final approval. Takayama said it could be possible to have something in front of the regents in time for the fee to be imposed for the fall semester that begins Aug. 24. Two campus committees have split on whether a $50-per-semester fee should be imposed to help the financially strapped athletic department. Takayama said the Campus Fee Committee "recommended against the fee" while the Athletic Advisory Board "supports the fee." In return for the imposition of the fee, the athletic department has said it will provide vastly increased free seating to students at UH events. For football, for example, students would have up to 5,000 seats at their disposal at Aloha Stadium."
HA Note: "Associated Students of UH President Jaime Sohn said two "unofficial" student surveys this month both expressed "overwhelming opposition" to a mandatory athletic fee. Sohn said an online survey of full-time undergraduate students drew 739 responses with 570 (77 percent) opposed and 168 (23 percent) in favor. In addition, Sohn said ASUH polled students attending a recent campus event and "over 70 percent" opposed the imposition of a fee."
About how ASUH is opposed to the student athletics fee, ASUH President Jame Sohn said:
"It is really more of a tax. To say it is a 'fee' is sugar coating it." (HA)
HA Note: "In February, the ASUH Senate passed a resolution stating its opposition to a mandatory fee. ASUH represents approximately 14,000 undergraduates. New ASUH officers are scheduled to take office May 7. Athletic director Jim Donovan, whose department has a $5.4 million accumulated deficit over the past five years, told the regents in February that such a fee was needed to help balance the budget. UH is forecast to operate $2.5 million to $3 million in the red in the current fiscal year."
About how UH Athletics could get about $2 million per year from the $50 fee, with UH the only WAC school without a students athletics fee, JD said:
"Philosophically, I think this is something that should have been adopted years ago. Even if it isn't done now, it needs to be done in the future." (HA)
HA Note: "Sohn said students are concerned that while some academic and other programs may be cut in the current economy money will be going to athletics. Earlier this year students at WAC member Utah State voted to raise athletic fees to $243 per year. At Fresno State, another WAC school, the president imposed a fee hike giving athletics $32 per semester of a student fee after a student referendum failed to approve a rise. Long Beach State students voted down a proposed $95 per semester fee."
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090501/SPORTS02/905010373/1312&template=UHSports
About the potential $50 student athletics fee, Hinshaw's spokesman Greg Takayama said that there has:
"been no final decision on imposing an athletic fee. "It is still under consideration by the chancellor." (HA)
HA Note: "Should she choose, Hinshaw can forward a proposal to UH President David McClain, who would determine whether it goes to the Board of Regents for final approval. Takayama said it could be possible to have something in front of the regents in time for the fee to be imposed for the fall semester that begins Aug. 24. Two campus committees have split on whether a $50-per-semester fee should be imposed to help the financially strapped athletic department. Takayama said the Campus Fee Committee "recommended against the fee" while the Athletic Advisory Board "supports the fee." In return for the imposition of the fee, the athletic department has said it will provide vastly increased free seating to students at UH events. For football, for example, students would have up to 5,000 seats at their disposal at Aloha Stadium."
HA Note: "Associated Students of UH President Jaime Sohn said two "unofficial" student surveys this month both expressed "overwhelming opposition" to a mandatory athletic fee. Sohn said an online survey of full-time undergraduate students drew 739 responses with 570 (77 percent) opposed and 168 (23 percent) in favor. In addition, Sohn said ASUH polled students attending a recent campus event and "over 70 percent" opposed the imposition of a fee."
About how ASUH is opposed to the student athletics fee, ASUH President Jame Sohn said:
"It is really more of a tax. To say it is a 'fee' is sugar coating it." (HA)
HA Note: "In February, the ASUH Senate passed a resolution stating its opposition to a mandatory fee. ASUH represents approximately 14,000 undergraduates. New ASUH officers are scheduled to take office May 7. Athletic director Jim Donovan, whose department has a $5.4 million accumulated deficit over the past five years, told the regents in February that such a fee was needed to help balance the budget. UH is forecast to operate $2.5 million to $3 million in the red in the current fiscal year."
About how UH Athletics could get about $2 million per year from the $50 fee, with UH the only WAC school without a students athletics fee, JD said:
"Philosophically, I think this is something that should have been adopted years ago. Even if it isn't done now, it needs to be done in the future." (HA)
HA Note: "Sohn said students are concerned that while some academic and other programs may be cut in the current economy money will be going to athletics. Earlier this year students at WAC member Utah State voted to raise athletic fees to $243 per year. At Fresno State, another WAC school, the president imposed a fee hike giving athletics $32 per semester of a student fee after a student referendum failed to approve a rise. Long Beach State students voted down a proposed $95 per semester fee."
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090501/SPORTS02/905010373/1312&template=UHSports
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