Quotes before the UH-USC game 9/2/10

About how they changed their blocking schemes, with the guards in a 3-pt stance while the tackles remain in a stand-up position, Gordy Shaw said:
"We're looking better." (HSA)


About how his new running style emphasizes a better grip on the football, Alex Green said:
"My goal is not to fumble." (HSA)


About how videos help explain their 418-page defensive playbook, Spencer Smith said:
"It all ties together." (HSA)


About how they have dozens of blitzes in each of their 6 defensive formations, scout team QB Cayman Shutter said:
"No team has as many blitzes." (HSA)


About how he loves to hit, Corey Paredes said:
"I'm a nice guy off the field, but on it, I love to hit.  I remember when I was 9, playing Junior Pee-Wees.  It was a practice, and my friend, Brayden Torres was a receiver.  I hit him pretty good, and we both lost our wind.  It was a good hit.  You never forget that feeling, even now." (HSA)


About using Greg Salas as their punt returner, special teams coordinator Gordy Shaw said:
"He's probably got the best hands on the team.  He's taken his hand-eye coordination to another level as a returner." (HSA)


Asked if it is risky to use Salas as a punt returner, Shaw said:
"How is that different from catching the ball as a receiver?  You can't fair catch when you're a receiver.  As a punt returner, he gets to decide." (HSA)


Looking forward to the start of the season, Vaughn Meatoga said:
"We feel we're ready. We feel like this is our year." (HSA)


About how Rolo was in his position 10 years ago, Bryant Moniz said:
"He played in the offense and knows how it works. The other day I asked him how he'd approach a big game. He said to just absorb everything that happens, pretty much enjoy it. It only last for a little while. Pressure is the last thing on my mind. That's why we have the connection we do. We like to have fun and enjoy the opportunities." (HSA)


About how they have been watching a lot of film on UH, USC CB Shareece Wright said:
"We've been watching film on them for a long time. I feel I could go run their offense right now." (HSA)


About how there were huge crowds watching USC practice when he was in high school, Shareece Wright said:
"I grew up in California, and I dreamed of being a Trojan. I used to watch their practices when I was in high school. There were big crowds. Practices are different when there's nobody there." (HSA)


About how their players are motivated despite the NCAA bowl ban and other penalties, Wright said:
"We're not playing for anything but our pride, and to win games. That's enough for us. As athletes, we don't like to lose, regardless of what we're playing for. That helps us to stay motivated." (HSA)


About how their linemen couldn't play for USC, Austin Hansen said:
"We have a lot of respect for (USC). We all know if any of the five (starting offensive linemen) wanted a chance to play over there at SC, they would laugh us out of the room. You have to kind of think what that would do to you to have a shot against the guys you're not good enough to play with. That's what we have (in the opener)." (HSA)


HSA Note: "To offset the rigorous summer conditioning program, head coach Greg McMackin brought in hypnotist Clark Tuitele and singer Henry Kapono to entertain during training camp. The past two weeks, McMackin set up large amps on the sidelines. Each unit took turns selecting the daily playlist."


About the music playing during practice, Mack said:
"We practice early. This helps during warm-ups." (HSA)


HSA Note: "In the next-to-last day of training camp, at the end of the morning practice, McMackin gathered the players at midfield. He then went into rage as he implored his players to be ready for a no-holds-barred afternoon practice. After ordering the players to form a circle, one of the fiercest Warriors, defensive tackle Vaughn Meatoga, was summoned. McMackin then called for a kicker. Both were asked to square off in a one-on-one hitting drill. McMackin then counted down: Ready, set ... OK, everybody go to the pool." The kicker nearly collapsed with relief."


About Mack scaring the kicker, Meatoga said:
"We work hard, but we have fun, too." (HSA)


About how the defensive players went camping on the North Shore, Meatoga said:
"Everybody knew Pai(pai Falemalu). He's like the mayor there." (HSA)


About facing USC, Corey Paredes said:
"We know SC is a great team. Every team has their day. Coming from a school like Castle, we were always the underdogs. I remember in 2006, when we beat Kahuku at the stadium, 23-6. Any team can beat any team. You just have to have your good day. It could happen." (HSA)


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http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100902_Even_with_closed_practices_teams_werent_left_in_dark.html#axzz0yNbkKNnx

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