Saturday, June 30, 2007

Quotes from Herman Frazier

http://www.mauinews.com/story.aspx?id=31850

Asked if he had the most unique college AD job in the country, HF said:
“No question it is. It is funny you should ask. I had a friend (from his alma mater) Arizona State who also owns property in Honolulu and he just started laughing. He said, ’You are in the paper if you just walk down the street. You are out there as far as exposure no matter what happens.’ It is different. There are probably easier jobs, but for me, I’m a guy who will always take on challenges, so you kind of roll with the punches. I think it is different than any job you will find in the country. It is kind of funny, but it all comes into perspective.’’ (Maui News)


About the budget, HF said:
“The deficit was $2.5 (million) the first year, I believe it was $500,000 the next year, so it started coming down. But you had a cumulative deficit which didn’t go away, so to start chipping away at the overall deficit, you have got to get into the black. Last year was the first time we have ever been in the black – by $7,900 – but the cumulative deficit at that point was about $4 million. Baby steps, yes, but important steps.’’ (MN)


About their situation, HF said:
“We are fortunate to be in that position. There are many other schools out there that are probably losing $4 million annually. And there is no school the size of the University of Hawaii that is in the shape that we are in unless they are getting more of a large subsidy than we are from the institution itself. So I think what is happening to us is that we are placing too much emphasis on trying to reduce the deficit as opposed to trying to run quality programs.’’ (MN)


About not playing a 13th game this year, HF said:
“It was something I worked on every single day. And we called in all kinds of stops and then it became a partnership between the Western Athletic Conference, ESPN and ourselves. This is an interesting thing that I found out just the other day – two schools that can play 13 games are Boise State and Fresno State because they are playing in Hawaii this year. Both of them are only playing 12 games. That is something that I find to be amazing because everybody was putting the emphasis on us about playing 13 and two of the schools we are competing with aren’t playing 13. I think at the end of the day, the 13th game was overplayed.’’ (MN)


About how the lack of a 13th game will not hurt their budget, HF said:
“One of the schools I was looking at playing was at Indiana and if we would have played at Indiana, based on the guarantee they were going to give us, it would have just been a wash. The other thing you can’t lose site of is we were paid $250,000 for the game was are not playing against Michigan State when they pulled out. In all reality they should have played the game.’’ (MN)


Trying to say their schedule is difficult, HF said:
“I think there are two tough games, at San Jose State (9-4) against Dick Tomey (on Oct. 12) and at Nevada (8-5). The weather can be a factor at Nevada, so those two are important. Then being able to come back and play Washington, Boise State and Fresno State at the end of the schedule, it could be a blessing in disguise." (MN)


Claiming that Colt never meant for the controversy over their facilities to happen, and sounding quite condescending at times, HF said:
“That was never his intent for that to happen. I’m not sure a lot of people ever saw that piece of it because the other piece of it got played up so much. A lot of it you had to really read between the lines what was going on there. I mean, obviously there was some vandalism on the part of some people and I don’t get involved with all those portions of our staff. I have 145 people working for us, but you notice I took all the hits and that is just me. I am going to stand by my employees. Do you think the AD at Notre Dame is worried about soap? Do you the AD at Ohio State is even addressing that?

I think if Colt knew that this was going to happen he would have shut his mouth and never said a word about it. He is a great guy and he has been in my office to talk about it and he said, ’I never meant for this to happen. That was never my intent.’ I said to Colt, ’Even though you did that, you have got to be careful. You have got to be a leader because things like that are going to happen in your pursuit of this Heisman or anything else, so let that be a lesson to you.’ That is what college is all about – learning lessons. And this was a lesson for Colt Brennan." (MN)

Note: So, Colt would have shut his mouth? Colt is not a leader? Colt learned a lesson? I guess that is why the soap dispensers were installed the day after Colt spoke--that will teach him a lesson! Do you think the Notre Dame AD would allow his players to not have soap in the showers, a lock on the door, and the ability to park legally when they show up for practice?

Friday, June 29, 2007

Kenny Patton Update

About being the featured instructor at this weekend's Hawaii Speed and Quickness clinics at UH, Patton said:
"I love helping kids. It ends up working out both ways. Hopefully, I can help them become better athletes. And I get a good workout, too." (HA)


About training in the morning and working in the afternoon at Weyerhaeuser, a containerboard packaging plant, Patton said:
"It's an awesome job." (HA)


About hoping to be invited to an NFL training camp, Patton said:
"If not, I'll wait until January. Maybe I can get something with NFL Europe." (HA)

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Random Warrior Quotes from the Star-Bulletin

About how he's been preparing for the 220-yard sprints UH does in training camp, LeMarcus Gibson said:
"Whoo! I've been working for that, running every day." (HSB)

"I've been lifting in the morning and running in the afternoon when the sun goes down." (HSB)


Grateful for the belief UH showed in him, Gibson said:
"I felt like (UH) worked hard on recruiting me and were willing to take a chance on me when no Division I schools in Mississippi offered me." (HSB)


About participating in their pass-and-catch sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Bryce Kalauokaaea said:
"I'm working on improving my timing. That's the main thing, getting used to the speed of the receivers. Each receiver is different." (HSB)

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Quotes from Nate about Learning the Philly Offense

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=13130

About why it normally takes awhile before rookie RBs learn the full Philly offense, Nate said:
"I just feel like running backs here have a lot to learn. They have to be able to line up out wide, run receiver routes. They have a lot to do with the passing package, as far as routes go. All that gets mixed in and then you get a chance to run the ball and remember 'Oh yeah, I"m a running back."" (PE.com)


About how he may have to contribute on special teams to make the team over Ryan Moats, Nate said:
"That"s kind of a first for me in a long time. In college, I didn"t play too much special teams, but it"s good. It"s another way to get on the field and you have to help the team in any way possible." (PE.com)


About the offseason minicamps, Nate said:
"These camps are set up more to just teach the system, so you hope that when you get to training camp you have everything down and have learned the system, and let your physical attributes take over. You definitely always want to be playing, but what you want to make sure is that when you"re playing, you know what you're doing." (PE.com)

Random Warrior Quotes from the Star-Bulletin

About working on his footwork this summer, Kiran Kepo'o said:
"In high school we wanted to get as deep as possible after the snap. At UH, the idea is to make the steps a little shorter." (HSB)


Asked why UH wants shorter drops, Kepo'o said:
"The angle is tough for the linemen to protect you if you go back too deep. It's a little adjustment I have to make." (HSB)


About working with the receivers this summer, likely redshirt Kepo'o said:
"Right now, it's about timing. I made it through spring practice, so I'm working on keeping my arm in shape and knowing where they're supposed to be on specific plays." (HSB)


About how UH has offered him a scholarship and is appealing to him, Akron, OH safety Will Fleming said:
"Hawaii is at the top." (HSB)

HSB Note: "The 6-foot-4, 200-pound Fleming also has an offer from Akron, and has drawn interest from several Big Ten schools, including Illinois and Michigan State."


Fleming's Dad Jim, who used to coach at BSU and is now the Akron defensive coordinator, talked about Will's interest in UH:
"He's pretty jacked up about Hawaii. He's always checking them out online. I think he's trying to learn the haka." (HSB)

Note: Fleming will be visiting UH when UH plays BSU this year.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

3 Questions with Nate

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/homeNewsDetail.jsp?id=71231

Asked what he's doing to get ready for training camp, Nate said:
"I just have to get my body fat down. A lot of it is strength, and I've been able to lift a lot, but I'm just trying to get rid of the bad stuff. I think they are going to have to assign people to help me do this type of thing. In college it's tough. When I had my surgeries (shoulder twice and knee), I wasn't able to stay active, so eating every day was going to mean gaining weight. But here it's all football, so I'm able to focus on the things at hand and good dieting will help." (PE.com)


Asked what has been the hardest part of his transition to the NFL, Nate said:
"As far as the players go, they're coming (at you) fast. In college, you're able to get away with only a couple players being fast, but out here everyone's fast. Even the coaches look kind of fast running these drills. But other than that, just the playbook and the time difference is tough." (PE.com)


Asked about his Marine brother currently in Iraq, Nate said:
"He's in Iraq right now. He's in communications, though, so I don't think he's in the fighting. He's more or less getting information back and forth from the States to out there. I want to say he's 100 percent safe, but he's out there. He called on draft day, somehow. I actually missed his call because I was talking to Philadelphia and a lot of friends were calling. It came up as a message and I couldn't get back to him. He called to mention that he was watching the draft on the computer out there, and he was real happy for the whole situation and all the Marines were happy too, so it was a good thing to hear." (PE.com)

Quotes about Michael Lafaele

About how their new 4-3 defense will give Lafaele more chances to make plays, JR said:
"The change in scheme has potential for Mike to make more plays upfield. He relishes the challenge to show he can do more." (HSB)

About how Lafaele has led his teammates this offseason, JR said:
"There's a new level of commitment I haven't seen here before, and it's because Mike won't allow less. Since the start of spring practice, Mike has taken over and grabbed the leadership mantle." (HSB)


About his daily routine, which includes 12 hours at UH, Lafaele said:
"It's up at 5:15 in the morning and off to school, usually with Hercules (offensive lineman Satele) or another friend on the team. We're on the field stretching by 6:30, doing some yoga or tai chi. Then drills at 7 a.m., on the field until 8:30. Then weights for an hour and a half." (HSB)


About the sacrifice that he's been making, Lafaele said:
"I don't see the family too much." (HSB)


Being understanding and supportive about Lafaele's sacrifice for football, his wife Teri said:
"It's a lot of dedication on his part. It works out fine. I work at nights 8 hours a day. We always find time for each other, however little it is." (HSB)


About her husband, who does not receive the recognition he deserves, Teri Lafaele said:
"He's low-key. People see my name and they say, 'You have the last name of a famous person.' I'm, 'What?' It happened the other day at the hairdresser. She saw my last name and said, 'There's a real good football player with that name.' I had a big smile on my face after that. A lot of people, when they find out who he is, it's weird, they're so surprised. He's not out there where people would recognize him. It's funny, they tell him, 'You're the heart of the defense.' " (HSB)


About his expanded opportunities in the 4-3 defense, Lafaele said:
"It's a lot easier in the sense of responsibility since we have one more guy on the line. In the 3-4 the nose had to control several gaps. In the 4-3 it's one gap and you have more opportunities to blow the line up, breaking through into the backfield and creating havoc, disrupting the offense. When you play nose the goal is to control and disrupt the gaps." (HSB)


About how he played on the offensive line at Farrington, Lafaele said:
"If you told me this would happen, I would have laughed. I never played defense." (HSB)


JR says that Lafaele:
"was born to play defensive tackle. He did some things last year you don't see very often, and he showed he can play against anyone. He clubbed a center to the ground, brought him to his knees. It's sheer violence, to be honest with you." (HSB)


About how Lafaele is gentle off the field, Teri said:
"He's very sweet and humble. He's really caring about everyone. He's never like 'Oh, whatever.' He's not as tough as he seems on the field. It's hard for me to see him just throwing people around out there because I know that's not how he really is." (HSB)


About how Lafaele won't wow the pros with his body, but they will be impressed with his play, JR said:
"But the people that play and coach with and against him, they all know, and there's a tremendous amount of respect. Will he get a chance to play pro football? He's always played well against tough competition, and Mike is turning himself into a playmaker. He's not the prettiest guy on the team, and he's not going to be doing underwear commercials anytime soon. But he's a pure football player. I love that kid. He's a special one." (HSB)

Friday, June 22, 2007

Quotes from an interview of Ikaika

http://www.prideofdetroit.com/story/2007/6/22/2924/64961

Asked what was the first thing that went through his mind when he answered his phone, Ikaika said:
"I was actually on the golf course. When my phone rang it wasn't a familiar number so I thought this could be it. But I was getting so many calls that day I also thought it could be one of my friends. When I answered it I heard "Welcome to the Motor City." I just thought I'm going to Detroit! It was so exciting. It was definitely one of the greatest moments that I've ever experienced and something I will remember for the rest of my life. The emotions that were running through my body were just unbelievable." (POD)


Asked if it is true that he's only been playing football for 4 years, and how he went from little or no experience to a 2nd round draft pick, Ikaika said:
"I still wonder that today. I pinch myself every night just to make sure I really am living this dream. It was a long road. It is true that I have only played for four years. I played basketball growing up. I had a lot of people telling me I couldn't do it but I put everything I had into it. You never really know how much you love something until you put everything you have into it. And I love football. When people were telling me I couldn't do it I would use that as fuel to get me through the tough times." (POD)


Asked how his Father's knowledge of football helped him to become a better player (his Dad played for the Packers), Ikaika said:
"He has helped tremendously. I was a basketball player growing up and never played football. He was a player and then was a coach too. I was playing basketball and volleyball when I was younger. When I got into football he had so much knowledge of the game that he started sharing with me. He was a quarterback when he played and a defensive coordinator when he coached so he knew both sides of the ball. He led me to do the right things. I just tried to listen to everything he was teaching me and work as hard as I could. Without his influence there's no way I'd be where I am today." (POD)


Asked how he got the opportunity to play football, since he started with basketball at UH, Ikaika said:
"When I was going into UH June Jones offered me a scholarship even though I had never played football before. Before I started school I used to work out with the football team to stay in shape and get ready for basketball. Obviously Coach Jones saw something in me and offered me a scholarship. I don't know what he saw, I was only 200 pounds. Plus, I really wanted to see what I could do with basketball. After my freshman year I told Coach Jones I did want to play football and he offered me a scholarship again. My dad told Coach that we were not going to take the scholarship. I told me dad I thought he was crazy, he was giving away free money. My dad said "I don't want you to be given anything. You need to earn it." So I was a walkon until my junior year in college. When I got the scholarship coach Jones announced it in front of the entire team. It was just like getting the call from the Lions, the emotion that ran through my body was amazing. My dad paid for my schooling the first couple of years and that just made me work harder so that he wouldn't have to pay any more." (POD)


Asked what it was like to play for JJ and Glanville, Ikaika said:
"It's been pretty amazing how everything has worked out. I was coached by two professional coaches in college. They are opposites, Coach Glanville was animated and really drove you, while Coach Jones is more easy going. That combination can be scary and look at all the success they have created there. Having Jerry Glanville as my defensive coordinator was great and having June Jones overseeing everything how many players get that kind of opportunity to learn in college?" (POD)


Asked what position he feels more comfortable are, and if he could end up at MLB, Ikaika said:
"Right now I am strictly a defensive end. You never know, they are talking about using me at every position on the defensive line, but I'll do whatever the coaches ask. If they want me to play free safety I'll do it. What ever they want I'll do." (POD)


Asked how it was to watch Chang and Colt shatter passing records and what was his favorite Warrior memory, Ikaika said:
"It was amazing all the national attention on those quarterbacks but that also put national attention on the whole team. It gave everyone a chance to be looked at. June Jones' offense and philosophy works. Colt Brennan is returning and he's going to be scary. I can't wait to watch. The entire year last year was my most memorable moment. It was amazing just how we came together as a team. Being the team captain of the defense I just wanted to do things for everyone else. It was always a team effort. I am here because of all of them." (POD)


Asked how it feels when Coach Marinelli compares him to a young Cory Redding, Ikaika said:
"Wow. Coming from Coach Marinelli that really means something. I just try to give a great effort every day. It's very humbling to me but it proves what hard work can do for you. I am just going to play hard every day and hope to get to that level." (POD)


Asked for his thoughts about playing for Coach Marinelli, who was been known for his DL expertise, Ikaika said:
"We watch film every day and he has coached the best - Warren Sapp, Simeon Rice. I just hope one day to get to that level. It's funny how it all has worked out. I'm lucky. To have two pro coaches in college and now playing for one of the best defensive line coaches ever. Coach Marinelli is so upbeat and he cares about his players. I will always try my best not to ever let him down." (POD)


Asked what he's planning to buy with his 2nd round contract money, Ikaika said:
"I'm just going to buy what I need, a place to live and a way to get around. I'll do something for my family. My dad has always kept me humble and has told me now the hard part starts. He's right, I have to work even harder now. He knows what it takes and he has always helped me. I will do something special for them but it's a secret." (POD)


Asked what Lions fans can expect to see when he takes the field in their famed Honolulu Blue uniforms, Ikaika said:
"You are going to get to see this big Hawaiian guy do the best he can. I will run out there like a madman and do the best I can. The people of Detroit are great and I want to play well for them. I know that every time I step on the field I represent more than just myself. I represent the Lions and the City of Detroit. I don't want to let those fans down." (POD)


Asked what is the one goal he hopes to accomplish by the end of the season, Ikaika said:
"Get better and more experience and hopefully get some sacks along the way. I have one of the greatest jobs in the world and I don't take that for granted. I really like the team and the coaches and I truly believe in my heart that we're going to win. I have very high hopes and I am going to work really hard to help get us there." (POD)

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Quotes about Bess and Grice-Mullins

About the hard work he and Grice-Mullins are putting in all summer in Hawaii, Bess said:
"I feel like I'm at a point in my life and career where I'm not satisfied. Me and Ryan, we know if we work hard, there will be a payoff. It's a matter of staying focused and humble." (HSB)

"Work, work, work. Hard work pays off." (HSB)


About the extra work that he and Bess are putting in, Grice-Mullins said:
"If you want to succeed, be the top in your sport, you have to go beyond what the average do. We come out early, make sure we get our running in. We run pretty much every day of the week. We do different things, but it's every day. A lot of times it's just me and him out here until everybody else comes. To me, every year's our biggest year." (HSB)

HSB Note: "They say character is defined by what you do when no one is watching. So it means even more that Davone Bess and Ryan Grice-Mullins are early for practices now -- in the summer, when the coaches aren't around to note who are the early birds.

The work ethic of the Warriors' junior slotbacks doesn't cool off as the temperature rises. They were more than a half-hour ahead of the other 15 players who participated in yesterday's informal pass-and-catch session at UH.

Bess and Grice-Mullins set up cones on the practice field, stretched thoroughly, and then did a progression of about a dozen sprints ranging from 10 to 50 yards, a workout designed to improve their explosiveness as well as endurance. Then they ran pass patterns for nearly an hour."


About how he's trying to improve his straight-away speed, Grice-Mullins said:
"Like last year, I want to get up field faster, not dance as much and get up field." (HSB)


About how he got too excited before big games last season, Bess said:
"The main thing I'm working on is understanding the game itself, the big picture, and managing myself, being prepared the right way. I was over-pumped. I have to learn how to relax." (HSB)

Note: This probably explains why Bess had a big problems with dropped passes (especially against Alabama) early in games.


Hoping that the NCAA will grant him an extra season of eligibility, Jazen Anderson said:
"I started school in 2002 at Moorpark College, but I was a part-time student." (HSB)


About joining the players with their informal workouts, Azusa Pacific transfer Nate Nasca (Pearl City alum) said:
"I'm going to go to school this fall, but I won't be able to play yet because of transfer rules. Hopefully I can in the spring. I just want to get a little bigger and learn the offense." (HSB)

Monday, June 18, 2007

Quotes about Tim Chang being picked over Shaun King

http://www.thespec.com/Sports/article/208990

About picking Tim Chang over Shaun King, head coach Taaffe said:
"One of the reasons we went with Shaun and Timmy head-to-head, was to let them play against the same competition with the same guys, and see what happened. It was pretty clear that Timmy's performance and decision-making was clearly much more consistent than Shaun's." (Hamilton Spectator)

Quotes from the Warriors about an undefeated season

http://www.mauinews.com/story.aspx?id=31483

About how they are really looking forward to the season, Ryan Grice-Mullen said:
"Oh man, I think this team is so hungry right now for the opportunity that we have. Coming into the spring, people were way more excited than the year before. You know, that 11-3 (record last season) – guys really know that we passed that test and now it is time to get to the real test and finish strong." (Maui News)


Asked if they can go unbeaten, Ryan said:
"Definitely, we can’t say that it doesn’t cross our minds." (MN)


Asked if they can go unbeated, Bess said:
"It is definitely possible." (MN)


About their approach to the season, Ryan said:
"The coaches here teach us really to take it one game at a time. A lot of people talk about the schedule, but we are not overlooking any team. We are excited about the season, excited about the schedule and, who knows, two byes might help us to stay fresh. Last year we played 12 straight weeks, and that is hard on the body." (MN)


Asked if any team in the country has a better receiving group, Ryan said:
"I don’t think so. Not being modest, but I truly don’t believe there is anybody out there better than us. I truly believe in my heart that we are the number one receiving corps in the nation. The way that we practice, we have got too many weapons. We have got guys – each of us can take a seven- or five-yard pass and take it to the house." (MN)


Asked if there is any better QB than Colt, Ryan said:
"Clearly, no. No way. I mean, he is self-explanatory. I don’t even have to say anything. Everybody has seen it with their own eyes. The receiving corps has seen it a little closer, like when we have a guy on our outside shoulder and he throws it to the inside on a dart – things like that." (MN)


Expecting plenty of national criticism for their schedule, Ryan said:
"Definitely, because we are getting criticism now and the season hasn’t even started yet. We don’t let the media determine our success. Look at Colt with the Heisman – he could throw 70 touchdown passes and not win. The media turns it their own way. The only thing we can control is our destiny and that is to go out there and win games." (MN)


Eagerly anticipating the season, Bess said:
"I go to sleep every night just praying for the days to go by faster so we can hurry up and get to camp. We have a lot of expectations for ourselves, the country and everybody, period. We can’t wait. Honestly, we are at the stage where we don’t care who we play. That is some off-the-field issues with our staff and we don’t want to go into that. We just want to put the helmets and the pads on and go out there and have fun." (MN)


Confident in their offense, Bess said:
"I think the only thing that is going to hold us back is ourselves. We just have to go in there confident and focused and know what we have to do. Prepare like winners. As far as our ability, I don’t think that is going to be too much of a factor. It is just a matter of us going in focused and knowing that we can’t be stopped." (MN)


About how they were so close to going undefeated last season, Ryan said:
"The games that we lost were all mental, none of it was physical. So everybody is just excited to get it started and try to get to that bigger bowl." (MN)


About their team, Sol Eliminian said:
"With Colt as our quarterback and Davone and Ryan, our whole offense back pretty much, they are going to be unbelievable to watch. The defense, with coach McMackin back, everybody is just anxious and excited to return. A lot of people ask us about the schedule, but we are at the point now where it doesn’t matter anymore. There is nothing we can do to change it and everybody wishes it was different. The teams we have, we just have to execute and beat them. I think everybody on our team thinks we should be undefeated. If you don’t want to be undefeated, why are you playing?" (MN)


About how the Warriors are always criticized, Bess said:
"Coming from Hawaii you are always going to get some type of criticism – ’The schedule is not tough,’ or ’They are in the WAC,’ or ’They are a system team.’ It is always something, but that is what drives us." (MN)

Quotes from the SI article about the WAC

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/cory_mccartney/06/18/wac.rise/index.html

About putting Colt and BSU's Ian Johnson on the WAC Media Cover, WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said:
"We did that with a purpose. That was to remind the media and remind the voters in various preseason polls that not only did Boise State finish the season in the Top 10 and Hawaii finish the season in the Top 25 [in the USA Today Coaches' Poll], but both those teams have the premier, marquee, Heisman-type players coming back." (SI)


About BSU's win in the Fiesta Bowl, Benson said:
"The Boise State win over Oklahoma was the grandest day in WAC history. It was the biggest win in WAC history." (SI)


About playing just 12 games this season, JJ said:
"Nobody wants to play us." (SI)


About Colt's and Ian Johnson's Heisman chances, JJ said:
"I know that it certainly put everybody on notice, last year. But you have to go off, 'What have you done for me now.' I think realistically, Boise State would have go to another 13-0 and Ian would have to have the year he had to even be in the hunt for that trophy, and Colt would have to do the same." (SI)


About their goal to be the best non-BCS conference, Benson said:
"Our goal is to be the highest rated of those five conferences and to separate ourselves from the others. Last year was a great beginning of establishing ourselves as the best of the group of five." (SI)

SI Note: "But the current nine-team lineup has a 32-24-2 bowl record, the highest winning percentage of the 11 Division I-A conferences based on their current membership. This is no overnight success story, even if before last season the casual fan saw Boise State largely as a novelty act that played on a Smurf-blue field and rarely saw Hawaii at all, considering the Warriors often play well after most people are asleep."


About how they are finally starting to get the respect they deserve, JJ said:
"I think the last four or five years we have not been given the credit that was due. You can go back four or five years ago, just after the breakup, and look at the bowl wins versus the BCS teams, we've held our own. Because of Boise State's win over Oklahoma and Colt's presence in the national media, we're finally starting to get credit for what has happened." (SI)

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Quotes about the Na Koa fundraiser

Na Koa VP Ben Yee said that the fundraiser raised about $30k:
"We don't know exactly how much came in yet because it came from so many different avenues. But we had a real nice crowd and I'm pretty sure we made enough for summer school." (HSB)


About illusionist John Hirokawa and the Na Koa event, JJ said:
"It was fun and we raised a lot of money. John Hirokawa did a great job and it's a real positive for everyone." (HSB)


Warrior's Haka web master Allan Cordey said about the website:
"I believe that we are not only building an online community for the Warriors football fan but will be sharing the fundamental principles that Coach Jones practices in recruiting and teaching. These are very powerful lessons that transcend football." (HSB)


Freshman WR 6'2" Jett Jasper talked about participating in the pass-and-catch workouts with Colt and the others:
"I'm taking two classes. The rest of the day I'm here, working out, running around and just focusing on learning plays. It's a great offense. I'm lucky to be here. I'm learning coverages and learning my plays. That's the most important thing for me now." (HSB)

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Quote from Ikaika about offseason conditioning

http://www.detroitlions.com/document_display.cfm?document_id=457851

About the level of conditioning required at this level, Ikaika said:
“Coach (Marinelli) was saying (that) this is the pro level and (conditioning is) going to be hard. But it’s going to pay off because camp’s going to be hard. So I’m just going to continue to push and work even harder.” (Detroitlons.com)

Friday, June 15, 2007

Random Warriors Quotes from Warrior's Haka

From former NFL QB Bobby Hebert:
“If you can be accurate with the football in this offense it will make an average quarterback pretty good, and a good quarterback, like this kid at Hawaii (Colt Brennan), really, really great.” (WH)


From Colt:
“At one point they started playing this in-and-out man technique. We saw that, we know how to beat it really well, and we laughed, because they actually put this in to slow us down. It was fun.” (WH)

“They were playing for pride. They were wounded. It wasn’t a dirty game, just competitive. But we kicked the hell out of them in the second half.” (WH)



From Mouse Davis:
“I decided that all this talk about size and strength was bs,and I was determined to prove it. Who said you can’t win with little kids? Who made that rule? I believe you can take a little kid, and if you can teach him how to turn little plays into big plays, then, well, he’s not that damn little anymore.” (WH)

Quotes from Bobby Beathard

ST pointed us to an awesome new site for Warrior news, including a blog set up for Colt's Dad! This article has many great quotes and I'm happy to be able to archive it. Warrior's Haka (WH) is a must visit site!

http://www.warriorshaka.com/Article.aspx?ID=2

Asked how far back he goes with JJ, former Washington and SD GM Bobby Beathard said:
"I’ve known him since he was a player at Portland State, and a pretty good one. We thought a lot about him even back then. I’ve known Mouse forever, too, and they had a pretty exciting offense. Mouse was doing things never before done in football back then, and it still works today." (WH)


Asked what makes JJ a perfect fit for UH, Beathard said:
"He’s very comfortable to be around, which is how you have to be over there. He knows how to handle people and players. I’ve been on the sidelines with him at Hawaii, and the way he handles the game, he’s so well-prepared, he’s so far ahead of other coaches. He never gets out-coached, but he might get beat by great players who make great plays. If you could get into the mind of June Jones and see how he does it, that’s something a lot of coaches would pay a lot of money to do. What he’s done in Hawaii is absolutely incredible." (WH)


Asked how can JJ work with players that other people can't, BB said:
"Because everything he does makes sense to all the guys. He’s a helluva coach, and they figure that out pretty quick on the field. His players speak of him like he’s the second coming. And he lets his coaches coach and his players play, and they’re all working their tails off, but they’re having fun. Half the time, I don’t thing anybody on the sidelines realizes how hard they’re working, because he’s made the game so much fun for everybody." (WH)


Asked if it is a coincidence that JJ is never without a great QB, BB said:
"June just breathes confidence into his quarterbacks, but this kid Colt, he’s the real deal." (WH)


Asked what kind of mentor Mouse Davis is, BB said:
"One of the best kind. Mouse means everything to June. Personally, I believe Mouse is the reason June became a coach, because Mouse taught him how much fun it could be, especially with the ideas of that offense. Mouse did things with football that nobody has ever done and it still works … " (WH)


Asked what makes Colt so special, BB said:
"(Laughs) Well, he’s got eyes, he’s got mobility, he’s smart, and he’s learned this offense as quickly as anybody. This puts him way ahead of any other quarterback, because he’s running a pro offense right now. The other kids are going to come out of college and not understand how to go through progressions and reads, they have to start all over and learn from scratch. Colt can do all of that right now. Oh, and he’s accurate, and his decision-making is incredible." (WH)


Asked if Colt made a good decision to play for UH, BB said:
"Playing for June Jones is a tremendous advantage, because he will go to the NFL not having to learn how to read a defense. He’s way, way ahead." (WH)


Asked what his foundest memory of JJ is, BB said:
"I’ve had a lot of great times with June. But the saddest one was when he walked in my office and told me he was taking the Hawaii job. I understood, but it was sad." (WH)


Asked what advice he would give Colt if he could give him one piece of advice, BB said:
"I’d tell him don’t change anything you’re doing. Just listen to June, and don’t think about next year. Just listen to June, trust him, and go out there and have fun." (WH)

Quotes from Rep. Takai about UH Athletics

About how he reviewed the video of the hearing, Rep. Takai said:
"I went back and went through all the 4 hours and 10 minutes, whatever it was and wrote down every single question that was left unanswered." (HSB)


Asked if he watched the hearing on TV, Takai clarified:
"DVD. You can buy a copy for $25." (HSB)


Takai said that a number of his original questions were:
"still unresolved." (HSB)


Takai mentioned that there were:
"red flags." (HSB)


About wanting answers to his questions, Takai said:
"We've asked them (UH) to come back and help us understand it a little bit." (HSB)


About adding the extra seats to the Stan Sheriff Center, Takai said:
"Looking back, it was the best thing we could have done and we did it. That was done by the Legislature." (HSB)

HSB Note: "And he still seems stymied by the chain-of-command issues he encountered at the hearing when asking why athletic-department concerns weren't getting more play. Many of UH's past sports facilities came to fruition "mainly as legislative add-ons, pork products," the result of work by people in positions like the one he holds today."


Asked about UH autonomy, Takai said:
"I champion that." (HSB)

Randon Warrior Quotes

About how he still attends the pass-and-catch workouts with the other UH players, Jason Ferguson said:
"Hey you're still going to see a lot of me. I'm still going to be around." (HSB)


About how he is preparing for a future in coaching, Ferguson said:
"One door closes, two open. I'm making the best of what happened." (HSB)


Star running back Keola Antolin gave Arizona an oral commitment last month but took an unofficial visit to UH and said:
"Hawaii is looking pretty good right now." (HSB)

About how he and his teammate Michael Aromin caught passes from Colt as yesterday's workout, Antolin said:
"That was pretty cool, running routes for a Heisman Trophy candidate." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Iowa, Oregon State and UNLV also offered scholarships to Antolin, who was born in Hawaii and moved with his family to Las Vegas when he was 7."


About how he always planned to play at UH, junior transfer Jake Santos said:
"Our offense was similar, we threw the ball 40 times a game back in high school. This is where I wanted to go coming out of high school. This is the only school I stayed in contact with. I called them up and they said come on out." (HSB)

Quotes about Tim Chang's CFL preseason debut game

http://www.thespec.com/Sports/article/208304

Praising Chang's performance, Hamilton head coach Charlie Taaffe said:
"I think he made a couple of clutch throws, stuck the ball in there, read the coverage well and distributed the ball. He is such a gunslinger, obviously used to playing four downs in the States. I thought he made a lot of strides and played very well." (TheSpec.com)


About his 10-17, 2TD passing performance, Chang said:
"It went all right. It's the first pre-season game, it really doesn't mean much." (TheSpec.com)


Praising Chang's performance, Hamilton GM Marcel Desjardins said:
"He did a lot of good things and he was the guy who when he stepped on the field made things happen." (TheSpec.com)

Note: Chang's big competition is Shaun King, who was 4-11 for 129 yards and an INT (returned for a TD). Richie Williams was the QB for the final 9 minutes and also struggled.

Quotes about Bo Montgomery transferring to UH

About transferring to UH, 2005 Kealakehe High School grad Bo Montgomery said:
"I've always wanted to play for UH." (HA)

"Ever since high school, this is where I wanted to be. I feel I have more to offer now that I've got a solid foundation of collegiate football. It should be a lot of fun." (HA)

HA Note: "After his senior season at Kealakehe, Montgomery was invited to join the Warriors as a non-scholarship player. He turned down that opportunity, opting to accept a scholarship from Division I-AA Weber State."


About how Montgomery has been training under him, former Kealakehe head coach Sam Papali'i said:
"He's in great shape, stronger than he's ever been," Papali'i. "He's really focused. He's training like a mad man." (HA)

"He's driven. He wants to be a contributor. He's working his tail off." (HA)

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Quotes about Derek Uperesa joining the Warriors

About getting a release from his St. Francis scholarship and joining the Warriors, Derek Uperesa said:
"There were a lot of reasons, but more than half of my decision was based on football. I wanted a change." (HA)


While training at UH over Winter Break, Derek said he decided to transfer:
"I knew it was time to make a move." (HA)

HA Note: "In accordance with NCAA transfer rules, Uperesa must redshirt this season. But he will be allowed to practice with the team and attend classes. He will be a senior during the 2008 season."


Happy that his cousin Derek is joining the Warriors, Dane Uperesa said:
"I'm glad he's going to be a Warrior. He's a good player. I know he's taller than me. He's big, but he carries his weight well. It's definitely exciting to have another cousin play for Hawai'i." (HA)


Derek said that he joined St. Francis because:
"I wanted to go to a different environment." (HA)

Quotes from Viliami Nauahi

About finally practicing with the Warriors, Viliami Nauahi said:
"I've just been trying to go to school and get my AA and get back into the action. Coach Rich (Miano) and the counselors here have been helping a lot. I'm at KCC right now. I'll have my AA at the end of this summer session." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Safety Viliami Nauahi, the Star-Bulletin's No. 3 Hawaii high school prospect in the class of 2003, said he expects to be on the roster for UH's fall camp in August. The former Kahuku star participated in an informal offseason workout at Manoa yesterday."


About why he never enrolled at UH after they won the intense recruiting battle with BYU, Nauahi said:
"It was eligibility." (HSB)


About going to Fresno City College in Spring 2006, Nauahi said:
"I wanted to see how it would go there and try junior college (football) because I'd been out of football a while now. If I stayed there I'd have to stay for two years and I wanted to get my AA and start playing (at UH) quick." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Nauahi said an academic advisor told him he will have three years to play three seasons of football at UH, starting this fall."


About how he added 15 pounds to his 6'2" 205-pound high school weight, Nauahi said:
"I'm trying to get in shape, probably cut down a little bit." (HSB)


JJ was expecting big things from Nauahi, saying the following at his 2003 letter of intent day news conference:
"He's a big-time safety who has everything you look for at that position." (HSB)


Happy to finally be close to playing football again, Nauahi said:
"I miss the field, I miss football. Finally it's coming down to getting back and I'm excited about getting back into the game." (HSB)

Quotes about the Athletic Budget

HF said that while UH surpassed financial projections in football:
"We didn't take in as much money as we anticipated in other sports." (HA)


HF said that men's baskeball revenue was:
"not good." (HA)


HF said that women's volleyball was:
"probably the same." (HA)


HF added:
"baseball was about the same, but you wish there were some larger numbers there." (HA)


Because they anticipated other sports might not reach their revenue projections, HF said that football projections:
"were lowballed" (HA)


HF said that final numbers takes awhile because:
"65 percent of our revenue ... (doesn't) come in until this last quarter." (HA)


HF said that UH's share of Boise State's BCS revenue would exceed:
"a half million." (HA)


Unsure if the $250k cancellation penalty would be applied to the current or next fiscal years, HF said:
"We are always trying to get our budget to be zero. That's our goal again, to finish zero or a dollar to the good." (HA)

Note: The BCS money from BSU more than doubles the cancellation penalty and will be applied to the current fiscal year, so it would appear that the next fiscal year would need the $250k more. Also, UH is paying out premiums for their UNC, CSU, and Washington games during the next fiscal year, so football profit will probably go down unless UH gets into a BCS game.


About how they are on schedule to pass the 20,000 mark for season ticket sales, HF said:
"We're shooting for higher numbers than we had the last couple of years." (HA)


About the 815 people who put down $50 deposits for 2900 season tickets, HF said:
"We'll continue to push those folks to close those particular deals that are still open." (HA)

HA Note: "UH sold 18,125 season tickets last season, the fewest in nearly 25 years. This year, between season-ticket renewals (17,000) and those requested by depositors (2,900), officials said they could have 19,900 before sales are opened up to new customers, faculty and staff."


About season ticket sales, HF said:
"I think that indications are we're in pretty good shape." (HA)

Quotes relating to Michigan State pulling out of its 2007 UH game

About cancellation clauses, HF said:
"When you are dealing with real schools and, again, dealing with the Pac-10, (cancellation clauses) are not going to be an issue." (HA)


About Michigan State pulling out of the 2007 game, HF said:
"You can't be upset because you lose a football game and then decide that you want to take your crayons and go home." (HA)


Michigan State's excuse for pulling out of the game was, according to spokesman Lewandowski:
"When we signed the contract there was no way to know about new NCAA legislation approving a 12th game. And, we don't feel like it is in the institution's best interests to play 13 games with the time element that our student-athletes already have." (HA)


Upset with then-MSU coach Smith's comments about the 2004 officiating, HF said:
"I would say the comments made by the previous coach at Michigan State also created issues with Purdue, the issues with some other schools even to the point of the officiating and some other things. So, the fact is, we decided to hold their feet to the fire on the cancellation of (the) game ... that's just the way it is." (HA)

Quotes about the 2008 schedule

HF said that the lone opening for 2008 has been filled:
"I'm waiting for the contract before I announce it." (HA)

HA Note: "It is expected to be a Division I-AA opponent and could be placed between the Aug. 30, 2008, opener at Florida and the Sept. 13 game at Oregon State."


The weird thing is that HSB seemed to get another response from HF about the final 2008 puka:
"I can't tell you who it is, but it is from a BCS conference." (HSB)


About how he will schedule a 1AA team each year, HF said:
"I'm going to play a I-AA every year. Take that for granted." (HA)


About playing 2 1AA teams this season, HF said:
"that's not our intent" to play more than one I-AA team during a season in future years." (HA)

Note: In fact, WAC policy is that none of their teams play more than a single 1AA team each season. HF and Konan were in charge of committees to enforce that policy, but I don't think they did much to punish UH...


About how they won't lose any pay-per-view revenue by not having a 13th game, HF said:
"Our pay-per-view wouldn't have been affected because the (13th) game would have been taken by ESPN. It doesn't affect us at all." (HSB)

Note: So, according to this spin it doesn't affect UH that they don't have another nationally televised game (recruiting?), we shouldn't think about the money from increased season ticket sales if a top-tier opponent was on the schedule, we shouldn't think that it hurts UH's BCS chances...we should just be happy that it won't affect us at all for pay-per-view.


It looks like UH's need for 2007 opponents has enabled Washington to cash in just like UNC and CSU did, as the HA Notes:
"The contract for UH's regular-season finale against Washington Dec. 1, 2007, at Aloha Stadium has been concluded. It calls for UH to play a Sept. 10, 2011, return game at Seattle, UH said. The Huskies will receive a $350,000 guarantee for the game, one of the largest cash payments made by UH to an opponent. UH has traditionally offered opponents the choice of cash or a package that includes airfare, lodging, cash and tickets. The Huskies chose cash, and the contract calls for them to receive $50,000 more than cross-state rival Washington State will receive for its Nov. 29, 2008, appearance at Aloha Stadium. Wisconsin is contracted to receive $265,000 for its 2009 appearance."


Two HSB Notes that were good news from HF:
"The department is still working on a parking plan that would ease traffic concerns at Aloha Stadium. Some of the parking lots -- including lower Halawa -- will open earlier at 3:30 p.m. There is still discussion about suspending the swap meet on game days.

The home-and-away series with Colorado in football is nearly finalized. There are four games scheduled, two in Honolulu and two in Boulder, likely for 2009-10 and 2012-13."

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Quotes about Ashley Lelie

Thank you to Tombo for sending me this link!
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_6120064?nclick_check=1

About how his leg injury has prevented him from going through a single full practice with the 49ers, Lelie said:
"I don't want to miss these opportunities to jell with the quarterbacks and get on the same page with the offense, because it is complex. You can't just study it in a class or a book or something. You've got to get in there. You have to get some real training in. That's the frustrating part. But the good thing is I still have plenty of time to heal before training camp." (SFMN)


Asked about where Lelie stood in their WR depth chart, 49ers coach Mike Nolan said:
"I really haven't thought about him that much. The guys that have been practicing, even the guys that are new and may be a long shot, at least you think about them a little bit. But when the guy hasn't set foot on the field, it's out of sight, out of mind, from my standpoint." (SJMN)


About probably missing their 7 remaining practices to ensure he's healthy for training camp, Lelie said:
"I think I might have come back a little too early. I don't want to make that same mistake. I want to make sure I can go full speed. My game is running by people and catching the ball and trying to score. If I can't run, then what use am I to them? The main thing is being able to show what I can do when I'm at my best. I'm going to keep my treatments up, and keep rehabbing and getting better. Especially in training camp, with those two-a-days and all the running, I want to be fully recovered when I go through that." (SJMN)

Quotes about Samson (mostly old quotes, but a few new ones)

http://honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070612/SPORTS04/706120336/1032/SPORTS

About rookies Samson and Mormino working with the first team OL, Cameron said:
"We wouldn't say we have a first-team line. They are working significantly with the first group. There is competition. They both showed they both had a maturity. (Offensive line coach) Hud (Houck) and I talked and sometimes you can move them up too quickly. We just sensed that it wasn't going to be too big for them." (HA)

Note: Mormino was demoted to 2nd team LG about halfway through their last camp and never got back on the 1st team. Samson kept the starting C spot for all 5 practices.


Asked if the rookies are ready to start on the OL, Cameron said:
"We don't know. The most pleasing thing is it hasn't been too big for them. The last time we've done this, we did it with Nick Hardwick and Shane Olivea. So we've done it and this is kind of how we did it. If it is too big for them, I'll talk to them. If we step back in the second group, don't consider that a negative. So we are still evolving in the offensive line and it's nice to see young men who come in and just play ball and it isn't too big for them." (HA)


About Samson going through 5 root canals the same week he earned the starting C spot, Cameron said:
"How many of you have had a root canal? I haven't. I have no interest in having one, but we've all heard right? He had five — and I didn't know — in the last week or whatever. I'm talking about his toughness. He never flinched, never said a word. I have never been around a guy yet that really practiced a whole practice with one root canal and he's had five." (HA)


About how Samson is learning quickly, Cameron said:
"One thing is: we know he's smart and we know he's tough, which goes a long way at that position. We're very pleased with his progress." (HA)

Monday, June 11, 2007

Quote about how Samson kept quiet about his root canals

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/football/story/135391.html

I didn't realize until this article that Samson didn't tell the Dolphins that he was getting the root canals!

Impressed about how Samson never complained about his 5 root canals, Cameron said:
"He never flinched, never said a word. I have never been around a guy that practiced a whole practice with one root canal. One thing we know is he is smart and he's tough, which goes a long way at that position. We're very pleased with his progress." (Miami Herald)

MH Note: "Cameron said Satele, a former University of Hawaii offensive lineman, demonstrated grit. In the past week, Cameron said Satele had five root canals, something this 6-3, 300-pounder didn't initially reveal"

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Quotes about Samson and his root canals

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-spdolphins11jun11,0,469232.story

About Samson's 5 root canals this past week while starting at C in each of their 5 mini-camp practices, Cam Cameron said:
"I'm talking about his toughness. He never flinched, never said a word. I have never been around a guy yet that really practiced a whole practice with one root canal and he's had five in the last however many days. One thing is, we know he's smart and we know he's tough, which goes a long way at that position." (SFSS)

SFSS Note: "It was Cameron's belief in Satele -- the anchor of the University of Hawaii's nation-leading offense in 2006 -- that enabled him to shift incumbent starting center Rex Hadnot to right guard two weeks ago."


About his determination and pride, Samson said:
"I've got a lot of pride. I've just got to work and try not to get pushed back." (SFSS)


About Samson and fellow rookie LG Mormino, starting RG (formerly C) Rex Hadnot said:
"They've come in and haven't had too many problems besides what you'd expect, but they're doing a great job trying to learn as much as possible." (SFSS)


About how he's started 2 rookies on the OL before, Cameron said:
"We've done it and this is kind of how we did it. If it's too big for them, I'll talk to them. I think it's more a tribute to the guy, because it takes a special type of guy to go from playing college to playing every down in the NFL, especially in the interior of the line." (SFSS)


About Cameron's success with young offensive linemen, Trent Green said:
"If you look at San Diego's offense the last couple of years, you didn't have that Willie Roaf or Will Shields -- the perennial 10-, 12-year Pro Bowlers. You had guys who are now making a name for themselves because they were relatively unknown or they were young guys ... and LaDainian set all kinds of records." (SFSS)


About starting rookies on the OL, Cameron said:
"Ideally, you really don't want those [rookies] to have to start. We've been fortunate. The ones who have have done well." (SFSS)


Note: A lot of parallels have been drawn between Samson (taken with the 60th pick in the draft) and Nick Hardwick, who started for the Chargers at C as a rookie after he was taken with the 66th pick in the draft. Hardwick has started all 27 games that he's played for the Chargers, and has already gotten his 2nd contract with San Diego--a 6-year deal! Hardwick was named to ESPN's All-Rookie team in 2004. If Samson can parallel Hardwick's development that would be pretty ideal for both Miami and him.

Random Quotes about the Warriors

About paying his dues to work on getting time at the slot position, transfer Jon Medeiros said:
"Ryan (Grice-Mullins), Davone (Bess), Aaron Bain, Mike Washington. They're all great slotbacks. I'm going to have to pay my dues first. They're great athletes. Hopefully I can work my way up. I'm going to keep working hard and do what I gotta do." (HSB)

HSB Note: "The 5-foot-10, 195-pound 2005 Kapolei High School graduate transferred to UH from Western Oregon last year. At Kapolei, he shared the quarterback spot with Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada, who is now the starter at Navy."


About sharing the QB spot with Kaheaku-Enhada and now being at slotback, Medeiros said:
"We were the two-headed monster. At (Western Oregon), I figured I was too small to play QB, so I tried something new and played slotback. From there I made my transfer because tuition was too much over there. Figured I'd give it a shot here at slotback. Fortunately, it's working out for me." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Medeiros was mentioned several times by head coach June Jones and receivers coach Ron Lee for strong performances during spring practice."


Declining to talk about his contract negotiations, JJ said:
"I'll talk about it when it's done." (HSB)


About the muscle he has put on this offseason, Patek said:
"It's quality, not quantity. I've been hitting the weights pretty hard, put on about six or seven pounds. It's mainly muscle. I'm 208 now. Last year I got down to 192 by the bowl game. I was 208 when I came here, but I was like all nasty, fat, slow, just sloppy, sloppy weight. Now I'm putting on a little more muscle." (HSB)

Note: I can't wait to see how the hard work that Patek putting in this offseason will pay off this season! I'm so impressed with Jake's work ethic and character.

Quotes about Erik Robinson (E-Rob)

About Erik Robinson, JR said:
"He could be a huge, huge key for us." (HSB)

HSB Note: " 'E-Rob' is a 5-foot-11, 198-pound junior college transfer from Texas. He is among several candidates to fill the position vacated by Leonard Peters, who is now with the New York Jets. Robinson's a hard hitter, who has been timed at less than 4.5 seconds in the 40."


About how he ended up at UH, E-Rob said:
"Coach Jeff (Reinebold) just found me. Oak Cliff (Dallas), Navarro Junior College (Corsicana, Texas). I was being highly recruited at first, then I hurt my ACL in 2005 and a lot of schools didn't want to take a chance with me. Then Coach Jeff showed up and told me they had a scholarship for me." (HSB)

HSB Note: "That was after the 5-foot-11, 198-pound Robinson made 115 tackles at Navarro, the most in the nation for any JC defensive back last year. It made him seem like a good candidate as a replacement for safety Leonard Peters, who is now with the New York Jets."


About how he has been working with E-Rob, Patek said:
"We go in coach's office and go over stuff on the board. He seems to be picking it up and coming out on the field he's showing he's learned it. He seems to be working pretty hard. That's a good trait, hard worker." (HSB)

Note: It is interesting that Patek, E-Rob, Lewis, and Newbery all played in the same JC conference and could comprise the entire starting secondary for UH at times this season.


Praising E-Rob, his JC coach Ray Woodard said:
"He was the best defensive player on our team. Because he could cover so much ground and he was so good at coming up to the line from deep, I was able to do a lot of different things with our defense. Also a great character guy. We're really going to miss him." (HSB)


JJ praised E-Rob at his news conference on letter-of-intent day:
"He's the real deal. We had a need there with Leonard leaving and we think he will be an impact player for us this season. Being from junior college he's a little bit older and more mature. His size and speed is a little different than what we've been used to." (HSB)


About growing up in South Oak Cliff, one of the toughest neighborhoods in Dallas, E-Rob said:
"I ran with a hard-head crew. I stayed in trouble. I didn't start playing (football) until my junior year of high school. I knew if I stayed in the streets I was going to end up in jail or dead or something. I took the positive road and stuck with (football). And it got me here, and I'm working to make a success of myself." (HSB)


Loving the family atmosphere of the UH team, E-Rob said:
"I enjoy the players. Everybody's like family. Coming from Navarro, we didn't have that kind of bond. I didn't really hang out with the players, I had just a few guys I'd hang out with. But everybody here is like family. When I was in high school and at my JC, we had good players but we didn't win a lot of games. I was like, 'I'll sacrifice, but I want to win.' I knew Hawaii was winning, and I knew there's an opening for a safety." (HSB)


About the competition between E-Rob, Monteilh, and Desmond Thomas for the starting safety spot alongside him, Patek said:
"(The starting spot is) there. If you want it, it's there. It's all a matter of how hard you work. That's how it was when I came here. There were guys in front of me, but Coach said, it's there, go get it." (HSB)

Saturday, June 9, 2007

Quotes about Samson at 1st team C at Miami

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/dolphins/content/sports/epaper/2007/06/10/a16b_finsnotes_0610.html

About having rookies Samson and Mormino in their 1st team OL, Cam Cameron said:
"The most pleasing thing is it hasn't been too big for them. We are still evolving in the offensive line and it's nice to see young men who come in and just play ball and it isn't too big for them." (PBP)

Note: The practice after Cameron said this, Mormino made a mistake and was replaced at starting LG. He was still the 2nd team LG in the following practice too. Samson kept the starting C spot the whole time.


Hoping to hold onto the starting C spot, Samson said:
"It's going to be kind of hard if they put me back on second string. But I'm just trying to stay in that first string." (PBP)

PBP Note: "Satele, who went to the University of Hawaii, admitted that his rise has happened "kind of fast." In fact, both Satele and Mormino, who was a standout at Central Michigan, found themselves fighting a case of the nerves when they first lined up with the likes of Chris Chambers, Marty Booker, Ronnie Brown and Vernon Carey."


Interesting history note about Cameron and Houk's (OL coach) success rebuliding the OL in San Diego:
PBP Note: "In 2004, the Chargers were coming off a 4-12 season. Thanks in part to the play of two rookies on the offensive line, center Nick Hardwick (a third-round pick) and right tackle Shane Olivea (a seventh-rounder), the Chargers finished the season 12-4 and won the AFC West division."

Note: Samson is now Miami's center and was taken in the 3rd round also. Mormino was taken in the 6th round...there are a lot of similarities here.

More about the failure to get a 13th game

After the reached their 3rd drop dead date, HF said:
"We've been working on it for so long. I'm not going to wait any longer." (HA)


About the 3 teams that have been considering their offer since May, HF said:
"They've had some ample time to come forward. I'm not into begging. I just had it." (HA)


Not wanting to name the 2 teams or even the conferences they are in, HF said:
"I just can't do that. There could be some wounds there." (HA)


About the 12 teams he contacted about their 2 open dates, HF said:
"Every single AD wanted to do it. There was opposition in the ranks." (HA)


Sad that they didn't get a 13th game, Patek said:
"It's a little disappointing. Knowing all of the guys are competitive, we wanted that 13th game. We wanted to get a Michigan game to show what we've got. We've got to prepare for the season and the games ahead of us. We can't be wishing for anything else now." (HA)


Frustrated that they didn't get a 13th game, Solomon Elimunian said:
"We wanted more games. We all did. It's not our fault a lot of teams don't want to play us. I can see why teams don't want to play us. We have a lot of great players, like Colt (Brennan), Davone (Bess) and Ryan (Grice-Mullins). We're all frustrated, but there's nothing we can do. If that's what we've got, that's what we've got. We'll try to win all 12." (HA)


Expecting criticism for the scheduling failure, HF said:
"Criticism will always be there. I just hope people will understand we kept plugging away to the end. Conceivably, we could keep trying, but we don't want to spin our wheels." (HSB)


Putting his best spin on the situation, HF said:
"It's not the end of the world that we don't have 13 games. We have some strategic byes that can help the team." (HSB)


HSB note: "And now we know the kind of club Frazier has in his bag, and hopefully he does now, too, and adjusts accordingly. That seemed to be part of the problem, in this scenario, that he'd been operating under a false premise of how much influence he has (though you can't really blame him, with the number of "most influential" lists on which he's appeared)."

Friday, June 8, 2007

UH officially has a 12 game season

Confirming the 12 game season, HF said:
"After a long and exhaustive process that included discussions with several schools, no team we targeted for a 13th game would agree to play at UH in 2007. Therefore, we will play a 12-game schedule this season. I want to thank WAC Commissioner Karl Benson and ESPN Vice President Dave Brown for their assistance in trying to identify a fifth contest for national television. We look forward to the exposure UH will receive from the four games already scheduled for ESPN or ESPN 2." (HA)


Putting the best spin on the missing game, HF said:
"As coach (June) Jones stated last week, we will utilize the two open dates to prepare for the last stretch of games, which includes three tough WAC opponents, along with Washington." (HA)

Thursday, June 7, 2007

Quotes about Nate

http://www.mcall.com/sports/football/eagles/all-eagles-jun06-cn,0,6556285.story

About how Hunt or Nate could have a chance to contribute this season, Eagles OC Marty Mornhinweg said:
"Either one of those players [Hunt or Ilaoa] has an opportunity to help us in his rookie year. [Taking advantage] of the opportunity will be up to the individual player." (Morning Call)


About how they could use situational substitutions for the rookie RBs, Mornhinweg said:
"We do a lot of [situational substitutions], so it could be 'situational' helping us. It could be more. It's up to that individual player." (MC)

Coaching contract update

About how they have started working on JJ's contract, HF said:
"I've already seen a draft of it. I think we'll start out with it (being) a multi-year contract and go from there." (HSB)


Asked for more details, HF said:
"That's a conversation I'll have with the coach." (HSB)


About how negotiations could go into 2008 if it isn't done by 9/1, HF said:
"Some people don't want to negotiate while the season's going on." (HSB)


HF said that Nash's salary will be:
"north of $200,000" (HSB)


Coach Nash said that he is ready to sign his contract:
"The union is doing some things and we're waiting for them to sign off on it." (HSB)


HF said that the issue with the union is resolved:
"He should be getting the contract soon." (HSB)

Schedule deadline pushed back again

HF said that 1 of the 2 teams he has offers out to for the 13th game is:
"half in the door, half out the door." (HA)


About the $700k offer out to the BCS conference school, HF said:
"It is more money than many teams would receive even for an appearance in a bowl game. We've had some astronomical numbers out there." (HA)


HF said that the offer to the non-BCS conference school:
"won't be that much." (HA)


HF said that 1 of the 2 teams is getting:
"cold feet." (HSB)


HF said that the number of teams they are dealing with is down to:
"one and a half." (HSB)


About his May 31 "drop dead" date he told the legislature, HF said:
"You've got ADs trying to convince their football coaches to do it." (HA)


HF said that because WAC commisioner Karl Benson leaves for work tomorrow:
"we will announce one way or the other" (HA)

"It's: Who wants to make a decision? At this point, we're not going to sweeten the pot any more or do anything differently. We're just going to let the balls fall where they may." (HA)

"Karl Benson's going on vacation on Friday. I told him if we didn't have anything done at the middle of this week or toward the end of this week we're just gonna go with 12 and we'll have everything resolved by Friday. People have got to make a decision one way or another. So at this point I'm not going to hold us up anymore. So it will be 48 hours. One (school's) got cold feet. So we'll go with one-and-a-half and we'll let you know Friday." (HSB)


About how he wants to schedule a 1AA team every year, HF said:
"It's called a 'W.' No question you want to do that." (HA)


About future scheduling, HF said:
"The year I need one I'm done; I'm just waiting for a contract. Our goal is, by the end of December, we're going to be flush" through 2011." (HA)


About how the team will probably stay in Houston between La Tech and UNLV games this season, HF:
"We have looked at it and we're doing an analysis on the costs and everything else. We haven't decided yet." (HA)


Unsure what role he'll have for the 2008 China Olympics:
"I suspect I'll get some calls on certain things just because I was on that board for 22 years. I get some calls from time to time when specific topics come up. But I won't be the chef." (HSB)


About the new parking plan for Aloha Stadium HF said:
"I've had several conversations with (new stadium manager) Scott Chan. I would say we are in a real good sea change as relates to conversations with him about parking. We have a new parking plan we hope enables us to get people off the streets sooner and into the parking spaces." (HSB)

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Quotes about Nate after rookie minicamp

http://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/pro/nfl/eagles/story/7482051p-7377044c.html

Old article with maybe some new quotes from Nate.

About the difference between their rookie minicamp and the earlier minicamp, Nate said:
“The first camp (in early May) with the veterans was tough. All the rookies were bug-eyed and everything was getting thrown at us real fast. This one is different because we're all on the same page. We're all in this thing together.” (Press of Atlantic City)

About his different responsibilities in the Eagles' offense, Nate said:
“The biggest thing is just getting a handle on the terminology and what the lingo means in this offense. Offensive concepts are all pretty much the same, so it's just understanding what certain things mean. Playing running back is different here, though. At Hawaii, my first responsibility in the passing game was to block and protect our golden boy (Rainbows quarterback Colt Brennan). Here, I go through my checkdowns and then go out and catch the ball.” (Press of Atlantic City)

Quotes about the UH coaches being instructors at the PIAA camp

http://starbulletin.com/2007/06/06/sports/story05.html

About the teaching they will do at the camp, QB coach Dan Morrison said:
"We'll work on basic techniques and fundamentals of throwing. I'm sure we'll do some seven on seven, too." (HSB)


About sticking with the basics, especially for the age 5-12 group, LB coach Cal Lee said:
"Just fundamentals and make it fun for the kids. We'll teach them basics and let them run around with the ball. You really get down to the nitty-gritty basic fundamentals." (HSB)

HSB Note: "UH coaches have been instructors in various camps, but this is the first time they are doing so en masse in seven years, said Doris Sullivan of PIAA. Warriors head coach June Jones is slated to make an appearance at the first session for the high school age participants. Assistant coaches will provide one-on-one instruction for both age groups."

Quotes about Graunke's injury recovery

http://starbulletin.com/2007/06/06/sports/story04.html

About recovering from the injury to his throwing hand, Graunke said:
"I don't feel like I've lost any zip. Everything feels normal and good to go." (HSB)


About resuming drills and weightlifting, Graunke said:
"Last week I started lifting again, and it got really sore after the first day. This week, two-for-two (weightlifting sessions) and no problem. And my arm and hand feels fine after throwing, three or four times now." (HSB)

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Quote about Ashley Lelie

Thank you to Tombo (uhfootball.blogspot.com) for this article link!

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/archive/2007/06/05/SPGN2Q7PPO1.DTL

Happy that his injury occurred early and that he'll be better soon, Lelie said:
"I'm just glad I'll still be able to get on track. I'm glad this didn't happen in training camp." (SF Chronicle)

SFC Note: "the team hopes that Lelie, who signed a two-year, $4.3 million deal in March, uses his speed to draw the defense's attention on game days. Lelie is the team's designated deep threat, with his long stride and career average of 17.5 yards per catch. So far, he's getting a slow start on his 49ers career, while younger receivers nip at his heels...Lelie provides something that others in the 49ers' receiving corps don't, and that's speed. Even if Lelie doesn't catch 60 passes this year, the threat of his speed changes a defense. Many teams will have to devote a safety to his side to avoid giving up a long play."

Sunday, June 3, 2007

Mel Purcell Quotes from shortly after he was drafted

http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports/117792254864010.xml&coll=2&thispage=2

About Mel Purcell, Browns GM Phil Savage said:
"He played opposite [Ikaika Alama-Francis] under defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville [at Hawaii]. Alama-Francis was a second-round pick, but we felt Melila was a better 3-4 prospect." (Cleveland Plain Dealer)


http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/17156281.htm

About Mel Purcell, Browns GM Phil Savage said:
"When you watch him on tape... Purcell looked like a legitimate 3-4 (defense) fit." (Akron Beacon Journal)


http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?Category=17&ID=351341&r=16&subCategoryID=

About Mel Purcell, Browns GM Phil Savage said:
"He was a good run stuffer in one of the few collegiate 3-4 defenses. His coordinator was former NFL defensive guru Jerry Glanville." (Canton Repository)

Quotes from Mel Purcell

http://starbulletin.com/2007/06/03/sports/story03.html

Once again being asked about how he was at Anna Miller's with his parents during the draft, Mel:
"I wasn't worried about the draft or anything like that. I was at Anna Miller's at the time, eating with my parents. I was just sitting there, chilling with my family, having a good time, and thinking, 'If I get a call, I get it, and if not we'll just settle with free agency.' " (HSB)


About being taken by Cleveland in the 6th round, Mel said:
"It felt good. It was the greatest feeling I ever had." (HSB)


About the DL rookies they took late in the draft, Browns head coach Romeo Crennel said:
"With the defensive linemen that we took on the second day we kind of figured those guys would be projects for us, and so far I think that's the case. It's always hard to evaluate linemen in shorts. You cannot really evaluate linemen in shorts because that position is a position that there's contact on every play and it's hard to have contact here in shorts." (HSB)


Asked if he knew much about the Browns or the city of Cleveland before he was drafted, Mel said:
"No, not really. I heard good things about them. I never thought that they would consider me as one of their players, but I'm just happy to be here. There's a lot of great people here." (HSB)


Asked what minicamp has been like, Mel said:
"It's good. I'm just learning from the vets and stuff, just asking them questions. They're giving me advice, telling me what to do. Basically, everything's just going fast and I'm just trying my best to keep up with the pace. But it's going pretty good." (HSB)


About what was the biggest adjustment he had to make, Mel said:
"I would say a lot of things. I'm just adjusting to the new environment and stuff like that -- the weather, the food, the people and everything, but it's been good. Some of the players who are used to playing in the pros, I talked with them and they said the speed of things just goes fast. If you slow down you're going to miss out on a lot of things. It's going fast so I'm just trying to stay in the meeting rooms, watching films and paying attention to my notes." (HSB)


Asked how playing in Hawaii helpe prepare him for the NFL, Mel said:
"They do run similar things, but different terminology, different techniques. I'm into the system, but I just need to know it better." (HSB)


Asked what advice the UH coaches gave him, Mel said:
"They just told me to just go 110 percent. Don't look back on anything and don't have any regrets. Don't take it easy. This is a job interview for a lot of us so we've got to put up our best impression." (HSB)


Asked who has been the biggest help to him in minicamp, Mel said:
"Right now, everybody, the whole D-line has been a big part. If they see that something's wrong they'll come and tell me and tell me stuff I need to work on, like my footwork, they're teaching me a whole bunch of stuff so basically all the D-linemen and the coaches getting on me and telling me what I need to do." (HSB)


Asked what it is like to work with a rising star in the NFL in LB Kamerion Wimbley, Mel said:
"It's cool. It was kind of hard working as a D-end with him, but he gives us advice so it's good that he's helping some of the new guys, too." (HSB)


Asked what it is like to be a rookie, Mel said:
"It's like the same thing as the first year in college. It takes time to get to know everybody. Right now, it's kind of hard. Basically, right now, I'm trying to take that starting role from someone else so it's a fight out here. It's a dogfight out here. But being a rookie is just the same old thing -- you've just got to do your part and just show up." (HSB)


Asked what hiis goals are, Mel said:
"Right now, I'm just trying to make the team -- that's the most important part. I'm trying to make the team and trying to help the team in whatever they need me to do. I'll do it. I know a lot of the guys, that's how they make the team is through special teams. I never got too much playing time on special teams in my life but right now I'm taking a couple reps." (HSB)


Asked what kind of impact he thinks he can make, Mel said:
"They told me, 'You've just got to show up.' So right now I'm just helping them out on special teams. They've already got guys for the D-line, but they need some guys to toughen up the special teams, so whenever they need me to go in, I'm just going to take that chance." (HSB)

Saturday, June 2, 2007

Quotes about how Travis LaBoy lost weight

http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070602/SPORTS01/706020346/1027

About the 13 pounds he lost (he was 278 last season during training camp), Travis said:
"When I came out of college, I weighed 263, and before last year (one of my coaches) wanted me to get a little bigger, but I got a little too big, I think. Now I am just trying to get comfortable, and trying to figure out where I play the best. I'm not a sports trainer, but I feel better.'' (Tennesseean)


About the premium he places on speed over size (sounds like GM), Titans DC Jim Schwartz said:
"My thought with those guys has always been — weigh as much as you can, to run the fastest that you can. In other words, if you can gain 10 pounds and it doesn't affect your speed and quickness, then gain 10 pounds. But if you gain 10 pounds and you lose a tenth on your 40, then lose the weight. As a personal philosophy, I like big and fast. I would rather have fast than big and slow." (Tennessean)

Friday, June 1, 2007

Quotes about the ongoing schedule saga

HF said that he was forgetting about the "drop-dead" date and would give it until:
"the middle of next week" (HA)

"If we were to start our (season) today, we'd play 12 games." (HA)


HF said that he has proposals out to 2 D-1A schools:
"but I won't go past the middle of next week. Either people are going to get on board or we're done." (HA)


Asked about how he told the legislature that his "drop-dead" date for the schedule was yesterday, HF said:
"I'm responding to what I said I was going to do when we were at the capitol." (HA)

"I'm mindful of the May 31 deadline I set earlier this month, so I wanted to provide our fans an update. However, the teams considering our offer are not operating on that same deadline. Currently, we have 12 games and we are prepared to move forward based on that. If a 13th game comes to fruition, we will add it, as well as a fifth national telecast to our 2007 schedule." (HSB)


HF said that the possibilities of adding a Pac-10 team to the schedule is gone:
"Washington State and Oregon State were the most logical." (HA)


HF said that negotiations between the 2 teams is:
"still a partnership between us, ESPN and the (Western Athletic) conference." (HA)


Asked if either team would take the deal ($700k, some coming from ESPN) for the 13th game, HF said:
"I don't know. Your guess is as good as mine. We're still having some talks, and the commissioner (Karl Benson of the Western Athletic Conference) is still involved." (HSB)


About how getting a team at this late date is not about money, HF said:
"At this point it really isn't going to be the money that is gonna get a team. It is gonna be who wants to play us. As far as money is concerned, we're in the ballpark where we should be." (HA)


Ruling out the Nov. 3 open date, HF said:
"We're zeroing in on Oct. 20." (HSB)


About the schedule, JJ said:
"The current schedule (with two byes) will help us gear up for the home stretch where we play Fresno State, at Nevada, Boise State and Washington. I don't really have a feeling either way. There's still some things in the works, so maybe we get a 13th game. We'll just line up and play them either way." (HSB)


Colt said that a 12-game schedule provides:
"a great opportunity to run the table." (HSB)


About the possibility of a 13th game on national TV, Colt said:
"another big game on (national) TV. But we've got plenty to be excited about with Fresno, Boise and Washington at home. Me and some of the guys were just talking about it, the preseason polls and how someone has us predicted for the Sugar Bowl. What could be better than us running the table and getting into a big-time bowl game?" (HSB)


Asked if their schedule woes made him regret his choice to stay at UH, Colt said:
"Nah, I don't think it does. That decision revolved around some other things." (HSB)