TU = The Union
About going to Hawaii after being in the western Arizona heat for two years, Zach Masch said:
“I kind of feel like I deserve to go to Hawaii after working so hard in the freakin’ heat in Yuma (Ariz.)." (TU)
About graduating from his JC early so that he can enroll at UH in January, Masch said:
“That was the whole pla. I wanted to graduate in December to show coaches that I’d matured since high school and that I was willing to take that extra step so I’d be a good student-athlete.” (TU)
TU Note: "Masch, a 6-foot, 3-inch, 290-pound defensive tackle, finished the 2008 season with 46 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks, one fumble recovery and one safety. The sophomore from Nevada City also served as a team captain for the Matadors, who finished the year with a 5-5 record."
About how he was going to visit Louisiana-Lafayette but decided to commit to UH during his recruiting trip to UH and after attending the Cincinnati game, Masch said:
“It just kind of hit me when I was there. What hit me the most was their fans were just crazy, really into it, really supporting the team. And the team has a real good family thing going on. You know, that’s what makes a team play its best.” (TU)
"It was the family atmosphere with the players and the fans at the game were great." (HSB)
About how his former teammate Steele Jantz is at UH, Masch said:
“I met him at the game. We hung out. It was cool. It’s nice to know someone on the team.” (TU)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
JC CB Lametrius Davis commits to the Warriors!
About his commitment to the Warriors, Butte College CB Lametrius Davis said:
"Hawai'i is my choice. I like the coaches, the players and the program. A lot of people think it's because of the scenery, because it's Hawai'i. I didn't make my decision based on the town. I made it based on the program." (HA)
HA Note: "Davis is 6 feet and 193 pounds. He said he ran 40 yards in 4.38 seconds at the NorCal Junior College Combine the past summer. He has a 36-inch vertical jump, and can dunk a basketball. He was named to the All-Combine first team. He was recruited by Utah, Brigham Young, Oregon State, Washington, Washington State, Boise State and UMass."
About his recruiting visit this past weekend, where he attended meetings and video sessions,stayed overnight at the team hotel, and went to the game on a team bus, Davis said:
"It was like being a regular member of the team. It was fun." (HA)
HA Note: "He said he attended the team banquet Sunday night."
About how he will enroll at UH in January if all of his credits meet UH's standards, otherwise he'll enroll at UH in May, Davis said:
"Regardless, I'm going to Hawai'i. And I'm going to be in shape." (HA)
HA Note: "He said his schedule is split between school work and football. During the offseason, he trains five times a week. He said he will work on three-cone drills and back-pedaling."
About how he's always trying to improve himself, Davis said:
"I'm always doing speed drills or lifting weights or watching film. I want to keep improving my football IQ." (HA)
HA Note: "He did not pick up football until the eighth grade. But because of an injury, he did not play football as a high school freshman or sophomore. He returned for his junior season, placing on the Portland Interscholastic League's first team as a cornerback and running back He repeated those honors as a senior."
About how Dowling (who also went to Butte) served as his host during his trip, Davis said:
"I saw film of (Dowling) when he played at Butte. He had a couple of records at Butte. I didn't really know him, but I knew of him." (HA)
About UH's coaches, Davis said:
"The coaches are down to earth. I got along with them." (HA)
"Hawai'i is my choice. I like the coaches, the players and the program. A lot of people think it's because of the scenery, because it's Hawai'i. I didn't make my decision based on the town. I made it based on the program." (HA)
HA Note: "Davis is 6 feet and 193 pounds. He said he ran 40 yards in 4.38 seconds at the NorCal Junior College Combine the past summer. He has a 36-inch vertical jump, and can dunk a basketball. He was named to the All-Combine first team. He was recruited by Utah, Brigham Young, Oregon State, Washington, Washington State, Boise State and UMass."
About his recruiting visit this past weekend, where he attended meetings and video sessions,stayed overnight at the team hotel, and went to the game on a team bus, Davis said:
"It was like being a regular member of the team. It was fun." (HA)
HA Note: "He said he attended the team banquet Sunday night."
About how he will enroll at UH in January if all of his credits meet UH's standards, otherwise he'll enroll at UH in May, Davis said:
"Regardless, I'm going to Hawai'i. And I'm going to be in shape." (HA)
HA Note: "He said his schedule is split between school work and football. During the offseason, he trains five times a week. He said he will work on three-cone drills and back-pedaling."
About how he's always trying to improve himself, Davis said:
"I'm always doing speed drills or lifting weights or watching film. I want to keep improving my football IQ." (HA)
HA Note: "He did not pick up football until the eighth grade. But because of an injury, he did not play football as a high school freshman or sophomore. He returned for his junior season, placing on the Portland Interscholastic League's first team as a cornerback and running back He repeated those honors as a senior."
About how Dowling (who also went to Butte) served as his host during his trip, Davis said:
"I saw film of (Dowling) when he played at Butte. He had a couple of records at Butte. I didn't really know him, but I knew of him." (HA)
About UH's coaches, Davis said:
"The coaches are down to earth. I got along with them." (HA)
Monday, December 8, 2008
Feature stories on Bess becoming Miami's top WR
PBP = Palm Beach Post
SFSS = South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Praising Bess with the words he used to use for top WR (until his injury) Greg Camarillo, Chad Pennington said:
“He’s quarterback friendly. He understands how to get open. He understands how to run routes and work defenders and he’s really patient. There’s a lot to be said for being quarterback friendly. A lot of people don’t understand what that means or how important that is to a quarterback.” (PBP)
"There's a lot to be said to being quarterback-friendly. Not a lot of people understand what that it is or how important that is. [Bess] understands how to get open and understands how to run routes and work defenders. He's really patient. He does a great job of taking angles and getting open in spots." (SFSS)
About how he's worked hard extremely hard each week, Bess said:
“My focus has been extremely outrageous, just really, really focused on what I have to get done. We work so hard during the week. I don’t think people realize how hard to work to get things accomplished and transfer it over to the game.” (PBP)
"I'm always prepared. Coach stresses every receiver has to be ready on every play, run the route like you're the main receiver, so I'm expecting the ball." (SFSS)
About how Camarillo encourages him every week, Bess said:
“He’s telling me to keep it up, good job. He was one of the first guys to help me when I first got here. He never showed any negativity toward me. He supported me.” (PBP)
SFSS = South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Praising Bess with the words he used to use for top WR (until his injury) Greg Camarillo, Chad Pennington said:
“He’s quarterback friendly. He understands how to get open. He understands how to run routes and work defenders and he’s really patient. There’s a lot to be said for being quarterback friendly. A lot of people don’t understand what that means or how important that is to a quarterback.” (PBP)
"There's a lot to be said to being quarterback-friendly. Not a lot of people understand what that it is or how important that is. [Bess] understands how to get open and understands how to run routes and work defenders. He's really patient. He does a great job of taking angles and getting open in spots." (SFSS)
About how he's worked hard extremely hard each week, Bess said:
“My focus has been extremely outrageous, just really, really focused on what I have to get done. We work so hard during the week. I don’t think people realize how hard to work to get things accomplished and transfer it over to the game.” (PBP)
"I'm always prepared. Coach stresses every receiver has to be ready on every play, run the route like you're the main receiver, so I'm expecting the ball." (SFSS)
About how Camarillo encourages him every week, Bess said:
“He’s telling me to keep it up, good job. He was one of the first guys to help me when I first got here. He never showed any negativity toward me. He supported me.” (PBP)
Cayman Shutter commits to the Warriors!
About the weekend, where he passed for 400 yards to lead his team to the Hawaii state championship and accepted a scholarship from UH, Cayman Shutter said:
"It's been unbelievable. It's been like a dream come true." (HA)
HA Note: "The past summer, Shutter had made a verbal commitment to attend New Mexico. After that, he received an offer from the Warriors. Although UH "was always my first choice," Shutter felt obligated to honor his commitment to New Mexico. But last month, Rocky Long, one year removed from a bowl season, resigned as the Lobos' head coach."
About how he could withdraw from his New Mexico commitment after their coach resigned, Shutter said:
"I felt it wasn't the same school I committed to. I felt that gave me an opportunity to play for my home. That's what I decided to do." (HA)
"UH was my first choice all along. I was going to honor my commitment to New Mexico, but the only other school I would go to was UH." (HSB)
HA Note: "According to Shutter, McMackin said the Warriors had decided they were done recruiting quarterbacks for the 2009 class. Four UH quarterbacks were returning, including starter Greg Alexander, and the Warriors had received a verbal commitment from Corey Nielsen of Gahr High School in California."
About how he waited for a scholarship from UH, Shutter said:
"I held on for a little bit." (HA)
About the voicemail he got from Mac Saturday morning, Shutter said:
"He said he needed to talk to me before the game (against Cincinnati). I went in before the game. He said he really liked me, and he thought he'd open it up again and give me a scholarship. I committed on the spot." (HA)
About his recruiting experience with UH, Shutter said:
"I was really impressed with how coach McMackin really did everything with me. I appreciate that he's done a great job with recruiting, and I'm very excited about joining." (HA)
About how he's been at Punahou since 7th grade, Shutter said:
"I've been in the football program since then." (HA)
About how he helped Punahou win their first state football championship, Shutter said:
"Punahou has a great athletic program, but that's never been done before for the schoo. It's a great way for the seniors to give back to the school. It's been a great school for me. It's been a long time coming for a state title." (HA)
About his amazing weekend, Shutter said:
"It was a big weekend. I have to let it all sink in." (HSB)
About how freshman WR Miah Ostrowski (a Punahou grad) was one of the first people he told about his UH commitment, Shutter said:
"He said, 'That's good. Let's get to work.' (HSB)
"It's been unbelievable. It's been like a dream come true." (HA)
HA Note: "The past summer, Shutter had made a verbal commitment to attend New Mexico. After that, he received an offer from the Warriors. Although UH "was always my first choice," Shutter felt obligated to honor his commitment to New Mexico. But last month, Rocky Long, one year removed from a bowl season, resigned as the Lobos' head coach."
About how he could withdraw from his New Mexico commitment after their coach resigned, Shutter said:
"I felt it wasn't the same school I committed to. I felt that gave me an opportunity to play for my home. That's what I decided to do." (HA)
"UH was my first choice all along. I was going to honor my commitment to New Mexico, but the only other school I would go to was UH." (HSB)
HA Note: "According to Shutter, McMackin said the Warriors had decided they were done recruiting quarterbacks for the 2009 class. Four UH quarterbacks were returning, including starter Greg Alexander, and the Warriors had received a verbal commitment from Corey Nielsen of Gahr High School in California."
About how he waited for a scholarship from UH, Shutter said:
"I held on for a little bit." (HA)
About the voicemail he got from Mac Saturday morning, Shutter said:
"He said he needed to talk to me before the game (against Cincinnati). I went in before the game. He said he really liked me, and he thought he'd open it up again and give me a scholarship. I committed on the spot." (HA)
About his recruiting experience with UH, Shutter said:
"I was really impressed with how coach McMackin really did everything with me. I appreciate that he's done a great job with recruiting, and I'm very excited about joining." (HA)
About how he's been at Punahou since 7th grade, Shutter said:
"I've been in the football program since then." (HA)
About how he helped Punahou win their first state football championship, Shutter said:
"Punahou has a great athletic program, but that's never been done before for the schoo. It's a great way for the seniors to give back to the school. It's been a great school for me. It's been a long time coming for a state title." (HA)
About his amazing weekend, Shutter said:
"It was a big weekend. I have to let it all sink in." (HSB)
About how freshman WR Miah Ostrowski (a Punahou grad) was one of the first people he told about his UH commitment, Shutter said:
"He said, 'That's good. Let's get to work.' (HSB)
Other quotes from the local papers
About David Veikune winning the Alec Waterhouse MVP award at the Warriors' banquet, Mac said:
"I felt game in and game out he was our best player. He was consistent. He plays full speed and he's just been an outstanding player for us. He's a humble person and he's someone I really respect." (HSB)
About being named to the All-WAC second team, Veikune said:
"I'm just honored to be on any (all-conference) team. It's just been an honor to play at Hawaii. With the success our team has had over the few years I've been here, it's been awesome." (HSB)
About how Jake Ingram shared the Ben Yee Most Inspirational Award (with Mouton), Mac said:
"Jake has been Mr. Consistency since I've been here." (HSB)
About Mouton, Mac said:
"He's the best athlete on our team and the quickest, and he's mentally tough. He's a guy who puts the team first and just wants to help the team win." (HSB)
About how the INT TD changed the momentum, Brandon Underwood said:
"It was all odds against us and after (the interception), I felt a whole shift in the momentum for the whole game." (HSB)
About the winning TD pass, backup QB Dustin Grutza said:
"I tried to go to the boundary side, it wasn't open, felt a little pressure and escaped out and saw Mardy wide open." (HSB)
"I felt game in and game out he was our best player. He was consistent. He plays full speed and he's just been an outstanding player for us. He's a humble person and he's someone I really respect." (HSB)
About being named to the All-WAC second team, Veikune said:
"I'm just honored to be on any (all-conference) team. It's just been an honor to play at Hawaii. With the success our team has had over the few years I've been here, it's been awesome." (HSB)
About how Jake Ingram shared the Ben Yee Most Inspirational Award (with Mouton), Mac said:
"Jake has been Mr. Consistency since I've been here." (HSB)
About Mouton, Mac said:
"He's the best athlete on our team and the quickest, and he's mentally tough. He's a guy who puts the team first and just wants to help the team win." (HSB)
About how the INT TD changed the momentum, Brandon Underwood said:
"It was all odds against us and after (the interception), I felt a whole shift in the momentum for the whole game." (HSB)
About the winning TD pass, backup QB Dustin Grutza said:
"I tried to go to the boundary side, it wasn't open, felt a little pressure and escaped out and saw Mardy wide open." (HSB)
Notre Dame is in the Hawaii Bowl
Excited about the matchup with Notre Dame, JD said:
"We're excited to be playing a program that has such a storied tradition in college football." (HA)
"Notre Dame has a huge national following and the visibility will be good for our program, our school and our state." (HA)
About facing Notre Dame, Mac said:
"They're all about tradition. It'll be exciting for everybody involved." (HSB)
"I'm really excited. This is one of the big-time teams in college football. This is Knute Rockne, Touchdown Jesus and the Four Horsemen. It's one of the top names in the game. They travel well, it'll help the bowl and it'll help the economy." (HSB)
Looking forward to the Hawaii Bowl, Charlie Weis said:
"We're very excited about heading out west to play in the (Hawai'i) Bowl. This is a great opportunity for our team to face a quality opponent in their backyard and we'll need to be ready." (HA)
"We're very excited about heading out west to play in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl. This is a great opportunity for our team to face a quality opponent in their backyard and we'll need to be ready. I know the extra practices this month will really benefit our team and we look forward to ending this season on a good note." (HSB)
HA Note: "The most-watched of the previous six Hawai'i Bowls was the 2006 UH-Arizona State game, which drew 2.3 million households. People in the television industry see the potential for nearly double that because of Notre Dame's presence. The game will be televised nationally by ESPN, and will be the only college football game that day."
About the big audience expected for the Hawaii Bowl, WAC Commisioner Karl Benson said:
"Notre Dame is a high-profile team that demands fan and media attention, and getting the Irish is a great coup for (bowl officials) Pete Derzis and David Matlin." (HA)
About how they worked hard for a long time to try to get Notre Dame in the Hawaii Bowl, Matlin said:
"a lot had to happen" (HA)
Matlin said that the process of getting Notre Dame was similar to a:
"root canal." (HA)
HA Note: "The Irish were stunned by 3-9 Syracuse, 24-23, removing them from consideration from the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Fla. Notre Dame's 38-3 loss to Southern California coupled with Louisville's 63-14 loss to Rutgers opened the way for Pittsburgh to represent the Big East in the Brut Sun Bowl instead of the Irish. Then, the Pac-10 was able to field only five bowl-eligible teams because Stanford, UCLA and Arizona State all suffered crucial late losses and were unable to get to 6-6."
About the Hawaii Bowl, Derzis said:
"We believe our game offers a world-class destination and an experience that the schools and their players will value. We've gotten six years of wonderful feedback from teams that have been here." (HA)
HA Note: "To get Notre Dame, the Hawai'i Bowl reportedly agreed to work around the school's late final exam schedule, which runs to Dec. 19. Traditionally, the game has asked its teams to be in town nearly a week before the game. Indications are the Irish will be here Dec. 20."
About letting Notre Dame get into town later because of their final exam schedule, Matlin said:
"We're doing what we can to accommodate them any way we can." (HA)
HA Note: "The financial investment for Notre Dame is "not inconsiderable," Heisler said, and is expected to result in a net loss for the Fighting Irish to play in the Hawai'i Bowl. The Pac-10 and C-USA have said they have underwritten appearances by their teams in the past."
About the chance to play Notre Dame, Adam Leonard said:
"With the tradition they have, everybody knows about Notre Dame. It's just unbelievable and I'm thrilled for the opportunity." (HSB)
About how the Notre Dame news got him over the Cincinnati loss, Mac said:
"I usually give 48 hours to get over a ballgame. That just put me right past the bad feelings about that game and on to the next." (HSB)
About getting Notre Dame in the Hawaii Bowl, Matlin said:
"Notre Dame is a storied football tradition and getting them is a huge statement. We're blessed in that a lot of things lined up for this to be possible. ... It's a thrilling day for me personally and I'm grateful to so many people who helped put us in this position from (former executive director and current UH athletic director) Jim Donovan to (ESPN's) Pete Derzis to Hugh Yoshida." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Fighting Irish will be looking to win their first bowl game since 1993, having lost nine straight postseason games since beating Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl."
"We're excited to be playing a program that has such a storied tradition in college football." (HA)
"Notre Dame has a huge national following and the visibility will be good for our program, our school and our state." (HA)
About facing Notre Dame, Mac said:
"They're all about tradition. It'll be exciting for everybody involved." (HSB)
"I'm really excited. This is one of the big-time teams in college football. This is Knute Rockne, Touchdown Jesus and the Four Horsemen. It's one of the top names in the game. They travel well, it'll help the bowl and it'll help the economy." (HSB)
Looking forward to the Hawaii Bowl, Charlie Weis said:
"We're very excited about heading out west to play in the (Hawai'i) Bowl. This is a great opportunity for our team to face a quality opponent in their backyard and we'll need to be ready." (HA)
"We're very excited about heading out west to play in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl. This is a great opportunity for our team to face a quality opponent in their backyard and we'll need to be ready. I know the extra practices this month will really benefit our team and we look forward to ending this season on a good note." (HSB)
HA Note: "The most-watched of the previous six Hawai'i Bowls was the 2006 UH-Arizona State game, which drew 2.3 million households. People in the television industry see the potential for nearly double that because of Notre Dame's presence. The game will be televised nationally by ESPN, and will be the only college football game that day."
About the big audience expected for the Hawaii Bowl, WAC Commisioner Karl Benson said:
"Notre Dame is a high-profile team that demands fan and media attention, and getting the Irish is a great coup for (bowl officials) Pete Derzis and David Matlin." (HA)
About how they worked hard for a long time to try to get Notre Dame in the Hawaii Bowl, Matlin said:
"a lot had to happen" (HA)
Matlin said that the process of getting Notre Dame was similar to a:
"root canal." (HA)
HA Note: "The Irish were stunned by 3-9 Syracuse, 24-23, removing them from consideration from the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Fla. Notre Dame's 38-3 loss to Southern California coupled with Louisville's 63-14 loss to Rutgers opened the way for Pittsburgh to represent the Big East in the Brut Sun Bowl instead of the Irish. Then, the Pac-10 was able to field only five bowl-eligible teams because Stanford, UCLA and Arizona State all suffered crucial late losses and were unable to get to 6-6."
About the Hawaii Bowl, Derzis said:
"We believe our game offers a world-class destination and an experience that the schools and their players will value. We've gotten six years of wonderful feedback from teams that have been here." (HA)
HA Note: "To get Notre Dame, the Hawai'i Bowl reportedly agreed to work around the school's late final exam schedule, which runs to Dec. 19. Traditionally, the game has asked its teams to be in town nearly a week before the game. Indications are the Irish will be here Dec. 20."
About letting Notre Dame get into town later because of their final exam schedule, Matlin said:
"We're doing what we can to accommodate them any way we can." (HA)
HA Note: "The financial investment for Notre Dame is "not inconsiderable," Heisler said, and is expected to result in a net loss for the Fighting Irish to play in the Hawai'i Bowl. The Pac-10 and C-USA have said they have underwritten appearances by their teams in the past."
About the chance to play Notre Dame, Adam Leonard said:
"With the tradition they have, everybody knows about Notre Dame. It's just unbelievable and I'm thrilled for the opportunity." (HSB)
About how the Notre Dame news got him over the Cincinnati loss, Mac said:
"I usually give 48 hours to get over a ballgame. That just put me right past the bad feelings about that game and on to the next." (HSB)
About getting Notre Dame in the Hawaii Bowl, Matlin said:
"Notre Dame is a storied football tradition and getting them is a huge statement. We're blessed in that a lot of things lined up for this to be possible. ... It's a thrilling day for me personally and I'm grateful to so many people who helped put us in this position from (former executive director and current UH athletic director) Jim Donovan to (ESPN's) Pete Derzis to Hugh Yoshida." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Fighting Irish will be looking to win their first bowl game since 1993, having lost nine straight postseason games since beating Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl."
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Notre Dame to the Hawaii Bowl!
----- Quotes from before the Notre Dame announcement was official ----
About how they want Notre Dame in the Hawaii Bowl, Hawaii Bowl executive director David Matlin said:
"No question, we'd love to have Notre Dame here. We hope to have something to announce later today." (HA)
"It looks encouraging, but it's certainly not a done deal. Hopefully we'll know by 3 p.m. today. We were up at 6 a.m. today working on it and we've done all we can do." (HSB)
"It's a definite possibility. It's something we're working very hard at. We've had conversations." (HA)
"They're somebody we'd very much like to have, but there are other bowls also vying for them." (HA)
HA Note: "With Arizona State's 31-10 loss to Arizona last night, the Pac-10 was not able to fulfill its contractual obligation to provide a representative to play in the game."
-----Quotes from after it was official ----
UH = University of Hawaii Press Release
About Notre Dame committing to the Hawaii Bowl, Matlin said:
“We are thrilled to have the University of Notre Dame in the 7th Annual SHERATON HAWAI‘I BOWL. Notre Dame is a storied football tradition and we are honored to have both them and the University of Hawai‘i in our 2008 game.” (UH)
Happy that Notre Dame will be in the Hawaii Bowl, ESPN Regional TV VP and GM Pete Derzis said:
"to be able to attract Notre Dame as an at-large team in only our 7th year is a real testament to Hawai‘i being a world-class destination and the quality of our previous games. In addition the unique experiences we have provided for the student-athletes have played a big part in showcasing ourselves and the game." (UH)
Crediting their sponsors, Matlin said:
"A special thanks to our title sponsor, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts for helping us build this game into something that is attractive to a University of Notre Dame’s caliber. Ernie Nishizaki, Kyo-ya Company, Ltd., Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, and Keith Vieira, Senior Vice President and Director of Operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii and French Polynesia, stepped up 6 years ago as the title sponsor to continue the game in Honolulu and have put us in a position to have this great match-up." (UH)
Praising JD, Matlin said:
“I would be remiss if I did not mention and thank Jim Donovan for his leadership and mentorship the last six years as the bowl’s Executive Director. The last three weeks have been an intensive process to put the bowl in position to have a chance to get Notre Dame. Our executive committee, chaired by Hugh Yoshida, has stepped up to help to make this a reality. Also, a special mahalo to the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and David Uchiyama, VP of Marketing, for all of their contributions in making this come to fruition.” (UH)
About how they want Notre Dame in the Hawaii Bowl, Hawaii Bowl executive director David Matlin said:
"No question, we'd love to have Notre Dame here. We hope to have something to announce later today." (HA)
"It looks encouraging, but it's certainly not a done deal. Hopefully we'll know by 3 p.m. today. We were up at 6 a.m. today working on it and we've done all we can do." (HSB)
"It's a definite possibility. It's something we're working very hard at. We've had conversations." (HA)
"They're somebody we'd very much like to have, but there are other bowls also vying for them." (HA)
HA Note: "With Arizona State's 31-10 loss to Arizona last night, the Pac-10 was not able to fulfill its contractual obligation to provide a representative to play in the game."
-----Quotes from after it was official ----
UH = University of Hawaii Press Release
About Notre Dame committing to the Hawaii Bowl, Matlin said:
“We are thrilled to have the University of Notre Dame in the 7th Annual SHERATON HAWAI‘I BOWL. Notre Dame is a storied football tradition and we are honored to have both them and the University of Hawai‘i in our 2008 game.” (UH)
Happy that Notre Dame will be in the Hawaii Bowl, ESPN Regional TV VP and GM Pete Derzis said:
"to be able to attract Notre Dame as an at-large team in only our 7th year is a real testament to Hawai‘i being a world-class destination and the quality of our previous games. In addition the unique experiences we have provided for the student-athletes have played a big part in showcasing ourselves and the game." (UH)
Crediting their sponsors, Matlin said:
"A special thanks to our title sponsor, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts for helping us build this game into something that is attractive to a University of Notre Dame’s caliber. Ernie Nishizaki, Kyo-ya Company, Ltd., Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, and Keith Vieira, Senior Vice President and Director of Operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii and French Polynesia, stepped up 6 years ago as the title sponsor to continue the game in Honolulu and have put us in a position to have this great match-up." (UH)
Praising JD, Matlin said:
“I would be remiss if I did not mention and thank Jim Donovan for his leadership and mentorship the last six years as the bowl’s Executive Director. The last three weeks have been an intensive process to put the bowl in position to have a chance to get Notre Dame. Our executive committee, chaired by Hugh Yoshida, has stepped up to help to make this a reality. Also, a special mahalo to the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and David Uchiyama, VP of Marketing, for all of their contributions in making this come to fruition.” (UH)
Quotes from the UH-Cincinnati game 12/6/08
HA = Honolulu Advertiser
HSB = Honolulu Star-Bulletin
UH = University of Hawaii Official Site
---------------------
.
--------------------- Quotes from the UH Coaches --------------------
.
About their offense and defense in this game, UH Head Coach Greg McMackin (Mac) said:
"It was a game that in the first half we made some adjustments offensively. We went down and scored at the end of the first half and we were not as aggressive as we usually are. Then we came out at halftime and moved the ball. Defensively we only allowed them three first downs in the second half. They couldn’t run against us, they couldn’t throw against us and they’ve thrown and ran against everybody this season. When Cincinnati ran the ball we went to an eight-man front when they were in their running sets. You got to give them credit, they made plays. They took the ball and ran it in for a touchdown. Then they got the safety, we kicked off and they got a big return. You have to give Cincinnati credit but I’m really proud of my football team because they played their tail off against a good football team. We played really hard and were ready for the game. We showed we could play with them. They made plays in the end and we didn’t." (UH)
Proud of the team and their seniors, Mac said:
“I’m proud of the team and I’m proud of the seniors who’ve led the team all year long. We have one more ball game so I’m not going to sit around and pout about this one. I’ve felt that we’ve played good enough to win. But they made plays. I’m proud of our seniors and I’m proud of the way they came out in the second half. I’m proud of the way the defense came out in the second half. Like I said, they gave up only three first downs. So I’m proud of things, but we lost so that’s the pits and disappointment. But we can play in front of our Hawaii crowd for one more ball game and do a better job. We have to play better and finish better." (UH)
Giving credit to UC, Mac said:
"You have to give them credit -- they made plays at the end. I don't know if we gave it away or they took it away. ... They're a tough football team and that's what great teams do. We're a good football team, but not good enough to finish. Hopefully we'll learn something from this and be able to play better about the bowl game." (HSB)
.
Praising Alexander's play in this game, Rolo said:
"He played good, very good. He did exactly what we asked of him. He played hard and he played smart out there. He's a great leader and allows other people to make plays." (HA)
.
------------------ Quotes from the UH Players --------------------
.
Blaming their offense for this loss, Greg Alexander said:
"Put this one on the offense; the defense played a hell of a game. We just didn't execute." (HSB)
"It was just bad execution tonight. Their defense did a hell of a job, but we let it get away from us." (HA)
About their mistakes, Alexander said:
"We gave them the game. We (bleepin') gave away the game." (HA)
"The No. 13 team doesn't need much help, and we helped them." (HA)
.
Praising Alexander, Lane said:
"He's just solid. He's solid every game. He's very smart, and very good at running our offense. I'm proud of the way he played tonight, just like I'm proud of all of our guys." (HA)
Feeling bad for their seniors, Malcolm Lane said:
"That's what I really feel bad for. This is a wonderful class of seniors. Great leaders. That's why it hurts so bad. We still have another game left, but this would have been a big night for the seniors, to beat the No. 13 team." (HSB)
Giving credit to UC, Lane said:
"Anything possible that could wrong, we did. I give a lot of credit to Cincinnati. It wasn't meant to be. They're No. 13 in the nation for a reason." (HA)
Blaming their conservative play calling for the loss, Lane said:
"We beat ourselves at the end. We got too conservative. That's what hurts so much. We had the game won. It was right there in our pocket, and then we threw it away. We did everything wrong we could have done." (HA)
About how they stopped playing hard at the end, Lane said:
"A football game is not 55 minutes long. It's 60. You have to play all 60 minutes hard. We didn't play all 60." (HA)
.
About how they wanted to win for their seniors, Jon Medeiros said:
"We wanted it so bad, the last (regular-season) game for 34 seniors. We had a chance to come out here and do something special tonight. It just didn't work out. This senior class is incredible. They're a big impact on this football team and we're gonna miss 'em next year. They were outstanding this season." (HSB)
.
About the loss, Solomon Elimimian said:
"Its a tough loss, I feel like we played really well, it was just meant for them to win. They're a great team and I just thank God we still have one more game to play to redeem ourselves." (HSB)
.
About how they knew that they had to keep fighting even when they were up by 14, Ryan Mouton said:
"It was tough, we kept fighting, and we thought we had it won, but sometimes the ball just doesn't bounce your way. Even when we went up by 14 we knew we should keep fighting, because that's a good team out there. They're not ranked 13th for no reason, and made a couple plays to get back in the game. We gotta get ready for the next one." (HSB)
.
About the loss, David Veikune said:
"It's really tough to lose a close game like this. To lose really hurt, but we just have to bounce back." (HSB)
Asked about not being selected to the All-WAC first team after getting 7 tackles and a sack in this game, Veikune said:
"I don't think about (the snub) a lot. I just try to go out and play my hardest every game. Tonight we played tough, and that's all I can ask for." (HA)
.
About the loss, Keao Monteilh said:
"We played our game and we played well, but they just made one more play than we did." (HA)
.
About how UC ran the ball a lot more than they had expected, Keala Watson said:
"It was a different offense that the one we studied on tape. But we made our adjustments and I think we played them tough." (HA)
Proud of how they played, Watson said:
"We played our heart out and I'm really proud of all the guys out there tonight. We didn't get the win, but we played a great game against a very good football team. You have to give (Cincinnati) credit. They came up with the plays they needed, but I'm happy with the way we played." (HA)
.
About their defense in the game, Joshua Leonard said:
"We just had a few bad possessions that they were able to take advantage of. We stopped the pass early, so they started running it. We made adjustments, but they hurt us with all their screens and draws." (HA)
.
About UC's winning 69-yard TD pass, Desmond Thomas said:
"We were in a two-man under and the quarterback looked like he was going to get sacked. He was scrambling so we tried to shift our zone over, but then he came back and threw it. (Gilyard) was in kind of a dead zone, but he caught the ball and made a play." (HA)
About how future Warrior defenses will carry on their style of tough D, Thomas said:
"We might not be known for having the kind of athletes you have in the SEC, but we come to play. We don't back down, and that tradition is going to carry on here." (HA)
.
About how they wanted to win the game for their seniors, John Fonoti said:
"We wanted to go out with a bang for our seniors. I guess it didn't go that way. But we played our butts off." (HA)
.
About how the seniors wanted to win their last regular season game in front of their family and friends, Fale Laeli said:
"We knew it was our last game and we just wanted to make our family and friends who came to see us proud. It wasn't the result we wanted, but I thought we played hard and did ourselves proud." (HA)
.
About the loss, Dan Kelly said;
"We were heartbroken. But we were also heartbroken after that Florida loss (to start the season). Cincinnati's a good team -- that's why we played them to the very end and why they're 13th in the country. They're that good." (HSB)
.
About recovering the fumble (forced by Guyton Galdeira) on the kickoff after the Warriors tied the score at 10 on Farmer's TD, Jayson Rego (who returned the fumble to the 5-yard-line) said:
"I was just in the right spot at the right time," said Rego, who stands 5 foot 9, 215-pounds. "Everybody was just chasing the guy and I think it was Guyton that came up with the hit and the ball was right in front of me and I picked it up, tried to run it in." (HA)
HA Note: "Alexander found Malcolm Lane on a two-yard shovel pass three plays later to give the Warriors their first lead at 17-10."
.
About his personal foul penalty on a FG attempt that gave UC a TD instead of a FG, Tua Mahaley said:
"I'm not sure about that penalty. It's whatever." (HA)
.
------------------ Quotes from the Cincinnati Coaches -----------------
.
Praising Mac and the Warriors, Cincinnati (UC) Head Coach Brian Kelly said:
"First of all, my hat’s off to Greg McMackin and the Hawai`i football team. They played hard, they played physical. We played Oklahoma and I’ll tell you, this football team in Hawai`i hits you as hard if not harder. In the second half, they took it to us. The forced fumbles, made plays when they needed to and we, obviously, were behind them. We had to make plays defensively and we did. We made some plays, as we did all year, and found a way in the end to ‘eek’ out a hard fought victory." (UH)
"We played Oklahoma this year and I will tell you this football team in Hawaii hits you as hard if not harder." (HSB)
About being behind in the 3rd quarter, Kelly said:
"Well, certainly at that point we were kicking ourselves for the miscues. But as been with this team all year, we don’t stop the game in the third quarter. You keep playing. The one good thing about this group is they keep fighting and they keep playing. And they overcame a lot of the miscues you were talking about." (UH)
"There's no question at that point we were certainly kicking ourselves for the miscues. As has been the case with this team all year, they don't stop the game in the third quarter. You keep playing and one great thing about this group is they keep fighting and keep playing and we overcame a lot of the miscues." (HSB)
About their comeback, Kelly said:
"Obviously, we needed something good to happen. We got them backed up. (Kevin) Huber the punter backed up Hawai`i and gave us an opportunity, but we had to make a play. Like I tell my kids all the time ‘Listen we need to make some plays here,’ and we made the plays defensively that gave our offense enough momentum that we could ‘eek’ out the win today." (UH)
HSB Note: "It was already without Goodman, running back Jacob Ramsey and left tackle Jeff Linkenbach when Pike left the game with an arm injury."
About their 11 victories this season, Kelly said:
"You don’t want to come here and look at all the turnovers, and not to take anything away from Hawai`i because they caused most of them. But to get the 11th win on the road against a very good football team, and a bowl team, feels good." (UH)
About how their backup QB Grutza entered after starting QB Pike was hurt, Kelly said:
"One thing about him is he's a fifth-year senior who has played a lot of Big East football. He's not a guy who's going to get rattled." (HSB)
About how they needed to make big plays on D to come back in the game, Kelly said:
"We had to make some plays defensively and we did, as we have all year, and found a way at the end to eek out a hard-fought victory." (HA)
"Obviously, we needed something good to happen. We got them backed up, (Kevin) Huber, the punter did a great job of backing up Hawai'i, gave us an opportunity but we had to make a play." (HA)
.
----------------- Quotes from the Cincinnati Players -------------------
.
About throwing the winning TD pass this game, senior backup QB Dustin Grutza said:
"When I first got hurt I didn't think (I'd play). I've been rehabbing as hard as I can and I owe it to the training staff and all they've done to help me back." (HSB)
About scrambling before throwing the winning 69-yard TD pass, Grutza said:
"I tried to go to the boundary side, it wasn't open, felt a little pressure and escaped out and saw Mardy wide open. It's a great feeling." (HSB)
About how their defense got the momentum back for their team, Grutza said:
"Our defense was great. There was no doubt that they would do it. Our (offensive) momentum was down and they totally flipped that and got us back in it." (HA)
"That pick-6 was big. It got the momentum back." (HA)
About how things looked bad for them when UH was ahead 24-10 and the UH fans were chanting "Over-rated, Over-rated", Grutza said:
"Our momentum was completely gone." (HA)
About winning at Aloha Stadium, Grutza said:
"This is a hostile place to play. The crowd really got into it. We were down. We had to handle adversity. We had to come through." (HA)
About how they lost senior WR Dominick Goodman on the first play from scrimmage in this game, Dustin Grutza said:
"It's hard when you lose a player of that caliber. He's such a great senior leader. I think it hit the team harder mentally than it did physically." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Goodman entered the game needing seven receptions and 23 receiving yards to become the Bearcats' all-time leader in both categories."
.
About his game-winning 69-yard TD reception, Mardy Gilyard said:
"I had to make sure I made a play. They gave me an opportunity to make a play, and that's all I could do. That's what we do. We're playmakers. I trust my speed against anybody in the country. Coach (Brian Kelly) called the play, and it was run perfectly." (HA)
.
About how they reacted after being down 24-10 in the fourth quarter, Brandon Underwood said:
"We just had to calm down and make sure that everybody was on the same page. It was all odds against us and after (the interception), I felt a whole shift in the momentum for the whole game." (HSB)
Crediting his DL for his INT, Underwood said:
"My defensive linemen, they got their hands up and batted the ball, if it wasn't for them I wouldn't have made that play. We made a point to go out and play four quarters." (HA)
.
About how UH's offense had 3 punts, a safety, and an INT for a TD in their last 5 drives, DE Connor Barwin said:
"We knew our offense was struggling and our defense is the backbone of the team. We've got a lot of seniors and we were just waiting to do something to switch that momentum." (HA)
About the game, Barwin said:
"We prepared for this game like every other one and we tried to come out here and play like we did in every game and that's what we did." (HA)
HSB = Honolulu Star-Bulletin
UH = University of Hawaii Official Site
---------------------
.
--------------------- Quotes from the UH Coaches --------------------
.
About their offense and defense in this game, UH Head Coach Greg McMackin (Mac) said:
"It was a game that in the first half we made some adjustments offensively. We went down and scored at the end of the first half and we were not as aggressive as we usually are. Then we came out at halftime and moved the ball. Defensively we only allowed them three first downs in the second half. They couldn’t run against us, they couldn’t throw against us and they’ve thrown and ran against everybody this season. When Cincinnati ran the ball we went to an eight-man front when they were in their running sets. You got to give them credit, they made plays. They took the ball and ran it in for a touchdown. Then they got the safety, we kicked off and they got a big return. You have to give Cincinnati credit but I’m really proud of my football team because they played their tail off against a good football team. We played really hard and were ready for the game. We showed we could play with them. They made plays in the end and we didn’t." (UH)
Proud of the team and their seniors, Mac said:
“I’m proud of the team and I’m proud of the seniors who’ve led the team all year long. We have one more ball game so I’m not going to sit around and pout about this one. I’ve felt that we’ve played good enough to win. But they made plays. I’m proud of our seniors and I’m proud of the way they came out in the second half. I’m proud of the way the defense came out in the second half. Like I said, they gave up only three first downs. So I’m proud of things, but we lost so that’s the pits and disappointment. But we can play in front of our Hawaii crowd for one more ball game and do a better job. We have to play better and finish better." (UH)
Giving credit to UC, Mac said:
"You have to give them credit -- they made plays at the end. I don't know if we gave it away or they took it away. ... They're a tough football team and that's what great teams do. We're a good football team, but not good enough to finish. Hopefully we'll learn something from this and be able to play better about the bowl game." (HSB)
.
Praising Alexander's play in this game, Rolo said:
"He played good, very good. He did exactly what we asked of him. He played hard and he played smart out there. He's a great leader and allows other people to make plays." (HA)
.
------------------ Quotes from the UH Players --------------------
.
Blaming their offense for this loss, Greg Alexander said:
"Put this one on the offense; the defense played a hell of a game. We just didn't execute." (HSB)
"It was just bad execution tonight. Their defense did a hell of a job, but we let it get away from us." (HA)
About their mistakes, Alexander said:
"We gave them the game. We (bleepin') gave away the game." (HA)
"The No. 13 team doesn't need much help, and we helped them." (HA)
.
Praising Alexander, Lane said:
"He's just solid. He's solid every game. He's very smart, and very good at running our offense. I'm proud of the way he played tonight, just like I'm proud of all of our guys." (HA)
Feeling bad for their seniors, Malcolm Lane said:
"That's what I really feel bad for. This is a wonderful class of seniors. Great leaders. That's why it hurts so bad. We still have another game left, but this would have been a big night for the seniors, to beat the No. 13 team." (HSB)
Giving credit to UC, Lane said:
"Anything possible that could wrong, we did. I give a lot of credit to Cincinnati. It wasn't meant to be. They're No. 13 in the nation for a reason." (HA)
Blaming their conservative play calling for the loss, Lane said:
"We beat ourselves at the end. We got too conservative. That's what hurts so much. We had the game won. It was right there in our pocket, and then we threw it away. We did everything wrong we could have done." (HA)
About how they stopped playing hard at the end, Lane said:
"A football game is not 55 minutes long. It's 60. You have to play all 60 minutes hard. We didn't play all 60." (HA)
.
About how they wanted to win for their seniors, Jon Medeiros said:
"We wanted it so bad, the last (regular-season) game for 34 seniors. We had a chance to come out here and do something special tonight. It just didn't work out. This senior class is incredible. They're a big impact on this football team and we're gonna miss 'em next year. They were outstanding this season." (HSB)
.
About the loss, Solomon Elimimian said:
"Its a tough loss, I feel like we played really well, it was just meant for them to win. They're a great team and I just thank God we still have one more game to play to redeem ourselves." (HSB)
.
About how they knew that they had to keep fighting even when they were up by 14, Ryan Mouton said:
"It was tough, we kept fighting, and we thought we had it won, but sometimes the ball just doesn't bounce your way. Even when we went up by 14 we knew we should keep fighting, because that's a good team out there. They're not ranked 13th for no reason, and made a couple plays to get back in the game. We gotta get ready for the next one." (HSB)
.
About the loss, David Veikune said:
"It's really tough to lose a close game like this. To lose really hurt, but we just have to bounce back." (HSB)
Asked about not being selected to the All-WAC first team after getting 7 tackles and a sack in this game, Veikune said:
"I don't think about (the snub) a lot. I just try to go out and play my hardest every game. Tonight we played tough, and that's all I can ask for." (HA)
.
About the loss, Keao Monteilh said:
"We played our game and we played well, but they just made one more play than we did." (HA)
.
About how UC ran the ball a lot more than they had expected, Keala Watson said:
"It was a different offense that the one we studied on tape. But we made our adjustments and I think we played them tough." (HA)
Proud of how they played, Watson said:
"We played our heart out and I'm really proud of all the guys out there tonight. We didn't get the win, but we played a great game against a very good football team. You have to give (Cincinnati) credit. They came up with the plays they needed, but I'm happy with the way we played." (HA)
.
About their defense in the game, Joshua Leonard said:
"We just had a few bad possessions that they were able to take advantage of. We stopped the pass early, so they started running it. We made adjustments, but they hurt us with all their screens and draws." (HA)
.
About UC's winning 69-yard TD pass, Desmond Thomas said:
"We were in a two-man under and the quarterback looked like he was going to get sacked. He was scrambling so we tried to shift our zone over, but then he came back and threw it. (Gilyard) was in kind of a dead zone, but he caught the ball and made a play." (HA)
About how future Warrior defenses will carry on their style of tough D, Thomas said:
"We might not be known for having the kind of athletes you have in the SEC, but we come to play. We don't back down, and that tradition is going to carry on here." (HA)
.
About how they wanted to win the game for their seniors, John Fonoti said:
"We wanted to go out with a bang for our seniors. I guess it didn't go that way. But we played our butts off." (HA)
.
About how the seniors wanted to win their last regular season game in front of their family and friends, Fale Laeli said:
"We knew it was our last game and we just wanted to make our family and friends who came to see us proud. It wasn't the result we wanted, but I thought we played hard and did ourselves proud." (HA)
.
About the loss, Dan Kelly said;
"We were heartbroken. But we were also heartbroken after that Florida loss (to start the season). Cincinnati's a good team -- that's why we played them to the very end and why they're 13th in the country. They're that good." (HSB)
.
About recovering the fumble (forced by Guyton Galdeira) on the kickoff after the Warriors tied the score at 10 on Farmer's TD, Jayson Rego (who returned the fumble to the 5-yard-line) said:
"I was just in the right spot at the right time," said Rego, who stands 5 foot 9, 215-pounds. "Everybody was just chasing the guy and I think it was Guyton that came up with the hit and the ball was right in front of me and I picked it up, tried to run it in." (HA)
HA Note: "Alexander found Malcolm Lane on a two-yard shovel pass three plays later to give the Warriors their first lead at 17-10."
.
About his personal foul penalty on a FG attempt that gave UC a TD instead of a FG, Tua Mahaley said:
"I'm not sure about that penalty. It's whatever." (HA)
.
------------------ Quotes from the Cincinnati Coaches -----------------
.
Praising Mac and the Warriors, Cincinnati (UC) Head Coach Brian Kelly said:
"First of all, my hat’s off to Greg McMackin and the Hawai`i football team. They played hard, they played physical. We played Oklahoma and I’ll tell you, this football team in Hawai`i hits you as hard if not harder. In the second half, they took it to us. The forced fumbles, made plays when they needed to and we, obviously, were behind them. We had to make plays defensively and we did. We made some plays, as we did all year, and found a way in the end to ‘eek’ out a hard fought victory." (UH)
"We played Oklahoma this year and I will tell you this football team in Hawaii hits you as hard if not harder." (HSB)
About being behind in the 3rd quarter, Kelly said:
"Well, certainly at that point we were kicking ourselves for the miscues. But as been with this team all year, we don’t stop the game in the third quarter. You keep playing. The one good thing about this group is they keep fighting and they keep playing. And they overcame a lot of the miscues you were talking about." (UH)
"There's no question at that point we were certainly kicking ourselves for the miscues. As has been the case with this team all year, they don't stop the game in the third quarter. You keep playing and one great thing about this group is they keep fighting and keep playing and we overcame a lot of the miscues." (HSB)
About their comeback, Kelly said:
"Obviously, we needed something good to happen. We got them backed up. (Kevin) Huber the punter backed up Hawai`i and gave us an opportunity, but we had to make a play. Like I tell my kids all the time ‘Listen we need to make some plays here,’ and we made the plays defensively that gave our offense enough momentum that we could ‘eek’ out the win today." (UH)
HSB Note: "It was already without Goodman, running back Jacob Ramsey and left tackle Jeff Linkenbach when Pike left the game with an arm injury."
About their 11 victories this season, Kelly said:
"You don’t want to come here and look at all the turnovers, and not to take anything away from Hawai`i because they caused most of them. But to get the 11th win on the road against a very good football team, and a bowl team, feels good." (UH)
About how their backup QB Grutza entered after starting QB Pike was hurt, Kelly said:
"One thing about him is he's a fifth-year senior who has played a lot of Big East football. He's not a guy who's going to get rattled." (HSB)
About how they needed to make big plays on D to come back in the game, Kelly said:
"We had to make some plays defensively and we did, as we have all year, and found a way at the end to eek out a hard-fought victory." (HA)
"Obviously, we needed something good to happen. We got them backed up, (Kevin) Huber, the punter did a great job of backing up Hawai'i, gave us an opportunity but we had to make a play." (HA)
.
----------------- Quotes from the Cincinnati Players -------------------
.
About throwing the winning TD pass this game, senior backup QB Dustin Grutza said:
"When I first got hurt I didn't think (I'd play). I've been rehabbing as hard as I can and I owe it to the training staff and all they've done to help me back." (HSB)
About scrambling before throwing the winning 69-yard TD pass, Grutza said:
"I tried to go to the boundary side, it wasn't open, felt a little pressure and escaped out and saw Mardy wide open. It's a great feeling." (HSB)
About how their defense got the momentum back for their team, Grutza said:
"Our defense was great. There was no doubt that they would do it. Our (offensive) momentum was down and they totally flipped that and got us back in it." (HA)
"That pick-6 was big. It got the momentum back." (HA)
About how things looked bad for them when UH was ahead 24-10 and the UH fans were chanting "Over-rated, Over-rated", Grutza said:
"Our momentum was completely gone." (HA)
About winning at Aloha Stadium, Grutza said:
"This is a hostile place to play. The crowd really got into it. We were down. We had to handle adversity. We had to come through." (HA)
About how they lost senior WR Dominick Goodman on the first play from scrimmage in this game, Dustin Grutza said:
"It's hard when you lose a player of that caliber. He's such a great senior leader. I think it hit the team harder mentally than it did physically." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Goodman entered the game needing seven receptions and 23 receiving yards to become the Bearcats' all-time leader in both categories."
.
About his game-winning 69-yard TD reception, Mardy Gilyard said:
"I had to make sure I made a play. They gave me an opportunity to make a play, and that's all I could do. That's what we do. We're playmakers. I trust my speed against anybody in the country. Coach (Brian Kelly) called the play, and it was run perfectly." (HA)
.
About how they reacted after being down 24-10 in the fourth quarter, Brandon Underwood said:
"We just had to calm down and make sure that everybody was on the same page. It was all odds against us and after (the interception), I felt a whole shift in the momentum for the whole game." (HSB)
Crediting his DL for his INT, Underwood said:
"My defensive linemen, they got their hands up and batted the ball, if it wasn't for them I wouldn't have made that play. We made a point to go out and play four quarters." (HA)
.
About how UH's offense had 3 punts, a safety, and an INT for a TD in their last 5 drives, DE Connor Barwin said:
"We knew our offense was struggling and our defense is the backbone of the team. We've got a lot of seniors and we were just waiting to do something to switch that momentum." (HA)
About the game, Barwin said:
"We prepared for this game like every other one and we tried to come out here and play like we did in every game and that's what we did." (HA)
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Pregame quotes for the UH-Cincinnati game
About how Cincinnati will play in a BCS bowl game after the UH game, Mac said:
"I don't want to make a big deal of the BCS thing. I don't know how (the UH players) are treating it. I'm treating it like it's another ball game. It's the last scheduled game of the (regular) season. We're not in a BCS game. We didn't have a good enough record. We're playing the No. 13 team in the country. They're a good football team. They're a well-coached team. It'll be a real challenge. That's what this game is to this football team." (HA)
About his sprained right foot, Kealoha Pilares said:
"If it doesn't want to cooperate, I can't run. Then I'm a sitting duck." (HA)
About how there is a tendency to over-compensate with ankle injuries, Pilares said:
"Then the other foot starts getting sore. Then my whole running mechanics start changing." (HA)
Even though Mouton was held out of contact drills this week, Mac said that he will:
"be ready to go. He's a tough guy. He's been working hard, and the trainers have been working hard to treat him." (HA)
Despite the status of Mouton and Pilares, Mac said:
"we're playing our best football right now. We have to continue to improve. We have to play better than we did last week. This is a lot better football team than we played last week. We have to raise our level of game." (HA)
About their difficult situation at QB to start this season, Mac said:
"We were forced into some adversity as far as the quarterback situation. There were guys who had to learn the offensive positions. Even though some of them were backups (in 2007), you don't learn it in practice, you learn it in games." (HA)
About how Alexander needed time to understand their offense, Mac said:
"This offense is sophisticated. The quarterbacks need game experience to learn it. At the same time, you don't want to destroy (their confidence) while they learn the offense. It's a very touchy situation. I think (offensive coordinator) Ron Lee and Rolo (quarterback coach Nick Rolovich) and Brian (Smith, the line coach) and (running back coach Alex) Gerke did a great job of bringing everyone along." (HA)
Proud of how their team came together as the season went on, Mac said:
"This hasn't been easy. But the coaches and players stayed together and fought through everything. I'm really proud of the leadership and loyalty of this football team." (HA)
About how Cincinnati's offense is similar to UH's offense, Rich Miano said:
"They have a pro-style offense. It reminds me of ours." (HA)
About how UC's QB Pike reminds them of Colt, Miano said:
"(Pike) wears No. 15. The way he runs around and makes plays, and with his accuracy and command of his offense, he looks a lot like Colt Brennan on video. He has the ability to beat you in the pocket. He has the ability to beat you on the scrambles. He has good leadership abilities and intangibles." (HA)
HA Note: "Pike also is tough, playing the past five games with a fracture in his left (non-throwing) arm. In the five games prior to suffering the injury, he completed 55.5 percent of his passes for 770 yards, an average of 154 yards per game. Since returning, he has completed 65.3 percent for 1,290 yards, an average of 258 yards per game."
About being left out of the All-WAC first team, David Veikune (no sacks in their first 7 games) said:
"If I started out with more sacks, I would have had a chance to be on the (first) team." (HA)
About how Veikune grades out well when they study the film, DL coach Dave Aranda said:
"He always grades the highest. His effort is always the best. He plays with the best technique of any of our up-front people. The thing about Dave is he's always where you need him when you need him. I don't think he's had one bad game." (HA)
About how Veikune plays like DEs Kyle Vanden Bosch and Grant Wistrom, Aranda said:
"Both are effort guys. They get pressure off of effort. They're also technicians. Dave is similar to both. Dave fights his ass off for everything he gets." (HA)
About Dan Kelly's struggles this season, Ikaika Malloe said:
"In practice, his technique is flawless. During the game, he didn't perform the way we expected him to perform." (HA)
HA Note: "In the past month, Kelly has missed six of seven field-goal attempts, and is nine of 19 for the season. Three kicks were blocked."
About how he believes in Kelly, Malloe said:
"He's our best kicker. I firmly believe that. The word 'believe' is a powerful word. That's what we're working with. Dan has to believe in himself. We all believe in him. The staff believes in him. We know what he can do. But we're not the ones kicking the ball. Once Dan can trust himself, and believes he can kick it, there shouldn't be any problems." (HA)
About how this game means a lot to the team because of their seniors, Greg Alexander said:
"It means a lot to everybody. Everybody's going to put it on the line for those guys. The seniors are the ones who really held this team together through all the adversity we had. So we want to send them out the right way." (HSB)
About playing a BCS-bound team on national TV is like their BCS game, Sol said:
"This is like a BCS game." (HSB)
About his team, Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly said:
"This group likes to play football, and they're going to go and compete and fly around,. We'll expect our kids to go out and compete at a high level." (HSB)
About how this game can measure their progress since the Florida game, Alexander said:
"I think we're a completely different team than we were against Florida. So it should be a good measure to see where we're at." (HSB)
About Cincinnati's defense, Alexander said:
"They can cover a lot of ground. Their (defensive) ends are tall, lanky guys and same with their corners." (HSB)
About Cincinnati's DEs, OL coach Brian Smith said:
“They’re real athletic, their ends are fast. I’d say both of them are real comparable to (Warriors defensive end) David Veikune. They run well, good change of direction, good motors.” (HSB)
About dealing with Cincinnati's quickness, Smith said:
“It’s more just trusting in your fundamentals,. You’ll get exposed a lot easier if you’re leaning or reaching or over-setting to compensate. The little things get exposed easier against a more athletic player.” (HSB)
"I don't want to make a big deal of the BCS thing. I don't know how (the UH players) are treating it. I'm treating it like it's another ball game. It's the last scheduled game of the (regular) season. We're not in a BCS game. We didn't have a good enough record. We're playing the No. 13 team in the country. They're a good football team. They're a well-coached team. It'll be a real challenge. That's what this game is to this football team." (HA)
About his sprained right foot, Kealoha Pilares said:
"If it doesn't want to cooperate, I can't run. Then I'm a sitting duck." (HA)
About how there is a tendency to over-compensate with ankle injuries, Pilares said:
"Then the other foot starts getting sore. Then my whole running mechanics start changing." (HA)
Even though Mouton was held out of contact drills this week, Mac said that he will:
"be ready to go. He's a tough guy. He's been working hard, and the trainers have been working hard to treat him." (HA)
Despite the status of Mouton and Pilares, Mac said:
"we're playing our best football right now. We have to continue to improve. We have to play better than we did last week. This is a lot better football team than we played last week. We have to raise our level of game." (HA)
About their difficult situation at QB to start this season, Mac said:
"We were forced into some adversity as far as the quarterback situation. There were guys who had to learn the offensive positions. Even though some of them were backups (in 2007), you don't learn it in practice, you learn it in games." (HA)
About how Alexander needed time to understand their offense, Mac said:
"This offense is sophisticated. The quarterbacks need game experience to learn it. At the same time, you don't want to destroy (their confidence) while they learn the offense. It's a very touchy situation. I think (offensive coordinator) Ron Lee and Rolo (quarterback coach Nick Rolovich) and Brian (Smith, the line coach) and (running back coach Alex) Gerke did a great job of bringing everyone along." (HA)
Proud of how their team came together as the season went on, Mac said:
"This hasn't been easy. But the coaches and players stayed together and fought through everything. I'm really proud of the leadership and loyalty of this football team." (HA)
About how Cincinnati's offense is similar to UH's offense, Rich Miano said:
"They have a pro-style offense. It reminds me of ours." (HA)
About how UC's QB Pike reminds them of Colt, Miano said:
"(Pike) wears No. 15. The way he runs around and makes plays, and with his accuracy and command of his offense, he looks a lot like Colt Brennan on video. He has the ability to beat you in the pocket. He has the ability to beat you on the scrambles. He has good leadership abilities and intangibles." (HA)
HA Note: "Pike also is tough, playing the past five games with a fracture in his left (non-throwing) arm. In the five games prior to suffering the injury, he completed 55.5 percent of his passes for 770 yards, an average of 154 yards per game. Since returning, he has completed 65.3 percent for 1,290 yards, an average of 258 yards per game."
About being left out of the All-WAC first team, David Veikune (no sacks in their first 7 games) said:
"If I started out with more sacks, I would have had a chance to be on the (first) team." (HA)
About how Veikune grades out well when they study the film, DL coach Dave Aranda said:
"He always grades the highest. His effort is always the best. He plays with the best technique of any of our up-front people. The thing about Dave is he's always where you need him when you need him. I don't think he's had one bad game." (HA)
About how Veikune plays like DEs Kyle Vanden Bosch and Grant Wistrom, Aranda said:
"Both are effort guys. They get pressure off of effort. They're also technicians. Dave is similar to both. Dave fights his ass off for everything he gets." (HA)
About Dan Kelly's struggles this season, Ikaika Malloe said:
"In practice, his technique is flawless. During the game, he didn't perform the way we expected him to perform." (HA)
HA Note: "In the past month, Kelly has missed six of seven field-goal attempts, and is nine of 19 for the season. Three kicks were blocked."
About how he believes in Kelly, Malloe said:
"He's our best kicker. I firmly believe that. The word 'believe' is a powerful word. That's what we're working with. Dan has to believe in himself. We all believe in him. The staff believes in him. We know what he can do. But we're not the ones kicking the ball. Once Dan can trust himself, and believes he can kick it, there shouldn't be any problems." (HA)
About how this game means a lot to the team because of their seniors, Greg Alexander said:
"It means a lot to everybody. Everybody's going to put it on the line for those guys. The seniors are the ones who really held this team together through all the adversity we had. So we want to send them out the right way." (HSB)
About playing a BCS-bound team on national TV is like their BCS game, Sol said:
"This is like a BCS game." (HSB)
About his team, Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly said:
"This group likes to play football, and they're going to go and compete and fly around,. We'll expect our kids to go out and compete at a high level." (HSB)
About how this game can measure their progress since the Florida game, Alexander said:
"I think we're a completely different team than we were against Florida. So it should be a good measure to see where we're at." (HSB)
About Cincinnati's defense, Alexander said:
"They can cover a lot of ground. Their (defensive) ends are tall, lanky guys and same with their corners." (HSB)
About Cincinnati's DEs, OL coach Brian Smith said:
“They’re real athletic, their ends are fast. I’d say both of them are real comparable to (Warriors defensive end) David Veikune. They run well, good change of direction, good motors.” (HSB)
About dealing with Cincinnati's quickness, Smith said:
“It’s more just trusting in your fundamentals,. You’ll get exposed a lot easier if you’re leaning or reaching or over-setting to compensate. The little things get exposed easier against a more athletic player.” (HSB)
Friday, December 5, 2008
Quotes from the Warrior Seniors
About his Warrior career, in which he appeared in 2 games (both on special teams) in 5 years and hasn't played at all in 2007 or 2008 (he's never been invited to a UH training camp nor broken into the first three strings), senior OL Nathan "Snowflake" McKay said:
"I said I would play for the University of Hawai'i. I practice for the University of Hawai'i." (HA)
About how McKay works hard on the scout team that competes against their starting D, David Veikune (who competes against McKay daily) said:
"That's the mentality you like to see from our look squad. Some guys are kind of angry when they're on scout team because they're not getting any playing time. But he doesn't take anything for granted. He doesn't let it get him down. He works hard, and he gets me ready for the game." (HA)
About being on the scout team and working against UH's D, McKay said:
"It's fun going against Dave and C.J. (Allen-Jones). It's fun to know that I practiced against these guys before they made it big. When Dave Veikune makes it to the Hall of Fame, I can say, 'I played against him.'" (HA)
HA Note: "McKay was a star lineman at powerful Lake Oswego High School in Oregon. He received offers to play for small colleges in Oregon, but was drawn to UH. That was partly because his mother, Patty, is a Kailua High graduate."
About how he knew UH was for him when he visited while he was a junior in high school, McKay said:
"I came out here my junior year to visit (UH). I didn't want to leave. I knew I was coming back." (HA)
About how he sent his highlight video to Rich Miano, who coordinates UH's walk-on program, McKay said:
"The rest is kind of history, I guess." (HA)
HA Note: "But history is not always kind. McKay redshirted in 2004 and practiced but did not play in 2005. As a second-year sophomore in 2006, he was on the kickoff-return unit against Nevada-Las Vegas and Eastern Illinois."
About being on the kick-return unit for two games, McKay said:
"I was on for a couple of kickoff returns, then I got booted off of that." (HA)
About McKay not being invited to training camp, Mac said:
"It was a numbers game." (HA)
About how he met with McKay after leaving him off the training camp roster, Mac said:
"He told me how important football was to him. I told him what his role would be, and he was OK with that. I let him on the team. I thought, if it means that much to him, we'll work it out." (HA)
About his love for football, McKay said:
"I love football. Even though it's just practice, I enjoy it." (HA)
About how McKay never misses a training session, Mel deLaura said:
"He works hard in everything he does." (HA)
Not regretting choosing UH despite how he could have played at the smaller schools who wanted him, McKay said:
"I didn't want to play at a small school. I wanted to see if I could make it in Division I. I didn't, but now I know. I would have kicked myself my entire life if I had gone to Southern Oregon or something." (HA)
About the benefits of playing with the Warriors, McKay said:
"The way I look at it, I get to go to football games for free, I met a bunch of cool friends, and I got to hang out on Bourbon Street (at the Sugar Bowl) for a few nights. Most of all, I love Hawai'i. And my teammates are my friends, my brothers. I have no regrets. I'd do it again." (HA)
About how he paid for school with "huge loans" and working as a delivery man for Papa John's Pizza, McKay said:
"It's a great job. I drive around and listen to music." (HA)
About being a waiter for The Call, McKay said:
"There's this one fabled story. The people who own John Deere, their kid lives in Kailua. He'll drop a hundred bucks on you (for a tip). I never got the big fish." (HA)
About how his "snowflake" nickname came from JJ during a video session because of his fair complexion, McKay said:
"I've never been able to tan. I go from red to white to red to white. Coach (Jones) goes, 'Hey, Snowflake, no white socks.' After that, everyone started calling me Snowflake." (HA)
----- Annual section where the head coach talks about each Warrior Senior ----
About Keith AhSoon, Mac said:
"He's very talented. He's humble. He's a great person. It's great to have him back (from an injury) to finish his senior season." (HA)
About C.J. Allen-Jones, Mac said:
"He's been a linebacker, and this year he's played defensive end. He's an excellent pass-rusher. He has great speed. He's tough. He's a family man. He's very smart. He's a class person with a great family." (HA)
About Aaron Bain, Mac said:
"He's very consistent. He's very humble. He's a great person who has made a lot of plays." (HA)
About Alonzo Chopp, Mac said:
"He's been an excellent member in his Warrior career. He's a good person." (HA)
About Jameel Dowling, Mac said:
"He's a hard-working, great athlete. He has a super attitude. He's having a very successful season. And he worked hard in the classroom." (HA)
About Sol, Mac said:
"He's an outstanding leader and player, with great passion." (HA)
About David Farmer, Mac said:
"He's big, physical. He's a great blocker and a good runner. He's an excellent leader and person." (HA)
About Guyton Galdeira, Mac said:
"It's good to have Guyton back (following his acting/dancing career). He's a great contributor. He has a big heart. He's tough. He's a true Warrior." (HA)
About Tim Grasso, Mac said:
"He's another MVP type. He's been outstanding in giving us good field position. He's smart. He's a team leader." (HA)
About Tyler, Mac said:
"Tyler has contributed greatly to the winning ways of Warrior football in the past five seasons. He's very talented, and he's a good person." (HA)
About Jake Ingram, Mac said:
"Jake Ingram is another one of our best athletes. He can play many positions on our football team. He's going to play in the NFL for years. You can always depend on Jake, and he's a great leader." (HA)
About Tyson Kafentzis, Mac said:
"He comes from a great family tradition. He's made many contributions in his career." (HA)
About Dan Kelly, Mac said:
"Dan has won many games for us with his kicking. He's very smart. He's a good athlete. He's been an outstanding Warrior." (HA)
About Fale Laeli, Mac said:
"Great contributions to Sugar Bowl and Hawai'i Bowl seasons. He's tough, aggressive. But he's very humble, and he has a great sense of humor." (HA)
About Adam Leonard, Mac said:
"Adam Leonard is a big-time playmaker and person." (HA)
About Josh Leonard, Mac said:
"Tough, hard-nosed, physical, quick. He's a big-time producer in the past two years." (HA)
About Daniel Libre, Mac said:
"He's been a solid running back who has made many plays for us in the last two years. He's tough, physical and quick. He works hard. He's a great person." (HA)
About Dylan Linkner, Mac said:
"He's been a valuable member of our football program, and he's a great person. He's a leader. He's helped us to two bowl games." (HA)
About Francis Maka, Mac said:
"I'm glad the NCAA allowed him to play. He has a great heart. He never gave up in trying to play his senior season. He's been a big-time contributor the last two years. And he's a great person." (HA)
About Keao Monteilh, Mac said:
"Keao is a very instinctive, quality person. He's a big play-maker. And he has a great family." (HA)
About Ryan Mouton, Mac said:
"He's the best athlete on the team. He's a great person. He's very tough mentally. And he's smart." (HA)
About Nate Nasca, Mac said:
"He has great speed. It's unfortunate he had only one year (of UH eligibility). He's been a valuable member of the team." (HA)
About Khevin Peoples, Mac said:
"Khevin Peoples has made a great contribution to the success of our program on special teams, offense and overall leadership." (HA)
About Ryan Perry, Mac said:
"Ryan is a true Warrior. He has helped any way he can to get the Warriors ready to play on Saturdays. He's an excellent leader, and an excellent scholar. He's someone fellow players and fans can look up to." (HA)
About Dane Porlas, Mac said:
"Dane Porlas is an excellent athlete who has contributed the Warriors' success ever since he's been here. He's really a good person." (HA)
About Calvin Roberts, Mac said:
"He's an over-achiever who has reached excellence in his game. He's an excellent student, and a super person." (HA)
About Erik Robinson, Mac said:
"E-Rob is a physical, strong, excellent player, and a great person." (HA)
About Jake Santos, Mac said:
"He's a quality guy, and a leader in his own right. He's a very good athlete. He'll be a good coach in the future." (HA)
About Keoni Steinhoff, Mac said:
"Keoni is very consistent, very steady. He started the last two years in bowl seasons. He could be the most consistent player on the team." (HA)
About Desmond Thomas, Mac said:
"He's an outstanding player and family man, with great character. He makes big plays." (HA)
About Clarence "Lafe" Tuioti-Mariner, Mac said:
"Lafu has been very consistent, and hard-working. He's quick. He's had a great season." (HA)
About David Veikune, Mac said:
"He's had the best season in 2008. He's going to play for many years. He's a big-time player, with a big-time motor. He's a class act. He's very humble." (HA)
About Michael Washington, Mac said:
"He's patient. He's made big plays. He's helped improve us this year to Hawai'i Bowl standards." (HA)
About Keala Watson, Mac said:
"Tough, physical, smart. He's an outstanding person." (HA)
"I said I would play for the University of Hawai'i. I practice for the University of Hawai'i." (HA)
About how McKay works hard on the scout team that competes against their starting D, David Veikune (who competes against McKay daily) said:
"That's the mentality you like to see from our look squad. Some guys are kind of angry when they're on scout team because they're not getting any playing time. But he doesn't take anything for granted. He doesn't let it get him down. He works hard, and he gets me ready for the game." (HA)
About being on the scout team and working against UH's D, McKay said:
"It's fun going against Dave and C.J. (Allen-Jones). It's fun to know that I practiced against these guys before they made it big. When Dave Veikune makes it to the Hall of Fame, I can say, 'I played against him.'" (HA)
HA Note: "McKay was a star lineman at powerful Lake Oswego High School in Oregon. He received offers to play for small colleges in Oregon, but was drawn to UH. That was partly because his mother, Patty, is a Kailua High graduate."
About how he knew UH was for him when he visited while he was a junior in high school, McKay said:
"I came out here my junior year to visit (UH). I didn't want to leave. I knew I was coming back." (HA)
About how he sent his highlight video to Rich Miano, who coordinates UH's walk-on program, McKay said:
"The rest is kind of history, I guess." (HA)
HA Note: "But history is not always kind. McKay redshirted in 2004 and practiced but did not play in 2005. As a second-year sophomore in 2006, he was on the kickoff-return unit against Nevada-Las Vegas and Eastern Illinois."
About being on the kick-return unit for two games, McKay said:
"I was on for a couple of kickoff returns, then I got booted off of that." (HA)
About McKay not being invited to training camp, Mac said:
"It was a numbers game." (HA)
About how he met with McKay after leaving him off the training camp roster, Mac said:
"He told me how important football was to him. I told him what his role would be, and he was OK with that. I let him on the team. I thought, if it means that much to him, we'll work it out." (HA)
About his love for football, McKay said:
"I love football. Even though it's just practice, I enjoy it." (HA)
About how McKay never misses a training session, Mel deLaura said:
"He works hard in everything he does." (HA)
Not regretting choosing UH despite how he could have played at the smaller schools who wanted him, McKay said:
"I didn't want to play at a small school. I wanted to see if I could make it in Division I. I didn't, but now I know. I would have kicked myself my entire life if I had gone to Southern Oregon or something." (HA)
About the benefits of playing with the Warriors, McKay said:
"The way I look at it, I get to go to football games for free, I met a bunch of cool friends, and I got to hang out on Bourbon Street (at the Sugar Bowl) for a few nights. Most of all, I love Hawai'i. And my teammates are my friends, my brothers. I have no regrets. I'd do it again." (HA)
About how he paid for school with "huge loans" and working as a delivery man for Papa John's Pizza, McKay said:
"It's a great job. I drive around and listen to music." (HA)
About being a waiter for The Call, McKay said:
"There's this one fabled story. The people who own John Deere, their kid lives in Kailua. He'll drop a hundred bucks on you (for a tip). I never got the big fish." (HA)
About how his "snowflake" nickname came from JJ during a video session because of his fair complexion, McKay said:
"I've never been able to tan. I go from red to white to red to white. Coach (Jones) goes, 'Hey, Snowflake, no white socks.' After that, everyone started calling me Snowflake." (HA)
----- Annual section where the head coach talks about each Warrior Senior ----
About Keith AhSoon, Mac said:
"He's very talented. He's humble. He's a great person. It's great to have him back (from an injury) to finish his senior season." (HA)
About C.J. Allen-Jones, Mac said:
"He's been a linebacker, and this year he's played defensive end. He's an excellent pass-rusher. He has great speed. He's tough. He's a family man. He's very smart. He's a class person with a great family." (HA)
About Aaron Bain, Mac said:
"He's very consistent. He's very humble. He's a great person who has made a lot of plays." (HA)
About Alonzo Chopp, Mac said:
"He's been an excellent member in his Warrior career. He's a good person." (HA)
About Jameel Dowling, Mac said:
"He's a hard-working, great athlete. He has a super attitude. He's having a very successful season. And he worked hard in the classroom." (HA)
About Sol, Mac said:
"He's an outstanding leader and player, with great passion." (HA)
About David Farmer, Mac said:
"He's big, physical. He's a great blocker and a good runner. He's an excellent leader and person." (HA)
About Guyton Galdeira, Mac said:
"It's good to have Guyton back (following his acting/dancing career). He's a great contributor. He has a big heart. He's tough. He's a true Warrior." (HA)
About Tim Grasso, Mac said:
"He's another MVP type. He's been outstanding in giving us good field position. He's smart. He's a team leader." (HA)
About Tyler, Mac said:
"Tyler has contributed greatly to the winning ways of Warrior football in the past five seasons. He's very talented, and he's a good person." (HA)
About Jake Ingram, Mac said:
"Jake Ingram is another one of our best athletes. He can play many positions on our football team. He's going to play in the NFL for years. You can always depend on Jake, and he's a great leader." (HA)
About Tyson Kafentzis, Mac said:
"He comes from a great family tradition. He's made many contributions in his career." (HA)
About Dan Kelly, Mac said:
"Dan has won many games for us with his kicking. He's very smart. He's a good athlete. He's been an outstanding Warrior." (HA)
About Fale Laeli, Mac said:
"Great contributions to Sugar Bowl and Hawai'i Bowl seasons. He's tough, aggressive. But he's very humble, and he has a great sense of humor." (HA)
About Adam Leonard, Mac said:
"Adam Leonard is a big-time playmaker and person." (HA)
About Josh Leonard, Mac said:
"Tough, hard-nosed, physical, quick. He's a big-time producer in the past two years." (HA)
About Daniel Libre, Mac said:
"He's been a solid running back who has made many plays for us in the last two years. He's tough, physical and quick. He works hard. He's a great person." (HA)
About Dylan Linkner, Mac said:
"He's been a valuable member of our football program, and he's a great person. He's a leader. He's helped us to two bowl games." (HA)
About Francis Maka, Mac said:
"I'm glad the NCAA allowed him to play. He has a great heart. He never gave up in trying to play his senior season. He's been a big-time contributor the last two years. And he's a great person." (HA)
About Keao Monteilh, Mac said:
"Keao is a very instinctive, quality person. He's a big play-maker. And he has a great family." (HA)
About Ryan Mouton, Mac said:
"He's the best athlete on the team. He's a great person. He's very tough mentally. And he's smart." (HA)
About Nate Nasca, Mac said:
"He has great speed. It's unfortunate he had only one year (of UH eligibility). He's been a valuable member of the team." (HA)
About Khevin Peoples, Mac said:
"Khevin Peoples has made a great contribution to the success of our program on special teams, offense and overall leadership." (HA)
About Ryan Perry, Mac said:
"Ryan is a true Warrior. He has helped any way he can to get the Warriors ready to play on Saturdays. He's an excellent leader, and an excellent scholar. He's someone fellow players and fans can look up to." (HA)
About Dane Porlas, Mac said:
"Dane Porlas is an excellent athlete who has contributed the Warriors' success ever since he's been here. He's really a good person." (HA)
About Calvin Roberts, Mac said:
"He's an over-achiever who has reached excellence in his game. He's an excellent student, and a super person." (HA)
About Erik Robinson, Mac said:
"E-Rob is a physical, strong, excellent player, and a great person." (HA)
About Jake Santos, Mac said:
"He's a quality guy, and a leader in his own right. He's a very good athlete. He'll be a good coach in the future." (HA)
About Keoni Steinhoff, Mac said:
"Keoni is very consistent, very steady. He started the last two years in bowl seasons. He could be the most consistent player on the team." (HA)
About Desmond Thomas, Mac said:
"He's an outstanding player and family man, with great character. He makes big plays." (HA)
About Clarence "Lafe" Tuioti-Mariner, Mac said:
"Lafu has been very consistent, and hard-working. He's quick. He's had a great season." (HA)
About David Veikune, Mac said:
"He's had the best season in 2008. He's going to play for many years. He's a big-time player, with a big-time motor. He's a class act. He's very humble." (HA)
About Michael Washington, Mac said:
"He's patient. He's made big plays. He's helped improve us this year to Hawai'i Bowl standards." (HA)
About Keala Watson, Mac said:
"Tough, physical, smart. He's an outstanding person." (HA)
Warriors talk about the State High School Championship Game
Remembering when his team won the State Championship, Jayson Rego said:
"That's one of the best memories I've had in football. Just making it to the state championship and winning, I'll remember that for the rest of my life." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Rego rushed for 212 yards -- the second highest total in a title game -- and scored on a 79-yard run in Kamehameha's win over Leilehua in the 2004 title game."
About his team's loss in the state championship game during his senior year, Miah Ostrowski said:
"Every time I watch high school football I think about our senior year and how I wish we could go back in time. But you move on. Hopefully we can get it this time." (HSB)
About Kakuhu's back-to-back state titles when he was QB, Inoke said:
"The whole community was hyped up and excited. I'm sure that's probably how it is for Leilehua with their community in Wahiawa. I remember when the community would feed us the whole week. They'd come over and set up all this food after practice and everything. It's like a similar experience last year when we went to the Sugar Bowl, on a different scale. The whole state was excited. It's the same kind of feeling going into that big game." (HSB)
"That's one of the best memories I've had in football. Just making it to the state championship and winning, I'll remember that for the rest of my life." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Rego rushed for 212 yards -- the second highest total in a title game -- and scored on a 79-yard run in Kamehameha's win over Leilehua in the 2004 title game."
About his team's loss in the state championship game during his senior year, Miah Ostrowski said:
"Every time I watch high school football I think about our senior year and how I wish we could go back in time. But you move on. Hopefully we can get it this time." (HSB)
About Kakuhu's back-to-back state titles when he was QB, Inoke said:
"The whole community was hyped up and excited. I'm sure that's probably how it is for Leilehua with their community in Wahiawa. I remember when the community would feed us the whole week. They'd come over and set up all this food after practice and everything. It's like a similar experience last year when we went to the Sugar Bowl, on a different scale. The whole state was excited. It's the same kind of feeling going into that big game." (HSB)
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Feature story on Samson Satele's hair
SFSS = South Florida Sun-Sentinel
SFSS Note: "Dolphins center Samson Satele hasn't cut his hair since enrolling at Hawaii in 2002. That's six years of boycotting Supercuts and, surely, having some really bad hair days. My in-depth analysis and X's and O's breakdown at games has noticed Satele wearing his hair in a ponytail this year instead of the free-falling, cascade-looking, Hawaii-remembering look of last year."
About how he has his hair in a ponytail this year, Samson referenced Troy Polamalu:
"The Polamalu style." (SFSS)
Asked why he doesn't have his hair down like previous years, Samson said:
"Last year against the Jets I was trying to pull when Dewayne Robertson grabbed my hair. It's hanging below my helmet and he just yanked on it. It hurt. I was running one way and all of a sudden I was jerked back by my hair the other way. In the film, you can see me turning and yelling at him." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "Satele's wife braids his hair for a ponytail before each game."
About his ponytail, Samson said:
"It's got pulled a few times, but nothing on purpose." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "Dolphins center Samson Satele hasn't cut his hair since enrolling at Hawaii in 2002. That's six years of boycotting Supercuts and, surely, having some really bad hair days. My in-depth analysis and X's and O's breakdown at games has noticed Satele wearing his hair in a ponytail this year instead of the free-falling, cascade-looking, Hawaii-remembering look of last year."
About how he has his hair in a ponytail this year, Samson referenced Troy Polamalu:
"The Polamalu style." (SFSS)
Asked why he doesn't have his hair down like previous years, Samson said:
"Last year against the Jets I was trying to pull when Dewayne Robertson grabbed my hair. It's hanging below my helmet and he just yanked on it. It hurt. I was running one way and all of a sudden I was jerked back by my hair the other way. In the film, you can see me turning and yelling at him." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "Satele's wife braids his hair for a ponytail before each game."
About his ponytail, Samson said:
"It's got pulled a few times, but nothing on purpose." (SFSS)
Feature on Solomon Elimimian and Adam Leonard
About how he didn't like Adam at first, Sol said:
"I didn't like him. He was big time. All of these schools were after him (in high school). He was a loud mouth. He would never stop talking." (HA)
About his outspoken personality, Adam said:
"I tend to be outspoken when I'm comfortable. Football brings it out of me. A lot of times, people may not like it." (HA)
About how Adam took his number when they started their UH careers at the same time, Sol said:
"He took '44.' I wore that (jersey number) all four years of high school. He came in and took it. He was big time." (HA)
About how he and Sol became close friends, supporting and motivating each other, Adam said:
"You see him succeed, and I want to do it, too, and vice versa. If he does something better than me or gets more tackles, I want to be the first person over there to congratulate him. He makes me want to push that much harder. It's like: anything you do, I want to try to do better." (HA)
Sol said that Adam is:
"the closest friend I have on the team. We're always talking about football. We go to church together." (HA)
HA Note: "Neither has redshirted, and each has proved to be durable. Elimimian has missed two games in four seasons. Leonard, despite fractures in both hands and a knee injury that required offseason surgery, has missed one game since moving into the starting lineup in the 2006 opener."
About how they bonded as LBs and mainland transplants, Adam said:
"We were trying to learn the same system together and going through the same struggles of being homesick." (HA)
HA Note: "In the summer of 2006, between their freshman and sophomore years, Leonard invited Elimimian to train in Seattle. Leonard's high school coach had opened a training program. Also, former NFL All-Pro running back Eric Metcalf offered to lead workouts."
About training with Adam after their freshman year, Sol said:
"It was really good. His family took me in." (HA)
About how Sol, he, and teammate Daniel Johnson went on a July 4th outing in Washington state, Adam said:
"We hit this one part, and the current picked up. Our raft flipped over. We couldn't touch the bottom. He thought he was going to die. He was like, 'Adam, don't let me die.' We got through it. That's one of the things that made us stronger." (HA)
About how he and Adam rented an off-campus apartment during the spring semester of their sophomore year, Sol said:
"Nobody cooks. The microwave cooks everything." (HA)
About how they have taken in teammates without a place to stay during the past 2 years, Sol said:
"We want to help out our teammates." (HA)
About how he tried to surf, Adam said:
"I'm a good swimmer, but not an ocean swimmer." (HA)
About how he wave-boarded once at Sandy's, Sol said:
"I've never been back. I almost got killed. The tide (there) is treacherous. It'll take you." (HA)
About how his eyes welled with emotion after taping a segment with several other seniors for the "Coach Mack Show", Sol said:
"It's really starting to hit me. Talking about it is tough. You realize you might not come back here again. The relationships you have with people, and maybe not having it anymore, it's kind of scary." (HA)
About the upcoming end to Sol and his Warrior careers, Adam said:
"We talked about it earlier this year. At the end of December, we don't know where we'll be. The last four years, we knew the first of August we'll be in Hawai'i until December, then we'll go home for a few weeks, and then we'll be back in Hawai'i. After this (season), we don't know where we'll train. We don't know if we'll get drafted. There's uncertainty. It kind of hits you. We're comfortable now, but we have to step out of our comfort zone. It's going to be challenging, but at the same time, I'm cherishing every moment we have here. I'm sad to leave, but I'm excited to start a new chapter in my life." (HA)
About his four seasons with UH, Adam said:
"I've learned so much culturally. I'm definitely going to miss Hawai'i. I do plan on returning for a visit." (HA)
About his Warrior career, Sol said:
"During this time is when you mature as a man, when you grow up. It will be different not having that foundation — the relationships you have with teammates, coaches caring about you. Oh, man, it's tough." (HA)
About how he didn't realized how hard it would be to have his Warrior career end, Sol said:
"I'm blessed. I never realized how great it was. It was a decision by God. I thank God every day I'm here. I could have been somewhere else. I matured as a person, and I've become spiritually closer to God. I've learned a lot. I'm glad to be a Warrior." (HA)
"I didn't like him. He was big time. All of these schools were after him (in high school). He was a loud mouth. He would never stop talking." (HA)
About his outspoken personality, Adam said:
"I tend to be outspoken when I'm comfortable. Football brings it out of me. A lot of times, people may not like it." (HA)
About how Adam took his number when they started their UH careers at the same time, Sol said:
"He took '44.' I wore that (jersey number) all four years of high school. He came in and took it. He was big time." (HA)
About how he and Sol became close friends, supporting and motivating each other, Adam said:
"You see him succeed, and I want to do it, too, and vice versa. If he does something better than me or gets more tackles, I want to be the first person over there to congratulate him. He makes me want to push that much harder. It's like: anything you do, I want to try to do better." (HA)
Sol said that Adam is:
"the closest friend I have on the team. We're always talking about football. We go to church together." (HA)
HA Note: "Neither has redshirted, and each has proved to be durable. Elimimian has missed two games in four seasons. Leonard, despite fractures in both hands and a knee injury that required offseason surgery, has missed one game since moving into the starting lineup in the 2006 opener."
About how they bonded as LBs and mainland transplants, Adam said:
"We were trying to learn the same system together and going through the same struggles of being homesick." (HA)
HA Note: "In the summer of 2006, between their freshman and sophomore years, Leonard invited Elimimian to train in Seattle. Leonard's high school coach had opened a training program. Also, former NFL All-Pro running back Eric Metcalf offered to lead workouts."
About training with Adam after their freshman year, Sol said:
"It was really good. His family took me in." (HA)
About how Sol, he, and teammate Daniel Johnson went on a July 4th outing in Washington state, Adam said:
"We hit this one part, and the current picked up. Our raft flipped over. We couldn't touch the bottom. He thought he was going to die. He was like, 'Adam, don't let me die.' We got through it. That's one of the things that made us stronger." (HA)
About how he and Adam rented an off-campus apartment during the spring semester of their sophomore year, Sol said:
"Nobody cooks. The microwave cooks everything." (HA)
About how they have taken in teammates without a place to stay during the past 2 years, Sol said:
"We want to help out our teammates." (HA)
About how he tried to surf, Adam said:
"I'm a good swimmer, but not an ocean swimmer." (HA)
About how he wave-boarded once at Sandy's, Sol said:
"I've never been back. I almost got killed. The tide (there) is treacherous. It'll take you." (HA)
About how his eyes welled with emotion after taping a segment with several other seniors for the "Coach Mack Show", Sol said:
"It's really starting to hit me. Talking about it is tough. You realize you might not come back here again. The relationships you have with people, and maybe not having it anymore, it's kind of scary." (HA)
About the upcoming end to Sol and his Warrior careers, Adam said:
"We talked about it earlier this year. At the end of December, we don't know where we'll be. The last four years, we knew the first of August we'll be in Hawai'i until December, then we'll go home for a few weeks, and then we'll be back in Hawai'i. After this (season), we don't know where we'll train. We don't know if we'll get drafted. There's uncertainty. It kind of hits you. We're comfortable now, but we have to step out of our comfort zone. It's going to be challenging, but at the same time, I'm cherishing every moment we have here. I'm sad to leave, but I'm excited to start a new chapter in my life." (HA)
About his four seasons with UH, Adam said:
"I've learned so much culturally. I'm definitely going to miss Hawai'i. I do plan on returning for a visit." (HA)
About his Warrior career, Sol said:
"During this time is when you mature as a man, when you grow up. It will be different not having that foundation — the relationships you have with teammates, coaches caring about you. Oh, man, it's tough." (HA)
About how he didn't realized how hard it would be to have his Warrior career end, Sol said:
"I'm blessed. I never realized how great it was. It was a decision by God. I thank God every day I'm here. I could have been somewhere else. I matured as a person, and I've become spiritually closer to God. I've learned a lot. I'm glad to be a Warrior." (HA)
Feature on Jake Ingram
About focusing on his job as long snapper, Jake Ingram said:
"Last year I really buckled down, but this year from the offseason all the way through I had my mind set 100 percent on, 'I'm a long snapper and I want to be the best at it.' " (HSB)
HSB Note: "Ingram takes pride in performing a duty best rewarded by anonymity and has fired 111 snaps into Tim Grasso's hands on punts and place-kicks without incident this season entering Saturday's senior-night game against No. 13 Cincinnati. Although he averages 9.25 opportunities per contest, Ingram estimates the number of practice snaps he'll make on the sideline during the game at close to 100."
About how many snaps he does in practice, Ingram said:
"One time Tim and I tried to do the math - it's thousands. It's a lot." (HSB)
About how Ingram might be drafted, Rich Miano (UH's liaison with NFL teams) said:
"Every single guy knows about him. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets drafted if someone needs a long snapper." (HSB)
About how he was asked to replaced injured long snapper T.J. Moe before UH's game at Louisiana Tech in 2005, with his first snap coming on a 2nd-quarter punt, Ingram said:
"That was probably the least pressure I ever felt as a long snapper. I remember it like it was yesterday." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Mililani graduate figured he'd still be in the mix at defensive end, having seen playing time early as a freshman. But it soon became clear his substitute role had become permanent."
About how JJ removed him from the kickoff-return team against NMSU, Ingram said:
"Coach (June) Jones noticed I was out there and he was 'What's Jake doing out there? Get him off the field. He's going to get hurt.' From then on I had to come to the realization that I was a long snapper." (HSB)
About how he wanted to be able to play DE and only reluctantly took the long snapper-only role, Ingram said:
"I struggled with it for probably a year. I still wanted to play defensive end. I felt like I was selling myself short. Really I wasn't, but at the time I thought I was. I was still defensive minded and wanted to make my name as a D-end. But times change and you have to adjust." (HSB)
About Ingram's reaction when Grasso had to reach up for a snap against BSU this season, special teams coordinator Ikaika Malloe said:
"He didn't have to jump for it, but he caught it over his head. Jake is upset about a snap like that. As long as it's catchable, it's a good snap to me. That's how important he takes his job." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Malloe said Ingram consistently gets the ball to Grasso in 0.67 seconds, 0.65 if he really muscles up on one, contributing to a goal of getting the kick away in less than 2 seconds and taking pressure off the protection unit."
About how he enjoys helping to cover punts, Ingram said:
"My favorite part is when I get to run down the field and you get a chance to make a play, hit somebody, make a tackle." (HSB)
Not worried about the NFL right now because he's focused on their last 2 games, Ingram said:
"I'll be blessed if I can do it at the next level. Right now, I have to take care of business the last two games. One bad snap and it's done." (HSB)
"Last year I really buckled down, but this year from the offseason all the way through I had my mind set 100 percent on, 'I'm a long snapper and I want to be the best at it.' " (HSB)
HSB Note: "Ingram takes pride in performing a duty best rewarded by anonymity and has fired 111 snaps into Tim Grasso's hands on punts and place-kicks without incident this season entering Saturday's senior-night game against No. 13 Cincinnati. Although he averages 9.25 opportunities per contest, Ingram estimates the number of practice snaps he'll make on the sideline during the game at close to 100."
About how many snaps he does in practice, Ingram said:
"One time Tim and I tried to do the math - it's thousands. It's a lot." (HSB)
About how Ingram might be drafted, Rich Miano (UH's liaison with NFL teams) said:
"Every single guy knows about him. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets drafted if someone needs a long snapper." (HSB)
About how he was asked to replaced injured long snapper T.J. Moe before UH's game at Louisiana Tech in 2005, with his first snap coming on a 2nd-quarter punt, Ingram said:
"That was probably the least pressure I ever felt as a long snapper. I remember it like it was yesterday." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Mililani graduate figured he'd still be in the mix at defensive end, having seen playing time early as a freshman. But it soon became clear his substitute role had become permanent."
About how JJ removed him from the kickoff-return team against NMSU, Ingram said:
"Coach (June) Jones noticed I was out there and he was 'What's Jake doing out there? Get him off the field. He's going to get hurt.' From then on I had to come to the realization that I was a long snapper." (HSB)
About how he wanted to be able to play DE and only reluctantly took the long snapper-only role, Ingram said:
"I struggled with it for probably a year. I still wanted to play defensive end. I felt like I was selling myself short. Really I wasn't, but at the time I thought I was. I was still defensive minded and wanted to make my name as a D-end. But times change and you have to adjust." (HSB)
About Ingram's reaction when Grasso had to reach up for a snap against BSU this season, special teams coordinator Ikaika Malloe said:
"He didn't have to jump for it, but he caught it over his head. Jake is upset about a snap like that. As long as it's catchable, it's a good snap to me. That's how important he takes his job." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Malloe said Ingram consistently gets the ball to Grasso in 0.67 seconds, 0.65 if he really muscles up on one, contributing to a goal of getting the kick away in less than 2 seconds and taking pressure off the protection unit."
About how he enjoys helping to cover punts, Ingram said:
"My favorite part is when I get to run down the field and you get a chance to make a play, hit somebody, make a tackle." (HSB)
Not worried about the NFL right now because he's focused on their last 2 games, Ingram said:
"I'll be blessed if I can do it at the next level. Right now, I have to take care of business the last two games. One bad snap and it's done." (HSB)
Big East crew will officiate the Cincinnati game
About using a Big East crew to ref the Cincinnati game, JD said:
"It's an unusual situation, but not necessarily a bad one." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The last meeting between the teams in 2002 ended in an on-field brawl following UH's 20-19 comeback win."
"It's an unusual situation, but not necessarily a bad one." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The last meeting between the teams in 2002 ended in an on-field brawl following UH's 20-19 comeback win."
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Article about Bess choosing the Dolphins
Miami GM Jeff Ireland told Bess' agent Ken Zuckerman immediately after the draft:
'I really like this kid, and he's going to make our team.'' (Miami Herald)
Zuckerman said that when they signed Bess, Dolphins college scout Adam Engroff told him:
"We have our Wes Welker." (MH)
Not bothered by Bess' time at the NFL combine, Tony Sparano said:
"He's quicker than he is fast." (MH)
Zuckerman said that 14 teams pursued Bess after the draft and 2 offered slightly higher signing bonuses than Miami's $7,000 offer, but Bess:
"decided pretty quickly on Miami. They were at the top of his list because they had so many available spots and didn't have anyone like Davone." (MH)
Sparano said that identifying and signing Bess"
"was a combined effort." (MH)
Sparano said that WR coach Karl Dorrell (who was the head coach at UCLA last season):
"knew a lot about him being on the West Coast." (MH)
'I really like this kid, and he's going to make our team.'' (Miami Herald)
Zuckerman said that when they signed Bess, Dolphins college scout Adam Engroff told him:
"We have our Wes Welker." (MH)
Not bothered by Bess' time at the NFL combine, Tony Sparano said:
"He's quicker than he is fast." (MH)
Zuckerman said that 14 teams pursued Bess after the draft and 2 offered slightly higher signing bonuses than Miami's $7,000 offer, but Bess:
"decided pretty quickly on Miami. They were at the top of his list because they had so many available spots and didn't have anyone like Davone." (MH)
Sparano said that identifying and signing Bess"
"was a combined effort." (MH)
Sparano said that WR coach Karl Dorrell (who was the head coach at UCLA last season):
"knew a lot about him being on the West Coast." (MH)
Quotes about UH's offense
Walking without a limp despite his left calf marked with cuts and a heavily wrapped knee, Greg Alexander said:
"I can't talk about it." (HA)
About how the Hawaii fans like QBs that play like Alexander, Rolo said:
"Out here, they don't want any sissy boys. You've got the pads on for a reason. I think people get fired up when (Alexander) runs for 11 yards and runs somebody over, or throws a 44-yard touchdown (pass)." (HA)
About Alexander's throwing and running ability, Rolo said:
"He has a little resemblance — and some people brought this up — to Ben Roethlisberger when he was here (as a Warrior opponent). He can run for first downs, and he has good awareness of the pocket." (HA)
HA Note: "In the past five games, when he was the Warriors' primary quarterback, Alexander has scrambled 31 times for 230 yards, an average of 7.42 yards per carry. Alexander has excelled when the Warriors needed 10 or fewer yards for a first down. He has scrambled for first downs in 63.6 percent (21 of 33) of those situations."
About his scrambles for first downs, Alexander said:
"If stuff breaks down or if guys aren't open, I have to make stuff happen. I work on my footwork for drops, but never for scrambles." (HA)
About how he doesn't like to run out of bounds to avoid hits, Alexander said:
"If you go out of bounds, you're not going to get as many yards as you can." (HA)
About Alexander's toughness, Rolo said:
"He's a tough guy — or he's too big to get down and slide." (HA)
About how Alexander scraped off skin from his calf when sliding at Aloha Stadium despite being a shortstop in high school, Rolo said:
"He was a baseball player. He should be able to slide." (HA)
About how his coaches are telling him not to be up-ended by tacklers (twice he's somersaulted when tackled this season), Alexander said:
"That last one wasn't too bad. Coaches are telling me to slide now. I'll probably be doing that a lot more." (HA)
About Alexander's only juke move, Rolo said:
"You've seen it over and over. He'll go one way, then go the other way. He has a little style to his running. I didn't teach him that. He has a good forward lean. He's got that one move. He'll make that one guy miss and fall forward. Before you know it, it's an 8-yard run. He has a good feel for when to make the first move and get straight. He's not a downhill Denver Bronco-zone runner. But he can set people up. And he's so big, he's falling forward and carrying people. They turn out to be fairly good gains." (HA)
Impressed with Alexander's running ability, Inoke said:
"It just came out. I'm sure he had it in him. I think he gets his tips from (running back) Daniel (Libre)." (HA)
HA Note: "Rolovich said Alexander's confidence in deciding to run coincides with his comfort in directing the run-and-shoot offense."
Keoni Steinhoff said that Alexander is a:
"great quarterback and a great leader." (HA)
HA Note: "Alexander has followed a similar path set by Rolovich, UH's quarterback in 2000 and 2001. Both transferred to UH after playing at Northern California junior colleges. Both embrace Hawai'i's lifestyle."
About his similarity to Alexander, Rolo said:
"People keep telling us we look alike. I don't know whose (beard) is thicker. I guess times are tough. Razors are expensive." (HA)
Rolo said that Alexander:
"acts like how a quarterback is supposed to act. He's not cocky. He's confident in himself, but he's humble. He respects people. He doesn't expect special treatment. He doesn't take advantage of his new-found stardom. He's very intelligent. He wanted to learn the offense, and he's pretty much got it. I think he's having a great ending to the season." (HA)
About how he likes living in Hawaii, Alexander said:
"I like it out here. I'm having a lot of fun. I'm glad I'll be out here another year." (HA)
About how they have scored on their first possession in each of their last 3 games, Alexander said:
"We try to make a point to come out and score quick and set the tone for the rest of the game. It gives us a lot of confidence ... and we try to build on that." (HSB)
HSB Note: "In the last three games, Alexander has completed 12 of 14 passes on UH's initial possessions and rushed for three first downs, including a season-long 22-yard keeper last week, and a touchdown."
About their 97-yard drive to start the game vs. Washington State, Rolo said:
"To go on a 97-yard drive to start the game is good momentum for the offense, defense, everybody. Greg prepares himself well, we have a good plan going in, we just need to keep the pressure on. It shows they're fearless. Greg's not scared to be backed up and dropping into his own end zone." (HSB)
HSB Note: "For the season, UH has opened with touchdowns in five games and moved the ball effectively early against Boise State and Utah State before both drives stalled."
About their fast starts on offense, Ron Lee said:
"It all starts with the guys coming in and they're ready to play and they execute their assignments. We just have to keep that up." (HSB)
About watching film and going over the scouting report in the morning instead of practicing on the field due to the rain (they practiced in the afternoon), Mac said:
"We're right on schedule. We just have to be flexible around the weather until they get the carpet down." (HSB)
About their modified Tuesday schedule due to rain, Ron Lee said:
"We kind of did what we normally do on a Tuesday. We run about 30 plays, introduce the game plan, so that worked out great for us. If we didn't come out, we have to spend more time putting the stuff in. It worked out fine." (HSB)
HSB Note: "With a heavier practice scheduled for today as the Warriors prepare for the 13th-ranked Bearcats, McMackin said they'll have a contingency plan in place if the rains come again."
About how he had to wait before he could play for the Warriors, Michael Washington said:
"It's one of those things you have to adapt to, just like life. Life isn't always going to go your way so you have to adapt. The more you get frustrated, the more you're going to put yourself in a hole." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Hawaii slotback has two games left in his college career and is set to graduate with a degree in speech and a minor in communications this month, completing his course work in 3 years."
About Washington's hard work, Ron Lee said:
"He's worked hard at everything. Weight room, conditioning, classroom, practice, he's always worked hard. So hopefully he'll finish strong." (HSB)
Happy for Washington's success, Ron Lee said:
"I'm so happy for Mike. He was a steady performer throughout his career but he was behind Davone (Bess) and Ryan (Grice-Mullins). He's starting to play really exceptional. Really did a nice job this year, especially the second half." (HSB)
About how he appreciates being able to start during his senior year, Washington said:
"Fortunately you get one year, and that's an opportunity. Not too many people get an opportunity to do something special, to accomplish your dreams. I've just been blessed, I put my future in God's hands and everything's been for the best. I've just been happy and free-spirited the second half of the season." (HSB)
About their struggles early in the season on offense and the roll they are on now, Washington said:
"I'd call it a roller-coaster ride. It started down low with getting a feel for things. The second half of the season, that's when we started having fun. I'm just going to end with a bang and do what I can to help the team." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Washington might have been playing defensive back at California if a game tape from Aliquippa (Pa.) High School hadn't made its way to former UH coach June Jones' office."
About his high school game tape, Ron Lee said:
"His game tape was unbelievable. Everything he touched he scored." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Washington, who was raised primarily by grandparents Roscoe and Beulah Peake, left behind an Aliquippa neighborhood where drugs and violence were part of the everyday scene and gained a new perspective across the ocean."
About adjusting to living in Hawaii, Washington said:
"It's all cool, because the only way you can adapt out here is by being open-minded. All those stereotypes you've been raised with, if you bring those to a place like this, you'll never adapt. It was a big blessing I came here and experienced a lot. I've seen lava flows on the Big Island, waterfalls, to meeting people from Egypt, Switzerland, Germany, all over the world. If I can take anything that I learned, that's one of the things I'm really proud of, that I got a sense of what the world really is out there." (HSB)
About his big TD reception in the Washington State game, Washington said:
"I was kind of surprised Greg threw it. I set the safety and I was open and I looked back and the ball's already in the air. I just used my speed to track the ball down. That was like icing on the cake." (HSB)
"I can't talk about it." (HA)
About how the Hawaii fans like QBs that play like Alexander, Rolo said:
"Out here, they don't want any sissy boys. You've got the pads on for a reason. I think people get fired up when (Alexander) runs for 11 yards and runs somebody over, or throws a 44-yard touchdown (pass)." (HA)
About Alexander's throwing and running ability, Rolo said:
"He has a little resemblance — and some people brought this up — to Ben Roethlisberger when he was here (as a Warrior opponent). He can run for first downs, and he has good awareness of the pocket." (HA)
HA Note: "In the past five games, when he was the Warriors' primary quarterback, Alexander has scrambled 31 times for 230 yards, an average of 7.42 yards per carry. Alexander has excelled when the Warriors needed 10 or fewer yards for a first down. He has scrambled for first downs in 63.6 percent (21 of 33) of those situations."
About his scrambles for first downs, Alexander said:
"If stuff breaks down or if guys aren't open, I have to make stuff happen. I work on my footwork for drops, but never for scrambles." (HA)
About how he doesn't like to run out of bounds to avoid hits, Alexander said:
"If you go out of bounds, you're not going to get as many yards as you can." (HA)
About Alexander's toughness, Rolo said:
"He's a tough guy — or he's too big to get down and slide." (HA)
About how Alexander scraped off skin from his calf when sliding at Aloha Stadium despite being a shortstop in high school, Rolo said:
"He was a baseball player. He should be able to slide." (HA)
About how his coaches are telling him not to be up-ended by tacklers (twice he's somersaulted when tackled this season), Alexander said:
"That last one wasn't too bad. Coaches are telling me to slide now. I'll probably be doing that a lot more." (HA)
About Alexander's only juke move, Rolo said:
"You've seen it over and over. He'll go one way, then go the other way. He has a little style to his running. I didn't teach him that. He has a good forward lean. He's got that one move. He'll make that one guy miss and fall forward. Before you know it, it's an 8-yard run. He has a good feel for when to make the first move and get straight. He's not a downhill Denver Bronco-zone runner. But he can set people up. And he's so big, he's falling forward and carrying people. They turn out to be fairly good gains." (HA)
Impressed with Alexander's running ability, Inoke said:
"It just came out. I'm sure he had it in him. I think he gets his tips from (running back) Daniel (Libre)." (HA)
HA Note: "Rolovich said Alexander's confidence in deciding to run coincides with his comfort in directing the run-and-shoot offense."
Keoni Steinhoff said that Alexander is a:
"great quarterback and a great leader." (HA)
HA Note: "Alexander has followed a similar path set by Rolovich, UH's quarterback in 2000 and 2001. Both transferred to UH after playing at Northern California junior colleges. Both embrace Hawai'i's lifestyle."
About his similarity to Alexander, Rolo said:
"People keep telling us we look alike. I don't know whose (beard) is thicker. I guess times are tough. Razors are expensive." (HA)
Rolo said that Alexander:
"acts like how a quarterback is supposed to act. He's not cocky. He's confident in himself, but he's humble. He respects people. He doesn't expect special treatment. He doesn't take advantage of his new-found stardom. He's very intelligent. He wanted to learn the offense, and he's pretty much got it. I think he's having a great ending to the season." (HA)
About how he likes living in Hawaii, Alexander said:
"I like it out here. I'm having a lot of fun. I'm glad I'll be out here another year." (HA)
About how they have scored on their first possession in each of their last 3 games, Alexander said:
"We try to make a point to come out and score quick and set the tone for the rest of the game. It gives us a lot of confidence ... and we try to build on that." (HSB)
HSB Note: "In the last three games, Alexander has completed 12 of 14 passes on UH's initial possessions and rushed for three first downs, including a season-long 22-yard keeper last week, and a touchdown."
About their 97-yard drive to start the game vs. Washington State, Rolo said:
"To go on a 97-yard drive to start the game is good momentum for the offense, defense, everybody. Greg prepares himself well, we have a good plan going in, we just need to keep the pressure on. It shows they're fearless. Greg's not scared to be backed up and dropping into his own end zone." (HSB)
HSB Note: "For the season, UH has opened with touchdowns in five games and moved the ball effectively early against Boise State and Utah State before both drives stalled."
About their fast starts on offense, Ron Lee said:
"It all starts with the guys coming in and they're ready to play and they execute their assignments. We just have to keep that up." (HSB)
About watching film and going over the scouting report in the morning instead of practicing on the field due to the rain (they practiced in the afternoon), Mac said:
"We're right on schedule. We just have to be flexible around the weather until they get the carpet down." (HSB)
About their modified Tuesday schedule due to rain, Ron Lee said:
"We kind of did what we normally do on a Tuesday. We run about 30 plays, introduce the game plan, so that worked out great for us. If we didn't come out, we have to spend more time putting the stuff in. It worked out fine." (HSB)
HSB Note: "With a heavier practice scheduled for today as the Warriors prepare for the 13th-ranked Bearcats, McMackin said they'll have a contingency plan in place if the rains come again."
About how he had to wait before he could play for the Warriors, Michael Washington said:
"It's one of those things you have to adapt to, just like life. Life isn't always going to go your way so you have to adapt. The more you get frustrated, the more you're going to put yourself in a hole." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Hawaii slotback has two games left in his college career and is set to graduate with a degree in speech and a minor in communications this month, completing his course work in 3 years."
About Washington's hard work, Ron Lee said:
"He's worked hard at everything. Weight room, conditioning, classroom, practice, he's always worked hard. So hopefully he'll finish strong." (HSB)
Happy for Washington's success, Ron Lee said:
"I'm so happy for Mike. He was a steady performer throughout his career but he was behind Davone (Bess) and Ryan (Grice-Mullins). He's starting to play really exceptional. Really did a nice job this year, especially the second half." (HSB)
About how he appreciates being able to start during his senior year, Washington said:
"Fortunately you get one year, and that's an opportunity. Not too many people get an opportunity to do something special, to accomplish your dreams. I've just been blessed, I put my future in God's hands and everything's been for the best. I've just been happy and free-spirited the second half of the season." (HSB)
About their struggles early in the season on offense and the roll they are on now, Washington said:
"I'd call it a roller-coaster ride. It started down low with getting a feel for things. The second half of the season, that's when we started having fun. I'm just going to end with a bang and do what I can to help the team." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Washington might have been playing defensive back at California if a game tape from Aliquippa (Pa.) High School hadn't made its way to former UH coach June Jones' office."
About his high school game tape, Ron Lee said:
"His game tape was unbelievable. Everything he touched he scored." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Washington, who was raised primarily by grandparents Roscoe and Beulah Peake, left behind an Aliquippa neighborhood where drugs and violence were part of the everyday scene and gained a new perspective across the ocean."
About adjusting to living in Hawaii, Washington said:
"It's all cool, because the only way you can adapt out here is by being open-minded. All those stereotypes you've been raised with, if you bring those to a place like this, you'll never adapt. It was a big blessing I came here and experienced a lot. I've seen lava flows on the Big Island, waterfalls, to meeting people from Egypt, Switzerland, Germany, all over the world. If I can take anything that I learned, that's one of the things I'm really proud of, that I got a sense of what the world really is out there." (HSB)
About his big TD reception in the Washington State game, Washington said:
"I was kind of surprised Greg threw it. I set the safety and I was open and I looked back and the ball's already in the air. I just used my speed to track the ball down. That was like icing on the cake." (HSB)
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Warriors named to the All-WAC team (Veikune should have been first team!)
Boise State's Kevin Basped was named to the All-WAC first team while UH's David Veikune was named to the second team. Let us compare their stats:
64 tackles vs. 36 tackles
15 tackles for loss vs. 10 tackles for loss
8 sacks vs. 4.5 sacks
In each category, David Veikune is far above Kevin Basped! Veikune also forced 4 fumbles, most in the WAC.
-------------
HA Note: "Linebacker Adam Leonard, defensive back Ryan Mouton and center John Estes also joined Elimimian as Warriors on the All-WAC first team. Defensive end David Veikune, defensive tackle Keala Watson and slotback Michael Washington were named to the second team."
About Sol's selection by the WAC as co-Defensive Player of the Year, Cal Lee said:
"Well deserved, no question." (HA)
About how Sol deserves this honor, Mac said:
"Solly deserves it. He's not only a great player and did so well during his career here, he's a great leader and a spiritual leader and he's a big-time person." (HSB)
Note: The only UH players to be named WAC Defensive Player of the Year are Al Noga, Travis LaBoy and Sol.
About Sol's career at UH, Rich Miano said:
"From Day 1, Solly's kind of done it. He's the school's all-time leading tackler, and he's a very good student. I think he epitomizes the student-athlete. He does well in school. He does well on the football field. He was good when he started, and he kept improving. He symbolizes what University of Hawai'i football is all about." (HA)
About how his UH career has been "a blessing", Sol said:
"I thank God for it. He put me in a position where I could be successful. It all started four years ago when God made a decision for me to come here." (HA)
Crediting his brother Abraham (who was first-team All-WAC in 2004 at UH), Sol said:
"I just thank Abe a lot, because at times where I could have quit and went the other way he's definitely pushed me and made me a better football player as well as a better person. He's a big part of my success." (HSB)
Crediting his teammates for his award, Sol said:
"We have one of the best defensive lines in the league, I feel. They've done a great job of keeping (blockers) off of me, and letting me make a lot of plays." (HA)
"Our defensive line, they're one of the best defensive lines in the league, I feel, and they've done a great job in keeping guys off of me and letting me make a lot of plays. So I'm definitely blessed." (HSB)
Surprised that David Veikune was not named to the first team, Sol said:
"I felt he could have easily made defensive player of the year. I feel like he's definitely first-team All-WAC." (HSB)
About how he needs just 2 classes in the Spring semester to get his degree (in just 8 semesters), Sol said:
"Education is a big part of my family. My dad's a retired professor. ... In order for me to play football, I have to do well in school. I love school, and I love football. Education and football are both important to me." (HA)
About his close friendship with fellow LB Adam Leonard, Sol said:
"Adam's my brother. I love playing with him and just thinking about it, we only have two more games to play until we go our separate ways." (HSB)
About his injury that prevented him from going to a Pac-10 school for college, Adam Leonard said:
"If I could go back and not have the injury happen to me, I would still love to be here. I'm thankful it did happen so it could open the door for me to come to Hawai'i. It's been a true blessing." (HA)
About being named to the All-WAC first team, Ryan Mouton said:
"It feels good. It's a testament to the coaches. They helped me get to that level of play." (HA)
Praising Estes, Mac said that he:
"has been the anchor for our offense ever since he's been here." (HSB)
About being named to the All-WAC first team, John Estes said:
"I'm honored to be on that list with all of the other guys in the WAC, especially the guys on our team." (HA)
Surprised that David Veikune was not named to the first team, Estes said:
"Everybody knows he should be on the first team." (HA)
About the teleconference the WAC coaches had last week to discuss the All-WAC selections, Mac said:
"I guess they didn't hear me because (Veikune) made second team. If there's a better defensive end out there, I would beg to differ." (HA)
Upset that Veikune was not named to the first team, Mac said:
"If there's a better defensive end out there, I'd beg to differ." (HSB)
About the Cincinnati game and the Hawaii Bowl, Mac said:
"I really want to win these next two ballgames. was just talking to our defensive staff that we're not done yet." (HSB)
About how they are hoping that Mouton can play against Cincinnati, Mac said:
"I talked to the trainers and they're working really hard to get Mouton back." (HSB)
64 tackles vs. 36 tackles
15 tackles for loss vs. 10 tackles for loss
8 sacks vs. 4.5 sacks
In each category, David Veikune is far above Kevin Basped! Veikune also forced 4 fumbles, most in the WAC.
-------------
HA Note: "Linebacker Adam Leonard, defensive back Ryan Mouton and center John Estes also joined Elimimian as Warriors on the All-WAC first team. Defensive end David Veikune, defensive tackle Keala Watson and slotback Michael Washington were named to the second team."
About Sol's selection by the WAC as co-Defensive Player of the Year, Cal Lee said:
"Well deserved, no question." (HA)
About how Sol deserves this honor, Mac said:
"Solly deserves it. He's not only a great player and did so well during his career here, he's a great leader and a spiritual leader and he's a big-time person." (HSB)
Note: The only UH players to be named WAC Defensive Player of the Year are Al Noga, Travis LaBoy and Sol.
About Sol's career at UH, Rich Miano said:
"From Day 1, Solly's kind of done it. He's the school's all-time leading tackler, and he's a very good student. I think he epitomizes the student-athlete. He does well in school. He does well on the football field. He was good when he started, and he kept improving. He symbolizes what University of Hawai'i football is all about." (HA)
About how his UH career has been "a blessing", Sol said:
"I thank God for it. He put me in a position where I could be successful. It all started four years ago when God made a decision for me to come here." (HA)
Crediting his brother Abraham (who was first-team All-WAC in 2004 at UH), Sol said:
"I just thank Abe a lot, because at times where I could have quit and went the other way he's definitely pushed me and made me a better football player as well as a better person. He's a big part of my success." (HSB)
Crediting his teammates for his award, Sol said:
"We have one of the best defensive lines in the league, I feel. They've done a great job of keeping (blockers) off of me, and letting me make a lot of plays." (HA)
"Our defensive line, they're one of the best defensive lines in the league, I feel, and they've done a great job in keeping guys off of me and letting me make a lot of plays. So I'm definitely blessed." (HSB)
Surprised that David Veikune was not named to the first team, Sol said:
"I felt he could have easily made defensive player of the year. I feel like he's definitely first-team All-WAC." (HSB)
About how he needs just 2 classes in the Spring semester to get his degree (in just 8 semesters), Sol said:
"Education is a big part of my family. My dad's a retired professor. ... In order for me to play football, I have to do well in school. I love school, and I love football. Education and football are both important to me." (HA)
About his close friendship with fellow LB Adam Leonard, Sol said:
"Adam's my brother. I love playing with him and just thinking about it, we only have two more games to play until we go our separate ways." (HSB)
About his injury that prevented him from going to a Pac-10 school for college, Adam Leonard said:
"If I could go back and not have the injury happen to me, I would still love to be here. I'm thankful it did happen so it could open the door for me to come to Hawai'i. It's been a true blessing." (HA)
About being named to the All-WAC first team, Ryan Mouton said:
"It feels good. It's a testament to the coaches. They helped me get to that level of play." (HA)
Praising Estes, Mac said that he:
"has been the anchor for our offense ever since he's been here." (HSB)
About being named to the All-WAC first team, John Estes said:
"I'm honored to be on that list with all of the other guys in the WAC, especially the guys on our team." (HA)
Surprised that David Veikune was not named to the first team, Estes said:
"Everybody knows he should be on the first team." (HA)
About the teleconference the WAC coaches had last week to discuss the All-WAC selections, Mac said:
"I guess they didn't hear me because (Veikune) made second team. If there's a better defensive end out there, I would beg to differ." (HA)
Upset that Veikune was not named to the first team, Mac said:
"If there's a better defensive end out there, I'd beg to differ." (HSB)
About the Cincinnati game and the Hawaii Bowl, Mac said:
"I really want to win these next two ballgames. was just talking to our defensive staff that we're not done yet." (HSB)
About how they are hoping that Mouton can play against Cincinnati, Mac said:
"I talked to the trainers and they're working really hard to get Mouton back." (HSB)
Monday, December 1, 2008
Rodney Bradley commits to the Warriors!
About his commitment to the Warriors, 6'1", 190-pound WR Rodney Bradley (Navarro JC) said:
"I am a Warrior." (HA)
Asked about his 40-yard dash time, Bradley said:
"it's 4.3 (seconds) now." (HA)
Confirming Bradley's 40-yard time, Navarro assistant coach Kevin Curtis said:
"He's extremely fast." (HA)
About how Bradley is able to use his speed in games, Navarro head coach Nick Bobeck said:
"He carries that speed over to the game. Rodney is an extremely explosive receiver." (HA)
About how he will earn his associate degree this month so that he can enroll at UH in January and participate in UH's offseason conditioning program and spring practice, Bradley said:
"I'm looking forward to that." (HA)
HA Note: "As a senior at Dallas' Lake Highlands High in 2007, Bradley signed a letter of intent with Southern Methodist. But he did not go there because of academic issues, and instead enrolled at Navarro."
Happy for Bradley, Bobeck said:
"He's a very good player on the field and a great person off the field. He's a pleasant guy to be around. He has a great sense of humor. I couldn't be happier for Rodney. He's the kind of guy you want good things to happen for." (HA)
HA Note: "Bobeck said Bradley has excelled despite Navarro's limited passing attack. The past season, Navarro ran 70.3 percent of the time. Still, Bradley caught 29 passes for 555 yards, an average of 19.3 yards per catch."
About Bradley's yards per catch average, Bobeck said:
"At one time, he was averaging a little more than 25 yards per catch." (HA)
HA Note: "Bradley accounted for nine of Navarro's 10 touchdown receptions."
About how their offense didn't give Bradley much of a chance to get passes thrown to him, Curtis said:
"We're an offense that ran the ball a lot, and he didn't get the opportunity to catch the ball because we didn't put the ball there. We ran the ball very well. But when the ball's in the air, he made a lot of plays." (HA)
About Bradley's "separation" speed, Curtis said:
"Time after time, being at the same level as the defensive back, when the ball's in the air, he has another gear that other people don't have." (HA)
HA Note: "Bradley said he received interest from Pittsburgh, Kansas State, Memphis and Tulsa. Then two weeks ago, Curtis called his close friend, UH head coach Greg McMackin. McMackin was the defensive coordinator when Curtis played safety at Texas Tech and then, for two seasons, with the San Francisco 49ers."
About his close relationship with Mac, Curtis said:
"I've known coach Mack for a long time. I love that guy. He's a good guy. I look out for him. I knew Rodney would be a perfect fit for coach Mack's offense." (HA)
About his host during his recruiting visit, Navarro alum Erik Robinson, Bradley said:
"He's a really cool guy." (HA)
About how he enjoyed attending the Washington State game, Bradley said:
"That was a great game. I enjoyed it." (HA)
About how he liked UH's offense, Bradley said:
"I really like the way they throw the ball a lot. It's a good offense." (HA)
About how he felt comfortable with the Warriors, Bradley said:
"I liked the vibe better (in Hawai'i). I like the players and the coaches. And the people in Hawai'i are cool. It's family-oriented. That makes it better. I feel comfortable there." (HA)
Bobeck predicted that Bradley is:
"going to do a great job out there." (HA)
About how he thinks that Bradley will be well at UH, Curtis said:
"Rodney is going to go out there and work hard every day in practice. He's a competitor. He wants to get better." (HA)
"Rodney did a great job for us. He's going to be a great asset to the University of Hawai'i. He's going to get an opportunity to catch a lot of balls in Hawai'i. He's going to shine. You'll hear about this kid in the next couple of years. Hawai'i got a steal right there." (HA)
HA Note: "Bradley's cousin is Bethel Johnson, a wide receiver who was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2003 draft. Johnson won two Super Bowl rings with the Patriots. During the first half of the past season, Johnson served as a volunteer coach at Navarro."
About how Bradley learned all he could from Bethel Johnson, Curtis said:
"Rodney soaked up everything Bethel said. He wanted to learn. He wanted to be a sponge. He's going to adapt to his environment." (HA)
"I am a Warrior." (HA)
Asked about his 40-yard dash time, Bradley said:
"it's 4.3 (seconds) now." (HA)
Confirming Bradley's 40-yard time, Navarro assistant coach Kevin Curtis said:
"He's extremely fast." (HA)
About how Bradley is able to use his speed in games, Navarro head coach Nick Bobeck said:
"He carries that speed over to the game. Rodney is an extremely explosive receiver." (HA)
About how he will earn his associate degree this month so that he can enroll at UH in January and participate in UH's offseason conditioning program and spring practice, Bradley said:
"I'm looking forward to that." (HA)
HA Note: "As a senior at Dallas' Lake Highlands High in 2007, Bradley signed a letter of intent with Southern Methodist. But he did not go there because of academic issues, and instead enrolled at Navarro."
Happy for Bradley, Bobeck said:
"He's a very good player on the field and a great person off the field. He's a pleasant guy to be around. He has a great sense of humor. I couldn't be happier for Rodney. He's the kind of guy you want good things to happen for." (HA)
HA Note: "Bobeck said Bradley has excelled despite Navarro's limited passing attack. The past season, Navarro ran 70.3 percent of the time. Still, Bradley caught 29 passes for 555 yards, an average of 19.3 yards per catch."
About Bradley's yards per catch average, Bobeck said:
"At one time, he was averaging a little more than 25 yards per catch." (HA)
HA Note: "Bradley accounted for nine of Navarro's 10 touchdown receptions."
About how their offense didn't give Bradley much of a chance to get passes thrown to him, Curtis said:
"We're an offense that ran the ball a lot, and he didn't get the opportunity to catch the ball because we didn't put the ball there. We ran the ball very well. But when the ball's in the air, he made a lot of plays." (HA)
About Bradley's "separation" speed, Curtis said:
"Time after time, being at the same level as the defensive back, when the ball's in the air, he has another gear that other people don't have." (HA)
HA Note: "Bradley said he received interest from Pittsburgh, Kansas State, Memphis and Tulsa. Then two weeks ago, Curtis called his close friend, UH head coach Greg McMackin. McMackin was the defensive coordinator when Curtis played safety at Texas Tech and then, for two seasons, with the San Francisco 49ers."
About his close relationship with Mac, Curtis said:
"I've known coach Mack for a long time. I love that guy. He's a good guy. I look out for him. I knew Rodney would be a perfect fit for coach Mack's offense." (HA)
About his host during his recruiting visit, Navarro alum Erik Robinson, Bradley said:
"He's a really cool guy." (HA)
About how he enjoyed attending the Washington State game, Bradley said:
"That was a great game. I enjoyed it." (HA)
About how he liked UH's offense, Bradley said:
"I really like the way they throw the ball a lot. It's a good offense." (HA)
About how he felt comfortable with the Warriors, Bradley said:
"I liked the vibe better (in Hawai'i). I like the players and the coaches. And the people in Hawai'i are cool. It's family-oriented. That makes it better. I feel comfortable there." (HA)
Bobeck predicted that Bradley is:
"going to do a great job out there." (HA)
About how he thinks that Bradley will be well at UH, Curtis said:
"Rodney is going to go out there and work hard every day in practice. He's a competitor. He wants to get better." (HA)
"Rodney did a great job for us. He's going to be a great asset to the University of Hawai'i. He's going to get an opportunity to catch a lot of balls in Hawai'i. He's going to shine. You'll hear about this kid in the next couple of years. Hawai'i got a steal right there." (HA)
HA Note: "Bradley's cousin is Bethel Johnson, a wide receiver who was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2003 draft. Johnson won two Super Bowl rings with the Patriots. During the first half of the past season, Johnson served as a volunteer coach at Navarro."
About how Bradley learned all he could from Bethel Johnson, Curtis said:
"Rodney soaked up everything Bethel said. He wanted to learn. He wanted to be a sponge. He's going to adapt to his environment." (HA)
Quotes from the local papers
About how all they need now is for Arizona State to beat Arizona in order to have a Pac-10 team in the Hawaii Bowl, David Matlin said:
"We went into the (last) week needing three things to happen in order to get a Pac-10 team. Now, we only need one." (HA)
About how the Hawaii Bowl gets the 6th pick of Pac-10 teams, Matlin said:
"our hope has always been to have a Pac-10 team." (HA)
"We'd be thrilled to have a Pac-10 team if Arizona State wins. If not, then what's really exciting is there's a lot of possibilities and opportunities." (HSB)
HSB Note: "At-large teams with 7-5 records must be selected before those at 6-6, a group that includes Notre Dame."
About the uncertainty over who the Hawaii Bowl will get, Matlin said:
"We've never had an experience like this (in the Hawaii Bowl's previous six years)." (HSB)
Not thinking about the Hawaii Bowl yet because of the Cincinnati game, Mac said:
"I'm just taking it one game at a time right now and the next game is Cincinnati." (HSB)
About facing BCS-bound Cincinnati, Mac said:
"This gives us a chance to show what we're capable of doing against this type of team. I think we're playing at our peak right now and it's the best time to face this kind of opponent." (HSB)
About how the Cincinnati game will be for their seniors, Mac said:
"It's going to be the seniors' game, so it's going to be important for us. They've contributed so much to the program and to this season with leadership for the team." (HSB)
About being told Friday night that we could be one of their captains for the Washington State game, senior Tyson Kafentzis (who lived in eastern Washington and followed Washington State) said:
"That was awesome. That was an honor, it meant a lot to me. Obviously, I grew up being a fan of them and I couldn't wait to play these guys. I was ecstatic when I saw them on the schedule years ago. The last time I walked out as a captain was five years ago in high school. So it was pretty special." (HSB)
About his TD reception to put UH ahead 7-0 over Washington State, Greg Salas said:
"The curl was wide open. The safety had bailed. I knew I had room to run. We definitely wanted to jump on them fast." (HSB)
About how they got ahead and the crowd helped keep them going in the Washington State game, John Fonoti said:
"We got off to a good start and then we began to feed off the crowd. We couldn't have done it without them." (HSB)
About his fumble recovery at the Washington State 4 yard time, Josh Leonard said:
"All of a sudden I saw a ball right between my legs, so I sat back and just grabbed it." (HSB)
About his 44-yard TD
Washington: "I was thinking touchdown from the way the defense was playing me. So I just ran my route and executed."
5. Giving it back
The Setup: Hawaii 24, Washington State 10, 6:43 remaining, fourth quarter, Hawaii ball, fourth and 17 at Washington State 31
The Play: Matt Eichelberger blocks Kelly's 47-yard field-goal attempt. Washington State's Devin Giles recovers, and, as he is being tackled, tries to pitch to Chima Nwachukwu. Nwachukwu doesn't catch the high toss, and UH's Clarence Tuioti-Mariner recovers at the WSU 23.
The Impact: Instead of taking over with enough time to conceivably score twice, Washington State fritters away a big play. Hawaii fails to score, but takes 3:04 off the clock, severely crippling possibilities of a comeback.
Washington State coach Paul Wulff: "We teach that, you know. No. That was a microcosm of our whole deal this year."
"We went into the (last) week needing three things to happen in order to get a Pac-10 team. Now, we only need one." (HA)
About how the Hawaii Bowl gets the 6th pick of Pac-10 teams, Matlin said:
"our hope has always been to have a Pac-10 team." (HA)
"We'd be thrilled to have a Pac-10 team if Arizona State wins. If not, then what's really exciting is there's a lot of possibilities and opportunities." (HSB)
HSB Note: "At-large teams with 7-5 records must be selected before those at 6-6, a group that includes Notre Dame."
About the uncertainty over who the Hawaii Bowl will get, Matlin said:
"We've never had an experience like this (in the Hawaii Bowl's previous six years)." (HSB)
Not thinking about the Hawaii Bowl yet because of the Cincinnati game, Mac said:
"I'm just taking it one game at a time right now and the next game is Cincinnati." (HSB)
About facing BCS-bound Cincinnati, Mac said:
"This gives us a chance to show what we're capable of doing against this type of team. I think we're playing at our peak right now and it's the best time to face this kind of opponent." (HSB)
About how the Cincinnati game will be for their seniors, Mac said:
"It's going to be the seniors' game, so it's going to be important for us. They've contributed so much to the program and to this season with leadership for the team." (HSB)
About being told Friday night that we could be one of their captains for the Washington State game, senior Tyson Kafentzis (who lived in eastern Washington and followed Washington State) said:
"That was awesome. That was an honor, it meant a lot to me. Obviously, I grew up being a fan of them and I couldn't wait to play these guys. I was ecstatic when I saw them on the schedule years ago. The last time I walked out as a captain was five years ago in high school. So it was pretty special." (HSB)
About his TD reception to put UH ahead 7-0 over Washington State, Greg Salas said:
"The curl was wide open. The safety had bailed. I knew I had room to run. We definitely wanted to jump on them fast." (HSB)
About how they got ahead and the crowd helped keep them going in the Washington State game, John Fonoti said:
"We got off to a good start and then we began to feed off the crowd. We couldn't have done it without them." (HSB)
About his fumble recovery at the Washington State 4 yard time, Josh Leonard said:
"All of a sudden I saw a ball right between my legs, so I sat back and just grabbed it." (HSB)
About his 44-yard TD
Washington: "I was thinking touchdown from the way the defense was playing me. So I just ran my route and executed."
5. Giving it back
The Setup: Hawaii 24, Washington State 10, 6:43 remaining, fourth quarter, Hawaii ball, fourth and 17 at Washington State 31
The Play: Matt Eichelberger blocks Kelly's 47-yard field-goal attempt. Washington State's Devin Giles recovers, and, as he is being tackled, tries to pitch to Chima Nwachukwu. Nwachukwu doesn't catch the high toss, and UH's Clarence Tuioti-Mariner recovers at the WSU 23.
The Impact: Instead of taking over with enough time to conceivably score twice, Washington State fritters away a big play. Hawaii fails to score, but takes 3:04 off the clock, severely crippling possibilities of a comeback.
Washington State coach Paul Wulff: "We teach that, you know. No. That was a microcosm of our whole deal this year."
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