About the bull ring 1-on-1 pass rushing drill gets max effort and concentration from the defensive players, JR said:
"The competitiveness is what it's all about. We try to get them to understand that in every situation there's a winner and a loser. That's true for every down, and you can't illustrate that any better than in a pass-rushing drill. That's the essence of the game: 'It's you and me — let's go!' " (HA)
HA Note: "In one rep, Alasi Toilolo exploded off the snap and collided with Victor Clore, the clash of their pads sending a crackle of energy through their surrounding teammates. The brutal dance was impressive not just in the sustained effort of both players to thwart each other, but in the sophisticated hand and footwork each employed to do so."
About how difficult pass rushing is, JR said:
"Statistically, I believe, pass rushing is the hardest thing to do in sports. If you rush 30 times in a game and come away with two sacks, you had a good day. What other sport can you say that about?
If you complete only two out of 30 passes as a quarterback, you're not going to be quarterback next week. If you make two putts and miss 28, you're not getting a Tour card.
If you connect on two punches and the other guy hits you 28 times, you'll be lucky to hear '8, 9, 10' before you're counted out." (HA)
About their defensive motto "the main thing is the main thing", JR said:
"You're not going to win all the time, so you have to be relentless. You can't take 'no' for an answer. You have to keep pushing, keep pounding that rock or it's never going to break." (HA)
About how he worked all offseason to get a chance to play this year, Fale Laeli said:
"I only have two years left. I have to step it up and get noticed. I just want to play." (HA)
About Siave Seti, JR said:
"He's one of the older guys who are obviously more refined. He has a good day every day. He uses moves that are suited for his body, and he has a great motor." (HA)
About Keala Watson, JR said:
"He's a big banger, more of a power rusher. He's come a long way." (HA)
About Josh Leonard, JR said:
"He's a big guy. He doesn't play the same way as some of the others, but you can't substitute his strength. If he gets his hands inside, he's going to win every time. He needs to know how to counter and how to build off his strength." (HA)
About Toilolo, Korey Reynolds, and John Fonoti, JR said:
"They each have incredible athletic ability and can rush off the corner, but they still don't know what they're doing yet. They're still learning, but they're making progress." (HA)
About restricting Estes from contact until Monday, JJ said:
"I know what he can do, and we have enough time." (HA)
HA Note: "Defensive lineman David Veikune did not practice because of a "sore" neck that is "maybe strained." But he declared himself "good," and hopes to resume practicing as early as today."
About the big hit he put on Desmond Thomas after Thomas intercepted him, Graunke said:
"It's just a lot of adrenaline pumping after I throw a pick. I don't think that much and I saw my opportunity. ... We joke as quarterbacks there should be five orange jerseys on his (butt) if the guy just got a pick but I was just running a little too hard and he cut back right on me and it was either hit him or go by and I hit him. It was just instincts I don't know, I just got mad when I threw the pick. Dez and I are good friends and I apologized to him." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Thomas' second pick in two days got him some points in the close competition at free safety with Keao Monteilh, which coach June Jones said yesterday is "pretty even." It also left him with thoughts of payback."
About Graunke's hit, Thomas said:
"We're not supposed to hit the quarterbacks and I guess they're not supposed to hit us but it's all good. I was sitting there about to pitch the ball and I ended up keeping it and Tyler just comes on a frickin' sprint from 20 yards away straight down and just blows me up. ... Next thing I know, BOOM. ... I think I might have a little something for him tomorrow." (HSB)
About his competitive nature, Graunke said:
"Dez understands I got a competitive nature. The only pick I threw in college I brought the guy down by his neck." (HSB)
About how he's currently 2nd team at DT and DE, JC All-American Josh Leonard said:
"I feel real good about (my play) right now. They're adding me into the nickel and Okie packages." (HSB)
HSB Note: "He excelled as a pass-rusher at Sierra with 33 sacks over two years. Projected starters Amani Purcell and Karl Noa have helped show Leonard the ropes."
About the help he has gotten from Purcell and Noa, Josh said:
"I love it so far, the team's great. Especially the D-line I'm learning from, they have two of the best ends probably in college football ahead of me. They're all real helpful." (HSB)
About Blaze's injury, Brashton Satele can empathize due to his injury last camp and said:
"He's gonna come back. (I'm) just trying to stay healthy. That's the main thing, stay healthy." (HSB)
Even though expectations are high -- he is the son of UH star Alvis and Wahine volleyball standout Lee Ann (Pestana) Satele -- he isn't trying to press his case beyond what he can do on the practice field.
About running with the 3rd team right now, Brashton (son of UH star Alvis and Wahine volleyball star Lee Ann Pestana Satele) said:
"Pretty low on the depth, but trying to work my way up every week. Big footsteps to fill, yeah? Sam (Satele, his cousin), my dad, everybody. Just trying my best." (HSB)
About the injuries to Blaze and Estes, JJ said:
"Right now we've lost probably two of our best players. They're out for a while, we'll get them back by the time school starts (Aug. 20) I hope." (HSB)
JJ said that Calvin Roberts was in Hawaii and enrolled in school and that:
"hopefully he'll be out here tomorrow." (HSB)
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Quotes about Dan Kelly
About how the kickoffs have been moved back 5 yards, Kelly said:
"It's not different technique-wise, it's now about raw power." (HSB)
About Kelly's improved power in his kicks, special teams vet Rustin Saole said:
"He's got some muscles and it shows. He was kicking against the wind and it was going pretty far." (HA)
After they worked on kickoff returns and coverage in their 2nd practice session yesterday, Saole said:
"We're the first guys on the field (in the games) and we just want to make a statement." (HA)
HA Note: "The coverage unit is made primarily of backup linebackers and defensive backs, including Saole, Timo Paepule, C.J. Allen-Jones, Brashton Satele and Micah Lau. R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane and John Fonoti also add size with speed to the unit."
About how their upgraded athletes should translate into an improvement on special teams, Rich Miano said:
"We've got bigger, faster, stronger athletes this year and that should compute to having more success on special teams." (HHA)
HA Note: "On the other end of the equation, Malcolm Lane and Kealoha Pilares were the first in the rotation as kick returners yesterday, backed up by Jason Rivers and Michael Washington."
"It's not different technique-wise, it's now about raw power." (HSB)
About Kelly's improved power in his kicks, special teams vet Rustin Saole said:
"He's got some muscles and it shows. He was kicking against the wind and it was going pretty far." (HA)
After they worked on kickoff returns and coverage in their 2nd practice session yesterday, Saole said:
"We're the first guys on the field (in the games) and we just want to make a statement." (HA)
HA Note: "The coverage unit is made primarily of backup linebackers and defensive backs, including Saole, Timo Paepule, C.J. Allen-Jones, Brashton Satele and Micah Lau. R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane and John Fonoti also add size with speed to the unit."
About how their upgraded athletes should translate into an improvement on special teams, Rich Miano said:
"We've got bigger, faster, stronger athletes this year and that should compute to having more success on special teams." (HHA)
HA Note: "On the other end of the equation, Malcolm Lane and Kealoha Pilares were the first in the rotation as kick returners yesterday, backed up by Jason Rivers and Michael Washington."
Quotes from a Nate Interview
http://honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070811/SPORTS04/708110344/1032/SPORTS04
About how he needs to be prepared to play at anytime, Nate said:
"You've just gotta be ready. You never know what's going to happen. You've just gotta expect that your number's going to be called the very next play and just keep it that way, cause you never know." (HA)
About how he could see himself as one of the special-team aces on punt-return coverage or kickoff coverage, Nate said:
"You just come out here and just try to find some way you can fit in and try to help the team, and that's what everybody who is out here is trying to do — to make the team and find their way to contribute." (HA)
About the Philly fans at mini camps, Nate said:
"We came to mini camps in May. Some fans were just coming by the stadium honking and everybody (Eagles players and staff) was like, 'Yeah, but wait till you get to training camp.' " (HA)
About their fans at training camp (10,000 or so per day), Nate said:
"I guess it's kind of a fan training camp as well, because they practice their cheers everyday and they're very supportive, but at the same time, you do something wrong out here, they'll let you know, too." (HA)
About how he misses Hawaii, Nate said:
"You know, it's just something I have to get used to. If I had it my way, I'd love to be in Hawai'i, but I love football, so football brought me here. It took me to Hawai'i (from Virginia), and now it's brought me back to the East Coast." (HA)
About how he needs to be prepared to play at anytime, Nate said:
"You've just gotta be ready. You never know what's going to happen. You've just gotta expect that your number's going to be called the very next play and just keep it that way, cause you never know." (HA)
About how he could see himself as one of the special-team aces on punt-return coverage or kickoff coverage, Nate said:
"You just come out here and just try to find some way you can fit in and try to help the team, and that's what everybody who is out here is trying to do — to make the team and find their way to contribute." (HA)
About the Philly fans at mini camps, Nate said:
"We came to mini camps in May. Some fans were just coming by the stadium honking and everybody (Eagles players and staff) was like, 'Yeah, but wait till you get to training camp.' " (HA)
About their fans at training camp (10,000 or so per day), Nate said:
"I guess it's kind of a fan training camp as well, because they practice their cheers everyday and they're very supportive, but at the same time, you do something wrong out here, they'll let you know, too." (HA)
About how he misses Hawaii, Nate said:
"You know, it's just something I have to get used to. If I had it my way, I'd love to be in Hawai'i, but I love football, so football brought me here. It took me to Hawai'i (from Virginia), and now it's brought me back to the East Coast." (HA)
Friday, August 10, 2007
Quotes about Coach McMackin
About GM's 2-inch-thick defensive playbook, Adam Leonard said:
"When he first gave me the book, I thought, 'This is going to be crazy to read all of this.' That's from all of the years he's been coaching." (HA)
About how each play comes with a diagram and a detailed explanation, Adam said:
"It doesn't just show you what to do, it tells you why you're doing it and the situation it's used. It's a big book, and there's a lot of terminology, but it's not complicated." (HA)
About how he made his first playbook 34 years ago as a 24-year-old head coach at Oregon's Aloha High School, GM said:
"I kept adding to it. Really, I didn't take anything out of the playbook." (HA)
About how he's added chapters during his time at Miami, Texas Tech, SJSU, and in the NFL, GM said:
"I've learned as much from offensive coaches. It's grown over the years. The longer you coach, the bigger your playbook gets." (HA)
About how he uses a PowerPoint system to supplement his lessons, GM said:
"Let's say we're talking about a blitz. I punch a button and we can see (a video clip of) the blitz from an actual game. Kids watch videos. They get tired of you drawing on the board. That's why we wanted to put it on PowerPoint, too." (HA)
HA Note: "He said the next stage is to do the "John Madden-type" Telestrator, which would allow him to draw diagrams onto the videos."
About how GM spent 4 practice sessions during spring training conducting strategy meetings instead of working on the field, Adam said:
"He has that teacher's approach. He wants to make sure we learn the plays and the reason we're running them before we practice them. He's a teacher and a coach." (HA)
About the playbook, FS Desmond Thomas said:
"If you follow the book and do what you're supposed to do, you'll be OK." (HA)
About how he doesn't believe in hitting the offense too hard in camp, GM said:
"Everywhere. Miami, Seattle, San Francisco. The first time here (1999). Go full speed and don't take them to the ground. Our practices are as good a tempo as anyone in the country." (HSB)
About how you can teach tackling fundamentals without risking injury, GM said:
"We're always working on tackling, pursuit. Use your eyes, rip, wrap, keep your feet moving. Our job is to get them into position to do that. I'm not worried. We have natural hitters. We know they're going to hit." (HSB)
About how he wants to see more big plays out of his defense, GM said:
"We want to make more plays. Our quarterbacks are so accurate, so it's hard. But we came up with a couple today, including Desmond's. Our thing is to get the offense back on the field. Interceptions, sacks, tackles-for-loss." (HSB)
Pleased with the defense so far, GM said:
"For the first week I'm really happy. Everyone's working hard. The attitude has been outstanding. You do bed check and the lights are out and they're all in their bunks. There's no doubt they have some certain goals in mind and they know it starts here." (HSB)
About the battle for safety spots, Monteilh said:
"It's a great competition. We've got guys like Des, we got Dane (Porlas), we got new guys coming in. The young guys might be given a chance to play, too." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Defensive backs coach Rich Miano said JC transfer Erik Robinson and true freshman Le'Marcus Gibson have practiced well, and walk-on cornerback Jakeem Hawkins has been a "pleasant surprise."
"When he first gave me the book, I thought, 'This is going to be crazy to read all of this.' That's from all of the years he's been coaching." (HA)
About how each play comes with a diagram and a detailed explanation, Adam said:
"It doesn't just show you what to do, it tells you why you're doing it and the situation it's used. It's a big book, and there's a lot of terminology, but it's not complicated." (HA)
About how he made his first playbook 34 years ago as a 24-year-old head coach at Oregon's Aloha High School, GM said:
"I kept adding to it. Really, I didn't take anything out of the playbook." (HA)
About how he's added chapters during his time at Miami, Texas Tech, SJSU, and in the NFL, GM said:
"I've learned as much from offensive coaches. It's grown over the years. The longer you coach, the bigger your playbook gets." (HA)
About how he uses a PowerPoint system to supplement his lessons, GM said:
"Let's say we're talking about a blitz. I punch a button and we can see (a video clip of) the blitz from an actual game. Kids watch videos. They get tired of you drawing on the board. That's why we wanted to put it on PowerPoint, too." (HA)
HA Note: "He said the next stage is to do the "John Madden-type" Telestrator, which would allow him to draw diagrams onto the videos."
About how GM spent 4 practice sessions during spring training conducting strategy meetings instead of working on the field, Adam said:
"He has that teacher's approach. He wants to make sure we learn the plays and the reason we're running them before we practice them. He's a teacher and a coach." (HA)
About the playbook, FS Desmond Thomas said:
"If you follow the book and do what you're supposed to do, you'll be OK." (HA)
About how he doesn't believe in hitting the offense too hard in camp, GM said:
"Everywhere. Miami, Seattle, San Francisco. The first time here (1999). Go full speed and don't take them to the ground. Our practices are as good a tempo as anyone in the country." (HSB)
About how you can teach tackling fundamentals without risking injury, GM said:
"We're always working on tackling, pursuit. Use your eyes, rip, wrap, keep your feet moving. Our job is to get them into position to do that. I'm not worried. We have natural hitters. We know they're going to hit." (HSB)
About how he wants to see more big plays out of his defense, GM said:
"We want to make more plays. Our quarterbacks are so accurate, so it's hard. But we came up with a couple today, including Desmond's. Our thing is to get the offense back on the field. Interceptions, sacks, tackles-for-loss." (HSB)
Pleased with the defense so far, GM said:
"For the first week I'm really happy. Everyone's working hard. The attitude has been outstanding. You do bed check and the lights are out and they're all in their bunks. There's no doubt they have some certain goals in mind and they know it starts here." (HSB)
About the battle for safety spots, Monteilh said:
"It's a great competition. We've got guys like Des, we got Dane (Porlas), we got new guys coming in. The young guys might be given a chance to play, too." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Defensive backs coach Rich Miano said JC transfer Erik Robinson and true freshman Le'Marcus Gibson have practiced well, and walk-on cornerback Jakeem Hawkins has been a "pleasant surprise."
Quotes about Miami's "Samoan Block"
About their 6 players of Polynesian descent (5 from Samoa and 1 from Tonga, with 3 from UH), Paul Soliai said about Samoa:
"It's just a little dot on the map." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Several rookies who share one corner of the Miami Dolphins' locker room quickly formed a bond by eating together, studying playbooks together and telling jokes they say only a Samoan would find funny. They've helped formed the "Samoan Block" -- a group of six players of Polynesian descent. Five are from Samoa and one from Tonga, a neighboring island."
HSB Note: "There's Soliai, center Samson Satele, fullback Reagan Mauia, guard Tala Esera and defensive tackle Brian Soi, each a rookie. Defensive tackle Steve Fifita is Tongan and a second-year pro."
The "Samoan Block" say that they are trying to segregate from the team by hanging out together, but Soi said that they just:
"understand each other." (HSB)
About Samoans, Soliai said:
"Samoans are all about respect. You have to give it, and you have to earn it. We know that. It makes it easy to live when you have so many people on the same team that understand you." (HSB)
About how he is an honoraray member of the Samoan Block, as his locker is with their and he learned some Samoan at BYU, John Beck said:
"They called me palagi, or white boy. Really, though, they are the coolest people you will ever meet." (HSB)
About how they have helped each other adjust to Miami, Soliai said:
"We're always hanging around each other. We're always helping each other out." (HSB)
Appreciating the Samoan attitude and their bond, Cam Cameron said after the draft:
"They're all different, their families are different. But what we have seen in these guys is that spirit of enthusiasm, that pride. When they step on the football field, they know they represent someone bigger than themselves, and that's important. We believe in that." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The first Samoan to play in the NFL was Al Lolotai in 1945 with the Washington Redskins. Later came such stars as former Dolphin Junior Seau and Pittsburgh's Troy Polamalu, who have helped inspire the recent surge. There were about 30 Polynesians on NFL rosters last season, according to the league's Web site. There were four teams in 2006 with more than three Polynesians on their roster -- the Baltimore Ravens, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks and San Diego Chargers."
About the popularity of football in Samoa, Soliai said:
"Kids are all about football over there. They see us make it, and they look up to us. All they want to do is play in the NFL." (HSB)
About how football provides an opportunity for young men in Samoa, Soi said:
"In America, they pay for your education if you play football. So a lot of kids there try and play football so they can get off the island, so they can move on instead of seeing the same old stuff every day." (HSB)
About how they don't have the same type of playing ground in Samoa, Samson said:
"You don't play on grass. The grass over there is dead. You play on rocks, gravel if you're lucky. It makes you tough, man." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Samoan children sometimes sacrifice their sandals for knee pads, share mouthpieces and swap helmets that don't fit. Most don't see a grass field until high school, Satele said."
About how football is rough in Samoa, Samson said:
"You're out there getting scraped every day and getting sprayed with the other guys' blood. It makes the NFL sound easy." (HSB)
About how they joke with each other in Samoan to annoy other players and coaches, Soi said:
"The coaches give us a hard time about that. They just make fun of us. They kind of think we're talking (trash) about them or players but we're not, usually." (HSB)
About how he wouldn't be surprised if all 6 members of their Samoan Block made the team, Soi said:
"We are raised tough. We love to hit. There is pretty much raw talent over there. Samoans want to get here so bad they are playing on rocks. So when we get here, that energy ain't changing." (HSB)
"It's just a little dot on the map." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Several rookies who share one corner of the Miami Dolphins' locker room quickly formed a bond by eating together, studying playbooks together and telling jokes they say only a Samoan would find funny. They've helped formed the "Samoan Block" -- a group of six players of Polynesian descent. Five are from Samoa and one from Tonga, a neighboring island."
HSB Note: "There's Soliai, center Samson Satele, fullback Reagan Mauia, guard Tala Esera and defensive tackle Brian Soi, each a rookie. Defensive tackle Steve Fifita is Tongan and a second-year pro."
The "Samoan Block" say that they are trying to segregate from the team by hanging out together, but Soi said that they just:
"understand each other." (HSB)
About Samoans, Soliai said:
"Samoans are all about respect. You have to give it, and you have to earn it. We know that. It makes it easy to live when you have so many people on the same team that understand you." (HSB)
About how he is an honoraray member of the Samoan Block, as his locker is with their and he learned some Samoan at BYU, John Beck said:
"They called me palagi, or white boy. Really, though, they are the coolest people you will ever meet." (HSB)
About how they have helped each other adjust to Miami, Soliai said:
"We're always hanging around each other. We're always helping each other out." (HSB)
Appreciating the Samoan attitude and their bond, Cam Cameron said after the draft:
"They're all different, their families are different. But what we have seen in these guys is that spirit of enthusiasm, that pride. When they step on the football field, they know they represent someone bigger than themselves, and that's important. We believe in that." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The first Samoan to play in the NFL was Al Lolotai in 1945 with the Washington Redskins. Later came such stars as former Dolphin Junior Seau and Pittsburgh's Troy Polamalu, who have helped inspire the recent surge. There were about 30 Polynesians on NFL rosters last season, according to the league's Web site. There were four teams in 2006 with more than three Polynesians on their roster -- the Baltimore Ravens, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks and San Diego Chargers."
About the popularity of football in Samoa, Soliai said:
"Kids are all about football over there. They see us make it, and they look up to us. All they want to do is play in the NFL." (HSB)
About how football provides an opportunity for young men in Samoa, Soi said:
"In America, they pay for your education if you play football. So a lot of kids there try and play football so they can get off the island, so they can move on instead of seeing the same old stuff every day." (HSB)
About how they don't have the same type of playing ground in Samoa, Samson said:
"You don't play on grass. The grass over there is dead. You play on rocks, gravel if you're lucky. It makes you tough, man." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Samoan children sometimes sacrifice their sandals for knee pads, share mouthpieces and swap helmets that don't fit. Most don't see a grass field until high school, Satele said."
About how football is rough in Samoa, Samson said:
"You're out there getting scraped every day and getting sprayed with the other guys' blood. It makes the NFL sound easy." (HSB)
About how they joke with each other in Samoan to annoy other players and coaches, Soi said:
"The coaches give us a hard time about that. They just make fun of us. They kind of think we're talking (trash) about them or players but we're not, usually." (HSB)
About how he wouldn't be surprised if all 6 members of their Samoan Block made the team, Soi said:
"We are raised tough. We love to hit. There is pretty much raw talent over there. Samoans want to get here so bad they are playing on rocks. So when we get here, that energy ain't changing." (HSB)
Quotes about how this is Timo Paepule's final camp
Asked how many camps he has been to while at UH, LB Timo Paepule said:
"Let me see. Five!" (HSB)
"My fifth camp, man." (HSB)
About the claim that he's been at camp forever, Timo said:
"Ho, I that old?" (HSB)
"Me, Mike (Lafaele), Herc, J-Rivs, and that's it. Us four. We came in together. For us, it's our fifth camp. All the guys who came in with us, they all left. They all went their separate ways, they quit." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Wait, Larry Sauafea was with them, too, in that signing-day class."
Timo added:
"We're like the lone soldiers, only five of us left." (HSB)
HSB Note: "PAEPULE WENT TO Saint Louis (so long ago it was spelled "St. Louis") as, he says, "a punishment." His mom didn't want him to get into trouble. He had no interest in football -- he'd played just one year of Pop Warner and hadn't liked it. He was a basketball man. But then Cal Lee talked him into trying out for the team. Then he was on varsity as a sophomore. Then he had a full ride. He loves football now. He loves Lee for that. How long has Timo been around? He and his old high school coach came in together at UH."
About how he helps the newcomers, even if they are competing with him on the depth chart, Timo said:
"I remember I was in their shoes and I just humble myself. They're just getting better, that's the main thing. That's what we had last year, the unity. Now we got all these new guys, we gotta keep it going." (HSB)
When he was younger he hated how hard camp was, but now Timo said:
"I no like go, brah. I don't want it to end." (HSB)
"Let me see. Five!" (HSB)
"My fifth camp, man." (HSB)
About the claim that he's been at camp forever, Timo said:
"Ho, I that old?" (HSB)
"Me, Mike (Lafaele), Herc, J-Rivs, and that's it. Us four. We came in together. For us, it's our fifth camp. All the guys who came in with us, they all left. They all went their separate ways, they quit." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Wait, Larry Sauafea was with them, too, in that signing-day class."
Timo added:
"We're like the lone soldiers, only five of us left." (HSB)
HSB Note: "PAEPULE WENT TO Saint Louis (so long ago it was spelled "St. Louis") as, he says, "a punishment." His mom didn't want him to get into trouble. He had no interest in football -- he'd played just one year of Pop Warner and hadn't liked it. He was a basketball man. But then Cal Lee talked him into trying out for the team. Then he was on varsity as a sophomore. Then he had a full ride. He loves football now. He loves Lee for that. How long has Timo been around? He and his old high school coach came in together at UH."
About how he helps the newcomers, even if they are competing with him on the depth chart, Timo said:
"I remember I was in their shoes and I just humble myself. They're just getting better, that's the main thing. That's what we had last year, the unity. Now we got all these new guys, we gotta keep it going." (HSB)
When he was younger he hated how hard camp was, but now Timo said:
"I no like go, brah. I don't want it to end." (HSB)
Quotes about how they ran practice without JJ yesterday
About how he (with help from Ron Lee, Wes Suan, and DM) ran the offense in practice yesterday with JJ on the mainland to attend services for Bill Walsh, Dan Morrison said:
"Things went smooth, it was pretty easy to step in. We've watched it for so long we kind of know what to do. But you always miss him because he's such a force on the field. It was real important for him to go up there. The players and coaches wanted for him not to worry." (HSB)
About how he ran spring practice when JJ had his horrible accident, George Lumpkin said:
"He's only gone one day this time, so everything's pretty normal. Everybody knew he'd be gone, so we had a plan in place. We operated the way we always operate." (HSB)
"Things went smooth, it was pretty easy to step in. We've watched it for so long we kind of know what to do. But you always miss him because he's such a force on the field. It was real important for him to go up there. The players and coaches wanted for him not to worry." (HSB)
About how he ran spring practice when JJ had his horrible accident, George Lumpkin said:
"He's only gone one day this time, so everything's pretty normal. Everybody knew he'd be gone, so we had a plan in place. We operated the way we always operate." (HSB)
Quotes about Calvin Roberts
About when he hopes to be allowed to practice, Calvin Roberts said:
"I'll shoot for Saturday." (HA)
Asked about Roberts, GM said:
"I don't count on guys until they're on the field. When they're here, then we'll coach them." (HA)
"I'll shoot for Saturday." (HA)
Asked about Roberts, GM said:
"I don't count on guys until they're on the field. When they're here, then we'll coach them." (HA)
Injury updates
About his sore left foot, injured when someone stepped on it, Aaron Kia said:
"That (stuff) is so irritating, I tell you. You're over there blocking, and then oomp. It happened in the beginning of practice, and there's nothing you can do about it. You can't even walk after practice." (HA)
Blaze Soares was diagnosed with a deep bruise in his left shoulder and said that he would miss:
"a couple of days." (HA)
About his injured foot that made him sit out of practice, Jason Rivers said:
"A DB stepped on it (Wednesday). It's a little tender, so it was ice it and come back tomorrow." (HSB)
"That (stuff) is so irritating, I tell you. You're over there blocking, and then oomp. It happened in the beginning of practice, and there's nothing you can do about it. You can't even walk after practice." (HA)
Blaze Soares was diagnosed with a deep bruise in his left shoulder and said that he would miss:
"a couple of days." (HA)
About his injured foot that made him sit out of practice, Jason Rivers said:
"A DB stepped on it (Wednesday). It's a little tender, so it was ice it and come back tomorrow." (HSB)
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Quotes about Cameron Allen-Jones
Cameron was told that they would work on his TE role in the offense later in camp, and for now he's trying to:
"tone up and build up my speed." (HA)
About how his girlfriend (Chanelle) and their son (Cameron Jr. turned 1 on Monday) are visiting from Maryland), Cameron said:
"It's nice to see my family. It's hard to be away from them, but I have to stay focused." (HA)
"tone up and build up my speed." (HA)
About how his girlfriend (Chanelle) and their son (Cameron Jr. turned 1 on Monday) are visiting from Maryland), Cameron said:
"It's nice to see my family. It's hard to be away from them, but I have to stay focused." (HA)
Quote about Isaac Sopoaga
After noting that Sopoaga will be starting at least through the preseason because of an injury to Franklin, defensive coach Mike Singletary said:
"Isaac is doing fine. He is working hard. The best thing about Isaac is that he is beginning to develop more consistency. That is the whole thing about him. He is so big and so strong that he can be a main force right there in the middle. It's just the consistency in his play, in terms of hearing what is happening. Everybody knows what is happening until there is a change of motion. Maybe you don't get a call. We are very excited about what Isaac is doing." (HA)
"Isaac is doing fine. He is working hard. The best thing about Isaac is that he is beginning to develop more consistency. That is the whole thing about him. He is so big and so strong that he can be a main force right there in the middle. It's just the consistency in his play, in terms of hearing what is happening. Everybody knows what is happening until there is a change of motion. Maybe you don't get a call. We are very excited about what Isaac is doing." (HA)
Quotes from a feature article on Chad Owens
Thank you to Tombo for finding this article!
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20070808/SPORTS/708080684/1006
About how Chad Owens can win their job returning kicks and punts, Bucs coach Jon Gruden said:
"He's a guy that will make the kicking game interesting, I think." (HT)
About how he's one of the smallest players in an NFL camp (5'7", 188 pounds), Chad said:
"My whole life has been an uphill battle. It's nothing new for me. That (size) and having to walk on in college, earn my scholarship, I was a late-round draft pick despite my success in college. I'm still climbing, still trying to get there, that's real motivating, knowing I'm not there." (HT)
About Owens, Gruden said:
"He's from the University of Hawaii, so a lot of us haven't seen him. We're in bed when they play. But he has had a knack for making huge plays in the kicking game. (He) struggled hanging onto the ball, it's been well-documented, at times in Jacksonville. But he's got a real compact build. He's got some power and instant acceleration and quickness." (HT)
About the 2 punt returns he fumbled when he was with Jacksonville as a rookie (both were recovered by the Jags), Owens said:
"That's just from trying to be so quick with it. I don't drop balls. I muffed a couple balls, a couple punts, because I'm trying to go, I'm not trying to waste any time. I wish I made all the right moves and did everything right in Jacksonville, but it didn't happen that way. I've learned to just relax. My first job is to secure the ball." (HT)
HT Note: "Owens has not returned a kickoff in the NFL."
About why he signed with the Bucs, Owens said:
"They initially showed me the most interest. They kept calling and wanted to bring me up during the season last year ... I was on the practice squad. They had injuries elsewhere that they had to take care of. From my understanding, they were looking to draft me when I came out. But Jacksvonille grabbed me." (HT)
About how the Bucs have never returned a kickoff for a touchdown (31 years, 1825 kickoffs), Owens said:
"It's crazy. I can't believe it. Beside making the team, that's probably my No. 1 goal, being the first guy, making history. You have to face the reality you're not going to score every time." (HT)
About how he wants to bring to Tampa the same thing he brought to UH, Owens said:
"My no-fear attitude, my willingness to always want to make that big play, just playing fast, just going 110 mph, using my quickness, my reactions." (HT)
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20070808/SPORTS/708080684/1006
About how Chad Owens can win their job returning kicks and punts, Bucs coach Jon Gruden said:
"He's a guy that will make the kicking game interesting, I think." (HT)
About how he's one of the smallest players in an NFL camp (5'7", 188 pounds), Chad said:
"My whole life has been an uphill battle. It's nothing new for me. That (size) and having to walk on in college, earn my scholarship, I was a late-round draft pick despite my success in college. I'm still climbing, still trying to get there, that's real motivating, knowing I'm not there." (HT)
About Owens, Gruden said:
"He's from the University of Hawaii, so a lot of us haven't seen him. We're in bed when they play. But he has had a knack for making huge plays in the kicking game. (He) struggled hanging onto the ball, it's been well-documented, at times in Jacksonville. But he's got a real compact build. He's got some power and instant acceleration and quickness." (HT)
About the 2 punt returns he fumbled when he was with Jacksonville as a rookie (both were recovered by the Jags), Owens said:
"That's just from trying to be so quick with it. I don't drop balls. I muffed a couple balls, a couple punts, because I'm trying to go, I'm not trying to waste any time. I wish I made all the right moves and did everything right in Jacksonville, but it didn't happen that way. I've learned to just relax. My first job is to secure the ball." (HT)
HT Note: "Owens has not returned a kickoff in the NFL."
About why he signed with the Bucs, Owens said:
"They initially showed me the most interest. They kept calling and wanted to bring me up during the season last year ... I was on the practice squad. They had injuries elsewhere that they had to take care of. From my understanding, they were looking to draft me when I came out. But Jacksvonille grabbed me." (HT)
About how the Bucs have never returned a kickoff for a touchdown (31 years, 1825 kickoffs), Owens said:
"It's crazy. I can't believe it. Beside making the team, that's probably my No. 1 goal, being the first guy, making history. You have to face the reality you're not going to score every time." (HT)
About how he wants to bring to Tampa the same thing he brought to UH, Owens said:
"My no-fear attitude, my willingness to always want to make that big play, just playing fast, just going 110 mph, using my quickness, my reactions." (HT)
Quote from LWJ about fitting into the UH offense
Thank you to Tombo for finding this!
http://kgmb9.com/kgmb/display.cfm?storyID=12181&sid=1185
Feeling that he fits UH's offense much better than Nebraska's offense, LWJ said:
"I think this fits my style of running. I fit right in," he said. "The Nebraska thing, the West Coast Offense, I guess it's just a little more work because they pound the ball, pound the ball, that type of back. I'm a guy that wants to be out in space. This fits really well." (KGMB9)
http://kgmb9.com/kgmb/display.cfm?storyID=12181&sid=1185
Feeling that he fits UH's offense much better than Nebraska's offense, LWJ said:
"I think this fits my style of running. I fit right in," he said. "The Nebraska thing, the West Coast Offense, I guess it's just a little more work because they pound the ball, pound the ball, that type of back. I'm a guy that wants to be out in space. This fits really well." (KGMB9)
Feature article on Colt in the Washington Post
Thank you to Maverick to posting this link on The Warrior Beat!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/08/AR2007080802349.html
About how Colt threw for more yards (in fewer attempts) than Michigan's Chad Henne and Ohio State's Troy Smith combined, JJ said:
"That just blows me away." (WP)
About Colt's tough chances for the Heisman, JJ said:
"Something great would have to happen for him to get a shot at it. I think he will be in New York as a finalist. Whether he gets it or not, who knows." (WP)
WP Note: "Last season, Brennan completed 406 passes, which was more than 83 Division I-A teams attempted.
About how BSU's QBs love to run the UH system when they are preparing for the UH game, Coach Chris Petersen said that during the week of the UH game:
"every player is excited to be the scout quarterback because he gets to throw all the time. It's hard to replicate that precision and the timing. He is as good as anyone in the country." (WP)
WP Note: "Brennan believes his completion rate of 72.6 percent, which was tops in the nation last season, runs counter to the belief that run-and-shoot quarterbacks often have low completion percentages. Jones characterized Brennan as "so unconsciously accurate," a quarterback who reminds him of former NFL quarterbacks Jeff George and Dan Marino."
About how Colt reminds him of Jeff George and Dan Marino, JJ said:
"They are the only three guys I have watched on tape, for whatever reason, because of their quick release, the ball has not left their hand but their right foot is off the ground. Those three players are probably the three of the most accurate passers that I have watched." (WP)
About Colt's chances for recognition, WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said:
"Yes, the time zone difference is a disadvantage. But the fact that [Brennan] is a known quantity hopefully will overshadow that. The fact that he is playing on an island establishes him as an intriguing and unique candidate. You get up on Sunday morning and watch the highlights or game. The record button can be used pretty regularly." (WP)
Giving extremely high praise to Colt, JJ said:
"I have had a whole lot of guys in the Pro Bowl and two guys in the Hall of Fame. Colt is the best quarterback I have watched or coached in my 35 years." (WP)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/08/AR2007080802349.html
About how Colt threw for more yards (in fewer attempts) than Michigan's Chad Henne and Ohio State's Troy Smith combined, JJ said:
"That just blows me away." (WP)
About Colt's tough chances for the Heisman, JJ said:
"Something great would have to happen for him to get a shot at it. I think he will be in New York as a finalist. Whether he gets it or not, who knows." (WP)
WP Note: "Last season, Brennan completed 406 passes, which was more than 83 Division I-A teams attempted.
About how BSU's QBs love to run the UH system when they are preparing for the UH game, Coach Chris Petersen said that during the week of the UH game:
"every player is excited to be the scout quarterback because he gets to throw all the time. It's hard to replicate that precision and the timing. He is as good as anyone in the country." (WP)
WP Note: "Brennan believes his completion rate of 72.6 percent, which was tops in the nation last season, runs counter to the belief that run-and-shoot quarterbacks often have low completion percentages. Jones characterized Brennan as "so unconsciously accurate," a quarterback who reminds him of former NFL quarterbacks Jeff George and Dan Marino."
About how Colt reminds him of Jeff George and Dan Marino, JJ said:
"They are the only three guys I have watched on tape, for whatever reason, because of their quick release, the ball has not left their hand but their right foot is off the ground. Those three players are probably the three of the most accurate passers that I have watched." (WP)
About Colt's chances for recognition, WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said:
"Yes, the time zone difference is a disadvantage. But the fact that [Brennan] is a known quantity hopefully will overshadow that. The fact that he is playing on an island establishes him as an intriguing and unique candidate. You get up on Sunday morning and watch the highlights or game. The record button can be used pretty regularly." (WP)
Giving extremely high praise to Colt, JJ said:
"I have had a whole lot of guys in the Pro Bowl and two guys in the Hall of Fame. Colt is the best quarterback I have watched or coached in my 35 years." (WP)
Quotes from Greg Salas
About how he was unsure whether or not he'd be on the offensive or defensive side of the ball when he walked into the locker room for the first day of UH practice last year, Greg Salas said:
"I wasn't sure what I was playing, but I had a feeling it might be offense. Hawaii is such a great offense that my thought process (when being recruited) was that if I do play, this would be a great place to play receiver at." (HSB)
Note: Salas was primarily a DB in high school.
About how it took him all fall to get comfortable in the offense, Salas said:
"Just making the right reads on your coverages because that's what the offense is based off of. It's just a matter of knowing your alignments and stuff and then getting out here and doing it." (HSB)
Salas was homesick last year, so he spent the summer at home in Chino training and spending time with famliy and friends. He returned to UH understanding the playbook and has stood out in practice. However, he's behind Jason Rivers in the depth chart, so he talked about having to adjust to not being the man like he was in high school:
"You know, you're used to being the man and then you come here and everyone is equal. Here, everybody is as good as you and it's just who wants it more." (HSB)
WR coach Ron Lee said that the key for Salas is consistency:
"The thing with him right now is that he'll make a big catch and then he'll disappear for the next few plays. It's something all the young kids go through and he'll get better at it." (HSB)
"I wasn't sure what I was playing, but I had a feeling it might be offense. Hawaii is such a great offense that my thought process (when being recruited) was that if I do play, this would be a great place to play receiver at." (HSB)
Note: Salas was primarily a DB in high school.
About how it took him all fall to get comfortable in the offense, Salas said:
"Just making the right reads on your coverages because that's what the offense is based off of. It's just a matter of knowing your alignments and stuff and then getting out here and doing it." (HSB)
Salas was homesick last year, so he spent the summer at home in Chino training and spending time with famliy and friends. He returned to UH understanding the playbook and has stood out in practice. However, he's behind Jason Rivers in the depth chart, so he talked about having to adjust to not being the man like he was in high school:
"You know, you're used to being the man and then you come here and everyone is equal. Here, everybody is as good as you and it's just who wants it more." (HSB)
WR coach Ron Lee said that the key for Salas is consistency:
"The thing with him right now is that he'll make a big catch and then he'll disappear for the next few plays. It's something all the young kids go through and he'll get better at it." (HSB)
Quotes from training camp
Not impressed with the singing ability of their new players, RGM said:
"They're terrible. They're not very good singers."
HA Note: "For first-year Warriors, acceptance is not measured in 40-yard times or bench-press totals. The way to a team's heart is through the vocal cords. In what has become an annual tradition, rookies are asked to stand in the middle of the campus dining room — in front of teammates and other UH students — and sing."
About singing in front of his teammates and other students, Le'Marcus Gibson said:
"The thing is you can't be scared doing it. You get up there, do what you have to do, and get down as quick as possible. And hope you don't get booed." (HA)
About the reaction most of the singers get, Adam Leonard said:
"Almost all of them got booed." (HA)
About their singers, RGM said:
"They pretty much suck. I give them credit for trying. They have to stand in the middle of the cafeteria with all of the regular students watching. It's all in fun." (A)
About how he and Michael Lafaele are in charge of selecting the singers, Colt said:
"Now that they know they have to sing at lunch time, they've been ducking lunch. The veterans are really good about it. We try not to make it as embarrassing as possible." (HA)
About how he starts singing to help people who have stage fright, Colt said:
"We're a team. The veteran guys are there to help." (HA)
Chris Leatigaga, who was praised for his singing of Nate Dogg's "Never Leave Me Alone", said:
"It was pretty fun." (HA)
About the pillow fight tournament that their newcomers get into, with Austin Hansen the big loser, Leatigaga said:
"Singing, is easier." (HA)
About the "stinger" he suffered in his shoulder that kept him out of practice yesterday, Blaze said:
"Every year I get this. It feels like nothing." (HA)
"Every year I get this. It's nothing, whatevers. The trainers will decide (when he returns). But I can be back tomorrow. I had this all through high school." (HSB)
LB Coach Cal Lee said that another player's helmet knocked Blaze's shoulder out of place:
"He had it last spring, too. It's one of those things. I'm going to work on getting him a larger set of shoulder pads. But he likes the small ones, for speed." (HSB)
HA Note: "Center John Estes, who is suffering from a sprained left elbow, participated in walk-through and technical drills, but not in any scrimmages. Estes said he does not expect to resume full training until at least Saturday. Offensive lineman Laupepa Letuli has a pulled right hamstring. He won't resume contact drills until next week."
About how punter Tim Grasso will serve as his holder, kicker Dan Kelly said:
"We can go on the side, and have three hours to work on our snap and hold. There's more time to practice as a unit." (HA)
Grasso, who was an All-State WR in high school, said about holding:
"It seems like it's easy for me to catch the ball and get it down. Jake (Ingram) is a really good snapper, and it makes it easier when you have a really good snapper. All I have to do is catch it, get the laces out and hold it correctly." (HA)
HA Note: "In his main job, Grasso is averaging 4.4 seconds of hang time per punt. Briton Forester, meanwhile, is competing at punter and kicker."
About punting and kicking, Forester said:
"The punter needs more flexibility and eye coordination with the ball, dropping it properly in the same place every time. (Place-)kicking is hitting the ball in the right spot. Consistency is everything." (HA)
Kelly has still been having his kickoffs reach the end zone, despite the kickoffs starting 5 yards further back this year, which can be partly attributed to the 17 pounds he gained since the end of last season, saying the reason he worked on his lower body strength:
"I want more height and power on my kicks." (HA)
About how he kept missing his FGs in practice yesterday, pushing them wide right, Kelly said:
"It was the first day live, so I was just trying to get my feet under me. I know I'll kick better (today)." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Backup Briton Forester fared better, knocking one wobbly kick through the uprights before blasting one down the middle that drew some oohs and aahs. The kickers took turns kicking from roughly 35 yards. After Forester made two in a row, Kelly missed two more attempts, prompting receiver Ryan Grice-Mullins, who was sitting at midfield stretching, to yell, "Hey Kelly, between the posts." "
About how their starting CBs Newberry and Lewis are now their outside kick blockers, JR (who is in charge of the kick blocking unit) said:
"You need guys with quickness, the ability to turn, and some want-to." (HA)
Newberry said that the key to block kicks is to get low and aim for:
"where the ball is going to end up and not at the kicker's foot." (HA)
Lewis said that his kick blocking assignment is to:
"put my body on the line. It's risky but it's for the team." (HA)
About Newberry and Lewis, who are both 5'8", JR said:
"They have great quickness. And when you ask them to get low, they don't have too far to go." (HA)
Freshman Joey Lipp was surprised at all of the reps he got yesterday, saying:
"Today was kind of a surprise. I felt like I made some good calls, but there's still a lot to learn. One or two snaps early-on were high, but (No. 2 quarterback Tyler) Graunke helped me fix it." (HSB)
"They're terrible. They're not very good singers."
HA Note: "For first-year Warriors, acceptance is not measured in 40-yard times or bench-press totals. The way to a team's heart is through the vocal cords. In what has become an annual tradition, rookies are asked to stand in the middle of the campus dining room — in front of teammates and other UH students — and sing."
About singing in front of his teammates and other students, Le'Marcus Gibson said:
"The thing is you can't be scared doing it. You get up there, do what you have to do, and get down as quick as possible. And hope you don't get booed." (HA)
About the reaction most of the singers get, Adam Leonard said:
"Almost all of them got booed." (HA)
About their singers, RGM said:
"They pretty much suck. I give them credit for trying. They have to stand in the middle of the cafeteria with all of the regular students watching. It's all in fun." (A)
About how he and Michael Lafaele are in charge of selecting the singers, Colt said:
"Now that they know they have to sing at lunch time, they've been ducking lunch. The veterans are really good about it. We try not to make it as embarrassing as possible." (HA)
About how he starts singing to help people who have stage fright, Colt said:
"We're a team. The veteran guys are there to help." (HA)
Chris Leatigaga, who was praised for his singing of Nate Dogg's "Never Leave Me Alone", said:
"It was pretty fun." (HA)
About the pillow fight tournament that their newcomers get into, with Austin Hansen the big loser, Leatigaga said:
"Singing, is easier." (HA)
About the "stinger" he suffered in his shoulder that kept him out of practice yesterday, Blaze said:
"Every year I get this. It feels like nothing." (HA)
"Every year I get this. It's nothing, whatevers. The trainers will decide (when he returns). But I can be back tomorrow. I had this all through high school." (HSB)
LB Coach Cal Lee said that another player's helmet knocked Blaze's shoulder out of place:
"He had it last spring, too. It's one of those things. I'm going to work on getting him a larger set of shoulder pads. But he likes the small ones, for speed." (HSB)
HA Note: "Center John Estes, who is suffering from a sprained left elbow, participated in walk-through and technical drills, but not in any scrimmages. Estes said he does not expect to resume full training until at least Saturday. Offensive lineman Laupepa Letuli has a pulled right hamstring. He won't resume contact drills until next week."
About how punter Tim Grasso will serve as his holder, kicker Dan Kelly said:
"We can go on the side, and have three hours to work on our snap and hold. There's more time to practice as a unit." (HA)
Grasso, who was an All-State WR in high school, said about holding:
"It seems like it's easy for me to catch the ball and get it down. Jake (Ingram) is a really good snapper, and it makes it easier when you have a really good snapper. All I have to do is catch it, get the laces out and hold it correctly." (HA)
HA Note: "In his main job, Grasso is averaging 4.4 seconds of hang time per punt. Briton Forester, meanwhile, is competing at punter and kicker."
About punting and kicking, Forester said:
"The punter needs more flexibility and eye coordination with the ball, dropping it properly in the same place every time. (Place-)kicking is hitting the ball in the right spot. Consistency is everything." (HA)
Kelly has still been having his kickoffs reach the end zone, despite the kickoffs starting 5 yards further back this year, which can be partly attributed to the 17 pounds he gained since the end of last season, saying the reason he worked on his lower body strength:
"I want more height and power on my kicks." (HA)
About how he kept missing his FGs in practice yesterday, pushing them wide right, Kelly said:
"It was the first day live, so I was just trying to get my feet under me. I know I'll kick better (today)." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Backup Briton Forester fared better, knocking one wobbly kick through the uprights before blasting one down the middle that drew some oohs and aahs. The kickers took turns kicking from roughly 35 yards. After Forester made two in a row, Kelly missed two more attempts, prompting receiver Ryan Grice-Mullins, who was sitting at midfield stretching, to yell, "Hey Kelly, between the posts." "
About how their starting CBs Newberry and Lewis are now their outside kick blockers, JR (who is in charge of the kick blocking unit) said:
"You need guys with quickness, the ability to turn, and some want-to." (HA)
Newberry said that the key to block kicks is to get low and aim for:
"where the ball is going to end up and not at the kicker's foot." (HA)
Lewis said that his kick blocking assignment is to:
"put my body on the line. It's risky but it's for the team." (HA)
About Newberry and Lewis, who are both 5'8", JR said:
"They have great quickness. And when you ask them to get low, they don't have too far to go." (HA)
Freshman Joey Lipp was surprised at all of the reps he got yesterday, saying:
"Today was kind of a surprise. I felt like I made some good calls, but there's still a lot to learn. One or two snaps early-on were high, but (No. 2 quarterback Tyler) Graunke helped me fix it." (HSB)
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Quotes about training camp
About how he suffered a sprained left elbow in Monday's practice when he landed awkwardly, Estes said:
"I didn't put out my hand to brace myself." (HA)
About Estes' injury, Colt said:
"John has a little boo-boo. We don't need to push him. It's early in (training camp). John will be back in a couple of days. It's good. We're going to need some depth at center. John could suffer an injury (during the season). It's good to get the guys behind him — Aaron and Lafu — in there. They both did really well in there. It was a good thing to let the guys get some reps on the first team." (HA)
Kia, who is described by JJ as "our jack-of-all-trades" (playing C, G, and T), said about his film work:
"I used to watch film with Samson (Satele). He would help me with everything. He knew every position. I figured I might as well know everything. It's working to my advantage." (HA)
Coach McKnight says that Kia needs to improve on some:
"technique things, getting his big head out of there. He tends to lean on people sometimes. When he does that, he gets in trouble. When he keeps his head out of there, he's a good player." (HA)
Praising Kia's attitude, JJ said:
"I like his 'want to' — he wants to be good. He's young, and he has to learn some things, but he's a good player." (HA)
About his varied work on the OL, Kia said:
"I have no idea what I'm going to do each day. It's whatever comes up. I'm happy to be able to do different things." (HSB)
About how his injury is not serious, Estes said:
"If it was a game, I'd be out there." (HSB)
About practicing as the #1 center, Kia said:
"I'm just happy to fill in, happy to be in there. It's good to get practice snapping with Colt." (HSB)
About his snap that was off in practice, Kia said:
"I don't know what happened on that one." (HSB)
About how the reserves need to be ready to play at any time, JJ said:
"You never know, in this business, you're one play away from getting your chance and you gotta be ready when it happens." (HSB)
About being a backup C after being the #1 C for most of spring practice, Lafu Tuioti-Mariner said:
"I'm fine. I have no regrets. I'm having a fun camp, supporting my brothers. I think Estes is one of the best linemen we have. I'm willing to support him. If he goes down, I'll try my best to make us recover." (HA)
About how Tuioti-Mariner practiced yesterday at LG for the first time every, McKnight said:
"He had as good a practice as anybody (on Monday). He played well." (HA)
About practicing at LG, Tuioti-Mariner said:
"I'm trying to do my best." (HA)
About how Kia and Tuioti-Mariner benefitted from practicing against GM's aggressive defense, DM said:
"I like practicing against our defense because right now they're so fast. They blitz so well. Their timing and their coordination on blitzes are really tough. To me, right now, practicing against our defense is harder than the games we're going to see. I think it's a plus right now the way everything is going." (HA)
About how he's working on going more north-and-south instead of trying to run horizontally too much, Bess said:
"That's one of the main things I spent my time on this offseason: making one guy miss and getting vertical, getting north and south." (HA)
Praising Bess' improved running after-the-catch, JJ said:
"That's the Davone I used to know." (HA)
"He's making some unreal plays. He's a player. That's all I know." (HA)
About how it is hard to break his old habits, Bess said:
"You can't teach a player how to run. It's all instinct. But you can always tell a player to remember to stay north and south. I make sure I remember that." (HA)
Note: Bess will play in the NFL, and in the NFL the sideways running and juking will not work nearly as well as it did when he was in high school.
About being allowed to return punts from the start of the season, Bess said:
"This could be a big year." (HA)
About the big hit he took from Blaze, LWJ sid:
"I figured it would be Blaze, if anybody, to knock me down. That's part of practice: the game speed. That's what makes him so special." (HA)
About Blaze's hit, coach McKnight said:
"It looked worse than it was. Blaze has one motor, and it's full speed." (HA)
About how he declined to block Blaze yesterday, Colt said:
"I went up to block Blaze, and I got out of the way because I figured he might take it seriously. That's Blaze. He's a kid who has blind ambition to hit people. You can't really get in his way. If it were a real game, I would have definitely blocked him. Since it's in practice" — Brennan started to smile in jest — "I figured I'd lay off him, take it easy on him." (HA)
Praising Blaze, DM said:
"Blaze is going to be a great one. Blaze is a man. He reminds me a lot of Pisa (Tinoisamoa, a former Warrior now with the St. Louis Rams). He's athletic. He can run. He's big. He's strong. He's got that smile to him, that you know he's going to kick your (butt) and there's nothing you can do about it." (HA)
Not happy with the offense despite the 16-22 passing (Colt was 10-11), JJ said:
"I've seen a lot of positive things but I see a lot of bad things, too. You've still gotta take care of the ball, you know, can't give the ball away, fumbling or bad snaps, those kind of things. We've done pretty good the last few years in that area. They struggled in the spring and we gotta get it better now." (HSB)
Note: The injury to Estes was probably a big reason for the snap problems, as unfamiliar center-QB pairs occurred when the depth chart was shuffled.
About keeping Brashton Satale at LB instead of moving him to RB, JJ said:
"We're going to keep him there." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Satele is behind Solomon Elimimian, Timo Paepule and Rustin Saole. Satele played running back and linebacker in high school for Pac-Five."
"I didn't put out my hand to brace myself." (HA)
About Estes' injury, Colt said:
"John has a little boo-boo. We don't need to push him. It's early in (training camp). John will be back in a couple of days. It's good. We're going to need some depth at center. John could suffer an injury (during the season). It's good to get the guys behind him — Aaron and Lafu — in there. They both did really well in there. It was a good thing to let the guys get some reps on the first team." (HA)
Kia, who is described by JJ as "our jack-of-all-trades" (playing C, G, and T), said about his film work:
"I used to watch film with Samson (Satele). He would help me with everything. He knew every position. I figured I might as well know everything. It's working to my advantage." (HA)
Coach McKnight says that Kia needs to improve on some:
"technique things, getting his big head out of there. He tends to lean on people sometimes. When he does that, he gets in trouble. When he keeps his head out of there, he's a good player." (HA)
Praising Kia's attitude, JJ said:
"I like his 'want to' — he wants to be good. He's young, and he has to learn some things, but he's a good player." (HA)
About his varied work on the OL, Kia said:
"I have no idea what I'm going to do each day. It's whatever comes up. I'm happy to be able to do different things." (HSB)
About how his injury is not serious, Estes said:
"If it was a game, I'd be out there." (HSB)
About practicing as the #1 center, Kia said:
"I'm just happy to fill in, happy to be in there. It's good to get practice snapping with Colt." (HSB)
About his snap that was off in practice, Kia said:
"I don't know what happened on that one." (HSB)
About how the reserves need to be ready to play at any time, JJ said:
"You never know, in this business, you're one play away from getting your chance and you gotta be ready when it happens." (HSB)
About being a backup C after being the #1 C for most of spring practice, Lafu Tuioti-Mariner said:
"I'm fine. I have no regrets. I'm having a fun camp, supporting my brothers. I think Estes is one of the best linemen we have. I'm willing to support him. If he goes down, I'll try my best to make us recover." (HA)
About how Tuioti-Mariner practiced yesterday at LG for the first time every, McKnight said:
"He had as good a practice as anybody (on Monday). He played well." (HA)
About practicing at LG, Tuioti-Mariner said:
"I'm trying to do my best." (HA)
About how Kia and Tuioti-Mariner benefitted from practicing against GM's aggressive defense, DM said:
"I like practicing against our defense because right now they're so fast. They blitz so well. Their timing and their coordination on blitzes are really tough. To me, right now, practicing against our defense is harder than the games we're going to see. I think it's a plus right now the way everything is going." (HA)
About how he's working on going more north-and-south instead of trying to run horizontally too much, Bess said:
"That's one of the main things I spent my time on this offseason: making one guy miss and getting vertical, getting north and south." (HA)
Praising Bess' improved running after-the-catch, JJ said:
"That's the Davone I used to know." (HA)
"He's making some unreal plays. He's a player. That's all I know." (HA)
About how it is hard to break his old habits, Bess said:
"You can't teach a player how to run. It's all instinct. But you can always tell a player to remember to stay north and south. I make sure I remember that." (HA)
Note: Bess will play in the NFL, and in the NFL the sideways running and juking will not work nearly as well as it did when he was in high school.
About being allowed to return punts from the start of the season, Bess said:
"This could be a big year." (HA)
About the big hit he took from Blaze, LWJ sid:
"I figured it would be Blaze, if anybody, to knock me down. That's part of practice: the game speed. That's what makes him so special." (HA)
About Blaze's hit, coach McKnight said:
"It looked worse than it was. Blaze has one motor, and it's full speed." (HA)
About how he declined to block Blaze yesterday, Colt said:
"I went up to block Blaze, and I got out of the way because I figured he might take it seriously. That's Blaze. He's a kid who has blind ambition to hit people. You can't really get in his way. If it were a real game, I would have definitely blocked him. Since it's in practice" — Brennan started to smile in jest — "I figured I'd lay off him, take it easy on him." (HA)
Praising Blaze, DM said:
"Blaze is going to be a great one. Blaze is a man. He reminds me a lot of Pisa (Tinoisamoa, a former Warrior now with the St. Louis Rams). He's athletic. He can run. He's big. He's strong. He's got that smile to him, that you know he's going to kick your (butt) and there's nothing you can do about it." (HA)
Not happy with the offense despite the 16-22 passing (Colt was 10-11), JJ said:
"I've seen a lot of positive things but I see a lot of bad things, too. You've still gotta take care of the ball, you know, can't give the ball away, fumbling or bad snaps, those kind of things. We've done pretty good the last few years in that area. They struggled in the spring and we gotta get it better now." (HSB)
Note: The injury to Estes was probably a big reason for the snap problems, as unfamiliar center-QB pairs occurred when the depth chart was shuffled.
About keeping Brashton Satale at LB instead of moving him to RB, JJ said:
"We're going to keep him there." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Satele is behind Solomon Elimimian, Timo Paepule and Rustin Saole. Satele played running back and linebacker in high school for Pac-Five."
Quotes about Keenan Jones and JoPierre Davis joining the secondary
About Keenan Jones, JJ said:
"Keenan is a very talented kid but he's got to show that he can pay attention to detail. He's got to be accountable, be on time. If he does these things, he has a chance to play for us this year." (HA)
Happy to be practicing with the team, Keenan said:
"It's just fun to get out there and not just look on from the sidelines. When you're not playing, you might be a part of the team but it's different. Being out there, you really get that emotion and camaraderie. I finally get to show what I can do, and that's where trust is built." (HA)
About his increased practice reps help him, Keenan said:
"I'm more of a hands-on type of person. I followed along pretty good before, but I can really pick it up by doing it on the field." (HA)
About how he added strength and size in the right places while staying at 197 pounds with his summer workout regimen, JoPierre Davis said:
"I guess I grew a little but I didn't even realize it until I put the pads on for practice the first time. I'm probably in the best shape I've ever been in." (HA)
About how his increased practice reps have let him pick up the defensive schemes and what he really wants is playing time in games, Davis said:
"What I really want, though, is game experience. When you practice, it's your team and you can't throw your body around the way you want to. I want to make the most of my reps and give the coaches a chance to see that I'm the best guy for the job." (HA)
"Keenan is a very talented kid but he's got to show that he can pay attention to detail. He's got to be accountable, be on time. If he does these things, he has a chance to play for us this year." (HA)
Happy to be practicing with the team, Keenan said:
"It's just fun to get out there and not just look on from the sidelines. When you're not playing, you might be a part of the team but it's different. Being out there, you really get that emotion and camaraderie. I finally get to show what I can do, and that's where trust is built." (HA)
About his increased practice reps help him, Keenan said:
"I'm more of a hands-on type of person. I followed along pretty good before, but I can really pick it up by doing it on the field." (HA)
About how he added strength and size in the right places while staying at 197 pounds with his summer workout regimen, JoPierre Davis said:
"I guess I grew a little but I didn't even realize it until I put the pads on for practice the first time. I'm probably in the best shape I've ever been in." (HA)
About how his increased practice reps have let him pick up the defensive schemes and what he really wants is playing time in games, Davis said:
"What I really want, though, is game experience. When you practice, it's your team and you can't throw your body around the way you want to. I want to make the most of my reps and give the coaches a chance to see that I'm the best guy for the job." (HA)
Quotes about Korey Reynolds
About the difference between Alabama and Hawaii, Korey said:
"It's very different. It's not as humid, and you've got the beach right there. Themountains, rain forests. It's definitely different." (HSB)
"And uh, the culture. It's a culture shock." (HSB)
About why Korey picked UH, JJ said:
"He loves football, and he had a couple of opportunities to stay close to home. I think he felt something here when he went on his recruiting trip, he and his mother. We're glad he made the decision. I think he's got a bright future: real athletic, and got pretty good quickness. He's got everything it takes to certainly be a player." (HSB)
Sounding a little homesick, even noting that being part of a Caucasian minority was something new, Korey said:
"Oh, man. I just miss being home, the surroundings, I guess. Just gotta get out of it and get used to it." (HSB)
About the name of his dorm, Korey said:
"Uilani? Ualani? Waiani? Wainani. Yeah, Wainani." (HSB)
About how teammates have shown him around the island and he's tried surfing and has visited the North Shore, Korey added:
"Everything 'cept the hiking, haven't done that yet" (HSB)
"It's (been) pretty good, guys are real friendly. I think it's starting to get the 'team' feeling. All that, trying to be accepted. It's working out pretty good." (HSB)
HSB Note: "While Jones said Reynolds would "probably be a defensive end" the coach also acknowledged he might give him a chance on offense at some point. Reynolds bore the golden-yellow jersey of a scout-teamer on Monday, but sported the standard green jersey of a defensive regular yesterday."
About one thing that is similar to how things were in high school, Korey said:
"The way we practice here is the way we practice in Hoover. High tempo, so it's easier (of a transition), but not easy (overall)." (HSB)
Asked how he has taken to Hawaii, Korey said:
"Ask me in about a week, and I'll see if I got this yellow jersey off of me, and then I'll be happy." (HSB)
"It's very different. It's not as humid, and you've got the beach right there. Themountains, rain forests. It's definitely different." (HSB)
"And uh, the culture. It's a culture shock." (HSB)
About why Korey picked UH, JJ said:
"He loves football, and he had a couple of opportunities to stay close to home. I think he felt something here when he went on his recruiting trip, he and his mother. We're glad he made the decision. I think he's got a bright future: real athletic, and got pretty good quickness. He's got everything it takes to certainly be a player." (HSB)
Sounding a little homesick, even noting that being part of a Caucasian minority was something new, Korey said:
"Oh, man. I just miss being home, the surroundings, I guess. Just gotta get out of it and get used to it." (HSB)
About the name of his dorm, Korey said:
"Uilani? Ualani? Waiani? Wainani. Yeah, Wainani." (HSB)
About how teammates have shown him around the island and he's tried surfing and has visited the North Shore, Korey added:
"Everything 'cept the hiking, haven't done that yet" (HSB)
"It's (been) pretty good, guys are real friendly. I think it's starting to get the 'team' feeling. All that, trying to be accepted. It's working out pretty good." (HSB)
HSB Note: "While Jones said Reynolds would "probably be a defensive end" the coach also acknowledged he might give him a chance on offense at some point. Reynolds bore the golden-yellow jersey of a scout-teamer on Monday, but sported the standard green jersey of a defensive regular yesterday."
About one thing that is similar to how things were in high school, Korey said:
"The way we practice here is the way we practice in Hoover. High tempo, so it's easier (of a transition), but not easy (overall)." (HSB)
Asked how he has taken to Hawaii, Korey said:
"Ask me in about a week, and I'll see if I got this yellow jersey off of me, and then I'll be happy." (HSB)
Quotes about Isaac Sopoaga
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/08/08/SPV5RERGR1.DTL
SFC note: "Nose tackles by necessity are thick of girth, squat of build and powerful enough to take up space and not give up ground. Isaac Sopoaga fits that description at 6-foot-2 and 334 pounds. He'll be starting for the 49ers at least through the preseason and maybe beyond with Aubrayo Franklin recovering from a sprained knee ligament."
About how he played SS at 282 pounds for Samoana High, Sopoaga said:
"I was like the king. They just sent me. I ran over o-linemen. It was fun. I had a running start of 10 to 12 yards." (SF Chronicle)
SFC Note: "Size, width and strength are not a problem for Sopoaga, one of five 49ers able to work out with 200-pound dumbbells ... in each hand. He can also bench press 535 pounds. The issues with Sopoaga are technique and consistency. He has a tendency to stay engaged with blockers too long. Of course, some defensive calls have him occupying blockers in order for linebackers to make the stop."
About how his job is to occupy blockers sometimes and to shed blocks sometimes, Sopoaga said:
"It depends on what kind of defense we're running. If you're running a defense where we have to be in the gap, it's easy. If we run two-gap (the space between a guard and the center), it's harder because we're being double-teamed." (SFC)
Asked why he didn't play on the line in high school (he was a SS, FB, and kicker), Sopoaga said:
"Boring." (SFC)
SFC note: "Nose tackles by necessity are thick of girth, squat of build and powerful enough to take up space and not give up ground. Isaac Sopoaga fits that description at 6-foot-2 and 334 pounds. He'll be starting for the 49ers at least through the preseason and maybe beyond with Aubrayo Franklin recovering from a sprained knee ligament."
About how he played SS at 282 pounds for Samoana High, Sopoaga said:
"I was like the king. They just sent me. I ran over o-linemen. It was fun. I had a running start of 10 to 12 yards." (SF Chronicle)
SFC Note: "Size, width and strength are not a problem for Sopoaga, one of five 49ers able to work out with 200-pound dumbbells ... in each hand. He can also bench press 535 pounds. The issues with Sopoaga are technique and consistency. He has a tendency to stay engaged with blockers too long. Of course, some defensive calls have him occupying blockers in order for linebackers to make the stop."
About how his job is to occupy blockers sometimes and to shed blocks sometimes, Sopoaga said:
"It depends on what kind of defense we're running. If you're running a defense where we have to be in the gap, it's easy. If we run two-gap (the space between a guard and the center), it's harder because we're being double-teamed." (SFC)
Asked why he didn't play on the line in high school (he was a SS, FB, and kicker), Sopoaga said:
"Boring." (SFC)
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Quotes from Pisa
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/rams/story/2813640F31F931F0862573310012654B?OpenDocument
Thank you to Tombo for sending me this link!
When he reviewed his game film from last season, Pisa was very critical of himself:
"My tackling was horrible. It was horrific. And I kind of prided myself on bringing guys down. And then as far as taking on blockers, I felt really soft at the point. I wasn't using my hands as much because I didn't trust 'em." (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
SLPD Note: "He didn't trust them because as Tinoisamoa's nightmarish 2006 season progressed, there wasn't much on his upper body that still worked. Hand, elbow and shoulder problems sidelined Tinoisamoa for five games — the first contests missed by the linebacker as an NFL player. Even when he was on the field, the avalanche of injuries forced Tinoisamoa to compensate in various ways in terms of tackling form. Predictably, as his tackling form suffered, so did his tackling."
About how surgery fixed his shoulder, Pisa said:
"It was dislocated and the muscle was torn. So what they did is reattach it to the bone and make sure that I do have that strength and that function when my arm goes overhead or when my arm is extended." (SLPD)
About how he took his body for granted in the past, Pisa said:
"I didn't really take care of myself as much as I should have. I kind of took things for granted, that it didn't matter what happened to me. I felt like I could take on the world and still be all right." (SLPD)
Pisa ate better and put more time in the weight room this offseason, and he did specific types of exercises to strengthen the muscles around his elbow and shoulder, as he explained:
"To make sure that when it comes to game time, I can trust that they're going to hang in there tight. I can just go ahead and play and perform and know it's strong." (SLPD)
Pisa is a solid 240 pounds now, but he played at 235 last year and said:
"And it was a bad 235. It was really soft. So I definitely got a lot stronger this year." (SLPD)
About relearning how to use his hands and proper tackling technique, Pisa said:
"I feel like a kid trying to walk. I'm learning how to use these hands now, and it's different. But I'm getting to use them, and I feel more confident in using them." (SLPD)
About how Pisa will use the preseason games to test his injuries and build up confidence that he's healthy, coach Scott Linehan said:
"That's the only way you get it. You can't really wait till you play the first regular-season game. You don't want to be going into that game and finding out whether you're ready or not. There's no better way to do it than to play a certain amount of snaps in these preseason games." (SLPD)
About how losing Pisa last season hurt their defense, Linehan said:
"Not that we had bad chemistry, but when Pisa wasn't in there it disrupted our playing chemistry. He's just such a dependable guy." (SLPD)
Thank you to Tombo for sending me this link!
When he reviewed his game film from last season, Pisa was very critical of himself:
"My tackling was horrible. It was horrific. And I kind of prided myself on bringing guys down. And then as far as taking on blockers, I felt really soft at the point. I wasn't using my hands as much because I didn't trust 'em." (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
SLPD Note: "He didn't trust them because as Tinoisamoa's nightmarish 2006 season progressed, there wasn't much on his upper body that still worked. Hand, elbow and shoulder problems sidelined Tinoisamoa for five games — the first contests missed by the linebacker as an NFL player. Even when he was on the field, the avalanche of injuries forced Tinoisamoa to compensate in various ways in terms of tackling form. Predictably, as his tackling form suffered, so did his tackling."
About how surgery fixed his shoulder, Pisa said:
"It was dislocated and the muscle was torn. So what they did is reattach it to the bone and make sure that I do have that strength and that function when my arm goes overhead or when my arm is extended." (SLPD)
About how he took his body for granted in the past, Pisa said:
"I didn't really take care of myself as much as I should have. I kind of took things for granted, that it didn't matter what happened to me. I felt like I could take on the world and still be all right." (SLPD)
Pisa ate better and put more time in the weight room this offseason, and he did specific types of exercises to strengthen the muscles around his elbow and shoulder, as he explained:
"To make sure that when it comes to game time, I can trust that they're going to hang in there tight. I can just go ahead and play and perform and know it's strong." (SLPD)
Pisa is a solid 240 pounds now, but he played at 235 last year and said:
"And it was a bad 235. It was really soft. So I definitely got a lot stronger this year." (SLPD)
About relearning how to use his hands and proper tackling technique, Pisa said:
"I feel like a kid trying to walk. I'm learning how to use these hands now, and it's different. But I'm getting to use them, and I feel more confident in using them." (SLPD)
About how Pisa will use the preseason games to test his injuries and build up confidence that he's healthy, coach Scott Linehan said:
"That's the only way you get it. You can't really wait till you play the first regular-season game. You don't want to be going into that game and finding out whether you're ready or not. There's no better way to do it than to play a certain amount of snaps in these preseason games." (SLPD)
About how losing Pisa last season hurt their defense, Linehan said:
"Not that we had bad chemistry, but when Pisa wasn't in there it disrupted our playing chemistry. He's just such a dependable guy." (SLPD)
Quotes from Greg McMackin
About road games for UH, GM said:
"It's tough to go into wherever Louisiana Tech is." (HSB)
HSB Note: "(Easy, Bulldogs. He remembered "Ruston" a second later.)"
About his DTs, GM said:
"They all lost 30 pounds." (HSB)
About BSU's Cinderella success at the end of last season, GM said:
"I was even rooting for them." (HSB)
About Blaze Soares, GM said:
"Blaze Soares I think is going to be another Pisa coming out of here. He's a guy who runs to the ball, hits somebody and he's always smiling." (HSB)
About how legends grow, GM said:
"When we first came here they hadn't won an away game in seven or eight years." (HSB)
About an upcoming opponent, GM said:
"If that TV camera wasn't here I would tell you one of the teams that we're going to kick their tail." (HSB)
About his personal philosophy, GM said:
"If you ever want to come up and say hi or anything I'm always welcome to that." (HSB)
About the speed he will have on the field, GM said:
"We'll have nine guys who can really run to the football." (HSB)
About their lighter DEs, GM said:
"Our ends are really outside linebackers." (HSB)
About his returning starting CBs, GM said:
"They're a little short. I don't care if they're short, as long as they can jump." (HSB)
"It's tough to go into wherever Louisiana Tech is." (HSB)
HSB Note: "(Easy, Bulldogs. He remembered "Ruston" a second later.)"
About his DTs, GM said:
"They all lost 30 pounds." (HSB)
About BSU's Cinderella success at the end of last season, GM said:
"I was even rooting for them." (HSB)
About Blaze Soares, GM said:
"Blaze Soares I think is going to be another Pisa coming out of here. He's a guy who runs to the ball, hits somebody and he's always smiling." (HSB)
About how legends grow, GM said:
"When we first came here they hadn't won an away game in seven or eight years." (HSB)
About an upcoming opponent, GM said:
"If that TV camera wasn't here I would tell you one of the teams that we're going to kick their tail." (HSB)
About his personal philosophy, GM said:
"If you ever want to come up and say hi or anything I'm always welcome to that." (HSB)
About the speed he will have on the field, GM said:
"We'll have nine guys who can really run to the football." (HSB)
About their lighter DEs, GM said:
"Our ends are really outside linebackers." (HSB)
About his returning starting CBs, GM said:
"They're a little short. I don't care if they're short, as long as they can jump." (HSB)
Quotes from training camp
About why he pulled up short on a potential big hit of Bess, Tyson Kafentzis said this while giving the throat-slash sign.
"I saw 7 (Davone Bess), and if I ever lay a finger on him." (HSB)
When freshman Alasi Toilolo almost hit Colt after beating his man, JR said:
"I know what you want to do. But don't ever get that close to him again." (HSB)
About the big collision he had with Erik Pedersen, Erik Robinson said:
"That's just me, man. I bring the wood, man. A little contact, that's what I bring to the team. But everything was just cool. You know, get the boys fired up." (HSB)
About how it was fun to have their first day of contact in camp, Pedersen said:
"First day of pads is a fun day. We just want to show we can hit and have some fun." (HSB)
About the 5 passes Bess caught and the tackles he evaded, JJ said:
"Davone showed up today." (HSB)
About Greg Salas, who made a nice tipped catch yesterday, Colt said:
"We like Greg a lot. He did a lot of great things on the scout team last year. We think he can make some plays for us." (HSB)
Hoping for playing time despite being behind Jason Rivers, Salas said:
"I think I can get some playing time this year because of the way our offense is." (HSB)
About how he has to pass the classes (3rd semester calculus and geography) he's taking in UH's 2nd summer session, Francis Maka said:
"There's pressure because, like my mom and my coach said, I have no room for error. I kind of let everything slip up last semester, so my window of opportunity is closing." (HSB)
About how he missed Friday's conditioning test because it conflicted with his class schedule, Maka said:
"Coach said school takes priority, so if I have to miss some I'll miss it." (HSB)
About cutting his hair, Colt said:
"I had photo shoots with Sports Illustrated and CSTV, and it was the worst hair ever." (HSB)
Pleased with both their offense and defense at the practice, JJ said:
"That is good, everybody's hustling." (HSB)
About how the defense is ahead of the offense as expected at this point, JJ said:
"Well you know it's a long season. But the guys are excited to have 'em on. We've got a long way to go but there were some good things out there. Hopefully we'll just keep getting better every day." (HSB)
About how he was tired at the end of the practice, Eric Robinson said:
"It was a little tiring because I'd been out. But everything's getting better." (HSB)
About having a chance to start at DE and carry on the legacy of the past Warriors, Karl Noa said:
"It's just a great opportunity now. The guys who left a legacy here and we want to try to raise the bar for next year. Those guys, like Mel and Ikaika, even the guys way back, they really set the bar high every single year." (HSB)
About how Noa didn't really fit the 3-4 defense, but fits the 4-3 DE position, JR said:
"His challenge has not been one of ability, it's been one of just finding a home. It was frustrating I'm sure for him because he really didn't have a place. Now that we're in a different structure and he's in a position where he's doing a lot of the same things he did in the other defense, but I think we're taking better advantage of his innate abilities as a pass rusher." (HSB)
About playing focusing only on DE in the 4-3 instead of playing both DE and OLB in the 3-4, Noa said:
"I've embraced it, it's just a great opportunity and I just want to seize it. Looking back I'm grateful I got to (play linebacker) and I'm glad I got that experience. Now I'm back to my natural position, I'm happy here, especially in this defense." (HSB)
About how Noa benefitted when GM changed the defense in the spring, JR said:
"I think last spring when Greg came in and he was put in a position to be the first-team guy for 15 straight days, it wasn't very long before the light came on that 'Hey, this is something I can really excel at.' " (HSB)
HSB Note: "At 6-foot-4, Noa's range has long been among his assets and he's added a bit more bulk in anticipation of playing on the line in his final season, checking in for fall camp at a solid 250 pounds after entering the program at 209 and playing at 238 last year. According to the figures in this season's media guide, he's also the fastest of the UH defensive linemen at 4.55 seconds in the 40-yard dash."
About the weight that he gained, Noa said:
"It really doesn't matter how big you are, if you've got the technique down, and the fundamental things, you should be OK. But it helps me a lot, strength-wise. Now it's transferring that from the weight room out here." (HSB)
About how Noa is a more than just his impressive measurables, JR said:
"If you say he's a gifted athlete, that's true. He can run, he can jump, he can do all the things you want guys to be able to do. He's a great competitor, on top of it, he's a great character person. That's the bonus, the extra special thing that you had with Mel and Ikaika and luckily we've got it with him and we've got it with so many guys." (HSB)
About serving as an example to their new guys, Noa said:
"It's just the simple things like showing up for (offseason) workouts. When I was a freshman or a sophomore, those older guys really did a good job of coming out. And this year we had the biggest turnout as a defensive unit. So it's not just the older guys now, it's bringing the new guys up to speed so everybody can play." (HSB)
"I saw 7 (Davone Bess), and if I ever lay a finger on him." (HSB)
When freshman Alasi Toilolo almost hit Colt after beating his man, JR said:
"I know what you want to do. But don't ever get that close to him again." (HSB)
About the big collision he had with Erik Pedersen, Erik Robinson said:
"That's just me, man. I bring the wood, man. A little contact, that's what I bring to the team. But everything was just cool. You know, get the boys fired up." (HSB)
About how it was fun to have their first day of contact in camp, Pedersen said:
"First day of pads is a fun day. We just want to show we can hit and have some fun." (HSB)
About the 5 passes Bess caught and the tackles he evaded, JJ said:
"Davone showed up today." (HSB)
About Greg Salas, who made a nice tipped catch yesterday, Colt said:
"We like Greg a lot. He did a lot of great things on the scout team last year. We think he can make some plays for us." (HSB)
Hoping for playing time despite being behind Jason Rivers, Salas said:
"I think I can get some playing time this year because of the way our offense is." (HSB)
About how he has to pass the classes (3rd semester calculus and geography) he's taking in UH's 2nd summer session, Francis Maka said:
"There's pressure because, like my mom and my coach said, I have no room for error. I kind of let everything slip up last semester, so my window of opportunity is closing." (HSB)
About how he missed Friday's conditioning test because it conflicted with his class schedule, Maka said:
"Coach said school takes priority, so if I have to miss some I'll miss it." (HSB)
About cutting his hair, Colt said:
"I had photo shoots with Sports Illustrated and CSTV, and it was the worst hair ever." (HSB)
Pleased with both their offense and defense at the practice, JJ said:
"That is good, everybody's hustling." (HSB)
About how the defense is ahead of the offense as expected at this point, JJ said:
"Well you know it's a long season. But the guys are excited to have 'em on. We've got a long way to go but there were some good things out there. Hopefully we'll just keep getting better every day." (HSB)
About how he was tired at the end of the practice, Eric Robinson said:
"It was a little tiring because I'd been out. But everything's getting better." (HSB)
About having a chance to start at DE and carry on the legacy of the past Warriors, Karl Noa said:
"It's just a great opportunity now. The guys who left a legacy here and we want to try to raise the bar for next year. Those guys, like Mel and Ikaika, even the guys way back, they really set the bar high every single year." (HSB)
About how Noa didn't really fit the 3-4 defense, but fits the 4-3 DE position, JR said:
"His challenge has not been one of ability, it's been one of just finding a home. It was frustrating I'm sure for him because he really didn't have a place. Now that we're in a different structure and he's in a position where he's doing a lot of the same things he did in the other defense, but I think we're taking better advantage of his innate abilities as a pass rusher." (HSB)
About playing focusing only on DE in the 4-3 instead of playing both DE and OLB in the 3-4, Noa said:
"I've embraced it, it's just a great opportunity and I just want to seize it. Looking back I'm grateful I got to (play linebacker) and I'm glad I got that experience. Now I'm back to my natural position, I'm happy here, especially in this defense." (HSB)
About how Noa benefitted when GM changed the defense in the spring, JR said:
"I think last spring when Greg came in and he was put in a position to be the first-team guy for 15 straight days, it wasn't very long before the light came on that 'Hey, this is something I can really excel at.' " (HSB)
HSB Note: "At 6-foot-4, Noa's range has long been among his assets and he's added a bit more bulk in anticipation of playing on the line in his final season, checking in for fall camp at a solid 250 pounds after entering the program at 209 and playing at 238 last year. According to the figures in this season's media guide, he's also the fastest of the UH defensive linemen at 4.55 seconds in the 40-yard dash."
About the weight that he gained, Noa said:
"It really doesn't matter how big you are, if you've got the technique down, and the fundamental things, you should be OK. But it helps me a lot, strength-wise. Now it's transferring that from the weight room out here." (HSB)
About how Noa is a more than just his impressive measurables, JR said:
"If you say he's a gifted athlete, that's true. He can run, he can jump, he can do all the things you want guys to be able to do. He's a great competitor, on top of it, he's a great character person. That's the bonus, the extra special thing that you had with Mel and Ikaika and luckily we've got it with him and we've got it with so many guys." (HSB)
About serving as an example to their new guys, Noa said:
"It's just the simple things like showing up for (offseason) workouts. When I was a freshman or a sophomore, those older guys really did a good job of coming out. And this year we had the biggest turnout as a defensive unit. So it's not just the older guys now, it's bringing the new guys up to speed so everybody can play." (HSB)
Quotes from training camp
About putting on the pads and hitting for the first time in training camp, Michael Lafaele said:
"It felt good to mix it up." (HA)
Praising fresheman Le'Marcus Gibson after his performance in one-on-one drills, GM said:
"I really like Le'Marcus Gibson. Did you see the tackling drills? He's pounding guys. I'm not afraid to use him. Remember Gil Byrd? I started him as a freshman (at San Jose State)." (HA)
HA Note: "Byrd went on to have an All-Pro career with the San Diego Chargers."
About GM's praise and the possibility of playing as a freshman, Gibson said:
"That's good to hear. I'm trying to do my hardest. I'm trying to make every play my best play. I've been into it in the meetings, trying to learn the defense. I don't want them to be scared to put me out there. I want to play like I'm an upperclassman." (HA)
Happy to be practicing again, Colt said:
"It was just good to get out there again. You can only do so much during the summer workouts." (HA)
About Bess, who gained 9 pounds to weigh 194 and is healthy for the first time in 2 years, Colt said:
"He looked good out there. But so did all of my guys." (HA)
About finally being healthy, Bess said:
"I feel good. A couple of people asked how I feel, and I tell them this is the best I've ever felt. I'm trying to work on maintaining my health and staying focused. That's the main thing." (HA)
About their blown assignments on offense and defense, Patek said:
"A little rust. I'm rusty. We're trying to work out the kinks right now. That's what camp is for." (HA)
About yesterday's practice, JJ said:
"Whenever you put the helmets and pads on, the guys turn it up a little bit. We've got to learn how to practice. We've got a lot of new guys, and we need to practice hard but try to be smart." (HA)
About cutting his hair, Colt said:
"I had a photo shoot with Sports Illustrated (Sunday). My braids were all out in front because of my helmet. I couldn't find anyone to fix it in time. It was either take a picture for Sports Illustrated with the ugliest haircut in America or shave it off and try to have somewhat of a reasonable picture. I shaved it off. I miss it, though. All of the guys seem to really miss it. But the coaches are happy to see me back to a shaved head." (HA)
Asked abut Colt's singing talent, Lafaele said:
"He's sort of like our manager." (HA)
HA Note: The Sporting News also is town for a story on Brennan and the Warriors. Last night, they took pictures of Brennan singing with '03, a musical group featuring teammates Lafaele, Timo Paepule, Rustin Saole, Larry Sauafea and Fale Laeli.
McMackin also said Erik Robinson, a transfer from Navarro Junior College in Texas, deserves an opportunity.
About how Erik Robinson deserves a shot at the safety job, GM said:
"When Erik learns the defense, he's shown he needs a shot at safety, too." (HA)
Note: For the safety across from Patek, Demond Thomas is #1 safety and Keao Monteilh is #2, however both will play together in the nickel package because Monteilh is #1 nickelback. However, there are a number of others who will be competing for those jobs in camp.
About how he's trying to learn the system now, Erik Robinson said:
"I'm cool right now. I'm new and I'm learning the system. I don't want them to put me out there and I give up big plays. I want to learn everything. I'm trying to get better." (HA)
About how the number of defensive checks is the biggest adjustment, Robinson said:
"We didn't have to make a lot of checks in junior college. I'm getting better. Coach (Rich Miano) is staying with me after practice, giving me tips. I'm going to strive to be better." (HA)
Comfortable to be back as a 4-3 DE, Amani Purcell (the #1 left DE) said:
"It's a good defense. I feel comfortable playing back down in the (three-point) stance." (HA)
HA Note: "Purcell said he weighed 245 at Penn State. He said he gained about 30 pounds since the end of last season and now weighs between 275 and 280 pounds."
"It felt good to mix it up." (HA)
Praising fresheman Le'Marcus Gibson after his performance in one-on-one drills, GM said:
"I really like Le'Marcus Gibson. Did you see the tackling drills? He's pounding guys. I'm not afraid to use him. Remember Gil Byrd? I started him as a freshman (at San Jose State)." (HA)
HA Note: "Byrd went on to have an All-Pro career with the San Diego Chargers."
About GM's praise and the possibility of playing as a freshman, Gibson said:
"That's good to hear. I'm trying to do my hardest. I'm trying to make every play my best play. I've been into it in the meetings, trying to learn the defense. I don't want them to be scared to put me out there. I want to play like I'm an upperclassman." (HA)
Happy to be practicing again, Colt said:
"It was just good to get out there again. You can only do so much during the summer workouts." (HA)
About Bess, who gained 9 pounds to weigh 194 and is healthy for the first time in 2 years, Colt said:
"He looked good out there. But so did all of my guys." (HA)
About finally being healthy, Bess said:
"I feel good. A couple of people asked how I feel, and I tell them this is the best I've ever felt. I'm trying to work on maintaining my health and staying focused. That's the main thing." (HA)
About their blown assignments on offense and defense, Patek said:
"A little rust. I'm rusty. We're trying to work out the kinks right now. That's what camp is for." (HA)
About yesterday's practice, JJ said:
"Whenever you put the helmets and pads on, the guys turn it up a little bit. We've got to learn how to practice. We've got a lot of new guys, and we need to practice hard but try to be smart." (HA)
About cutting his hair, Colt said:
"I had a photo shoot with Sports Illustrated (Sunday). My braids were all out in front because of my helmet. I couldn't find anyone to fix it in time. It was either take a picture for Sports Illustrated with the ugliest haircut in America or shave it off and try to have somewhat of a reasonable picture. I shaved it off. I miss it, though. All of the guys seem to really miss it. But the coaches are happy to see me back to a shaved head." (HA)
Asked abut Colt's singing talent, Lafaele said:
"He's sort of like our manager." (HA)
HA Note: The Sporting News also is town for a story on Brennan and the Warriors. Last night, they took pictures of Brennan singing with '03, a musical group featuring teammates Lafaele, Timo Paepule, Rustin Saole, Larry Sauafea and Fale Laeli.
McMackin also said Erik Robinson, a transfer from Navarro Junior College in Texas, deserves an opportunity.
About how Erik Robinson deserves a shot at the safety job, GM said:
"When Erik learns the defense, he's shown he needs a shot at safety, too." (HA)
Note: For the safety across from Patek, Demond Thomas is #1 safety and Keao Monteilh is #2, however both will play together in the nickel package because Monteilh is #1 nickelback. However, there are a number of others who will be competing for those jobs in camp.
About how he's trying to learn the system now, Erik Robinson said:
"I'm cool right now. I'm new and I'm learning the system. I don't want them to put me out there and I give up big plays. I want to learn everything. I'm trying to get better." (HA)
About how the number of defensive checks is the biggest adjustment, Robinson said:
"We didn't have to make a lot of checks in junior college. I'm getting better. Coach (Rich Miano) is staying with me after practice, giving me tips. I'm going to strive to be better." (HA)
Comfortable to be back as a 4-3 DE, Amani Purcell (the #1 left DE) said:
"It's a good defense. I feel comfortable playing back down in the (three-point) stance." (HA)
HA Note: "Purcell said he weighed 245 at Penn State. He said he gained about 30 pounds since the end of last season and now weighs between 275 and 280 pounds."
Monday, August 6, 2007
Ikaika gets praised by coach Marinelli
Praising Ikaika's progress in training camp, Lions head coach Rod Marinelli said:
"He’s really starting to see it a little bit right now. He looked faster and more explosive today. That was fun to see." (Detroit Free-Press)
"He’s really starting to see it a little bit right now. He looked faster and more explosive today. That was fun to see." (Detroit Free-Press)
Reagan Mauia practiced at TB today
Impressed with Reagan's speed and quickness in practice today, Cam Cameron said:
"Coming out of today, he's a tailback. He's not only a tailback, he can play tailback. You may go into a game with only three guys active and your fullback's got to be your emergency fullback, so I thought that was a huge plus for us to find out that we've got a big man that we can play at tailback. You'll see some of that in the preseason." (MiamiDolphins.com)
Cameron said that Reagan is:
"not only a tailback, but a fullback. I thought that was a huge plus to find out that we've got a big man who can play at tailback." (SFSS)
About Reagan playing TB, NT Paul Soliai compared him to Mini-Me from Austin Powers and Jerome Bettis:
"He's like a Mini-Me Bus. The juggernaut can handle it." (SFSS)
About adjusting to TB, Reagan said:
"I have a lot to learn, but it isn't new to carry the ball. I'm just trying to contribute. It is a little different than playing fullback. I have to get blocking out of my head when I'm at tailback and get adjusted to carrying the ball. I need to hit the hole quicker." (SFSS)
About stopping Reagan, LB Derrick Pope said:
"You have to get him early. He is a load — a big load." (SFSS)
"Coming out of today, he's a tailback. He's not only a tailback, he can play tailback. You may go into a game with only three guys active and your fullback's got to be your emergency fullback, so I thought that was a huge plus for us to find out that we've got a big man that we can play at tailback. You'll see some of that in the preseason." (MiamiDolphins.com)
Cameron said that Reagan is:
"not only a tailback, but a fullback. I thought that was a huge plus to find out that we've got a big man who can play at tailback." (SFSS)
About Reagan playing TB, NT Paul Soliai compared him to Mini-Me from Austin Powers and Jerome Bettis:
"He's like a Mini-Me Bus. The juggernaut can handle it." (SFSS)
About adjusting to TB, Reagan said:
"I have a lot to learn, but it isn't new to carry the ball. I'm just trying to contribute. It is a little different than playing fullback. I have to get blocking out of my head when I'm at tailback and get adjusted to carrying the ball. I need to hit the hole quicker." (SFSS)
About stopping Reagan, LB Derrick Pope said:
"You have to get him early. He is a load — a big load." (SFSS)
Quotes about Ashley Lelie
http://49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=3244§ion=PR News
About how he is healthy now, just in time for training camp, Ashley Lelie said:
"My leg is not bothering me. That was my main concern coming into camp after missing out on the OTAs. That’s good now, so I can focus on everything else. I just want to establish myself on the team during this camp. The first part is getting a spot, and then you go from there." (SF49ers.com)
49ers WR coach Jerry Sullivan praised Lelie:
"I see a guy who is really into it out there. He's worked on his route techniques and I think he’s getting better. I like his attitude, obviousy, he’s got some speed. We’re refining some elements at this time and he’s definitely working to get better. He’s a vertical guy and has played a lot of football and he should add to the core we've already got here. He'll give us some of his strengths and hopefully we can create some new ones that he doesn’t know he has." (SF 49ers.com)
SF Note: "Ashley had serious doubts about pursuing football at the collegiate or professional level when he was younger. His freshman coach in high school cut Ashley for being too skinny. The next year, his family moved from California to Hawaii during the football season, so again he sat out. His first year in organized football was as a high school junior, when he was involved in an offense that rarely threw the ball. When it came to his senior year, the only interest he received was from Oregon and Hawaii, with the latter offering Ashley to join the team as a walk-on. Ashley decided to quit momentarily, but his father urged him to give football at Hawaii a try, which ended up being one of the best pieces of advice he had ever received. but it did really help.”
About how he is healthy now, just in time for training camp, Ashley Lelie said:
"My leg is not bothering me. That was my main concern coming into camp after missing out on the OTAs. That’s good now, so I can focus on everything else. I just want to establish myself on the team during this camp. The first part is getting a spot, and then you go from there." (SF49ers.com)
49ers WR coach Jerry Sullivan praised Lelie:
"I see a guy who is really into it out there. He's worked on his route techniques and I think he’s getting better. I like his attitude, obviousy, he’s got some speed. We’re refining some elements at this time and he’s definitely working to get better. He’s a vertical guy and has played a lot of football and he should add to the core we've already got here. He'll give us some of his strengths and hopefully we can create some new ones that he doesn’t know he has." (SF 49ers.com)
SF Note: "Ashley had serious doubts about pursuing football at the collegiate or professional level when he was younger. His freshman coach in high school cut Ashley for being too skinny. The next year, his family moved from California to Hawaii during the football season, so again he sat out. His first year in organized football was as a high school junior, when he was involved in an offense that rarely threw the ball. When it came to his senior year, the only interest he received was from Oregon and Hawaii, with the latter offering Ashley to join the team as a walk-on. Ashley decided to quit momentarily, but his father urged him to give football at Hawaii a try, which ended up being one of the best pieces of advice he had ever received. but it did really help.”
Quotes about Joshua Rice
About his blond hair that sticks out from his helmet, "The Viking" Joshua Rice said:
"Some guys (on the team) think I look like a Viking or something. Yeah, I'm pretty into Vikings. I haven't cut it in two years, since I got here. I started growing it out in the summer of my senior year (of high school)." (HSB)
About how the golden hair is Rice's trademark, Cal Lee said:
"You can really tell when he does something good because you know who it is. That's his trademark, the golden (locks). He's just been a joy to work with because he wants to help wherever he can, on the scout team, special teams." (HSB)
About how he owes his football career to his family's move to the mainland, Rice said that if they didn't leave Hawaii:
"I probably would have just surfed instead." (HSB)
About the difficulty in cracking the deep depth chart at LB, Rice said:
"I gotta wait my turn. But, I mean, just work as hard as I can, just keep up the intensity, always get better, because when that shot does come, when they put me in, I want to shine." (HSB)
HSB Note: "After redshirting his first season in 2005, the 6-foot, 215-pound Rice has definitely shown flashes of talent. Last year, he put in some work on special teams, and he recorded a 13-yard sack against Louisiana Tech for his lone tackle of the season. In spring practice contact drills, he drew some oohs and aahs for leveling Kiran Kepo'o as the freshman quarterback scrambled to the line of scrimmage."
About how Rice has distinguished himself with his hard work, Cal Lee said:
"He knows what he's up against, and he just works hard at it. Trains hard and you never know, you never know. If the time comes, you gotta be ready. And if it did come to Josh, he'd be ready." (HSB)
"Some guys (on the team) think I look like a Viking or something. Yeah, I'm pretty into Vikings. I haven't cut it in two years, since I got here. I started growing it out in the summer of my senior year (of high school)." (HSB)
About how the golden hair is Rice's trademark, Cal Lee said:
"You can really tell when he does something good because you know who it is. That's his trademark, the golden (locks). He's just been a joy to work with because he wants to help wherever he can, on the scout team, special teams." (HSB)
About how he owes his football career to his family's move to the mainland, Rice said that if they didn't leave Hawaii:
"I probably would have just surfed instead." (HSB)
About the difficulty in cracking the deep depth chart at LB, Rice said:
"I gotta wait my turn. But, I mean, just work as hard as I can, just keep up the intensity, always get better, because when that shot does come, when they put me in, I want to shine." (HSB)
HSB Note: "After redshirting his first season in 2005, the 6-foot, 215-pound Rice has definitely shown flashes of talent. Last year, he put in some work on special teams, and he recorded a 13-yard sack against Louisiana Tech for his lone tackle of the season. In spring practice contact drills, he drew some oohs and aahs for leveling Kiran Kepo'o as the freshman quarterback scrambled to the line of scrimmage."
About how Rice has distinguished himself with his hard work, Cal Lee said:
"He knows what he's up against, and he just works hard at it. Trains hard and you never know, you never know. If the time comes, you gotta be ready. And if it did come to Josh, he'd be ready." (HSB)
Quotes from Michael Washington and Korey Reynolds
About his lack of playing time, as a junior behind the junior Bess on the depth chart, Michael Washington said:
"I always get frustrated. But I keep hungry and humble. All I can do is work my butt off." (HA)
About working out this offseason with teammates at UH and then having a 2nd workout with Clay at Punahou School, Washington said:
"It really helped a lot. He helped me with my speed." (HA)
HA Note: "Washington, who awakens at 5 a.m. each day, was running sprints on UH's Cooke Field track when he was spotted by Clay's coach. Washington then was invited to train with Clay."
About working out with Ty Law (who is lives in the same city he is from) when he went back home for a few weeks, Washington said:
"He helped me with my technique." (HA)
About how Washington's work paid off, Ron Lee said:
"It shows that Mike worked hard during the summer. He's in great shape." (HA)
Hoping to play more this year, Washington said:
"Junior year is an important year. I hope the hard work leads somewhere. I'm all about football. It's my job." (HA)
About Washington, Ron Lee said:
"We like Mike. He's awfully quick. He knows what to do. He has to be ready for his chance." (HA)
About two-a-day practices in high school, Korey Reynolds said:
"It was a lot of fun, but it was hard work." (HA)
About how the MTV show about his high school team serves as an ice-breaker, Reynolds said:
"It helps in making new friends. It's a topic of conversation." (HA)
HA Note: "Reynolds takes more pride in his third-place finish in a national high school weight-lifting competition. He bench pressed 185 pounds 34 times. The winner had 40 repetitions, and the second-place finisher had 35.
The competition was divided into three regions: Southeast, North and West. The Southeast regional was held at Hoover High. Reynolds won the Southeast regional, and his entry was compared against the other regions. He won a trophy — and respect."
Reynolds can bench a max 450 pounds, and says that the first time he lifted 400 pounds:
"was like breaking down a brick wall." (HA)
"I always get frustrated. But I keep hungry and humble. All I can do is work my butt off." (HA)
About working out this offseason with teammates at UH and then having a 2nd workout with Clay at Punahou School, Washington said:
"It really helped a lot. He helped me with my speed." (HA)
HA Note: "Washington, who awakens at 5 a.m. each day, was running sprints on UH's Cooke Field track when he was spotted by Clay's coach. Washington then was invited to train with Clay."
About working out with Ty Law (who is lives in the same city he is from) when he went back home for a few weeks, Washington said:
"He helped me with my technique." (HA)
About how Washington's work paid off, Ron Lee said:
"It shows that Mike worked hard during the summer. He's in great shape." (HA)
Hoping to play more this year, Washington said:
"Junior year is an important year. I hope the hard work leads somewhere. I'm all about football. It's my job." (HA)
About Washington, Ron Lee said:
"We like Mike. He's awfully quick. He knows what to do. He has to be ready for his chance." (HA)
About two-a-day practices in high school, Korey Reynolds said:
"It was a lot of fun, but it was hard work." (HA)
About how the MTV show about his high school team serves as an ice-breaker, Reynolds said:
"It helps in making new friends. It's a topic of conversation." (HA)
HA Note: "Reynolds takes more pride in his third-place finish in a national high school weight-lifting competition. He bench pressed 185 pounds 34 times. The winner had 40 repetitions, and the second-place finisher had 35.
The competition was divided into three regions: Southeast, North and West. The Southeast regional was held at Hoover High. Reynolds won the Southeast regional, and his entry was compared against the other regions. He won a trophy — and respect."
Reynolds can bench a max 450 pounds, and says that the first time he lifted 400 pounds:
"was like breaking down a brick wall." (HA)
Quote about Chad Owens
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070806/SPORTS/708060328/1002/SPORTS
About blocking the 6'6" 305-pound Kevin Carter in a recent practice, 5'7" 188-pound Chad Owens said:
"It's one of the smallest guys going up against one of the biggest guys. It's a mismatch. It's like Shaquille O'Neal (7-1) posting up against Spud Webb (5-6). It doesn't mean that you're not going to try your hardest to get the job done. That's all you have to do, is put forth your greatest amount of individual effort." (FT)
About how Tampa want him to return punts and kickoffs for scores, Owens said:
"That's what I was known for in college, Mr. Excitement. I made the fans feel like they needed to get to the stadium in time to get to the opening kickoff. That's what I accomplished there, and that's what I hope to bring here." (FT)
About how Owens was a dangerous returner at UH, Gruden said:
"He's from Hawaii, the University of Hawaii, so a lot of us haven't seen him. We're in bed when they play. But he has had a knack for making huge plays in the kicking game." (FT)
About the NCAA records he set as a returner, Owens said:
"It's always fun to look back and see what you've accomplished. I use it sometimes as a motivator. I look at highlight tapes and see how I did things. I love to play football. I get excited when I'm doing things the way I know I can do them." (FT)
About Owens' struggles in Jacksonville, Gruden said:
"He had a hard time in Jacksonville hanging on to the ball. That's been well documented, but he is very compact, thick and quick. He has tremendous cutting ability at full speed. In the kicking game and as a creative receiver, he can do some things for us. And he's made some plays the last two days that are pretty easy to see." (FT)
About the 4 words flowing out of his heart tattoo, Owens said:
"Faith, love, perseverance and family are coming out of that heart." (FT)
About his family, Owens said:
"That's what drives me. That's my perseverance. If you look at me, I'm one of the smaller guys. I hear all the time, 'You're not going to make it. You're not going to make it.' It's a constant, uphill battle." (FT)
Hoping that Tampa gives him a chance like JJ did at UH, Owens said:
"You've got to get the ball first. Then you have to really believe in your special teams unit. You've got to have your unit believe in you. That's the thing I had in college. They just knew I had the chance to go all the way whenever I got the ball. They would block their butts off. It was just amazing. We have a great special teams unit here with Tampa. I'm looking forward to it. I feel like I have a great opportunity. A great chance." (FT)
FT Note: "Owens said he probably would be working in construction in Hawaii, were it not for finding a walk-on spot under coach June Jones. Owens said he hoped the Bucs would give him a chance just as Jones did."
About blocking the 6'6" 305-pound Kevin Carter in a recent practice, 5'7" 188-pound Chad Owens said:
"It's one of the smallest guys going up against one of the biggest guys. It's a mismatch. It's like Shaquille O'Neal (7-1) posting up against Spud Webb (5-6). It doesn't mean that you're not going to try your hardest to get the job done. That's all you have to do, is put forth your greatest amount of individual effort." (FT)
About how Tampa want him to return punts and kickoffs for scores, Owens said:
"That's what I was known for in college, Mr. Excitement. I made the fans feel like they needed to get to the stadium in time to get to the opening kickoff. That's what I accomplished there, and that's what I hope to bring here." (FT)
About how Owens was a dangerous returner at UH, Gruden said:
"He's from Hawaii, the University of Hawaii, so a lot of us haven't seen him. We're in bed when they play. But he has had a knack for making huge plays in the kicking game." (FT)
About the NCAA records he set as a returner, Owens said:
"It's always fun to look back and see what you've accomplished. I use it sometimes as a motivator. I look at highlight tapes and see how I did things. I love to play football. I get excited when I'm doing things the way I know I can do them." (FT)
About Owens' struggles in Jacksonville, Gruden said:
"He had a hard time in Jacksonville hanging on to the ball. That's been well documented, but he is very compact, thick and quick. He has tremendous cutting ability at full speed. In the kicking game and as a creative receiver, he can do some things for us. And he's made some plays the last two days that are pretty easy to see." (FT)
About the 4 words flowing out of his heart tattoo, Owens said:
"Faith, love, perseverance and family are coming out of that heart." (FT)
About his family, Owens said:
"That's what drives me. That's my perseverance. If you look at me, I'm one of the smaller guys. I hear all the time, 'You're not going to make it. You're not going to make it.' It's a constant, uphill battle." (FT)
Hoping that Tampa gives him a chance like JJ did at UH, Owens said:
"You've got to get the ball first. Then you have to really believe in your special teams unit. You've got to have your unit believe in you. That's the thing I had in college. They just knew I had the chance to go all the way whenever I got the ball. They would block their butts off. It was just amazing. We have a great special teams unit here with Tampa. I'm looking forward to it. I feel like I have a great opportunity. A great chance." (FT)
FT Note: "Owens said he probably would be working in construction in Hawaii, were it not for finding a walk-on spot under coach June Jones. Owens said he hoped the Bucs would give him a chance just as Jones did."
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Quotes from the Herald Journal preview of UH
http://hjnews.townnews.com/articles/2007/08/01/sports/sports02.txt
About their upcoming season, JJ said:
“To have a good season you need to get a little lucky and of course win on the road ... We have some tough games, but right now we are concentrating on Northern Colorado (the season opener on Sept. 1).” (HJ)
About the 12 players from last season who signed pro contracts, JJ said:
“We’re excited about the team coming back, but we lost a lot of good players. That is a concern, but we have some good players returning.” (HJ)
About returning to UH, Colt said:
“I’m glad I decided to stay. I’ve never thought about the Heisman, I just want to be the starting quarterback. I need to keep working.” (HJ)
Happy that Colt came back, JJ said:
“Of course we are excited Colt elected to come back and play another season. He is a great kid and very talented. Most of all, he is a winner.” (HJ)
Praising their receivers, Colt said:
“I think we have by far the best wide receiver corps in the nation. I feel lucky. I got three of the best receivers dropped off on my doorstep.” (HJ)
JJ pointed out that Colt's mobility and quick release will help their inexperienced OL:
“Colt is hard to get to and has a quick release." (HJ)
About he, more than the rest of the team, will miss Glanville, JJ said:
“I don’t think that will affect the team. Me on the other hand, I had a ball in meetings. I hadn’t had so much fun since I worked for him.” (HJ)
About their upcoming season, JJ said:
“To have a good season you need to get a little lucky and of course win on the road ... We have some tough games, but right now we are concentrating on Northern Colorado (the season opener on Sept. 1).” (HJ)
About the 12 players from last season who signed pro contracts, JJ said:
“We’re excited about the team coming back, but we lost a lot of good players. That is a concern, but we have some good players returning.” (HJ)
About returning to UH, Colt said:
“I’m glad I decided to stay. I’ve never thought about the Heisman, I just want to be the starting quarterback. I need to keep working.” (HJ)
Happy that Colt came back, JJ said:
“Of course we are excited Colt elected to come back and play another season. He is a great kid and very talented. Most of all, he is a winner.” (HJ)
Praising their receivers, Colt said:
“I think we have by far the best wide receiver corps in the nation. I feel lucky. I got three of the best receivers dropped off on my doorstep.” (HJ)
JJ pointed out that Colt's mobility and quick release will help their inexperienced OL:
“Colt is hard to get to and has a quick release." (HJ)
About he, more than the rest of the team, will miss Glanville, JJ said:
“I don’t think that will affect the team. Me on the other hand, I had a ball in meetings. I hadn’t had so much fun since I worked for him.” (HJ)
Quotes from the CSTV preview of the Warriors
http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/080307aan.html
About how this is the best group of receivers he's ever had, JJ said:
"Over the course of the years, I've had one or two guys like this, but I've never had a group at this level. They have the work ethic and they've got the speed and quickness to play at the highest level." (CSTV)
CSTV Note: "When asked to clarify if he was including his time in the NFL when comparing receiving corps, he didn't back off. He likened his current players to former Pro Bowl talents Eric Metcalf, Terrance Mathis and Drew Hill. Talent like this is why the run and shoot is alive and prospering in Hawai'i."
Asked to talk about himself, Bess instead said:
"I don't really try to go for the individual goals. As long as the team goals are met, the individual goals will take care of themselves. As a team, hopefully we're fortunate enough to win the WAC and get a BCS bid." (CSTV)
About being able to run his routes without having the secondary focused on him, Bess said:
"It's amazing. When teams go in thinking they can double somebody, they have to think twice. They've got to cover Ryan (Grice-Mullen); they've got to cover Rivers." (CSTV)
About RGM's ability to run after catching the ball, JJ said:
"His run after the catch is something else. He's physical. He's got size. He runs a 4.4 40." (CSTV)
About how their offense recruits players for them, JJ said:
"The offense brings them in. We don't usually recruit receivers. They just show up." (CSTV)
About how UH's coaches and offense made him choose UH, Bess said:
"I'd say the coach is the number one reason. Number two is the offense." (CSTV)
About how this is the best group of receivers he's ever had, JJ said:
"Over the course of the years, I've had one or two guys like this, but I've never had a group at this level. They have the work ethic and they've got the speed and quickness to play at the highest level." (CSTV)
CSTV Note: "When asked to clarify if he was including his time in the NFL when comparing receiving corps, he didn't back off. He likened his current players to former Pro Bowl talents Eric Metcalf, Terrance Mathis and Drew Hill. Talent like this is why the run and shoot is alive and prospering in Hawai'i."
Asked to talk about himself, Bess instead said:
"I don't really try to go for the individual goals. As long as the team goals are met, the individual goals will take care of themselves. As a team, hopefully we're fortunate enough to win the WAC and get a BCS bid." (CSTV)
About being able to run his routes without having the secondary focused on him, Bess said:
"It's amazing. When teams go in thinking they can double somebody, they have to think twice. They've got to cover Ryan (Grice-Mullen); they've got to cover Rivers." (CSTV)
About RGM's ability to run after catching the ball, JJ said:
"His run after the catch is something else. He's physical. He's got size. He runs a 4.4 40." (CSTV)
About how their offense recruits players for them, JJ said:
"The offense brings them in. We don't usually recruit receivers. They just show up." (CSTV)
About how UH's coaches and offense made him choose UH, Bess said:
"I'd say the coach is the number one reason. Number two is the offense." (CSTV)
Quotes from Colt's 7/28 NFL Draft Pro column
http://www.nfldraftpro.com/catchingupwithcolt1.html
About serving as an instructor at the Elite 11 camp, Colt said:
"The camp is for the eleven top-rated high school senior quarterbacks in the nation. They invite six or seven of the top-rated quarterbacks in college football to be instructors. A lot of times they will have some of the college players who attended the camp when they were highly touted high school players come back as counselors. Chase Daniels [Missouri] and Nate Longshore [California] were two players who attended the camp when they were in high school.
We had a great week tutoring some young talent that’s coming up. Most of the players participating in the camp have verbally committed to big-time universities, but that didn’t stop me from trying to recruit them to play at Hawaii." (NFLDP)
About his improved rating in this year's NCAA Football game, Colt said:
"One thing I love to do in my down time is play video games. I play a lot of NCAA Football 2008; it’s a great game. The game was cool the first year I was in it [2005], but the one thing I was really upset about is that they made me really crappy. I led the nation in passing. I had like 68-percent completion and they still made me really bad in the game. I never really played with Hawaii in the game, because they made me a bad quarterback, but I was good. But this year they gave me a 97 [overall rating] in the game, so now I play myself and Hawaii everyday.
There’s a funny story about my rating in this year’s NCAA Football game because I think I had something to do with my high rating. I had a conversation with the people at EA Sports during the College Football Awards in Orlando, and I gave them an earful about my bad rating in the previous year’s game. I was a little confused how I could be so bad in the video game, but yet I had a really good year. They made me slow and all of that. They told me that if we made you really good in the game than Hawaii would have been really good. I said, “Well, we turned out to be pretty good this year.” So, it was pretty funny." (NFLDP)
About his workout routine during the offseason, Colt said:
"Before I took part in the camp this week, I was with my receivers throughout the summer. I worked out during June and July; pretty much running and lifting five-days a week. I also threw four-days a week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. We did that for the past two months. We had a break for the fourth of July, and when we came back we finished up.
When I get back to Hawaii on Sunday, I’ll have to get back into my routine. I’ll get up a little bit before 8 a.m. and head to the weight room. I’ll be in the weight room from about 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Then, I’ll grab some lunch or play basketball. We’ll come back and throw at 2 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. We’ll do one-on-one’s and all; just throwing to receivers to get my timing down. And at 5 p.m. we’ll do our conditioning work; our running.
My workout in the morning is a quarterback specific workout that one of the trainers put together for me. It’s pretty much for injury prevention, but it is designed to get you stronger and get you in good shape. I’ve been trying to gain some weight and get bigger lately. I’ve been doing that for about a month and a half. I’ve been doing a lot of reps with a core workout with lighter weight, not heavy weight." (NFLDP)
About serving as an instructor at the Elite 11 camp, Colt said:
"The camp is for the eleven top-rated high school senior quarterbacks in the nation. They invite six or seven of the top-rated quarterbacks in college football to be instructors. A lot of times they will have some of the college players who attended the camp when they were highly touted high school players come back as counselors. Chase Daniels [Missouri] and Nate Longshore [California] were two players who attended the camp when they were in high school.
We had a great week tutoring some young talent that’s coming up. Most of the players participating in the camp have verbally committed to big-time universities, but that didn’t stop me from trying to recruit them to play at Hawaii." (NFLDP)
About his improved rating in this year's NCAA Football game, Colt said:
"One thing I love to do in my down time is play video games. I play a lot of NCAA Football 2008; it’s a great game. The game was cool the first year I was in it [2005], but the one thing I was really upset about is that they made me really crappy. I led the nation in passing. I had like 68-percent completion and they still made me really bad in the game. I never really played with Hawaii in the game, because they made me a bad quarterback, but I was good. But this year they gave me a 97 [overall rating] in the game, so now I play myself and Hawaii everyday.
There’s a funny story about my rating in this year’s NCAA Football game because I think I had something to do with my high rating. I had a conversation with the people at EA Sports during the College Football Awards in Orlando, and I gave them an earful about my bad rating in the previous year’s game. I was a little confused how I could be so bad in the video game, but yet I had a really good year. They made me slow and all of that. They told me that if we made you really good in the game than Hawaii would have been really good. I said, “Well, we turned out to be pretty good this year.” So, it was pretty funny." (NFLDP)
About his workout routine during the offseason, Colt said:
"Before I took part in the camp this week, I was with my receivers throughout the summer. I worked out during June and July; pretty much running and lifting five-days a week. I also threw four-days a week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. We did that for the past two months. We had a break for the fourth of July, and when we came back we finished up.
When I get back to Hawaii on Sunday, I’ll have to get back into my routine. I’ll get up a little bit before 8 a.m. and head to the weight room. I’ll be in the weight room from about 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Then, I’ll grab some lunch or play basketball. We’ll come back and throw at 2 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. We’ll do one-on-one’s and all; just throwing to receivers to get my timing down. And at 5 p.m. we’ll do our conditioning work; our running.
My workout in the morning is a quarterback specific workout that one of the trainers put together for me. It’s pretty much for injury prevention, but it is designed to get you stronger and get you in good shape. I’ve been trying to gain some weight and get bigger lately. I’ve been doing that for about a month and a half. I’ve been doing a lot of reps with a core workout with lighter weight, not heavy weight." (NFLDP)
Quotes from Colt's 8/3 NFL Draft Pro column
http://www.nfldraftpro.com/catchingupwithcolt.html
About Estes being his center, Colt said:
"I really want to establish a relationship with my new center John Estes. With Samson Satele leaving [drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round this past April], the coaching staff did a great job moving Estes from guard to center. As far as John and I, this summer will be all about getting our timing down. I want to make sure he’s really comfortable come game time.
Estes is really respected [on the team] and he’s a really good blocker. I’m really excited to see him at center. That was a move that just started this summer, because during the spring he played at guard. We’re going to have to work really hard to get the O-Line solidified this year and get their confidence up." (NFLDP)
About his offseason regimen to get stronger and more fit, Colt said:
"I feel great heading into this season. I really concentrated on adding some good weight during the off-season. I am at 205-pounds right now. I think it went really well. What I did was at the beginning of the year I cleansed. I ate all organic food for two-weeks. I got my body to get rid of all that bad weight and that was done all during the summer. I just worked out and drank a lot of protein shakes and eat as much as I can.
Last year I was around 205-pounds, but it was a heavy 205, and I felt a little gut coming on. Now I feel like I’m in great shape. I just want to continue to get bigger through camp. The last two years when camp started I didn't really lift. I’ve been preparing myself everyday for this, and I am going to try to lift during the season and get bigger and stronger." (NFLDP)
About the media attention, Colt said:
"This week has been interesting. I had a guy from the New York Times come out to Hawaii and he’s been following me all week long, so that’s been pretty cool. I understand where I am in this thing and I know that there will be media coverage all season long. I am ready for it and the way I look at it is that any exposure for our team is good exposure. Personally, I just try to embrace the attention, because for the most part it’s very positive." (NFLDP)
About Estes being his center, Colt said:
"I really want to establish a relationship with my new center John Estes. With Samson Satele leaving [drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round this past April], the coaching staff did a great job moving Estes from guard to center. As far as John and I, this summer will be all about getting our timing down. I want to make sure he’s really comfortable come game time.
Estes is really respected [on the team] and he’s a really good blocker. I’m really excited to see him at center. That was a move that just started this summer, because during the spring he played at guard. We’re going to have to work really hard to get the O-Line solidified this year and get their confidence up." (NFLDP)
About his offseason regimen to get stronger and more fit, Colt said:
"I feel great heading into this season. I really concentrated on adding some good weight during the off-season. I am at 205-pounds right now. I think it went really well. What I did was at the beginning of the year I cleansed. I ate all organic food for two-weeks. I got my body to get rid of all that bad weight and that was done all during the summer. I just worked out and drank a lot of protein shakes and eat as much as I can.
Last year I was around 205-pounds, but it was a heavy 205, and I felt a little gut coming on. Now I feel like I’m in great shape. I just want to continue to get bigger through camp. The last two years when camp started I didn't really lift. I’ve been preparing myself everyday for this, and I am going to try to lift during the season and get bigger and stronger." (NFLDP)
About the media attention, Colt said:
"This week has been interesting. I had a guy from the New York Times come out to Hawaii and he’s been following me all week long, so that’s been pretty cool. I understand where I am in this thing and I know that there will be media coverage all season long. I am ready for it and the way I look at it is that any exposure for our team is good exposure. Personally, I just try to embrace the attention, because for the most part it’s very positive." (NFLDP)
Quotes from the Las Cruces Sun-News preview of UH
http://www.lcsun-news.com/sports/ci_6541495
About returning to UH for his senior season, Colt said:
"I decided a long time ago this was the right decision. It has nothing to with how this year maps out, but what was right for me. I'm just glad to be back and it feels good. This is right." (LCS)
About his dreads, Colt said:
"Every time I open the paper, it seems like I see my face in it. This was just one of those opportunities I could let every one know that I'm not getting too caught up in the hype. I still have no problem humiliating myself." (LCS)
About how Colt's mini-dreads needs a touch up, Bess said:
"I've got to take him to the detail shop." (LCS)
About how Colt's hairstyle fits him, Bess said:
"He's like a wannabe Rastafarian, Bob Marley, just laid back, island boy. It fits him to a tee." (LCS)
About the high expectations for their team, Colt said:
"This year, we've got a great opportunity and every one thinks we can have a great football team. For us, we just don't want to live up to that, but to exceed those standards and do even better." (LCS)
Trying to downplay the preseason hype, JJ said:
"We're 0-0 right now. You get respect by winning. We won last year, but we haven't done anything this year." (LCS)
Looking forward to the season, Colt said:
"I look at our schedule and I'm excited. To get Washington, Fresno and Boise at home and four games on ESPN. We're very excited." (LCS)
About the high expectations for their team, Rich Miano said:
"This is definitely the most anticipated season since I've been here and I've been around here for 30 years. People expect us to go 12-0, but we're going to take them one at a time. We're very excited and we can't wait to get started." (LCS)
About having so many returning veteran players, JJ said:
"We've got a lot of young kids that look like they have a lot of potential. But it's fun to have a quarterback and receivers that know what they're doing already." (LCS)
About returning to UH for his senior season, Colt said:
"I decided a long time ago this was the right decision. It has nothing to with how this year maps out, but what was right for me. I'm just glad to be back and it feels good. This is right." (LCS)
About his dreads, Colt said:
"Every time I open the paper, it seems like I see my face in it. This was just one of those opportunities I could let every one know that I'm not getting too caught up in the hype. I still have no problem humiliating myself." (LCS)
About how Colt's mini-dreads needs a touch up, Bess said:
"I've got to take him to the detail shop." (LCS)
About how Colt's hairstyle fits him, Bess said:
"He's like a wannabe Rastafarian, Bob Marley, just laid back, island boy. It fits him to a tee." (LCS)
About the high expectations for their team, Colt said:
"This year, we've got a great opportunity and every one thinks we can have a great football team. For us, we just don't want to live up to that, but to exceed those standards and do even better." (LCS)
Trying to downplay the preseason hype, JJ said:
"We're 0-0 right now. You get respect by winning. We won last year, but we haven't done anything this year." (LCS)
Looking forward to the season, Colt said:
"I look at our schedule and I'm excited. To get Washington, Fresno and Boise at home and four games on ESPN. We're very excited." (LCS)
About the high expectations for their team, Rich Miano said:
"This is definitely the most anticipated season since I've been here and I've been around here for 30 years. People expect us to go 12-0, but we're going to take them one at a time. We're very excited and we can't wait to get started." (LCS)
About having so many returning veteran players, JJ said:
"We've got a lot of young kids that look like they have a lot of potential. But it's fun to have a quarterback and receivers that know what they're doing already." (LCS)
Jake Patek quotes
http://www.thevictoriaadvocate.com/195/story/101312.html
About all of the people back home thought he'd be darker because he's in Hawaii now, Patek said:
"I go back home and everybody tells me they thought I'd be a little bit darker or have a tan. But we don't have any time to go to the beach. It's just school and football. Those are the only two things you have any time for." (VA)
Feeling that they will have a great season, Patek said:
"There have been a lot of people who have been coming out and saying they're really excited about the season. They're hoping for big things. I think this year is going to be a great year for us." (VA)
About the loss to Alabama at the start of last season, Patek's first D1A start, Patek said:
"We felt we probably should have won that game. We did play them close and it showed what kind of program we have out here at Hawaii." (VA)
About Colt coming back, Patek said:
"Colt helped us out by coming back, so the least we can do is help him out. His poise and leadership skills will really help us out in the long run. Hopefully, we can get some turnovers and get the ball back to the offense for him." (VA)
About their hopes for a BCS game this year, Patek said:
"It's not just an average program. Everybody can see we're a little bit above average and hopefully this year we'll have a chance to go to a BCS game. Granted we do have a pretty weak schedule, but it doesn't matter what kind of schedule you have, just as long as you play everybody hard and get the W." (VA)
About how the team, especially Colt, feels they have something to prove, Patek said:
"We do feel like we have something to prove. I know Colt feels like he has something to prove because he set or tied like 16 NCAA records last year for passing. He feels like that he's deserves a little more recognition for what he's done." (VA)
About how JJ tells them that they can compete with any team despite their facilities, Patek said:
"Coach (June) Jones has said we can play with anybody. Just because we're over here in Hawaii and we don't have the best of facilities, doesn't mean we can't play football." (VA)
About all of the people back home thought he'd be darker because he's in Hawaii now, Patek said:
"I go back home and everybody tells me they thought I'd be a little bit darker or have a tan. But we don't have any time to go to the beach. It's just school and football. Those are the only two things you have any time for." (VA)
Feeling that they will have a great season, Patek said:
"There have been a lot of people who have been coming out and saying they're really excited about the season. They're hoping for big things. I think this year is going to be a great year for us." (VA)
About the loss to Alabama at the start of last season, Patek's first D1A start, Patek said:
"We felt we probably should have won that game. We did play them close and it showed what kind of program we have out here at Hawaii." (VA)
About Colt coming back, Patek said:
"Colt helped us out by coming back, so the least we can do is help him out. His poise and leadership skills will really help us out in the long run. Hopefully, we can get some turnovers and get the ball back to the offense for him." (VA)
About their hopes for a BCS game this year, Patek said:
"It's not just an average program. Everybody can see we're a little bit above average and hopefully this year we'll have a chance to go to a BCS game. Granted we do have a pretty weak schedule, but it doesn't matter what kind of schedule you have, just as long as you play everybody hard and get the W." (VA)
About how the team, especially Colt, feels they have something to prove, Patek said:
"We do feel like we have something to prove. I know Colt feels like he has something to prove because he set or tied like 16 NCAA records last year for passing. He feels like that he's deserves a little more recognition for what he's done." (VA)
About how JJ tells them that they can compete with any team despite their facilities, Patek said:
"Coach (June) Jones has said we can play with anybody. Just because we're over here in Hawaii and we don't have the best of facilities, doesn't mean we can't play football." (VA)
Quotes about the first practice in camp
About how GM is taking more time than usual to explain things, JJ said:
"I think Greg is going a little slower to make sure everybody gets it." (HSB)
About how he likes their fast-paced, efficient practices, Cal Lee (who was famous for efficient practices at Saint Louis) said:
"Guys can have fun, but it's a business type of environment and atmosphere, and that's the way it should be. You should know what you're doing. It's got to be important to you." (HSB)
About how they have so many experienced players returning on offense that they only have a few newcomers, JJ said:
"We're kind of doing the same stuff we always do. But having guys that know what they do makes it that way. Usually we have four or five rookie receivers. This year we only have two -- Royce (Pollard) and Joe (Avery). You can go faster when guys know what they're doing." (HSB)
About how he didn't want to watch LWJ's highlight video, Pilares said:
"I didn't really care to watch it, but I heard it was good. He's pretty fast, he's got some long legs." (HSB)
About how he did watch Pilares' highlight video, LWJ said:
"His tape is very good. Who says we can't have three or more running backs who are all capable of doing it? He can run the ball, really quick and explosive." (HSB)
About how things were fine between Pilares an him, even though they are the top candidates to start at RB, LWJ said:
"No awkwardness at all. We just both want to help our team however we can, and we're going to compete hard to make us all better." (HSB)
About LWJ, who he calls "cool", Pilares said:
"We're trying to not even think about (the hype). We're teammates and we're both learning, so we want to help each other out. We want to win, so it's not an individual status kind of thing around here. We'll see how it goes. We all just have to put in the work now." (HSB)
About not worrying about his place on the depth chart, David Farmer said:
"I just really want a ring, a championship. I'm playing a role on this team. If Leon or Kealoha or the other guys can come in and help our offense and do things that I can't do, then I'm all for it and everything. At the same time I still want to contribute and do what I can. It's kind of a good little group of running backs we've got right now." (HSB)
About how Jason Laumoli and Khevin Peoples also got significant reps yesterday, RB coach Wes Suan said about their 5 top RBs:
"They understand that it's the nature of the beast that we've got one guy on the field representing the group. An injury can happen and we want the next person coming in there to be just as good as the one who was in there. So we're all working toward being one consistent factor when it comes to assignment and technique, and then let the athletic ability flow." (HSB)
"I think Greg is going a little slower to make sure everybody gets it." (HSB)
About how he likes their fast-paced, efficient practices, Cal Lee (who was famous for efficient practices at Saint Louis) said:
"Guys can have fun, but it's a business type of environment and atmosphere, and that's the way it should be. You should know what you're doing. It's got to be important to you." (HSB)
About how they have so many experienced players returning on offense that they only have a few newcomers, JJ said:
"We're kind of doing the same stuff we always do. But having guys that know what they do makes it that way. Usually we have four or five rookie receivers. This year we only have two -- Royce (Pollard) and Joe (Avery). You can go faster when guys know what they're doing." (HSB)
About how he didn't want to watch LWJ's highlight video, Pilares said:
"I didn't really care to watch it, but I heard it was good. He's pretty fast, he's got some long legs." (HSB)
About how he did watch Pilares' highlight video, LWJ said:
"His tape is very good. Who says we can't have three or more running backs who are all capable of doing it? He can run the ball, really quick and explosive." (HSB)
About how things were fine between Pilares an him, even though they are the top candidates to start at RB, LWJ said:
"No awkwardness at all. We just both want to help our team however we can, and we're going to compete hard to make us all better." (HSB)
About LWJ, who he calls "cool", Pilares said:
"We're trying to not even think about (the hype). We're teammates and we're both learning, so we want to help each other out. We want to win, so it's not an individual status kind of thing around here. We'll see how it goes. We all just have to put in the work now." (HSB)
About not worrying about his place on the depth chart, David Farmer said:
"I just really want a ring, a championship. I'm playing a role on this team. If Leon or Kealoha or the other guys can come in and help our offense and do things that I can't do, then I'm all for it and everything. At the same time I still want to contribute and do what I can. It's kind of a good little group of running backs we've got right now." (HSB)
About how Jason Laumoli and Khevin Peoples also got significant reps yesterday, RB coach Wes Suan said about their 5 top RBs:
"They understand that it's the nature of the beast that we've got one guy on the field representing the group. An injury can happen and we want the next person coming in there to be just as good as the one who was in there. So we're all working toward being one consistent factor when it comes to assignment and technique, and then let the athletic ability flow." (HSB)
Quotes from Jake Ingram
About how Jake watched the DL practice in training camp, wishing he was there, kicker Dan Kelly said:
"It's still tough. He still misses it." (HSB)
About how Jake has accepted his long snapping role, Kelly said:
"He's a long-snapping maniac." (HSB)
About being the long snapper, Jake said:
"Maybe it'll get me somewhere." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Ingram is so good at what he does, so accurate, so valuable, he's on scholarship for a single skill. (June Jones said in May 2006 that Ingram had been slated for a full-ride the following spring -- but when UH lost scholarships due to its APR score there wasn't one available for Ingram until now.)."
About how at first he didn't like being just the long snapper, Jake said:
"I felt like I wasn't a football player." (HSB)
About how Jake is banned from any and all defensive drills because he's too valuable as a long snapper, JR said:
"Every time he goes out there he's in a critical-down situation." (HSB)
About how he still goes to the DL meetings, Jake said:
"It feels good to just be in meetings." (HSB)
About how kicking game mistakes cost them tremendously in last year's BSU game, where Jake stepped forward to take the blame and then the team had a 5-hour layover at the airport, Jake said:
"That's all I was thinking about." (HSB)
About how his team stayed behind him despite the BSU problems, Jake said:
"My team had my back the whole way." (HSB)
HSB Note: "It still does. Yesterday, it was raucous at the end of practice as the guys gathered around. The reason? Jones was actually talking about Ingram, a mix of praise and affectionate ribbing, and the guys responded with good-natured laughter, and cheers. He's still a football player. He just has to have a different mind-set than most.
Last year his most difficult snap of the season was after a kickoff returned for a touchdown. Ingram had run down the sideline screaming, then had to have the precision of a surgeon on the extra-point snap. He knows now. There's a reason they don't want him thinking like a defensive lineman. He'll never let it happen again."
About how he gets to cover punts after he delivers the punt snap and the punt is away, Jake said:
"I want to go whack somebody," he says. "That's like my favorite thing, getting to run down the field." (HSB)
"It's still tough. He still misses it." (HSB)
About how Jake has accepted his long snapping role, Kelly said:
"He's a long-snapping maniac." (HSB)
About being the long snapper, Jake said:
"Maybe it'll get me somewhere." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Ingram is so good at what he does, so accurate, so valuable, he's on scholarship for a single skill. (June Jones said in May 2006 that Ingram had been slated for a full-ride the following spring -- but when UH lost scholarships due to its APR score there wasn't one available for Ingram until now.)."
About how at first he didn't like being just the long snapper, Jake said:
"I felt like I wasn't a football player." (HSB)
About how Jake is banned from any and all defensive drills because he's too valuable as a long snapper, JR said:
"Every time he goes out there he's in a critical-down situation." (HSB)
About how he still goes to the DL meetings, Jake said:
"It feels good to just be in meetings." (HSB)
About how kicking game mistakes cost them tremendously in last year's BSU game, where Jake stepped forward to take the blame and then the team had a 5-hour layover at the airport, Jake said:
"That's all I was thinking about." (HSB)
About how his team stayed behind him despite the BSU problems, Jake said:
"My team had my back the whole way." (HSB)
HSB Note: "It still does. Yesterday, it was raucous at the end of practice as the guys gathered around. The reason? Jones was actually talking about Ingram, a mix of praise and affectionate ribbing, and the guys responded with good-natured laughter, and cheers. He's still a football player. He just has to have a different mind-set than most.
Last year his most difficult snap of the season was after a kickoff returned for a touchdown. Ingram had run down the sideline screaming, then had to have the precision of a surgeon on the extra-point snap. He knows now. There's a reason they don't want him thinking like a defensive lineman. He'll never let it happen again."
About how he gets to cover punts after he delivers the punt snap and the punt is away, Jake said:
"I want to go whack somebody," he says. "That's like my favorite thing, getting to run down the field." (HSB)
Quotes from Blaze Soares
About beng on the 1st team with Sol and Adam, Blaze said:
"Everybody knows about them -- they've proved themselves over the years. Looking at them, they look ready, and I can't wait to play by their side." (HSB)
About how Brad Kalilimoku and C.J. Allen-Jones will push him for his starting spot, Blaze said:
"They all can play. We're a great family and I think that's what's going to make us successful, that we're all so close." (HSB)
About how he's dragged a 70-pound tire up a hill at Kailua Beach to build speed and strength ever since his sophomore season of high school, Blaze said:
"It's more challenging, so when I run on grass or turf I feel way faster." (HSB)
About having to attend HPU for a year before being able to attend UH to play his freshman year, Blaze said about the year off from football:
"That season made me appreciate so much about football, showed me how much I love football. I think it opened up my eyes. It made me want it more. I think I got complacent my senior year and I didn't really appreciate the sport. We're privileged to be out here and call ourselves Warriors. It's not something every person in Hawaii can do. For a local boy, this was my dream to come over here and play and I'm living it right now." (HSB)
About naming Blaze after one of his clildhood buddies (Blaiseden Barnes), Blaze's father Wayne said:
"We were good friends when we were young and we grew up together, and ever since we were young I was the quarterback and he was my center." (HSB)
About Blaze, who made the varsity as a freshman and started in his sophmore year, Castle coach Nelson Maeda said:
"He was always a good runner -- he was very physical, just committed and had a passion for the game. He had the tools and the potential to become a real good linebacker. Very instinctive, he has a good feel for where he's supposed to go, what he's supposed to do, and where the offense is trying to go." (HSB)
About how Castle's defensive scheme countered their lack of size with speed and aggression, and those lessons still influence him, Blaze said:
"We were undersized; everybody thought they would just run us over. But the way Coach Nelson Maeda, Coach Tony Pang Kee and Coach Harry Paaga prepared us was to just go for broke. When you leave that field, you leave everything behind. That's the way we were taught and I think that's why we were so successful over there. I take that with me everywhere I go." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Two other Castle graduates, defensive lineman Victor Clore and quarterback Bryce Kalauokaaea, joined Soares for his early morning workouts on the beach pulling that trusty tire up the hill. After doing more running and football drills in the sand, they'd head to the 24-Hour Fitness in Kaneohe for a lifting session. Every other day they'd run with the Castle players at the campus field."
About making it through the 220s for the 2nd straight year, Blaze said:
"I was training on the beach every morning, but I was just training for 100 meters, so I was kind of worried. But I pulled through. Everybody was pushing me. It was tough, but I felt like I accomplished something real good today." (HSB)
About how he was the sparring partner for Brian Viloria for a brief time in the 6th grade, Blaze Soares said:
"I couldn't touch him. He had all of the speed." (HA)
"It was OK. It's like when you get into a regular fight. You have to go out there and bang." (HA)
About how he and 13 friends created their version nof a mixed-martial-arts fight club, meeting at a friend's house after school in high school, Blaze said:
"We went over there and trained. It was our own thing." (HA)
"Everybody knows about them -- they've proved themselves over the years. Looking at them, they look ready, and I can't wait to play by their side." (HSB)
About how Brad Kalilimoku and C.J. Allen-Jones will push him for his starting spot, Blaze said:
"They all can play. We're a great family and I think that's what's going to make us successful, that we're all so close." (HSB)
About how he's dragged a 70-pound tire up a hill at Kailua Beach to build speed and strength ever since his sophomore season of high school, Blaze said:
"It's more challenging, so when I run on grass or turf I feel way faster." (HSB)
About having to attend HPU for a year before being able to attend UH to play his freshman year, Blaze said about the year off from football:
"That season made me appreciate so much about football, showed me how much I love football. I think it opened up my eyes. It made me want it more. I think I got complacent my senior year and I didn't really appreciate the sport. We're privileged to be out here and call ourselves Warriors. It's not something every person in Hawaii can do. For a local boy, this was my dream to come over here and play and I'm living it right now." (HSB)
About naming Blaze after one of his clildhood buddies (Blaiseden Barnes), Blaze's father Wayne said:
"We were good friends when we were young and we grew up together, and ever since we were young I was the quarterback and he was my center." (HSB)
About Blaze, who made the varsity as a freshman and started in his sophmore year, Castle coach Nelson Maeda said:
"He was always a good runner -- he was very physical, just committed and had a passion for the game. He had the tools and the potential to become a real good linebacker. Very instinctive, he has a good feel for where he's supposed to go, what he's supposed to do, and where the offense is trying to go." (HSB)
About how Castle's defensive scheme countered their lack of size with speed and aggression, and those lessons still influence him, Blaze said:
"We were undersized; everybody thought they would just run us over. But the way Coach Nelson Maeda, Coach Tony Pang Kee and Coach Harry Paaga prepared us was to just go for broke. When you leave that field, you leave everything behind. That's the way we were taught and I think that's why we were so successful over there. I take that with me everywhere I go." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Two other Castle graduates, defensive lineman Victor Clore and quarterback Bryce Kalauokaaea, joined Soares for his early morning workouts on the beach pulling that trusty tire up the hill. After doing more running and football drills in the sand, they'd head to the 24-Hour Fitness in Kaneohe for a lifting session. Every other day they'd run with the Castle players at the campus field."
About making it through the 220s for the 2nd straight year, Blaze said:
"I was training on the beach every morning, but I was just training for 100 meters, so I was kind of worried. But I pulled through. Everybody was pushing me. It was tough, but I felt like I accomplished something real good today." (HSB)
About how he was the sparring partner for Brian Viloria for a brief time in the 6th grade, Blaze Soares said:
"I couldn't touch him. He had all of the speed." (HA)
"It was OK. It's like when you get into a regular fight. You have to go out there and bang." (HA)
About how he and 13 friends created their version nof a mixed-martial-arts fight club, meeting at a friend's house after school in high school, Blaze said:
"We went over there and trained. It was our own thing." (HA)
Random Warrior Quotes
About his life decision a few months after last season ended, Jason Rivers said:
"I wanted to be baptized." (HA)
About how he performed the ceremonial dunking, Inoke Funaki said:
"It meant a lot. He's a teammate, a brother. I felt honored." (HA)
About the start of last season after sitting out a year due to a broken ankle and academic problems, Rivers said:
At the start of last season, I was happy to be back (with the team), but I wasn't enjoying it the way I used to enjoy it." (HA)
About how he began to attend church near the end of last season, Rivers said:
"Going through some things, and staying in church, it made me realize how much I used to enjoy my life, how lucky I am to be able to do all of these things, and the gifts I'm blessed with. I found my spirit." (HA)
About how he asked Rivers earlier this year if he wanted to meet with the missionaries to discuss baptism, Funaki said:
"He politely declined. He said he wanted to make sure he was comfortable. That was cool. It's not something that anyone should feel pressured to do." (HA)
About being baptized, Rivers said:
"I thought about it. I realized how much God had an influence in the things I was blessed with. It wasn't a hard choice. I was ready to be baptized." (HA)
About how his outlook has changed since making the decision to be baptized, Rivers said:
"I have way more peace. I don't stress over things. I'm enjoying my life." (HA)
About giving pointers to the first-year receivers, Rivers said:
"If a guy is unsure out there, I'll help him. We're trying to develop depth on the roster. We need to get everybody up to speed. I want to help. I feel like a leader every year — maybe not by voice in previous years, but by my actions, and the way I practice." (HA)
About Rivers is one of their leaders, Funaki said:
"I think God is using him as a tool help touch others. I told him: 'You're definitely one of our leaders.' There are a lot of guys who look up to him. He knows how to take charge of the team. I told him to continue doing what he's doing. I've noticed a change. He feels happier within. I hope he'll be a light amongst everyone." (HA)
About receiving clearance to join the Warriors and practicing yesterday, Keenan Jones said:
"It's great to finally be part of the team ... and not be that bad seed on the team." (HA)
HA Note: "Last March, he was suspended from participating in spring training after missing mandatory meetings and training sessions. He was stripped of his football scholarship at the end of the spring semester. He also was arrested following a loud argument with his girlfriend, but no charges were filed and the case is considered to be closed."
About his off-the-field problems, Keenan said:
"I had my off-the-field things that could have been handled a little bit differently. I drew some attention that shouldn't be drawn to the team. I'm sorry about that. The focus should be on the team, not on me." (HA)
About how he was "stunned" to lose his scholarship, Keenan said:
"It was tough, trust me. I went home (to Los Angeles) and I had to get my head back right. I trained, stayed focused, stayed in my house, spent time with my family. I talked to my dad about it. My family wanted me to go back to Hawai'i and work hard. That's what I planned to do." (HA)
About taking out a student loan and receiving financial aid to pay for school now, Keenan said:
"I'll be all right." (HA)
After practicing without any difficulty yesterday, Adam Leonard said:
"It feels good to be out here and getting the work in," Leonard said.
About getting over the "mental barrier" of playing after his surgery, Adam said:
"I'm trying to get over it right now. I'll be fine." (HA)
About choosing to walk on to UH, WR Joe Avery (6' 4.5", 180 pounds) said he loved UH's offense:
"I saw a lot of their games (on television)," he said. "I heard about their quarterback, Colt (Brennan)." (HA)
About how the coaches (both JJ and Ron Lee) and players (including Michael Washington and Bess who stayed after practice to give him tips) have been helpful to him, Avery said:
"Everybody here is so welcoming. They treat each other like brothers, so it's not like high school, where you're fighting for spots, competition, or whatever. And we all want the same thing: that's to win games." (HSB)
Aboiut Avery, receivers coach Ron Lee said:
"He's coming along fine. He's got height, good hands. He's an athlete. And he's smart." (HA)
About Avery and Royce Pollard, Ron Lee said:
"Two really good young guys. (Avery) has got some speed, got great hands, and he's smart. He's coming along nicely -- it's only been two days, two practices. But already we can tell that he knows what we're doing, he has a good understanding of defense, different coverages, and he's picking up our system." (HSB)
About he was removed from the camp-opening roster because he hasn't completed work on his associate's degree, Viliami Nauhi said that he might be able to practice as early as Friday:
"I've waited this long, I can wait one more week." (HSB)
"I wanted to be baptized." (HA)
About how he performed the ceremonial dunking, Inoke Funaki said:
"It meant a lot. He's a teammate, a brother. I felt honored." (HA)
About the start of last season after sitting out a year due to a broken ankle and academic problems, Rivers said:
At the start of last season, I was happy to be back (with the team), but I wasn't enjoying it the way I used to enjoy it." (HA)
About how he began to attend church near the end of last season, Rivers said:
"Going through some things, and staying in church, it made me realize how much I used to enjoy my life, how lucky I am to be able to do all of these things, and the gifts I'm blessed with. I found my spirit." (HA)
About how he asked Rivers earlier this year if he wanted to meet with the missionaries to discuss baptism, Funaki said:
"He politely declined. He said he wanted to make sure he was comfortable. That was cool. It's not something that anyone should feel pressured to do." (HA)
About being baptized, Rivers said:
"I thought about it. I realized how much God had an influence in the things I was blessed with. It wasn't a hard choice. I was ready to be baptized." (HA)
About how his outlook has changed since making the decision to be baptized, Rivers said:
"I have way more peace. I don't stress over things. I'm enjoying my life." (HA)
About giving pointers to the first-year receivers, Rivers said:
"If a guy is unsure out there, I'll help him. We're trying to develop depth on the roster. We need to get everybody up to speed. I want to help. I feel like a leader every year — maybe not by voice in previous years, but by my actions, and the way I practice." (HA)
About Rivers is one of their leaders, Funaki said:
"I think God is using him as a tool help touch others. I told him: 'You're definitely one of our leaders.' There are a lot of guys who look up to him. He knows how to take charge of the team. I told him to continue doing what he's doing. I've noticed a change. He feels happier within. I hope he'll be a light amongst everyone." (HA)
About receiving clearance to join the Warriors and practicing yesterday, Keenan Jones said:
"It's great to finally be part of the team ... and not be that bad seed on the team." (HA)
HA Note: "Last March, he was suspended from participating in spring training after missing mandatory meetings and training sessions. He was stripped of his football scholarship at the end of the spring semester. He also was arrested following a loud argument with his girlfriend, but no charges were filed and the case is considered to be closed."
About his off-the-field problems, Keenan said:
"I had my off-the-field things that could have been handled a little bit differently. I drew some attention that shouldn't be drawn to the team. I'm sorry about that. The focus should be on the team, not on me." (HA)
About how he was "stunned" to lose his scholarship, Keenan said:
"It was tough, trust me. I went home (to Los Angeles) and I had to get my head back right. I trained, stayed focused, stayed in my house, spent time with my family. I talked to my dad about it. My family wanted me to go back to Hawai'i and work hard. That's what I planned to do." (HA)
About taking out a student loan and receiving financial aid to pay for school now, Keenan said:
"I'll be all right." (HA)
After practicing without any difficulty yesterday, Adam Leonard said:
"It feels good to be out here and getting the work in," Leonard said.
About getting over the "mental barrier" of playing after his surgery, Adam said:
"I'm trying to get over it right now. I'll be fine." (HA)
About choosing to walk on to UH, WR Joe Avery (6' 4.5", 180 pounds) said he loved UH's offense:
"I saw a lot of their games (on television)," he said. "I heard about their quarterback, Colt (Brennan)." (HA)
About how the coaches (both JJ and Ron Lee) and players (including Michael Washington and Bess who stayed after practice to give him tips) have been helpful to him, Avery said:
"Everybody here is so welcoming. They treat each other like brothers, so it's not like high school, where you're fighting for spots, competition, or whatever. And we all want the same thing: that's to win games." (HSB)
Aboiut Avery, receivers coach Ron Lee said:
"He's coming along fine. He's got height, good hands. He's an athlete. And he's smart." (HA)
About Avery and Royce Pollard, Ron Lee said:
"Two really good young guys. (Avery) has got some speed, got great hands, and he's smart. He's coming along nicely -- it's only been two days, two practices. But already we can tell that he knows what we're doing, he has a good understanding of defense, different coverages, and he's picking up our system." (HSB)
About he was removed from the camp-opening roster because he hasn't completed work on his associate's degree, Viliami Nauhi said that he might be able to practice as early as Friday:
"I've waited this long, I can wait one more week." (HSB)
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Quotes from Ashley Lelie
http://www.warriorshaka.com/Article.aspx?ID=32
Excited about the Warriors' upcoming season, Lelie said:
“They are going to do something very special this year, there’s no doubt about it. They are so exciting to watch. Colt is so talented and has so much fun back there. He needs to forget about everything he can’t control and just go cherish what he can do on the field. Cherish being in college. Cherish all those people around him.” (WH)
About how he's the highest draft pick in UH history (#19 overall), Lelie joked:
“Until next April. Then Colt’s gonna make everybody forget all about me.” (WH)
Looking forward to his first season with the 49ers, Lelie said:
“I’ve really worked hard this offseason. Walking around here (in San Francisco) you really understand their sense of tradition. I got chills when I saw all the pictures (of former 49ers) on the walls.” (WH)
About how JJ's offense prepares players for the NFL, Lelie said:
“There is no better place than Hawaii to prepare you for the NFL. When I was drafted by the Broncos, I had one read really, and that was a pre-snap read. Then I would run my route. With June, I read before the snap, after the snap … I kept reading and reacting until the ball was in my hands.
Now that they’ve all been there together so long, Colt and his receivers have that core group of plays that when they execute, just can’t be stopped by any defense in the world, and they know it. Man-free, cover two, cover three, it doesn’t matter. That’s what I miss, and that’s what I love right there – knowing you’re going to be open on every single play.
And with Colt Brennan, if you’re open, you’re getting the ball.” (WH)
Excited about the Warriors' upcoming season, Lelie said:
“They are going to do something very special this year, there’s no doubt about it. They are so exciting to watch. Colt is so talented and has so much fun back there. He needs to forget about everything he can’t control and just go cherish what he can do on the field. Cherish being in college. Cherish all those people around him.” (WH)
About how he's the highest draft pick in UH history (#19 overall), Lelie joked:
“Until next April. Then Colt’s gonna make everybody forget all about me.” (WH)
Looking forward to his first season with the 49ers, Lelie said:
“I’ve really worked hard this offseason. Walking around here (in San Francisco) you really understand their sense of tradition. I got chills when I saw all the pictures (of former 49ers) on the walls.” (WH)
About how JJ's offense prepares players for the NFL, Lelie said:
“There is no better place than Hawaii to prepare you for the NFL. When I was drafted by the Broncos, I had one read really, and that was a pre-snap read. Then I would run my route. With June, I read before the snap, after the snap … I kept reading and reacting until the ball was in my hands.
Now that they’ve all been there together so long, Colt and his receivers have that core group of plays that when they execute, just can’t be stopped by any defense in the world, and they know it. Man-free, cover two, cover three, it doesn’t matter. That’s what I miss, and that’s what I love right there – knowing you’re going to be open on every single play.
And with Colt Brennan, if you’re open, you’re getting the ball.” (WH)
Quotes from Greg McMackin
Happy to be back at UH, GM said:
"It's great to be back. June (head coach Jones) has done a great job here. The coaches are mostly the same guys who I worked with before, and the players are just fun to work with. It's time to go to work." (HSB)
About figuring out the starting lineup and the playing rotation, GM said:
"The players will trust us because they know we work really hard to play the best players. If a guy can help us win, then we want to get him on the field." (HSB)
About how Blaze, Sol, Adam, and Brad Kalilimoku will rotate for the 3 LB spots, GM said:
"All four of those guys, I feel really strong about the linebacker corps." (HSB)
About his playing time and position, Kalilimoku said:
"Whatever Coach decides. I just play where they tell me to play. I always just try to do my best and strive to do better and better. I'm going to continue to do that." (HSB)
HSB Note: "In addition, McMackin said he has confidence in reserves such as C.J. Allen-Jones, Micah Lau, Brashton Satele and Timo Paepule."
About Desmond Thomas being above him on the depth chart right now, Erik Robinson said:
"I respect that. But I'm (going to) keep working harder and harder ... If it take me to play special teams, or whatever, I'll do whatever it take to get a win." (HSB)
About Erik Robinson, GM said:
"He's a great person, and he's a team guy. He's gonna need to learn the system, but he does the things that we want and we'll take a good look at him this fall, and he'll be competing for a starting position." (HSB)
"It's great to be back. June (head coach Jones) has done a great job here. The coaches are mostly the same guys who I worked with before, and the players are just fun to work with. It's time to go to work." (HSB)
About figuring out the starting lineup and the playing rotation, GM said:
"The players will trust us because they know we work really hard to play the best players. If a guy can help us win, then we want to get him on the field." (HSB)
About how Blaze, Sol, Adam, and Brad Kalilimoku will rotate for the 3 LB spots, GM said:
"All four of those guys, I feel really strong about the linebacker corps." (HSB)
About his playing time and position, Kalilimoku said:
"Whatever Coach decides. I just play where they tell me to play. I always just try to do my best and strive to do better and better. I'm going to continue to do that." (HSB)
HSB Note: "In addition, McMackin said he has confidence in reserves such as C.J. Allen-Jones, Micah Lau, Brashton Satele and Timo Paepule."
About Desmond Thomas being above him on the depth chart right now, Erik Robinson said:
"I respect that. But I'm (going to) keep working harder and harder ... If it take me to play special teams, or whatever, I'll do whatever it take to get a win." (HSB)
About Erik Robinson, GM said:
"He's a great person, and he's a team guy. He's gonna need to learn the system, but he does the things that we want and we'll take a good look at him this fall, and he'll be competing for a starting position." (HSB)
Quotes about the new OL
About how John Estes introduced him to a specific type of fishing recently, Keith Ah-Soon said:
"Spear fishing." (HSB)
"All the new guys coming from the mainland were like 'Damn, dudes, you guys are crazy. Me, from Samoa, I never seen those spear guns before. I was excited to go out there and shoot some fish."
HSB Note: "One of the most important aspects of building a cohesive front five is bonding. Warrior offensive lines of the past have done such things as karaoke and basketball to build chemistry, but this year's squad decided to take to the water. Three days a week during the summer, senior Hercules Satele got everyone together for morning workouts before spending the afternoon in the ocean looking for fish."
Estes learned spear fishing from relatives from Hawaii and said that the rest of the OL has varying levels of success with it:
"You've got Keith out there looking like a polar bear when he's swimming. It's kind of scary sometimes." (HSB)
Happy with how the OL practiced in their opening day of camp, DM said:
"Guys are in shape and excited for training camp to start, which is a good sign because training camp is not fun. They want the dividends of what's going to pay off from the hard work they have put in." (HSB)
About replacing 3 players on the OL who are now with NFL teams, DM said:
"There's no way you can say we'll just go on business as usual without Dane, Sam and Tala. The job will still get done. It might not get done as polished or as fancy or as easy or as clean, but it will get done." (HSB)
"Spear fishing." (HSB)
"All the new guys coming from the mainland were like 'Damn, dudes, you guys are crazy. Me, from Samoa, I never seen those spear guns before. I was excited to go out there and shoot some fish."
HSB Note: "One of the most important aspects of building a cohesive front five is bonding. Warrior offensive lines of the past have done such things as karaoke and basketball to build chemistry, but this year's squad decided to take to the water. Three days a week during the summer, senior Hercules Satele got everyone together for morning workouts before spending the afternoon in the ocean looking for fish."
Estes learned spear fishing from relatives from Hawaii and said that the rest of the OL has varying levels of success with it:
"You've got Keith out there looking like a polar bear when he's swimming. It's kind of scary sometimes." (HSB)
Happy with how the OL practiced in their opening day of camp, DM said:
"Guys are in shape and excited for training camp to start, which is a good sign because training camp is not fun. They want the dividends of what's going to pay off from the hard work they have put in." (HSB)
About replacing 3 players on the OL who are now with NFL teams, DM said:
"There's no way you can say we'll just go on business as usual without Dane, Sam and Tala. The job will still get done. It might not get done as polished or as fancy or as easy or as clean, but it will get done." (HSB)
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