Monday, February 28, 2011

Alex Green and Greg Salas excelled at the NFL Combine

About how he felt about how he did at the Combine, Greg Salas said:
"I was pretty happy with my performance." (HSA)


About how Salas was initially credited with running a 5.0 instead of the 4.50 that the statistician meant to input, Salas' agent Kenny Zuckerman said:
"We knew it wasn't a 5 flat. We knew it was in the 4.5 range." (HSA)


HSA Note: "NFL.com reported that Salas completed his second 40 in 4.57 seconds. Each NFL team records its own times for each player at the combine. For Salas' first run, the range was between 4.49 and 4.54."


About using a technique where he stretched his arms on the surface, then bear-crawled back to the starting line, Salas said:
"It's a technique we've been working on. It's supposed to help you explode off the line." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Salas had a 37-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot broad jump. He bench-pressed 225 pounds 15 times. He was credited with running the three-cone drill in 6.65 seconds (seventh-fastest among running backs, receivers and quarterbacks yesterday) and the 60-yard shuttle in 11.21 seconds (ninth). He initially was credited with completing the 20-yard shuttle in 4.10 seconds, but that number was adjusted to an undisclosed slower time."


About catching all of the dozen passes that were thrown to him in the receiver drills, Salas said:
"All of those routes (at UH) had to help. I have confidence in my hands." (HSA)


About how Salas did all of the Combine drills instead of waiting for his school's Pro Day like some players, Zuckerman said:
"My mantra is to get the best bang for the buck. The most (NFL) people are at the combine. Your value increases when more people watch you. It's supply and demand." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Green yesterday had a vertical jump of 36 inches, and a broad jump of 9 feet 6. He completed the three-cone drill in 6.91 seconds. Earlier, he bench-pressed 225 pounds 20 times."


About performing at the Combine, Alex Green said:
"I wasn't nervous at all. It was kind of cool." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Despite receiving praise from ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. two weeks ago, Green arrived as a relative unknown. Agent Michael Hoffman said NFL scouts projected Green as a "4.6 guy," which would be a so-so time for an NFL tailback. NFL.com reported that Green ran the 40 in unofficial times of 4.55 seconds and 4.52 seconds. NFL scouts credited Green with a more favorable range of between 4.46 and 4.48 for his second — and best — run."


About his goal to run faster then 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash, Green said:
"I figured that would help me. It showed I'm faster than some people think. I have to keep working hard, but I'm happy with my time." (HSA)


About Green's good time in the 40, his agent Michael Hoffman said that at Green's weight of:
"225, it was one of the more impressive 40s. He answered one of the biggest question marks." (HSA)


About how Green's performance at the Combine will get scouts to review him closer on film, Hoffman said:
"He's put himself in the right direction." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Former UH slotback Kealoha Pilares benched 225 pounds 19 times Saturday, but did not participate in any of the speed, jumping or position drills yesterday. Three weeks ago, he was cleared to run after suffering a partially torn posterior-cruciate ligament in the Dec. 24 Hawaii Bowl. Pilares said he will participate in all of the activities at UH's pro day."

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110228_salas_green_excel.html

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Greg Salas, Kealoha Pilares and Alex Green are having interviews and testing at the NFL Combine today

About the start of the NFL Combine today, with interviews, testing, and measurements, Greg Salas said:
"The waiting is over." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Salas and Green said they will participate in all of the skill drills. Pilares, who suffered a partially torn posterior cruciate ligament during the Dec. 24 Hawaii Bowl, said he will take part in the weight-lifting drills, but not the 40-yard dash. Instead, Pilares said he will run the 40 at UH's Pro Day March 31 in Carson."


About how he won't do the 40-yard dash at the Combine, instead running it at UH's Pro Day, Kealoha Pilares said:
"I'll wait until I'm 100 percent. You don't want to go out there and not be 100 percent. I just got (medically) cleared to run in the beginning of the month." (HSA)


About ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay predicting that he would be a sleeper in the draft, Salas said:
"That was cool." (HSA)


About Mcshay spotlighting him as an under-the-radar prospect, Alex Green said:
"I heard about it, but I didn't see (the report). It's definitely an honor to be mentioned by someone with (McShay's) experience." (HSA)


About coming back from a virus he had after the Hawaii Bowl that dropped his weight from 230 to 219, Green said:
"I gained 12 pounds of muscle since I've been out here." (HSA)


About training at Athletes' Performance for more than a month, Green said:
"It makes a difference to be out here. We train twice a day as opposed to once a day. We don't do much heavy lifting. We do technique lifting. We work on balance, moving laterally, and on our core." (HSA)


About how he was told that he is projected to run the 40 in 4.6 seconds, Green said:
"I want to run faster than that." (HSA)


About how he will return to his family's home in Portland for 2 weeks after the combine, Green said:
"Then I'll get ready for Pro Day. I have to take care of business." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110224_Tested_and_measured_3_Warriors_to_perform_at_NFL_combine.html

Bryant Moniz made a Heisman Watch List

About how he often struck a Heisman Trophy pose when he was a kid, Bryant Moniz said:
"Of course. When you're a kid running around, that's what you do. That's what you see on TV." (HSA)


About Heismanpundit.com naming him as 1 of the 22 players on its Heisman Trophy watch list, Moniz said:
"It's cool, I guess. It doesn't change much for me. It doesn't matter what you are before the season. I keep that in mind." (HSA)


About how UH will campaign for Moniz, UH SID Derek Inouchi said:
"We'll be doing a campaign for him. We haven't decided what approach we'll take yet, but we've talked about doing something and are exploring some options." (HSA)


About how UH was #1 in ESPN's study of "explosion plays" (offensive plays that gained 20+ yards) in 2010, Rolo said:
"I figured we were one of the top teams, I just didn't have all the stats." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110224_Moniz_makes_Heisman_watch_list.html

Monday, February 21, 2011

UHAD is not talking about cutting any of their 19 teams, will deal with the deficit in other ways

About how they are not trying to get people to donate more by threatening to cut sports teams, JD said:
"I don't think there is any need to threaten to cut sports so that you can turn around and use that as a fundraising mechanism. I don't think that sends the right message to the student-athletes and coaches of those sports you are threatening." (HSA)


HSA Note: "UH officials have told the Board of Regents that, because of NCAA, conference and gender equity requirements, it would be unlikely the school could cut enough sports to save a substantial amount of money without risking its Division I status. UH has 11 women's teams, seven for men and one co-ed squad."


About how they need to cut the deficit and start having an annual surplus in order to deal with their $10 mil deficit, not cut teams to try to cut their deficit, JD said:
"I think the most prudent thing for us to do is get hold of the annual deficit situation, turn that into the black and use annual revenue to pay down the accumulated debt. And that's what we've been doing." (HSA)


About how UHAD has been quickly reducing its deficit each year he's been AD, JD said:
"The first year I was on board we would have had a $2.4 million deficit if it wasn't for the Sugar Bowl money. Then, (the deficit) was about $2.2 (million), Last year, it was about $1.6 million, and right now we're projecting in the neighborhood of $500,000 or less" for the current fiscal year that ends June 30. "So we're doing exactly what we said we'd do." (HSA)


About how UH held fundraisers to commemorate the 100th year of UH football and will hold fundraisers for the 40th anniversary of women's sports at UH, JD said:
"That's in addition to all the regular golf tournaments, dinners and fundraisers we have going on annually." (HSA)


About how they will deal with UHAD's deficit, Chancellor Hinshaw said:
"We continually work to generate private support for all of our sports programs and are very grateful for that support, so we are using that approach." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110220_uh_trying_to_work_away_its_debt_not_cut_teams.html

Friday, February 18, 2011

New special teams coordinator Coach Tomey says UH is the only school he would have applied to coach at

About how Coach Tomey is a perfectionist, which makes him ideal for the special teams coordinator position, Mack said:
"He's a perfectionist, he's perfect for this position." (HSA)


About how his new job at UH starts today, Tomey said:
"This is kind of the full circle." (HSA)


Asked if he thought football would be out of his blood when he retired, Tomey said:
"not necessarily." (HSA)


About how Tomey was the favored candidate out of the 100 or so applicants, Mack said:
"He was the guy other guys had to knock out of the saddle." (HSA)


About having telephone interviews with 6 finalists, Mack said:
"He was clearly the one. I couldn't find a better person." (HSA)


About how Tomey has a job at UH for much longer than  his 1-year contract, Mack said:
"I'm planning on him coaching as long as he wants to coach. That's up to him." (HSA)


About how long he wiill coach, Tomey (who turns 73 in June) said:
I'm in it as long as I feel good. ... I know I'm feeling good. I know I'm healthy." (HSA)


HSA Note: He said he exercises daily. He runs and lifts weights. He recently picked up stand-up paddling."


About how he would not have applied to work anywhere else, Tomey said:
"It had to be Hawaii."It had to be this job. In my mind, I think it's just a unique opportunity."


About how he doesn't want to be a head coach anymore, Tomey said:
"I've done that, 29 years worth, and I had a great time at three terrific schools. I don't want to spend the time it takes. I've got eight grandchildren. I need to take some time to see my grandkids, and be there for (wife) Nancy. Being a head coach just takes too much time." (HSA)


About how Tomey will assist him in his game-management strategy, Mack said:
"I can bounce things off of Dick. Shoot, he's been a head coach a heck of a lot longer than I have." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110218_Tomey_sees_a_unique_opportunity_with_Warriors.html

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Dick Tomey returns to UH as special teams coordinator

About how Dick Tomey is one of his 7 mentors that he's writing about in a book, Joe Onosai said:
"He's one of them. He missed his calling. He should have been a preacher, minus the F-bombs. He would have been perfect. He's so eloquent. He's articulate. He has a way with words that gets to your soul." (HSA)


About how Tomey is great motivator, Onosai said:
"He was such a motivator. We would want to run through walls for him. I didn't realize a guy could have so much power. You never wanted to get him upset. When his baby-blue eyes looked into your eyes, they were piercing. My freshman year, I was late to a pregame meeting. I'll never forget how embarrassed I was when he picked on me. I was never late for a meeting after that." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110217_Tomey_brings_expertise_back_to_Warriors_in_special_teams_role.html

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

UH may get 5 national TV games, great exposure but a big loss in PPV money

About how each national TV game UH is on results in less PPV money, Oceanic Time Warner VP for operations Norman Santos said:
"While more games may appear on 'free' TV due to UH being the big dog in the conference in 2011, the number of games available for PPV might be lessened, which would, naturally, mean less revenue for UH." (HSA)


HSA Note: "UH is to receive $2.45 million in fees for its 2010 pay-per-view package, which included 11 of the Warriors' 13 regular season games."

Note: ESPN may show home games with Colorado, BYU, and Fresno State and the road game with Nevada, and the road game at Washington may be on Fox Sports Northwest.


Expecting ESPN to pick a bunch of UH games after their 10-4 season (and conveniently forgetting that ESPN picked only 1 UH game, the one against USC, before last season began), WAC commissioner Karl Benson said:
"I would expect Hawaii to be of interest to ESPN, they always have been." (HSA)


HSA Note: "The WAC has received approximately $4 million a season and been guaranteed a minimum of 10 games on the combination of ESPN and ESPN2, plus six more on ESPNU. UH's share will be about $400,000 when checks go out in June."


Expecting ESPN to reduce the number of WAC games they show and the money they give the WAC next season, WAC associate commissioner Jeff Hurd said:
"There's going to be reduced games, although to what extent I don't know yet." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110216_Warriors_popularity_may_come_with_a_price.html

Former Georgia Tech safety Brandon Leslie signed with the Warriors

About signing Brandon Leslie with the scholarship that they saved in case a top recruit became available after NLI day, Mack said:
"Every year, we try to save one scholarship in case a top (prospect) becomes available." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Among the late signings at those schools, according to McMackin, were now All-Pro linebacker Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens and receiver Wes Welker of the New England Patriots."


About signing with UH after NLI day, Leslie said:
"I did my research, and I decided to sign with Hawaii." (HSA)


HSA Note: "As a senior at Fresno's Edison High in 2008, Leslie signed with Georgia Tech, turning down offers from Stanford, Washington and Nebraska. Leslie redshirted that year, and then played in 2009 under Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson, a former UH offensive coordinator."


About his time at Georgia Tech, Leslie said:
"I had good relationships there." (HSA)


HSA Note: "But Leslie left to help care for his father, who was ill. He decided to remain in Central California, enrolling at the College of the Sequoias."


About picking UH over Arizona, Iowa State and Nevada, Leslie (who said he was a Warriors fan "since high school") said:
"I like the program, and I like the coaches." (HSA)


About how he visited his Aunt (who lived in Hawaii for 8 years) a few years ago and went island-hopping, Leslie said:
"I love everything about Hawaii." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Leslie said he will enroll at UH in June, and have two years to play two seasons."


About the 6'1", 208-pound Leslie, Mack said:
"I like his size and his speed and his ability. What I really like is he's a good person. We did our homework. We talked to a lot of people. We talked to high school coaches and his JC coach. We know Paul Johnson. Everybody says he's a great person." (HSA)


HSA Note: "The initial plan was to move John Hardy-Tuliau, who played quarter (nickel back) as a true freshman in 2010, to safety. With Leslie's commitment, Hardy-Tuliau will instead shift to cornerback. Last year's starting cornerbacks, Lametrius Davis and Jeramy Bryant, completed their UH eligibility after the 2010 Hawaii Bowl. Hardy-Tuliau, Tank Hopkins and Mike Edwards, who played at Tennessee in 2009, are expected to be the top three cornerbacks. In several of UH's defensive schemes, three cornerbacks are employed."


About how Leslie gives UH options in the secondary, Mack said:
"On paper, there are a lot of different things we can do now." (HSA)


About himself, Leslie (whose nicknames are Taz and B-Les) said:
"I'm adventurous. I like to try different things." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110216_UH_signs_former_Georgia_Tech_safety.html

Sunday, February 13, 2011

UH is reducing the number of D-IAA opponents on its schedule

About how UH doesn't have any D-IAA opponents on its schedules after 2012 and will try not to schedule them in the future, Associate AD Carl Clapp said:
"That will be a last option." (HSA)


About reducing the number of D-IAA opponents they play, JD said that he would:
"prefer to play FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) opponents as much as possible. Nothing against FCS programs, but (opponents) seem to resonate better with our fans if they're an FBS program." (HSA)


About how he's tried to achieve a balanced schedule, JD said:
"We don't want our schedule to be described as 'easy,' but we also don't want it to be Murderer's Row, either. I'm very pleased with Carl's assistance with this. It was one of the immediate things I needed to address when I was hired, And I think we've done a good job of filling out our schedules into the future, and we'll continue to work on it on a consistent basis." (HSA)


About how they have been talking to many schools, including USC, about future games, JD said:
"We have talked to USC, but we still have some more talking to do. Some games take weeks (to make) and others take months." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110213_fcs_opponents_vanishing_from_warriors_schedule.html

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Colt Brennan was surprised when he woke up 4 or 5 days after the accident and found that he had surgery

About the scar on his cheek and the scars all along the left side of his chest, Colt Brennan said:
"I've got some scars. It gives me a little street cred, I think." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Yesterday, Brennan reiterated that "four or five days" after the accident, he awakened at The Queen's Medical Center and was surprised to learn he underwent surgery to repair a broken left clavicle, and had received stitches for a gash at the back of his head. He said he also suffered four broken ribs on his left side, and injuries to his left eye socket and left cheek."


About the accident, Colt said:
"I don't remember, and it's not like I remember that moment when I woke up. It's not like that at all. ... I was out for four or five days. ... I woke up, and all of my stitches were out of my body, and I was sitting there feeling fine, to an extent. And (my parents) were like, 'No, you went through something traumatic.'" (HSA)


About how he hasn't had any post-traumatic problems because of his memory loss, Colt said:
"I haven't had to face any of that." (HSA)


About how he went on a diet to get to 210 pounds, about 8 pounds less than before the accident, Colt said:
"I definitely lost weight after the accident, but I gained a lot back over the holidays. Basically, about a week or two ago, I was getting a little too big. I put myself on a diet last week. Basically, when I start training hard, it will be easy to get to the right weight." (HSA)


Colt said that the clavicle surgery was performed:
"with the sense I'll be playing football again." (HSA)


About the surgeries he had on both hips and both knees from April 2008 to April 2010, Colt said about his knee injuries:
"Small meniscus tears. On paper, it looks bad. Surgery, surgery, surgery. None of it was any type of structural damage. It wasn't as if I blew out a major ligament." (HSA)


About how the support he got from Hawaii fans helped his recovery, Colt said:
"Whether it was writing a quick e-mail or sending a nice note, my mom is convinced that was a huge part in my healing. The state of Hawaii had a lot to do with that. I'm very grateful." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110212_Surgeries_surprised_Brennan.html

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

UH LB recruit Tyler Gray is the first player from his high school to get a D-IA football scholarship out of high school

SLO = Sanluisobispo.com


About how Tyler Gray is the first player from Templeton High School to go to D-IA team with a scholarship straight from high school, Templeton coach Dave Harper said:
"The youth league kids, they all know who Tyler Gray is. A lot of kids want to be No. 37 next year. I just encourage them to do their best, and some day they will be here." (SLO


SLO Note: "He's believed to be the first player in school history to sign with an FBS program directly out of high school and receive a full ride."

SLO Note: "He also had previously visited Air Force and Cal Poly — his other finalists — and San Jose State had also offered him a scholarship."


Relieved that the recruiting process is behind him, Gray said:
"I'm very excited. I'm definitely glad the whole (process) is over, because it's so stressful, all the things you have to go through for four, five years. So it's a good relief." (SLO)


About how he loved his recruiting trip to Hawaii, Gray said:
"I had the best time on my trip. I got along with people really well. I felt like I was part of the team by the time I left." (SLO)


Harper said that the 6'3", 215-pound Gray will likely be used at UH's joker position:
"where he'll be rushing from either side depending on what the play call was in the huddle." (SLO)


About how it is rare for one of their players to make it to D-IA football, Harper said:
"It comes around very seldom, and he's worked very hard to accomplish these things. When I first saw him play, there was something special about him." (SLO)


About how Gray can serve as motivation to future Templeton players, Harper said:
"If it motivates kids to stay in school, to do the right things so that they, too, can accomplish their dreams, that's what I think is the biggest thing with him. We'll have to have some kids fill some big shoes, but we think we have some kids that want to do that. And now, seeing what can happen, how hard work will pay off for you, it's exciting for us." (SLO)


http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2011/02/02/1468554/this-eagle-to-land-in-hawaii.html#ixzz1DS7UZ0fz

PPV revenue dropped for the third straight year, UH will get $2.45 mil in 2010

About how UH will get $17k less in rights fees this year, the third straight year PPV revenue has dropped, UH Associate AD John McNamara said:
"I think given the fact that we're still not out of the economic situation we've experienced the last two years, to have numbers that are consistently performing well has been pleasing." (HSA)


About the varied reasons why PPV subscriptions might have dropped from 7,347 subscribers to 6,038 subscribers, Oceanic VP for Operations Norman Santos said:
"While the economy may have had some effect, there are other factors to consider such as teams' past record, the opponents on the PPV schedule, diluted interest because of over exposure of the sport on TV and perhaps the price of the package overall." (HSA)


Season Packages Rights fee
2010 6,038 $2.45 million
2009 7,347 $2.47 million
2008 8,318 $2.6 million
2007 8,837 $2.54 million

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110209_UH_pay-per-view_revenue_drops.html

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Choosing Toronto meant that Chad Owens had to give up his dream to play in the NFL

GM = Globe and Mail

About how he made his decision on where he wanted to play, not for the money, Chad Owens said:
"I tried to look at it outside of the money. If the NFL and the CFL paid players the same, I'd be in Toronto anyway. I got everything I wanted and then some from Toronto." (GM)


About how it was hard to give up his dream to play in the NFL, Owens said:
"My goal growing up was to play in the NFL. It ended up being a very hard and emotional decision for me and my family." (GM)


Happy they signed Owens, Toronto head coach and GM Jim Barker said:
"Obviously, Chad Owens is one of the prime-time guys we wanted to get. He epitomizes everything we want an Argo to be." (GM)


Wanting to win a championship with Toronto, Owens said:
"I've got one goal in mind, and that's the Grey Cup. We have a legitimate shot." (GM)


http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/chad-owens-commits-future-to-argos/article1899624/

Chad Owens chose the Toronto Argonauts over the New York Jets

TS = Toronto Sun


About signing an extension with Toronto that will take him through 2013, Chad Owens said:
"I'm excited to continue to be an Argonaut. My pro career has seen a lot of ups and downs over the years. Last year in Toronto was a huge up and, as a pro, you look for those types of seasons. When looking at the whole situation, I realized that in coach Jim Barker I had a coach and GM who not only cared about me but also cared about my family. This contract helps take care of my family but more than that, I get to re-join a special group of players who I feel are my team in a city I feel is my home. This team has become my extended family and I'm honoured to be a part of this group who love me unconditionally. I'm glad this process is over so I can focus on what needs to be done to bring the Grey Cup to Toronto." (TS)


About how he could have made more money if he had gone to the NFL, Owens said:
"Definitely. There's a potential of a whole lot more money when you are talking about the NFL and the potential to make more. But if they paid players the same money in the CFL as they did in the NFL, I would be back in Toronto anyway." (TS)


TS Note: "Owens reportedly will make upward of $125,000 a season with Toronto. The process, as Owens called it, involved a contract offer from the New York Jets, his agent, Richard Burnoski, told the Toronto Sun a couple of weeks ago. Part of what apparently scared Owens off was a potential work stoppage in the NFL."


Happy that they were able to sign Chad to an extension, Toronto head coach Jim Barker said:
"We felt Chad was a key piece to our team's future moving forward and I want to thank our player personnel director Mike Hagen for his work on this contract through the negotiation process. Chad was the outstanding special teams player in the league last year and we expect him to continue at that level of play. With a full season in our system under his belt and being a part of our training camp this year, we also expect Chad's contributions and productivity on offence to increase this year. As a player, Chad exhibits toughness and tenacity, with a superior work ethic. He is a true warrior and epitomizes the way we coach Toronto Argonauts to play the game." (TS)

http://www.torontosun.com/sports/football/2011/02/08/17194186.html

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Feature article on Ijumaa Armstrong

CCP = Culver City Patch


About Ijumaa Armstrong being the first member from his 2011 seniors to get a football scholarship, Culver City head football coach Jahmal Wright said:
"First and foremost, he was blessed with God-given athletic ability, so as a coach it's just pointing him in the right direction and getting out of his way." (CCP)


About how he chose to go to UH because of their coaching staff and their school's relaxed atmosphere, Armstrong said:
"It started with the coaches, and how honest they were. They were telling me the truth about coming and playing in the program. Their environment is real relaxing and peaceful, not all corporal like most places are." (CCP)


About how having a cousin working as a firefighter on Oahu help make UH his top choice, Armstrong said:
"Family is very important to me." (CCP)


About how Armstrong's strength sets him apart from other players, Wright said:
"He was just born with a lot of physical attributes and physical talent. He's very athletic and very strong. To bench press 300 pounds and squat almost 400 pounds is exceptional for a high school athlete. When he hit people, he always won the battle." (CCP)


About how coach Wright (who played CB in college) was a big reason he's going to get to play in college, Armstrong said:
"I think he provides the toughness. He doesn't let up on his players and he's an excellent coach. He was successful at the college level and now he's teaching it to us." (CCP)


About how Armstrong is the 16th DB to get a football scholarship since he's been head coach at Culver City, Armstrong said
"That number says something about our coaching staff and says something about the young men who come here. [Armstrong] is a testament to that." (CCP)

http://culvercity.patch.com/articles/armstrong-is-warrior-at-heart

Friday, February 4, 2011

Feature on Mike Edwards getting a second chance at UH

About how his 2 years of probation was shortened, Mike Edwards said:
"I'm done. I was doing so well it was dismissed early." (HSA)


About how his record is now considered clean again by the courts, Edwards said:
"It was the only trouble ever in my life, first time in my life, any situation. I didn't even have a speeding ticket before." (HSA)


About how he's met Bess because he is friends with Ted Ginn Jr. (whose Dad was his high school coach), Edwards said:
"He told me he'd been through some things, and we talked about my situation. We talked about my situation and how to approach life. I'm not sure he knows I'm going to Hawaii yet; I think he'll be happy." (HSA)


Minimizing what Edwards did, Mack said:
"He and three of his buddies got into sort of a prank situation. The guy pulled a BB gun. He (Edwards) tried to stop him." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Being part of a group pointing a gun and demanding money isn't a prank, even if it is with a pellet gun and not a .45, even if the victims have empty wallets and only a cheeseburger to surrender."

HSA Note: "Every report I've seen or heard about this incident said it was a pellet gun — and pellet guns are significantly more dangerous than BB guns. According to the Consumer Warning Network, the projectiles from pellet guns "can be as deadly as a bullet" because of their velocity."


About how Edwards' highlight video impressed him, Mack said:
"He reminds me of Shawn Springs." (HSA)


About how he was impressed with Edwards as a person, Mack said:
"Mike came here and made a big impression." (HSA)


About his recruiting this year, Edwards said that he was offered by:
"Kansas State, Cincinnati, Troy and a bunch of MAC schools. Ole Miss, but I didn't visit. I knew I wanted Hawaii." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/furtherreview/20110204_Recruit_will_get_second_chance_at_UH__its_what_we_do.html

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Recap of UH's 25-man recruiting class

About choosing UH over Cincinnati, CB Mike Edwards said:
"Paradise is my next stop. I'm going to be a Warrior." (HSA)

HSA Note: "Edwards and three Volunteers teammates were arrested in November 2009 and charged for their alleged involvement in an armed robbery. They were dismissed from the team. The charges were eventually dropped when it was discovered that the incident was a prank that went wrong, and that the alleged weapon was a BB gun."


About why he picked UH over Cincinnati, Toledo and Mississippi, Edwards said:
"I picked Hawaii because I had a great visit. The coaches were great, especially coach Tony (Tuioti). Just being in that setting is the best situation for me now." (HSA)


About his choosing UH, Edwards said that his family in Ohio are:
"fired up about it." (HSA)


Edwards said that for his family Hawaii:
"will be a great vacation spot for them. For me, it'll be my workplace." (HSA)


About how it was a dream of his to earn a football scholarship, SB Promise Amadi said:
"I'm excited about going to Hawaii." (HSA)


About the ceremony where Tigi Hill and he signed their UH letters, Ben Mamea said of teammate Keoni "Deedee" Tafuna (who died in November):
"I still miss our boy Deedee. He was a great inspiration to all of us, especially me." (HSA)

"I know he's up there smiling down on us." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Kahuku coach Reggie Torres said Tafuna probably would have played college football."


About how he needs to work hard in school to make it to UH, Mamea said:
"I have to finish strong in school if I want to play for UH in the fall." (HSA)


About how Mamea and Hill need to improve their study habits, Torres said:
"They have to work on their organizational skills and their study skills. They're going to the next level. In college, they're on their own. The university has tutors and good academic support. But mom is not up there. You have other influences. It's not easy for young men to stay the course. They have to be mature early. If they don't, they end up back here, looking for a job and struggling. The university has given them a great opportunity. They have to take advantage of it." (HSA)


About 6'3", 245-pound DL Junior Alexis, Tony Tuioti said:
"He has great upside. He's built like an ox. He blocked for one of the best running backs in the country, DeAnthony Thomas. ... He's going to grow, and he has a frame that will get him to 280. He has a great physique. He's athletic enough to be a great 3-technique when he fills out. He also has the motor to be tough and physical inside." (HSA)


About 6'2", 185-pound QB Justin Alo, Rolo said:
"I was more impressed with Alo in person. He's athletic. He feels connection to the islands. He sees (Bryant) Moniz doing it. He'll compete when he gets here." (HSA)


About 5'10", 185-pound Promise Amadi, Rolo said:
"His name means 'God's Guide.' He catches everything very well with his hands. He has great body control. And that's on top of being a very top student." (HSA)


About 5'11", 180-pound DB Ijumaa Armstrong, Rich Miano said:
"He has the ability to play corner and safety. He's smart, fast and tough. And he has a great offseason work ethic." (HSA)


About 6'1", 185-pound CB Brian Clay, Miano said:
"I think Clay is a lot like John Hardy(-Tuliau), but possibly taller. He's well-coached. He has really good athleticism. He'll hit you." (HSA)


About 6'5", 250-pound DE Craig Cofer, Tuioti said:
"Craig has a great motor. He's great against the run. He's three (years) for three (seasons), so that's like getting another young player. Anytime you can get a motor guy who's constantly after the football, you can't go wrong with that." (HSA)


About 6'4", 255-pound LB Brenden Daley, Brian Smith said:
"The one thing we didn't have was a true middle backer, a guy who can play physical in the box. He was a great leader on his team. He should bring a lot of intensity to the field. He runs to the ball hard. For a big guy, he covers a lot of ground." (HSA)


About 6'1", 165-pound WR Trevor Davis, Rolo said:
"With Trevor Davis, I see a young Royce Pollard. Except what Trevor has is an elusiveness you don't always get with outside receivers." (HSA)


About 6'4", 300-pound OL Ben Dew, Gordy Shaw said:
"He's an outstanding athlete. He has great lateral movement, and he's tremendously strong. He's opening people's eyes with what he can do in the weight room." (HSA)


About 6'4", 210-pound WR Cecil Doe, Shaw said:
"He ran 10.68 (in the 100 meters) his junior year in high school. He's fast, and he's got great hands. We feel fortunate to get him." (HSA)


About 5'10", 185-pound CB Mike Edwards, Miano said:
"He's like Ryan Mouton. He can return punts, and he could be starting for us at corner. We expect great things out of him. He's as talented as we've recruited in 12 years. He has speed, quickness, athleticism and ability." (HSA)


About 6'1", 220-pound LB Penitito Faalologo, Tuioti said:
"He's a hard-nose football player. He's going to grow and fill out. He's the best defensive player, all-around athlete down there in American Samoa. ... He's definitely strong enough to take on the physical aspect of the game." (HSA)


About 6'1", 185-pound WR Chris Gant, Smith said:
"Chris is a dynamic receiver at the JC level. He broke all of their school records and, I believe, led the state in just about every (receiving) category. He's strong with his hands. He has good speed and quickness, and he's very versatile. He could end up being an inside or outside (receiver) for us." (HSA)


About 6'3", 215-pound LB Tyler Gray, Dave Aranda said:
"For a big man, he's very light on his feet. I see him being 6-3, 245 pounds, being an outside guy who can play in space and rush the passer. I like the fact he's played running back. He's played athletic positions, as well as playing linebacker." (HSA)


About 6'0", 200-pound RB Will Gregory, Smith said:
"He's an explosive player. He's got a little Alex Green in him in the sense when he makes a cut, he gets vertical. He has a good burst to him, along with good size. ... We liked him a lot as a safety as well, because of how physical he is." (HSA)


About 6'1", 180-pound WR Ellis Henderson, Rolo said:
"Ellis is a playmaker with great speed. He's a great athlete. We project him at slot. He's effective in the return game. I think he could play slot for us, but he has the speed to stretch the field on the outside." (HSA)


About 6'3", 215-pound S Tigi Hill, Miano said:
"Tigi Hill is probably the best athlete in Hawaii in terms of size, speed, athleticism and versatility. He's a big-time player, and a good kid." (HSA)


About 6'2", 230-pound RB Jared Leaf, Smith said:
"I think he fits our offense well. He's big and physical. We know he can handle the protection. He's got good lateral movements. He can make people miss. He plays with good pad level. He runs hard. He's going to be able to break tackles, and get you some extra yards." (HSA)


About 6'1", 228-pound LB Ben Mamea, Miano said:
"Mamea is the best linebacker in Hawaii. People made comparisons, his sophomore year, to Manti Te'o. And obviously, Manti is one of the best linebackers in the country. But Ben has potential to be a big-time linebacker for us." (HSA)


About 6'5", 285-pound OL Blake Buir, Shaw said:
"He has all of the ingredients to become a tremendous lineman. He has athletic ability, exceptional strength. And he's a very good student." (HSA)


About 6'4", 275-pound OL Thomas Olds, Shaw said:
"He can play center or tackle. He's very athletic. He has great hips, excellent flexibility. He's a very aggressive football player. You can do a lot of things with him." (HSA)


About 6'1", 185-pound CB Mike Sellers, Miano said:
"Mike Sellers is kind of a hidden gem. So far the reviews are this kid is tough, smart, fast and talented." (HSA)


About 6'1", 205-pound LB Kendrick Van Ackeren, Miano said:
"Kendrick is a versatile kid who can play linebacker or safety. He also played offense, at quarterback. He's a football player. He's kind of like an Aaron Brown." (HSA)


About 6'1", 235-pound LB Justin Vele, Tuioti said:
"He's athletic. I think he's similar to Penitito (Faalologo) in that he's very physical. He can play the middle for us at linebacker. He also can be an outside linebacker. He's athletic against the pass and physical against the run." (HSA)


About 6'4", 250-pound DE Tavita Woodard, Tuioti said:
"He's big-time, man." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110203_Becoming_Warriors.html

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

CD Mike Edwards, S Tigi Hill, and LB Ben Mamea commit to the Warriors!

About his commitment to UH, Mike Edwards said:
"I'm going to be a Warrior. I'm going to sign with Hawaii. No doubt about it." (HSA)

HSA Note: "Edwards played five games as a true freshman in 2009. But in November of that year, Edwards and three teammates were arrested and initially charged with armed robbery. The players were dismissed from the team. Later, the charges were dropped. There is no legal claim against Edwards. Last year, Edwards enrolled at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas. He attended classes toward an associate's degree, but didn't play football."


Kahuku coach Reggie Torres said that Tigi Hill is:
"a heck of a player with a great attitude. He's a happy kid. He brings to practice that positive energy." (HSA)

"He's not afraid to bring the hat. We saw that in the all-star game." (HSA)


About how Hill played SS, FS, WR, QB, and LB for their team, Torres said:
"And he's very good on special teams." (HSA)


Praising how Ben Mamea plays, Torres said:
"He can go sideline to sideline to make a play. He's a great leader." (HSA)


About choosing UH, Mamea said:
"I wanted to stay home and play in front of my family. I wanted to be around the environment." (HSA)


About how UH's defensive system is similar to Kahuku's, Mamea said:
"It's going to be good to play for them." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110202_4-star_corner_UH-bound.html

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

JC DE Craig Cofer and LB/DE Penitito Faalologo committed to the Warriors

About committing to play for UH, Craig Cofer said:
"I love the weather, and the beach, and the family aspect." (HSA)


About watching UH's 2-OT basketball game vs. Utah State with a future teammate playing a key role, Cofer said:
"Miah (Ostrowski) played his heart out. That was cool." (HSA)


Cofer played for Grossmont last year, coached by former Warrior Lui Fuga who he said is:
"one of my best friends." (HSA)


About choosing UH over Nevada, Cofer said:
"I kind of wanted to get out of my comfort zone. I want to take that experience and learn from the culture." (HSA)


About how Penitito Faalologo chose UH over Arizona partly because of Mack and Tony Tuioti and partly because of Hawaii's proximity to American Samoa, his coach Pooch Taase said:
"He's one plane ride away from home." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110201_2_defenders_commit_to_Warriors.html