Quotes about UH being loaded at DL

About their depth at DL, JJ said:
"It's the deepest we've ever had. We've got eight to 10 guys who would've started other years. When we go on the road, especially to Reno, it's going to help a lot because we can rotate guys in. For the first time we can really battle that fatigue on the road." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Defensive coordinator Greg McMackin's schemes call for versatile, tough, smart players. The more of these specialty roles you can fill, the more you get to play. Josh Leonard and David Veikune aren't listed as starters, but chances are their numbers will be called several times every Saturday night starting with next week's opener against Northern Colorado. Defensive line coach Jeff Reinebold said the two juniors are symbolic of the entire unit's attention to detail and competitive spirit."


About their DL, JR said:
"This may be the most conscientious group I've been around. There was only one day during camp when they didn't come to practice sharp. That's amazing when you consider how hard camp is, all the stresses on them. There comes a point in camp you get to where you just have to go and play someone else. We're at that point." (HSB)


About Veikune, JR said:
"David showed us last year that he has the physical tools to play a variety of spots and the mental capacity to fill multiple roles. His role will expand." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Veikune is listed at 6-foot-3 and 252 pounds, but plays bigger, allowing him to fill in at tackle in both three- and four-man fronts. His quickness makes him an asset as a pass rusher from either end; his primary job is subbing for starters Amani Purcell and Karl Noa."


About his versatility, Veikune said:
"It's just like last year. I know all the positions. With our Okie package we still go back to the old stuff, with some new stuff added. I like defensive end because you get the most flexibility, you can rush the quarterback. It reminds me of high school, when it was just get to the ball. Of course it's a more complex game at the college level." (HSB)


About how it is nice to be playing on a ranked team, Veikune said:
"I came home strictly because I was homesick and wanted to be with my family. This just makes it better." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Leonard -- a highly-decorated defensive end at Sierra College (Calif.) -- could have gone to Nevada, Boise State, Wyoming or Washington and had a better chance of moving right into a starting spot. He elected to join what he knew to be a crowded defensive line at UH."


About coming to UH to compete for a spot, Josh Leonard said:
"I was expecting it. I knew Hawaii had great athletes. I chose to come here for the competition. I wasn't going to get it anywhere else." (HSB)


About playing DT and DE, Josh Leonard said:
"I like it if it gets me more playing time." (HSB)


Asked if he preferred to play DT over DE, Josh said:
"Yeah." (HSB)


Happy to get a lot of reps yesterday with the first team, Jason Laumoli (who was on the scout team the previous day) said:
"I didn't mind helping out to get our defense ready, but it's good to have another opportunity. One of the things I like about this system is everyone gets looked at, more than once. It all takes time." (HSB)


Motivated by Reagan's success, Laumoli said:
"That motivates me a lot. He made his dream happen, and that really motivates me to push hard." (HSB)