Warrior Quotes 9/15/10

About getting to use Kealoha Pilares on special teams after Pilares expressed interest, Chris Tormey said:
"We had to go through the proper channels. I did a little negotiating with the offensive staff, and I approached coach Mack about it." (HSA)


About serving as "gunner" on the punt team, aligned on the far left side and running directly toward the punter, Pilares asid:
"It's basically like I'm a receiver out there." (HSA)


Not worried about being injured on special teams, Pilares said:
"I played defense in high school." (HSA)


About how playing on special teams helps UH and helps Pilares with his pro chances, Tormey said:
"He's a guy who has a chance to play at the next level. As a senior, it's only going to help his stock if he can play on special teams, too. We're trying to use him wisely, but we want to get as much speed as we can on the punt team, and Kealoha is very fast." (HSA)


HSA Note: "During yesterday's practice at Palo Verde Football Field, John Hardy-Tuliau blocked Alex Dunnachie's punt, then raced over and jumped to touch the goal post's crossbar. Soon after, Tormey asked Hardy-Tuliau not to block any more punts to allow the Warriors to work on their coverage schemes. That sequence and ensuing warning demonstrated Hardy-Tuliau's athleticism and knack for blocking kicks. As a high school senior in 2009, Hardy-Tuliau blocked 13 kicks. In UH's 31-28 victory over Army Saturday, Hardy-Tuliau blocked a field-goal attempt. He said the key is a quick start. By watching videos of opposing kickers and punters, he determines the blocking angle."


About moving up their depth chart at CB and nickel back, John Hardy-Tuilau said:
"A lot of the older guys are helping me out." (HSA)


About how Hardy-Tuilau has a promising future, Rich Miano said:
"John Hardy(-Tuliau) is moving up rapidly. He might get a chance at nickel or a corner. We feel he has a bright future, and the future could be now." (HSA)


About his first day of practice as a safety, David Graves said:
"It was a good first day. I was listening to coach Miano while he was coaching up the guys for the game plan this week. It was making a lot of sense to me." (HSA)


About how Richard Torres will replace Spencer Smith as their starting SS in their base 4-3 defense, Dave Aranda said:
"It's a big loss without Spencer, but Torres can step in. He's a good communicator, a smart player. He understands the schemes. Certainly, losing Spencer is a blow to our team. We're fortunate to have Richard." (HSA)


Crediting plyometrics (box-jumping), for going from a 4.8 second 40 yard time to below 4.5 seconds, Richard Torres said:
"When you have stronger legs, you can run a lot faster." (HSA)


About being "bracketed" with Lametrius Davis as their top left CB spot, Kawika Ornellas said:
"When the opportunity comes, you have to take your chance." (HSA)


About moving Ornellas up in the depth chart, Rich Miano said:
"He graded out consistently high on his testing. He's played consistently. He had the best training camp out of all of the corners. He's somebody who is playing at a high level." (HSA)


About starting Elliott Purcell at left DE, moving Liko Satele from starting left DE to splitting time with right DE Kamalu Umu, Cal Lee said:
"He's a big bear. Not a Teddy Bear, but a big bear in there. When he gets his paws on you, he's a run-stopper." (HSA)


Not worried about his spot on the depth chart, Purcell said:
"The only thing I can control is my effort. This is my last year. I want to do my assignments, and work hard." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100915_Defense_gets_a_makeover_for_Colorado.html

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100915_Pilares_enlists_as_a_gunner_on_the_punt_team.html