HA = Honolulu Advertiser
HSB = Honolulu Star-Bulletin
AP = Associated Press
IS = Idaho Statesman
WB = The Warrior Beat
_________________________
Quotes from the UH Coaches
About their 3rd road win this season, JJ said:
"We got a win on the road, and it's hard to win on the road." (HSB)
About Colt's ankle injury (which contributed to the INTs), JJ said:
"He may have to deal with that (the ankle) the whole year. That's the way it goes." (HA)
"He's going to have to deal with it the whole year. He wasn't at his best and he didn't throw the ball as he usually does. He made a lot of great plays. When he's getting rushed the injury is a factor because he can't push off. He battled through it pretty good." (HSB)
About how Colt didn't play too badly but will be really down on himself, JJ said:
"A lot of (the problems) came when he was moving around. That's when you feel it. When he was able to get set he made some good throws. Take away the 2 or 3 balls that were tipped and he played a pretty good game. But he's tough on himself. He's his own worst critic." (HA)
"Take away the tipped balls and (Brennan) played pretty good." (HSB)
"He didn't throw the ball as well as he has." (HSB)
About how Lane is still learning and improving, JJ said:
"He made that big play over the top and has some things to learn, but he'll just keep getting better. He gets better every time he plays." (HA)
Praising their D, JJ said:
"Other teams are finding out now that we're pretty good on defense." (HA)
"Everybody's buying into Greg's system and it shows." (HSB)
About Adam Leonard's lobbying for a FB role, JJ said:
"He talked about that last week. He's got some running ability." (HA)
Asked if he would play Adam on offense, JJ said:
"Naw." (HA)
Asked if he would have a problem with Adam being used on offense, GM said:
"Oh, yeah, lots of problems" (HA)
Then GM smiled and referred to Hawthorne:
"I don't care, whatever June wants. June's done that before." (HA)
About how Blaze got some playing time in this game and will be used to give Adam Leonard some breaks in the game because Adam is still recovering from his knee surgery, GM said:
"We wanted to be careful, but we wanted to work him in there for 15 plays or so. He got to get in there and be involved in some collisions. He came out with a big smile on his face." (HA)
Giving credit to his defensive assistants, GM said:
"I'm happy with the guys and the coaches — Rich Miano, Jeff Reinebold, George Lumpkin, Cal Lee and Duff (Terry Duffield). Our coaches helped our players make plays." (HA)
About how he was upset with comments from ESPN's Craig James about their defense, GM said:
"He said we can't stop anybody. He said we shouldn't be a Top 20 team because we haven't played anybody. You tell him 'thanks a lot.' He got me mad. I've been around too long and that stuff doesn't (usually) bother me. The problem is they haven't watched us play. I wouldn't mind if somebody said it about us if they had seen us. But he hasn't even watched us and you say that. That's not real professional." (HA)
"He even got me mad. I told the players he got his college the death penalty -- print that. But he's doing me a great favor. The problem is (detractors) haven't even watched us. People need to know these are hard-nosed, kick-ass type guys, and they showed it today." (HSB)
Trying to downplay his role in firing up the team, GM said:
"What happened the other night was between me and the team." (HA)
HA Note: "But for all the outward calm, usually the placid exterior and understatedness with which he normally chooses his words, do not fail to understand the competitive fire that boils within. Do not underestimate the passion he has brought to the game for nearly 40 years as a coach. The Warriors certainly do not. Not after Friday night, anyway. For it was a real fire-and-brimstone oratory, punctuated by the flinging of a plastic ice water jug in a unit meeting, that drove home some of what the Warriors say inspired them to a rougher, more focused edge in yesterday's 48-20 trouncing of Idaho."
About how James' comments fired up GM, Jeff Reinbold said:
"He cares a lot about these guys and that (James' comments) really struck a chord with him. He can get riled up when he feels someone attacks his players." (HA)
DB coach Rich Miano said that GM's emotions were:
"building up. It was getting more and more intense until the volcano erupted." (HA)
About their 5 INTs, Miano said:
"We have (defensive backs) who see the ball and play the ball. They go against the greatest passing offense in America every day in practice. When teams throw, it works to our advantage. The philosophies and techniques we use allow them to get to the ball. And it's contagious. They want to out-do each other. They want stickers on their helmets." (HA)
About Adam Leonard's INT return for a TD when the game was 7-7, Rich Miano said that it was:
"huge." (HA)
QB coach Dan Morrison said that Colt's injured ankle caused Colt:
"not to be able to do some of the things he normally does as well. But it is something he's going to have to work through and he's a tough kid." (HA)
Morrison pointed out:
"even with it, he made some unbelievable throws at times. He made a couple across the field to Davone (Bess) that, I mean, had to be put right where they were. There was no other place — and he did it." (HA)
Quotes from the UH Players
Asked how this game would affect his Heisman chances, Colt said:
"It's an overall thing, so I've got some games to bounce back. If we can roll to 8-0, 9-0 ... I have to have my best games the last three games of the season." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Those will be against Nevada, Boise State and Washington."
About their D, Colt said:
"I know the defense wanted to make a statement." (HA)
"Our defense had the opportunity to step up and make big plays. And they did." (HSB)
About how this game showed how good their team is, Colt said:
"I get a lot of credit, but sometimes as a team overall, we don't seem to get the respect we deserve. I think this was a good day to see how good of a football team this really is. I didn't have a very good game, and I did some bad things, but the team dominated for four quarters. It was fun to see the team win the way it did." (HA)
"It wasn't my best game, but it's good to have the special teams and defense step up when this happens." (IS)
"The defense and special teams playing the way they did shows the kind of team we are. It was kind of a weird day. Not my best." (HSB)
About his 5 INT game, Colt said:
"I just had a different, crazy day. What's awesome is everyone else just showed how good our team really is." (AP)
"(The Vandals) made some good plays, and I wasn't myself. I didn't do the best job of capitalizing when I had the opportunities. It was a weird, wacky thing. We played that poorly on offense, and we still crushed them. That shows how good this team is." (HA)
About his injured ankle, Colt said:
"I tweaked it a little. I hate to make excuses, but I just didn't step in as well and some of the passes were underthrown a little. A little better throws and they are touchdowns or big gains. It was a weird day." (HA)
HA Note: "In the first quarter, Brennan "rolled" the ankle. He opted to continue playing. But the injury made it difficult to push off on his right foot. Two of his interceptions came when he threw off the back foot. Two others were initially tipped."
About the win and Colt's struggles, Bess said:
"It keeps Colt very humble and let's him understand that you have to execute and do what you have to do. This is a great win for the team." (AP)
About his 41-yard scoring pass, Lane said:
"Colt threw a perfect pass, like he's been doing all year. The ball was right there." (HA)
"I got tackled in the end zone and almost bit my tongue off. But I hung onto the ball." (HSB)
HA Note: "Malcolm Lane, playing in place of injured left wideout Jason Rivers (lower-back tightness), teamed with Brennan on a 41-yard scoring pass. It was a read-and-react play, in which Lane, after seven steps, had the option of cutting inside or running straight ahead. Noticing that cornerback Stanley Franks was in a set position 10 yards from the line of scrimmage, Lane opted to sprint downfield."
After his 85 yards rushing (10 carries) and 15 yards receiving (2 catches), Kealoha Pilares said:
"I was just trying to make the first guy miss and get in the open field. The field was kind of soft and hard to cut on." (HSB)
About how the RBs worked hard on blocking in practice to protect Colt and his injured ankle, Pilares said:
"All week we were preparing for the worst -- blitzes, all kinds of looks. As the game went on, it was usually just three- or four-man rush, not bringing any linebackers like we thought they would. Our running game is just to help him out, keep them honest." (HSB)
Praising Colt, Pilares said:
"Even his worst day is a good day." (HSB)
About how their defense gets put down by people who don't get to see them play, Adam Leonard said:
"What we don't like is people who don't see us play and automatically assume we can't stop anybody. That is a chip on our shoulder. We want to prove ourselves each week to the nay-sayers." (AP)
"We came to make a statement." (HA)
"It was personal." (HA)
"No matter how the offense plays, we've got a certain way we want to play." (HSB)
About his INT return for a TD, Adam said:
"The quarterback was looking the way he wanted to throw the whole time. I managed to cut in front and get it." (AP)
"I saw the quarterback looking at him all the way. I buzzed over. As soon as (Enderle) released (the ball), I cut in front of (Bjorvik). I'm thankful God blessed me to be in position to make plays." (HA)
After scoring TDs on INT returns in consecutive games, Adam talked about getting some time at FB:
"I've been talking to JJ (head coach June Jones) about getting a little goal-line fullback (time) and busting one in." (HA)
"I've been talking to JJ about getting some goal-line time at fullback." (HSB)
"I don't think they (the running backs) should be worried about their jobs too soon. I'm just trying to keep helping the defense." (HA)
About how their D was fired up from the start of the game, Michael Lafaele said:
"It's nothing against Idaho, but we came out fired up. Coach Mack got us fired up because he told us what Craig James said. We just have to go out there and shut everybody up." (HSB)
"We took this game personal. Nothing against Idaho ... but we came out jacked up, stopped them on the first series and took it from there." (AP)
"We weren't going to let anything happen." (HA)
About how they stopped Idaho from being able to run, Lafaele said:
"They wanted to run it on us. We weren't having none of that." (HA)
About Colt's struggles, Lafaele said:
"Colt wasn't 100 percent physically. But we still have a lot of confidence in all our quarterbacks." (HSB)
About how they stopped the run, Sol Elimimian said:
"They ran the ball effectively against most teams they played. We knew we wanted to stop the run first. It came down to our linemen kicking the butt of the guy in front of them. That's how you stop the run." (HA)
About their DL stunts to counter the smaller spaces between Idaho's blockers, Karl Noa said:
"We wanted to have an extra guy outside so we could set somebody free." (HA)
About how Lafaele called the defensive audibles, including 3- and 4-man stunts, Keala Watson said:
"Mike is the man at recognizing things. On tape, it looks unorganized, but we know what we're doing." (HA)
About getting covered with water after GM's fiery speech about their D, Amani Purcell said:
"The jug went in one direction and the water came in my direction. Everybody was like, 'Dang, we have to take this seriously.' It was emotional for coach Mac. People talk about our defense, and he's in charge of our defense." (HA)
HA Note: "During a defensive meeting Friday night, defensive coordinator Greg McMackin spoke of James' comments. At one point, McMackin, fueled by emotion, lost his grip on a water jug, with the contents spraying on defensive end Amani Purcell."
Fale Laeli said that when GM:
"got mad, I just wanted to play right then. He got us fired up. When coach Mac got mad, we got mad. We took it personally. We had to come out and do our thing." (HA)
About his first INT, which he returned for 22 yards but was tackled at the Idaho 18, Newberry said:
"I wanted the touch(down), but they had the angle on me. But I knew my time to take one back would come eventually." (HA)
About how he got a TD on his INT later in the game, Newberry said:
"That one I gonna make sure I got in. The last time I got (an interception for a touchdown) was two years ago in junior college." (HA)
About how he got called for a celebration penalty when he dived into the end zone on his INT return for a TD, Newberry said:
"I wasn't showing off. I was tired. It was spur of the moment. Oh, well." (HA)
About how he felt that he wasn't making "enough plays" this season and vowed to play better, Newberry said:
"I had a little chip on my shoulder." (HA)
"I know I'm doing a good job. My time to make some big plays came today." (HSB)
About how the critics of their D motivate them, Newberry said:
"We're going to hold on to that the rest of the year. (James) is not the only one. We just have to go out every week and do what we did today." (HSB)
About both of his INTs, Newberry said:
"I read the quarterback. I broke on the receiver before he could come out of his break." (HA)
About how both of his INTs came when they were on a cover-3 D and he was alone on the right third of the secondary, Newberry said:
"I'm on an island. I have to make the right decisions." (HA)
About his injured right knee (injured while making a cut on a blitz attempt) that will have an MRI, Mouton said:
"It's a little sore, man. I'll be all right. I can't sit out." (WB)
About the discomfort on the side of his right (kicking) foot, Dan Kelly said:
"I think a 'boo-boo' is the correct terminology for it." (WB)
After a trainer corrected him, Kelly said:
"OK, it's an 'ow-ie.'" (WB)
Quotes from Idaho
Unhappy with their play in the game, head coach Robb Akey said:
"It was not a good game and (it was) frustrating for us to have it end the way that it did." (IS)
"We've got to do a better job of taking care of the football. We've turned the ball over too many times in the last two weeks and we need to get that taken care of." (HSB)
"We did a nice job of taking the ball away. That is positive, but we operate as a team. We live and die as a team. We need to have more success. We need to execute better. I'm not happy with it. It's not acceptable, but I have to understand this is where we're at. We have to keep progressing." (IS)
About how he was surprised that RB Deonte Jackson was available to play, Akey said:
“He looked when he was in there. I was pleasantly surprised. I like to think it will do nothing but get better now.” (IS)
IS Note: "Jackson said he was “80 percent” and “felt no pain at all.” "
About his INTs, QB Nathan Enderle said:
"Interceptions fall on a lot of people's shoulders. Sometimes they're mine. Sometimes they're somebody else. I'm not going to point out which ones are which." (AP)
"There were some missed communications happening. The way we look at it, interceptions are on everybody. We're not going to blame any one person. We're going to clean that up." (HA)
About how they couldn't afford to make those types of mistakes vs. UH, Enderle said:
"We gave a good team too many points. We're making too many mistakes. When we do things right and don't make mistakes, we can play against anybody. We have too many mistakes right now to play against talented teams." (IS)
About Colt, LB David Vobara said:
"When he wants to be, he's on the money, and I think he's as good as anybody in the nation. ... He's a darn good quarterback, and obviously his wheels weren't healthy. When he's completely healthy, he'll be able to fly around and be awesome." (WB)
About how their D needed to play better, CB Stanley Franks said:
"We gave up too many big plays." (IS)
About his 2 TDs (all of their TDs), TE Eddie Williams said:
"If I caught zero balls and we win the game, I'm happy." (IS)
About how they have to execute their plays, Williams said:
"We had a great game plan, but it's just a matter of executing. If we have 10 guys doing their jobs and one guy who isn't, we aren't going to be successful on the play." (HSB)
Feeling bad for their D that kept getting turnovers vs. UH, Williams said:
"It's very frustrating, and I know it's frustrating for the defense. They played hard and do what they can. They gave us interception after interception. We need to be able to capitalize on those." (IS)
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Pre-game quotes
About how he, Miano, Suan, and Reinbold share special teams coaching duties, McKnight said:
"It's good because we all have the same philosophies and agree on things, and they're great guys, so we have fun working together. Nobody has an ego, we all live by the same deal. It's amazing what we can accomplish when nobody cares who gets the credit. We've had our time in the sun; we don't need anybody patting us on the back. That's the way we look at it." (HSB)
About wearing slippers during their wet and freezing cold practice yesterday, GM said:
"Ever since I was here the first time, I wore slippers on Fridays." (HA)
"Even when I went to Lubbock (Texas), on Fridays, I wore slippers. They thought I was a little crazy in Lubbock, but they got used to it. We won more than we lost, so it's a good tradition." (HA)
HA Note: "In part because they were rescheduled for a later time, in part because they were wary of spying eyes, the Warriors relocated to Lewiston High yesterday afternoon. By the time they started warmups, the mercury slipped to 46 degrees, and chilly rain fell. Only sportscaster Robert Kekaula, who did not bring long pants or a jacket, was dressed more inappropriately than McMackin. But McMackin did not budge, noting the Warriors are 13-4, including 4-0 this season, when he sticks to his routine."
About not wanting to change his routine, GM said:
"Why change? It works. And this is a big game." (HA)
About the importance of this game, Bess said:
"It's super big. It's our second WAC game. And (the Vandals) are looking at it as a chance to shock the football world by upsetting us. We can't take them lightly." (HA)
About how he hasn't lost anything during the time he missed due to injury, Colt said:
"I didn't see any rust. If anything, I saw the opposite. I saw my body better, the passes coming out more lively. I'm getting more on my passes right now." (HA)
Despite how he has "tweaked" his ankle several times during practices, Colt said he will not need to take pain-killing shots before the game:
"I'll be fine in the game. Game-day adrenaline is unbelievable. I could have played last week and been fine. Trust me. But the rest was good, and I'll be that much more ready this time." (HA)
"I'm excited to get back out there and play. Every game right now I'm trying to cherish." (HSB)
About adjusting ot the yellow-shaded lighting in the Kibbie Dome, with lights that are lower than at Aloha Stadium, RGM said:
"You have to concentrate more. You'd be surprised how the clear visors shield the light." (HA)
Not: The 4 starting WRs and Colt all wear clear visors on their helmets.
About how the defense cannot relax if Lane plays in the place of Rivers, Colt said:
"I don't think you can sit back and go, 'Thank goodness, Malcolm's in there.' Malcolm can play." (HA)
About the speed that Lane and Hawthorne have, Colt said:
"Malcolm and C.J. are dangerous. They're the guys who can take hitches and slants and go to the house before you know it." (HA)
About how he's adjusted quickly to WR, Hawthorne (the only starting WR for UH without a dropped pass) said:
"Colt and I are building chemistry. It started when we worked out during the summer. It's a gradual thing. We're becoming more and more comfortable with each other." (HA)
About their drill where George Lumpkin holds a stick attached to a plastic football then wiggles it, which teaches DL to drive forward at the snap of the football, GM said:
"We don't do a drill unless it pertains to the game. Every drill we do is something we will do in a game." (HA)
About how that technique ("coming off the ball") is how their DTs are able to out-maneuver taller OL and disrupt offenses, Mike Lafaele said:
"It's all about your weight distribution and balance. If you want to go forward, you have to put all of your weight in your legs." (HA)
About how they need to have quick DTs, DL coach Jeff Reinbold said their DTs have to have:
"fast-twitch fiber in them. That's not something you teach. That's something you emphasize." (HA)
About how Lafaele and Laeli have spent extra workouts improving their lower-body strength, Reinbold said:
"Even though they're big guys, they're not slow guys. They're not going to run great 40(-yard) times, but they have great short-burst quickness." (HA)
About his style of fast, attacking defense, GM said:
"Everything is about playing fast. We want our tackles to play low, get up the field and attack. Good things happen when you play fast." (HA)
Looking forward to kicking in a domed stadium, Dan Kelly said:
"You don't have to fight the elements." (HA)
About how the wall behind one end zone is ideal for him to practice FG kicks, Kelly said:
"During warmups, I usually have to wait for the guy to throw me the ball after I kick. This time, I just kick the ball, it hits the wall, and we don't have to chase it down." (HA)
About how the win at Idaho 2 years ago was special for the Freshman from his year (their first win), RGM said:
"That will always be a big win for us. It's the first one for us as a class." (HSB)
About Idaho's start RB Deonte' Jackson, GM said:
"He's got such a great acceleration. And he has good vision and balance. He obviously has good genes, but he has that quickness, and he's able to get outside. He's one of those Barry Sanders-type guys." (HA)
About UH's offense, LB Jo Artis Ratti said:
"They sling the rock like no other. They open a lot of gaps in defenses." (Idaho Statesman)
About what they need to do on defense, head coach Robb Akey said:
"What we have to do is be good at coverage and have coverage changeups. You have to have the ability to attack what they do." (IS)
"Just like you can blitz a quarterback, you can blitz receivers a little bit. You have to have two answers, you can't do just one. More than anything, they do what they do and they do it very well. And they don't care what you do. Hopefully we can change it up enough to where we can keep the big plays to a minimum." (IS)
"Against Hawaii you have got to be able to match scores and do everything you can to try to match plays. That's the challenge in front of us." (HSB)
About what they need to do on defense, defensive coordinator Mark Criner said:
"We have to play consistent football and make them drive it and not give up any easy ones." (IS)
About how they are running a 3-4 defense even though he prefers a 4-3 D, Criner said:
"We're not deep in a lot of areas. The main thing is you don't want to change what you do in the secondary. If you end up doing a bunch of rule busters in the secondary, it's going to end up getting you hurt. You can change your front, but your secondary has to remain the same." (HA)
About how they have to be mentally sharp in the game, Ratti said:
"We can't have any mental errors. We have to avoid the big plays, make them nickel and dime us, and we have to tackle them." (IS)
About how they have to put pressure on Colt, LB Vobora said:
"Getting pressure on Colt Brennan is a must. We're expecting that he'll play, and we wouldn't want it any other way." (HSB)
About how they have to put every thing and be consistent in this game, Vobara said:
"In each of our nonconference games we did good things in difficult situations. But it really comes down to consistency. Putting together everything this week is obviously huge. On defense, our focus is to make them throw the short pass and minimize the big play, make them work for everything they get." (HSB)
About gaining 45 pounds while at Idaho, with a 9000-calorie per day diet, LB Vobora said:
"I worked hard in the weight room, and I tried to eat and eat and eat. I would set my alarm clock for the middle of the night, eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a glass of milk, and go back to bed." (HA)
About mixing the protein drink Serious Mass with peanut butter, Vobora said:
"That helped me gain weight but remain explosive." (HA)
About having 3 different head coaches the last 3 seasons, Vobora said:
"You're dealing with heartbreak. You want to buy in. Coach Holt said, 'We're going to be here and watch your son graduate.' He left, and that was frustrating. But then we got a guy like Dennis Erickson, and that was exciting, and everything was moving in the right direction. Then — bam! — he's gone. You felt like these guys were used-car salesmen." (HA)
Prepared for defending Rivers or Hawthorne, All-WAC CB Stanley Franks said:
"They've thrown 190 passes already. That's a lot of film. I like breaking it down and watching the different formations." (HA)
About forgetting they are 1-3, Franks said that:
"our feeling around here is we're 0-0. This is our first WAC game. We haven't won anything and we haven't lost anything. We're undefeated." (HA)
About what he told his players after being their 3rd head coach in 3 years, Akey said:
"I know you've heard it all before, but I'm going to prove it to you. I know I can say this and that, but my actions are going to speak louder than words." (HA)
Akey was a Washington State coach, just 8 miles away from Idaho's campus, but moved to Moscow, Idaho after being hired, which Vobora noted:
"He's a guy when he decides to commit, he does it to the fullest. He's done that. He's going to take this university and this football team to awesome places." (HA)
About the 17 players he dismissed in his first offseason as Idaho coach, Akey said:
"I was amazed at some of the things that we dealt with in regards to drug involvement, cheating, stealing, things like that." (HSB)
About the sentiment that their team quit last year once UH started rolling, Akey said:
"I wasn't at that game, but I was told when things got bad, that team kind of shut it down. When things got bad last Saturday (in a 42-35 loss to Northern Illinois), this team found a way to step it back up. We played the No. 1 team in the country (USC), and when things got bad, this team continued to battle. I would hope we would have a little more confidence in our mental toughness about things." (IS)
Still unhappy about last week's loss, Akey said:
"I'm still disappointed, and I think we're all a little irritated that we didn't win the game. Hopefully we can take some of that into our performance this week and it will help to get us to perform better." (IS)
About his 3 INTs last game, with his first INT returned 95 yards for a TD, QB Nathan Enderle said:
"I try not to let interceptions bother me. But that second quarter obviously was my worst after that happened. I had a few bad series. Allowing it slide off (my) shoulders and not worrying about stuff like that would definitely help me." (IS)
About how his QB got himself together in the 2nd half of their last game, Akey said:
"He looked like he was shook up a little bit, but he certainly showed me something at the end when we were moving the ball down and scoring and having a chance to put the game in overtime. He was playing with confidence again." (IS)
"It's good because we all have the same philosophies and agree on things, and they're great guys, so we have fun working together. Nobody has an ego, we all live by the same deal. It's amazing what we can accomplish when nobody cares who gets the credit. We've had our time in the sun; we don't need anybody patting us on the back. That's the way we look at it." (HSB)
About wearing slippers during their wet and freezing cold practice yesterday, GM said:
"Ever since I was here the first time, I wore slippers on Fridays." (HA)
"Even when I went to Lubbock (Texas), on Fridays, I wore slippers. They thought I was a little crazy in Lubbock, but they got used to it. We won more than we lost, so it's a good tradition." (HA)
HA Note: "In part because they were rescheduled for a later time, in part because they were wary of spying eyes, the Warriors relocated to Lewiston High yesterday afternoon. By the time they started warmups, the mercury slipped to 46 degrees, and chilly rain fell. Only sportscaster Robert Kekaula, who did not bring long pants or a jacket, was dressed more inappropriately than McMackin. But McMackin did not budge, noting the Warriors are 13-4, including 4-0 this season, when he sticks to his routine."
About not wanting to change his routine, GM said:
"Why change? It works. And this is a big game." (HA)
About the importance of this game, Bess said:
"It's super big. It's our second WAC game. And (the Vandals) are looking at it as a chance to shock the football world by upsetting us. We can't take them lightly." (HA)
About how he hasn't lost anything during the time he missed due to injury, Colt said:
"I didn't see any rust. If anything, I saw the opposite. I saw my body better, the passes coming out more lively. I'm getting more on my passes right now." (HA)
Despite how he has "tweaked" his ankle several times during practices, Colt said he will not need to take pain-killing shots before the game:
"I'll be fine in the game. Game-day adrenaline is unbelievable. I could have played last week and been fine. Trust me. But the rest was good, and I'll be that much more ready this time." (HA)
"I'm excited to get back out there and play. Every game right now I'm trying to cherish." (HSB)
About adjusting ot the yellow-shaded lighting in the Kibbie Dome, with lights that are lower than at Aloha Stadium, RGM said:
"You have to concentrate more. You'd be surprised how the clear visors shield the light." (HA)
Not: The 4 starting WRs and Colt all wear clear visors on their helmets.
About how the defense cannot relax if Lane plays in the place of Rivers, Colt said:
"I don't think you can sit back and go, 'Thank goodness, Malcolm's in there.' Malcolm can play." (HA)
About the speed that Lane and Hawthorne have, Colt said:
"Malcolm and C.J. are dangerous. They're the guys who can take hitches and slants and go to the house before you know it." (HA)
About how he's adjusted quickly to WR, Hawthorne (the only starting WR for UH without a dropped pass) said:
"Colt and I are building chemistry. It started when we worked out during the summer. It's a gradual thing. We're becoming more and more comfortable with each other." (HA)
About their drill where George Lumpkin holds a stick attached to a plastic football then wiggles it, which teaches DL to drive forward at the snap of the football, GM said:
"We don't do a drill unless it pertains to the game. Every drill we do is something we will do in a game." (HA)
About how that technique ("coming off the ball") is how their DTs are able to out-maneuver taller OL and disrupt offenses, Mike Lafaele said:
"It's all about your weight distribution and balance. If you want to go forward, you have to put all of your weight in your legs." (HA)
About how they need to have quick DTs, DL coach Jeff Reinbold said their DTs have to have:
"fast-twitch fiber in them. That's not something you teach. That's something you emphasize." (HA)
About how Lafaele and Laeli have spent extra workouts improving their lower-body strength, Reinbold said:
"Even though they're big guys, they're not slow guys. They're not going to run great 40(-yard) times, but they have great short-burst quickness." (HA)
About his style of fast, attacking defense, GM said:
"Everything is about playing fast. We want our tackles to play low, get up the field and attack. Good things happen when you play fast." (HA)
Looking forward to kicking in a domed stadium, Dan Kelly said:
"You don't have to fight the elements." (HA)
About how the wall behind one end zone is ideal for him to practice FG kicks, Kelly said:
"During warmups, I usually have to wait for the guy to throw me the ball after I kick. This time, I just kick the ball, it hits the wall, and we don't have to chase it down." (HA)
About how the win at Idaho 2 years ago was special for the Freshman from his year (their first win), RGM said:
"That will always be a big win for us. It's the first one for us as a class." (HSB)
About Idaho's start RB Deonte' Jackson, GM said:
"He's got such a great acceleration. And he has good vision and balance. He obviously has good genes, but he has that quickness, and he's able to get outside. He's one of those Barry Sanders-type guys." (HA)
About UH's offense, LB Jo Artis Ratti said:
"They sling the rock like no other. They open a lot of gaps in defenses." (Idaho Statesman)
About what they need to do on defense, head coach Robb Akey said:
"What we have to do is be good at coverage and have coverage changeups. You have to have the ability to attack what they do." (IS)
"Just like you can blitz a quarterback, you can blitz receivers a little bit. You have to have two answers, you can't do just one. More than anything, they do what they do and they do it very well. And they don't care what you do. Hopefully we can change it up enough to where we can keep the big plays to a minimum." (IS)
"Against Hawaii you have got to be able to match scores and do everything you can to try to match plays. That's the challenge in front of us." (HSB)
About what they need to do on defense, defensive coordinator Mark Criner said:
"We have to play consistent football and make them drive it and not give up any easy ones." (IS)
About how they are running a 3-4 defense even though he prefers a 4-3 D, Criner said:
"We're not deep in a lot of areas. The main thing is you don't want to change what you do in the secondary. If you end up doing a bunch of rule busters in the secondary, it's going to end up getting you hurt. You can change your front, but your secondary has to remain the same." (HA)
About how they have to be mentally sharp in the game, Ratti said:
"We can't have any mental errors. We have to avoid the big plays, make them nickel and dime us, and we have to tackle them." (IS)
About how they have to put pressure on Colt, LB Vobora said:
"Getting pressure on Colt Brennan is a must. We're expecting that he'll play, and we wouldn't want it any other way." (HSB)
About how they have to put every thing and be consistent in this game, Vobara said:
"In each of our nonconference games we did good things in difficult situations. But it really comes down to consistency. Putting together everything this week is obviously huge. On defense, our focus is to make them throw the short pass and minimize the big play, make them work for everything they get." (HSB)
About gaining 45 pounds while at Idaho, with a 9000-calorie per day diet, LB Vobora said:
"I worked hard in the weight room, and I tried to eat and eat and eat. I would set my alarm clock for the middle of the night, eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a glass of milk, and go back to bed." (HA)
About mixing the protein drink Serious Mass with peanut butter, Vobora said:
"That helped me gain weight but remain explosive." (HA)
About having 3 different head coaches the last 3 seasons, Vobora said:
"You're dealing with heartbreak. You want to buy in. Coach Holt said, 'We're going to be here and watch your son graduate.' He left, and that was frustrating. But then we got a guy like Dennis Erickson, and that was exciting, and everything was moving in the right direction. Then — bam! — he's gone. You felt like these guys were used-car salesmen." (HA)
Prepared for defending Rivers or Hawthorne, All-WAC CB Stanley Franks said:
"They've thrown 190 passes already. That's a lot of film. I like breaking it down and watching the different formations." (HA)
About forgetting they are 1-3, Franks said that:
"our feeling around here is we're 0-0. This is our first WAC game. We haven't won anything and we haven't lost anything. We're undefeated." (HA)
About what he told his players after being their 3rd head coach in 3 years, Akey said:
"I know you've heard it all before, but I'm going to prove it to you. I know I can say this and that, but my actions are going to speak louder than words." (HA)
Akey was a Washington State coach, just 8 miles away from Idaho's campus, but moved to Moscow, Idaho after being hired, which Vobora noted:
"He's a guy when he decides to commit, he does it to the fullest. He's done that. He's going to take this university and this football team to awesome places." (HA)
About the 17 players he dismissed in his first offseason as Idaho coach, Akey said:
"I was amazed at some of the things that we dealt with in regards to drug involvement, cheating, stealing, things like that." (HSB)
About the sentiment that their team quit last year once UH started rolling, Akey said:
"I wasn't at that game, but I was told when things got bad, that team kind of shut it down. When things got bad last Saturday (in a 42-35 loss to Northern Illinois), this team found a way to step it back up. We played the No. 1 team in the country (USC), and when things got bad, this team continued to battle. I would hope we would have a little more confidence in our mental toughness about things." (IS)
Still unhappy about last week's loss, Akey said:
"I'm still disappointed, and I think we're all a little irritated that we didn't win the game. Hopefully we can take some of that into our performance this week and it will help to get us to perform better." (IS)
About his 3 INTs last game, with his first INT returned 95 yards for a TD, QB Nathan Enderle said:
"I try not to let interceptions bother me. But that second quarter obviously was my worst after that happened. I had a few bad series. Allowing it slide off (my) shoulders and not worrying about stuff like that would definitely help me." (IS)
About how his QB got himself together in the 2nd half of their last game, Akey said:
"He looked like he was shook up a little bit, but he certainly showed me something at the end when we were moving the ball down and scoring and having a chance to put the game in overtime. He was playing with confidence again." (IS)
Friday, September 28, 2007
Preview of the UH-Idaho game
About getting his first win at UH in the Kibbie Dome, Colt said:
"I remember that trip very well. It was a big deal for me. It was our first win of the season and a big thing for me. I'm excited to get back out there and play. Every game right now I'm trying to cherish." (AP)
Joking about how he hopes UH has some travel problems, Idaho head coach Robb Akey said:
"I hope their plane is maybe a little cramped up and it's long uncomfortable flight getting over here and they don't feel very good." (AP)
About holding Colt out of the CSU game, JJ said:
"He could have played this past week. We got through the week with the win." (AP)
Praising Colt, La Tech coach Derek Dooley said:
"He's every bit the player you see on film. I think the one thing you see in person that you can't see on film is what his competitive character is." (AP)
Praising Colt, who Idaho recruited before he came to UH, Akey said:
"He's a Heisman candidate for a reason." (AP)
About facing UH in their WAC opener, Akey joked:
"It's nice to have an easy one first. I've got all the respect in the world for what they're doing." (AP)
"Against Hawaii you have got to be able to match scores and do everything you can to try and match plays. That's the challenge in front of us." (AP)
"I remember that trip very well. It was a big deal for me. It was our first win of the season and a big thing for me. I'm excited to get back out there and play. Every game right now I'm trying to cherish." (AP)
Joking about how he hopes UH has some travel problems, Idaho head coach Robb Akey said:
"I hope their plane is maybe a little cramped up and it's long uncomfortable flight getting over here and they don't feel very good." (AP)
About holding Colt out of the CSU game, JJ said:
"He could have played this past week. We got through the week with the win." (AP)
Praising Colt, La Tech coach Derek Dooley said:
"He's every bit the player you see on film. I think the one thing you see in person that you can't see on film is what his competitive character is." (AP)
Praising Colt, who Idaho recruited before he came to UH, Akey said:
"He's a Heisman candidate for a reason." (AP)
About facing UH in their WAC opener, Akey joked:
"It's nice to have an easy one first. I've got all the respect in the world for what they're doing." (AP)
"Against Hawaii you have got to be able to match scores and do everything you can to try and match plays. That's the challenge in front of us." (AP)
Quotes from Idaho
About how they have to put pressure on Colt, DE Ben Alexander said:
"We've got a good pass rush. Colt Brennan is a great quarterback. Their line is very powerful, very strong. That's the biggest thing." (klewtv)
About how they remember (and are motivated by) their 68-10 loss to UH last year, Alexander said:
"It's still there. We know what we're up against. We just have to come strong and play hard." (klewtv)
Hoping that they sell out the Kibbie Dome, head coach Robb Akey said:
"We do still have maybe about five or six thousand seats that are still available so come on in and help us get after those Rainbow Warriors a little bit, would be a great thing." (klewtv)
"We've got a good pass rush. Colt Brennan is a great quarterback. Their line is very powerful, very strong. That's the biggest thing." (klewtv)
About how they remember (and are motivated by) their 68-10 loss to UH last year, Alexander said:
"It's still there. We know what we're up against. We just have to come strong and play hard." (klewtv)
Hoping that they sell out the Kibbie Dome, head coach Robb Akey said:
"We do still have maybe about five or six thousand seats that are still available so come on in and help us get after those Rainbow Warriors a little bit, would be a great thing." (klewtv)
Random Warrior Quotes
About how he will redshirt this season, Po'okela Ahmad (2006 Kapolei graduate who grayshirted) said:
"It'll help me in the long run. I can grow, learn, and get stronger and faster." (HA)
About how his customized shirt has a map of Oakland, Bess said:
"I want to represent where I'm from and bring it back to where it all started." (HA)
About how Korey Reynolds could apply for a medical redshirt due to his shoulder injury after he had played 3 games this season, JJ said:
"Yeah. Yeah, it's a possibility." (HSB)
About his son Kiran Kepo'o's recovery, Ken Kepo'o said:
"Kiran is getting better and the surgery went as well as can be expected, but we still don't know much about the accident." (HSB)
Praising their special teams play this season, JJ said:
"We're certainly playing with great pride right now." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Hawaii has returned three kicks for touchdowns -- a kickoff each by Ryan Mouton and Malcolm Lane, and a punt by Mike Washington. UH leads the WAC and is third in the nation with 32.4 yards per kickoff return. The Warriors are 12th in the country with 16.8 yards per punt return.
Hawaii is only 48th in kickoff-return yards allowed, at 20.48. But most of the longer returns have come after UH has built up big leads. Hawaii is third nationally and leads the conference with a 41.9 net punting average."
Praising McKnight's coaching on special teams, Jeff Reinbold said:
"Dennis has done a great job of tying it all together and creating an attitude amongst the players that special teams is important. And not just that, but giving the guys some fundamentals and techniques." (HSB)
About how he often blocks 2 defenders on kick returns, Galdeira said:
"I'm trying to get to three. Coach McKnight always talks about taking it to the next level. Once you know your block is secure, you go to the next level and find another one." (HSB)
"It's instinctive and comes from the heart." (HSB)
Appreciating the job their blockers do on kick returns, Mouton said:
"Rustin (Saole), Guyton, Timo (Paepule), Micah (Lau), those front line guys, they bust their tails every day, even at practice or whatever. You win games with special teams." (HSB)
HSB Note: "McKnight was the Warriors' special teams coach in 1999 and 2000 before leaving UH for other opportunities and returning to Manoa last year. He extended his own NFL career by being an effective snapper in the kicking game for the San Diego Chargers, where he was coached by Jones."
About the pride their players take on special teams, McKnight said:
"The kids work hard and they take pride in it. They believe that they're gonna get it. It's hard to do, but the fact that you've got three already, that's a tribute to ... your guys' belief every time that you're gonna do it, and their hard work, and they take pride in their job, and want to be the best. They've instilled that in themselves." (HSB)
"It'll help me in the long run. I can grow, learn, and get stronger and faster." (HA)
About how his customized shirt has a map of Oakland, Bess said:
"I want to represent where I'm from and bring it back to where it all started." (HA)
About how Korey Reynolds could apply for a medical redshirt due to his shoulder injury after he had played 3 games this season, JJ said:
"Yeah. Yeah, it's a possibility." (HSB)
About his son Kiran Kepo'o's recovery, Ken Kepo'o said:
"Kiran is getting better and the surgery went as well as can be expected, but we still don't know much about the accident." (HSB)
Praising their special teams play this season, JJ said:
"We're certainly playing with great pride right now." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Hawaii has returned three kicks for touchdowns -- a kickoff each by Ryan Mouton and Malcolm Lane, and a punt by Mike Washington. UH leads the WAC and is third in the nation with 32.4 yards per kickoff return. The Warriors are 12th in the country with 16.8 yards per punt return.
Hawaii is only 48th in kickoff-return yards allowed, at 20.48. But most of the longer returns have come after UH has built up big leads. Hawaii is third nationally and leads the conference with a 41.9 net punting average."
Praising McKnight's coaching on special teams, Jeff Reinbold said:
"Dennis has done a great job of tying it all together and creating an attitude amongst the players that special teams is important. And not just that, but giving the guys some fundamentals and techniques." (HSB)
About how he often blocks 2 defenders on kick returns, Galdeira said:
"I'm trying to get to three. Coach McKnight always talks about taking it to the next level. Once you know your block is secure, you go to the next level and find another one." (HSB)
"It's instinctive and comes from the heart." (HSB)
Appreciating the job their blockers do on kick returns, Mouton said:
"Rustin (Saole), Guyton, Timo (Paepule), Micah (Lau), those front line guys, they bust their tails every day, even at practice or whatever. You win games with special teams." (HSB)
HSB Note: "McKnight was the Warriors' special teams coach in 1999 and 2000 before leaving UH for other opportunities and returning to Manoa last year. He extended his own NFL career by being an effective snapper in the kicking game for the San Diego Chargers, where he was coached by Jones."
About the pride their players take on special teams, McKnight said:
"The kids work hard and they take pride in it. They believe that they're gonna get it. It's hard to do, but the fact that you've got three already, that's a tribute to ... your guys' belief every time that you're gonna do it, and their hard work, and they take pride in their job, and want to be the best. They've instilled that in themselves." (HSB)
Update on Rivers
About how Rivers didn't practice again due to his lower-back tightness but might play vs. Idaho, JJ said:
"He still has a chance. It'll be a game-day decision." (HA)
Note: I hope that the decision is to hold Rivers out! JJ admitted that Rivers should not have played in the last game because he hadn't been healthy enough to practice, and Rivers will not be able to get better if he keep playing and aggravating his injury!
Praising Rivers, Colt said:
"Jason is a great outside target. You throw a ball to a guy like Jason because he is what he is. He's a 6-foot-2, 200-plus receiver who can pick up a lot of yards for you and has unbelievable speed and he's physical. That's why we give him the ball when he's in there. He does a lot of good things with it." (HA)
About how Rivers' best play is the inside slant, especially when RGM and Bess get double teamed, Colt said:
"It leaves them one on one with Jason, and that's a matchup we usually always win. Jason is the guy who will run you over and then go to the house." (HA)
Praising Lane, who I hope will start this game, WR coach Ron Lee said:
"Malcolm had his best week of practice. Now he has to go into the game and play. He's learning how to practice and how to play." (HA)
About how he hasn't been timed in the 40 lately, Lane said:
"People know I'm fast, but it doesn't matter. I don't care about that stuff. I care about running hard every play and making the right reads on the football field. Speed is always an advantage, but you have to be smart, too. It showed last year (as a true freshman). I was fast, but I didn't know what I was doing, and it didn't get me anywhere. You can have speed, but if you don't know what you're doing, it doesn't mean anything." (HA)
About how he ran a lot of sprints after practice this week to build up his stamina to be able to play a whole game, Lane said:
"I'm not used to playing a full game. I think the coaches want me to improve endurance-wise. I'm pushing myself when I get tired. My wind is building up." (HA)
About how he has to sprint every play, even when the play isn't for him, Lane said:
"Sometimes you're supposed to run off your man. A lot of times defensive backs pick up that stuff. You run your route soft, and they know it's a running play, and they go straight inside. You've got to run hard every time." (HA)
About how Lane has to forget his mistakes, Colt said:
"The thing that everyone learning the position struggles with is thinking too much. As long as he keeps getting more reps and more success, he'll understand the offense more and he'll have more confidence." (HA)
About the "jammed" right thumb injury he suffered yesterday, Greg Salas said:
"It's a little swollen," he said, "but I'll be all right. I'm going to play." (HA)
"He still has a chance. It'll be a game-day decision." (HA)
Note: I hope that the decision is to hold Rivers out! JJ admitted that Rivers should not have played in the last game because he hadn't been healthy enough to practice, and Rivers will not be able to get better if he keep playing and aggravating his injury!
Praising Rivers, Colt said:
"Jason is a great outside target. You throw a ball to a guy like Jason because he is what he is. He's a 6-foot-2, 200-plus receiver who can pick up a lot of yards for you and has unbelievable speed and he's physical. That's why we give him the ball when he's in there. He does a lot of good things with it." (HA)
About how Rivers' best play is the inside slant, especially when RGM and Bess get double teamed, Colt said:
"It leaves them one on one with Jason, and that's a matchup we usually always win. Jason is the guy who will run you over and then go to the house." (HA)
Praising Lane, who I hope will start this game, WR coach Ron Lee said:
"Malcolm had his best week of practice. Now he has to go into the game and play. He's learning how to practice and how to play." (HA)
About how he hasn't been timed in the 40 lately, Lane said:
"People know I'm fast, but it doesn't matter. I don't care about that stuff. I care about running hard every play and making the right reads on the football field. Speed is always an advantage, but you have to be smart, too. It showed last year (as a true freshman). I was fast, but I didn't know what I was doing, and it didn't get me anywhere. You can have speed, but if you don't know what you're doing, it doesn't mean anything." (HA)
About how he ran a lot of sprints after practice this week to build up his stamina to be able to play a whole game, Lane said:
"I'm not used to playing a full game. I think the coaches want me to improve endurance-wise. I'm pushing myself when I get tired. My wind is building up." (HA)
About how he has to sprint every play, even when the play isn't for him, Lane said:
"Sometimes you're supposed to run off your man. A lot of times defensive backs pick up that stuff. You run your route soft, and they know it's a running play, and they go straight inside. You've got to run hard every time." (HA)
About how Lane has to forget his mistakes, Colt said:
"The thing that everyone learning the position struggles with is thinking too much. As long as he keeps getting more reps and more success, he'll understand the offense more and he'll have more confidence." (HA)
About the "jammed" right thumb injury he suffered yesterday, Greg Salas said:
"It's a little swollen," he said, "but I'll be all right. I'm going to play." (HA)
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Feature Story on Colt in ESPN the Magazine
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3038443
About how Colt is welcome in their home anytime, Guylyn Ornelles said:
"We are a family. We love him, and he can do whatever he wants here. We just want Colt to be Colt." (ESPN)
ESPN Note: "Today, on a couch next to the mattress, a father holds two kids on his lap. Generously proportioned over a 5-foot-7 frame, Gerald Welch looks like he's more than three years removed from playing slotback at UH. Behind Welch, his mother, Guylyn Ornellas, leans against a wall plastered with poster-size family snapshots, a yellow plumeria blossom in her long, black hair. The 45-year-old matriarch and construction worker owns this home on Oahu's north shore and shares it with Welch, his wife, their two kids -- and Brennan, whenever he chooses."
About how two families took him in when he transferred to UH from Oregon in 1973, JJ said:
"Every day, every event, everything, they embraced me. They became my ohana. Have been ever since." (ESPN)
ESPN Note: "Ohana is the intangible that helps Jones put together a team every season. He depends on it to keep so many of his players happy, the way other coaches count on boosters. Football at Hawaii is a shoestring operation. In 2005, the team brought in just $5.4M in revenues, compared with $8.5M at WAC rival Boise State. Oversize travel expenses leave just $60,000 a year for recruiting at a school that's 2,400 miles from the mainland. Boise State gets $143,000.
So Warriors recruiters can't afford to chase players they don't already know they can get. Counting on his fingers, Jones ticks off the profiles of typical targets: (1) Polynesian kids, (2) kids who have lived in Hawaii or have family here, (3) military kids with no permanent home, (4) kids recovering from injuries and (5) kids from broken homes. Then there's the rare kid from the penal system.
About the players that he's given second chaces to, JJ said:
"Some of my best players I've recruited out of jail." (ESPN)
ESPN Note: "These are the players who benefit most from island love. That includes a favorite Brennan target, Davone Bess, who spent 15 months in a detention facility near Oakland after being caught unwittingly driving around some pals carrying stolen electronics. Jones shakes his head as he tells of watching video of Bess' acrobatics in the facility's 7-on-7 passing league."
About how he recruited Colt, JJ said:
"My last trip to the mainland was for Colt Brennan." (ESPN)
About what he went through at Saddleback, Colt said:
"It was hell. The Saddleback school paper wrote horrible stuff about me. There were media and people in the community trying to get me kicked off the team." (ESPN)
ESPN Note: "Upon walking on at Hawaii, in June 2005, Brennan realized he had a chance to begin anew. As Brennan made his first walk from the UH locker room down the twisted path to the practice field, Bess jogged over and asked the new QB to throw him some balls. The two developed an easy rapport, practicing post patterns and timing routes while Honolulu's morning haze burned off. That evening they sat on the porch of Bess' home, watching the sun bleed orange across the sky, and traded stories. Slowly the two strangers -- a private-school kid from the O.C. and a survivor of Oakland's inner city -- became as tight as family. It was ohana at work."
About how he watched everything he said and did, Colt said"
"I was trying to win people over. I wanted to be really liked." (ESPN)
ESPN Note: "But every time he met someone, Brennan wondered: What do they know about me? What do they think of me? He was terrified that another public misstep, no matter how slight, would end any chance at redemption.
Now, with rains pelting the athletic department windows, Brennan tried to recall the last time he'd felt happy. He surprised himself when his thoughts took him back to the day of that drubbing by USC, when he accepted a teammate's offer to head to Kahuku for a barbecue at Welch's. It was the first time the two met, and when Brennan left, Welch offered an open invitation to return.
So when the sun finally broke through in April 2006, after 43 straight days of rain, Brennan set out for an hour's drive through the mountains that divide the island's populated south from its rural north. Each coastal town along the Kamehameha Highway was smaller than the last. Just past Kahuku High School, Brennan turned into a quiet neighborhood and parked in Ornellas' front yard. Stepping inside the house, he was immersed in a sea of 20 or so kids, none older than 4, all running, laughing and shouting. Only a few were technically family, but all called Ornellas tutu, Hawaiian for "Grandma." Later the entourage moved to the beach, where Welch barbecued while the kids ran wild. Brennan just sat in the sand, watching the food cook as the hours passed by like minutes.
After that day, Brennan returned to Ornellas' home too many times to count. Other families accepted him into their ohana -- the Cazimeros, O'Neils and Funakis -- but Kahuku became Brennan's hideout, a place where no one judged him for his play or his past. One day, as Brennan climbed from his Jeep, Welch's kids ran to hug him, crying, "Uncle Colt!" It was then that Brennan knew he was part of the family."
About how his parents don't get to stay long enough to see how moch his ohana means to him, Colt said:
"They never get to see this. I don't think they know the security it gives me." (ESPN)
Colt said that with his ohana behind im:
"football started to be easy for me." (ESPN)
ESPN Note: "Suddenly NFL scouts took a serious interest; some were rumored to have him in the top 10 of the draft. Brennan was torn, weighing the prospects of an NFL fortune against leaving the corner of the world where he felt most at home. He postponed the decision as long as possible, filing for the draft at the deadline. A press conference was scheduled for Monday morning, Jan. 15, then postponed until Tuesday afternoon. But that one was canceled too. Nobody knew where Brennan had gone.
On the opposite end of the island, Brennan had borrowed a skateboard from Ornellas' driveway and coasted to a market for some raw tuna. Everybody there knew him, but nobody asked what his plans were. Good thing, too, since he didn't know. As the sun set, Brennan sat on the beach with Welch, thinking about what he wanted. He decided the world could wait another day for his decision. Finally, on Wednesday afternoon, Brennan stepped up to some microphones in an untucked button-down shirt. The room fell silent as he broke down, pounding the podium and wiping his tears with the meat of his palm."
When announcing he was staying at UH for his senior year, Colt said:
"My heart lies here, in Hawaii. I like the person I'm becoming here." (ESPN)
About how he'll spend his NFL money, Colt said:
"The first thing I do when I sign my contract is buy me a house in Hawaii." (ESPN)
ESPN Note: "And someday, in some corner of that house, there will probably be a ragged twin mattress, ready for the next wayward mainlander in need of ohana."
About how Colt is welcome in their home anytime, Guylyn Ornelles said:
"We are a family. We love him, and he can do whatever he wants here. We just want Colt to be Colt." (ESPN)
ESPN Note: "Today, on a couch next to the mattress, a father holds two kids on his lap. Generously proportioned over a 5-foot-7 frame, Gerald Welch looks like he's more than three years removed from playing slotback at UH. Behind Welch, his mother, Guylyn Ornellas, leans against a wall plastered with poster-size family snapshots, a yellow plumeria blossom in her long, black hair. The 45-year-old matriarch and construction worker owns this home on Oahu's north shore and shares it with Welch, his wife, their two kids -- and Brennan, whenever he chooses."
About how two families took him in when he transferred to UH from Oregon in 1973, JJ said:
"Every day, every event, everything, they embraced me. They became my ohana. Have been ever since." (ESPN)
ESPN Note: "Ohana is the intangible that helps Jones put together a team every season. He depends on it to keep so many of his players happy, the way other coaches count on boosters. Football at Hawaii is a shoestring operation. In 2005, the team brought in just $5.4M in revenues, compared with $8.5M at WAC rival Boise State. Oversize travel expenses leave just $60,000 a year for recruiting at a school that's 2,400 miles from the mainland. Boise State gets $143,000.
So Warriors recruiters can't afford to chase players they don't already know they can get. Counting on his fingers, Jones ticks off the profiles of typical targets: (1) Polynesian kids, (2) kids who have lived in Hawaii or have family here, (3) military kids with no permanent home, (4) kids recovering from injuries and (5) kids from broken homes. Then there's the rare kid from the penal system.
About the players that he's given second chaces to, JJ said:
"Some of my best players I've recruited out of jail." (ESPN)
ESPN Note: "These are the players who benefit most from island love. That includes a favorite Brennan target, Davone Bess, who spent 15 months in a detention facility near Oakland after being caught unwittingly driving around some pals carrying stolen electronics. Jones shakes his head as he tells of watching video of Bess' acrobatics in the facility's 7-on-7 passing league."
About how he recruited Colt, JJ said:
"My last trip to the mainland was for Colt Brennan." (ESPN)
About what he went through at Saddleback, Colt said:
"It was hell. The Saddleback school paper wrote horrible stuff about me. There were media and people in the community trying to get me kicked off the team." (ESPN)
ESPN Note: "Upon walking on at Hawaii, in June 2005, Brennan realized he had a chance to begin anew. As Brennan made his first walk from the UH locker room down the twisted path to the practice field, Bess jogged over and asked the new QB to throw him some balls. The two developed an easy rapport, practicing post patterns and timing routes while Honolulu's morning haze burned off. That evening they sat on the porch of Bess' home, watching the sun bleed orange across the sky, and traded stories. Slowly the two strangers -- a private-school kid from the O.C. and a survivor of Oakland's inner city -- became as tight as family. It was ohana at work."
About how he watched everything he said and did, Colt said"
"I was trying to win people over. I wanted to be really liked." (ESPN)
ESPN Note: "But every time he met someone, Brennan wondered: What do they know about me? What do they think of me? He was terrified that another public misstep, no matter how slight, would end any chance at redemption.
Now, with rains pelting the athletic department windows, Brennan tried to recall the last time he'd felt happy. He surprised himself when his thoughts took him back to the day of that drubbing by USC, when he accepted a teammate's offer to head to Kahuku for a barbecue at Welch's. It was the first time the two met, and when Brennan left, Welch offered an open invitation to return.
So when the sun finally broke through in April 2006, after 43 straight days of rain, Brennan set out for an hour's drive through the mountains that divide the island's populated south from its rural north. Each coastal town along the Kamehameha Highway was smaller than the last. Just past Kahuku High School, Brennan turned into a quiet neighborhood and parked in Ornellas' front yard. Stepping inside the house, he was immersed in a sea of 20 or so kids, none older than 4, all running, laughing and shouting. Only a few were technically family, but all called Ornellas tutu, Hawaiian for "Grandma." Later the entourage moved to the beach, where Welch barbecued while the kids ran wild. Brennan just sat in the sand, watching the food cook as the hours passed by like minutes.
After that day, Brennan returned to Ornellas' home too many times to count. Other families accepted him into their ohana -- the Cazimeros, O'Neils and Funakis -- but Kahuku became Brennan's hideout, a place where no one judged him for his play or his past. One day, as Brennan climbed from his Jeep, Welch's kids ran to hug him, crying, "Uncle Colt!" It was then that Brennan knew he was part of the family."
About how his parents don't get to stay long enough to see how moch his ohana means to him, Colt said:
"They never get to see this. I don't think they know the security it gives me." (ESPN)
Colt said that with his ohana behind im:
"football started to be easy for me." (ESPN)
ESPN Note: "Suddenly NFL scouts took a serious interest; some were rumored to have him in the top 10 of the draft. Brennan was torn, weighing the prospects of an NFL fortune against leaving the corner of the world where he felt most at home. He postponed the decision as long as possible, filing for the draft at the deadline. A press conference was scheduled for Monday morning, Jan. 15, then postponed until Tuesday afternoon. But that one was canceled too. Nobody knew where Brennan had gone.
On the opposite end of the island, Brennan had borrowed a skateboard from Ornellas' driveway and coasted to a market for some raw tuna. Everybody there knew him, but nobody asked what his plans were. Good thing, too, since he didn't know. As the sun set, Brennan sat on the beach with Welch, thinking about what he wanted. He decided the world could wait another day for his decision. Finally, on Wednesday afternoon, Brennan stepped up to some microphones in an untucked button-down shirt. The room fell silent as he broke down, pounding the podium and wiping his tears with the meat of his palm."
When announcing he was staying at UH for his senior year, Colt said:
"My heart lies here, in Hawaii. I like the person I'm becoming here." (ESPN)
About how he'll spend his NFL money, Colt said:
"The first thing I do when I sign my contract is buy me a house in Hawaii." (ESPN)
ESPN Note: "And someday, in some corner of that house, there will probably be a ragged twin mattress, ready for the next wayward mainlander in need of ohana."
Quotes from Warrior Commit Daniel Smith
About how he called UH's coaches and paid for his visit to Hawaii, accepting an offer from coach Reinbold during his visit, Daniel Smith (also recruited by Duke, Wake Forrest, North Carolina, Washington State, and Portland State) said:
“I visited Hawaii last April and I had an amazing time. I really liked every aspect of the school. The academic people were really easy going on explaining how everything works and what goes on. The campus was incredible and I really felt at home. The only player that I really had a long conversation with was Ryan Perry. He sat down with me and really explained on how the team acts and how they treat on another. Ryan also went to my high school so it was good to talk to somebody from my same town." (Warriors Insider)
About meeting Jeff Reinbold face-to-face, Daniel said:
“Coach Reinebold is a great guy. He was always positive when I talked to him. He made me fell really welcome at the university. He is one of the most down to earth coach’s that I have met and I really appreciated everything he has done for me. The way I got in contact with coach was at the end of my junior year. I was really interested in Hawaii and wanted to get some more information for football. The next thing I knew, I sent him my highlight tape and I was on the island visiting." (WI)
About why he committed early to UH, Daniel said:
“I committed so early to Hawaii because I wanted to show the school how much I wanted to become a apart of the team. When I was on my visit I really felt at home and accepted. The thing I am most exited about when I get to Hawaii is my first practice. I just want to get on the field with the team." (WI)
Asked if he would be left at CB or if he'd be moved to S at UH, Daniel said:
“Right now for my school I am playing corner but when I get to Hawaii I will switch to safety. With my size and speed I will be a better fit at safety." (WI)
“I visited Hawaii last April and I had an amazing time. I really liked every aspect of the school. The academic people were really easy going on explaining how everything works and what goes on. The campus was incredible and I really felt at home. The only player that I really had a long conversation with was Ryan Perry. He sat down with me and really explained on how the team acts and how they treat on another. Ryan also went to my high school so it was good to talk to somebody from my same town." (Warriors Insider)
About meeting Jeff Reinbold face-to-face, Daniel said:
“Coach Reinebold is a great guy. He was always positive when I talked to him. He made me fell really welcome at the university. He is one of the most down to earth coach’s that I have met and I really appreciated everything he has done for me. The way I got in contact with coach was at the end of my junior year. I was really interested in Hawaii and wanted to get some more information for football. The next thing I knew, I sent him my highlight tape and I was on the island visiting." (WI)
About why he committed early to UH, Daniel said:
“I committed so early to Hawaii because I wanted to show the school how much I wanted to become a apart of the team. When I was on my visit I really felt at home and accepted. The thing I am most exited about when I get to Hawaii is my first practice. I just want to get on the field with the team." (WI)
Asked if he would be left at CB or if he'd be moved to S at UH, Daniel said:
“Right now for my school I am playing corner but when I get to Hawaii I will switch to safety. With my size and speed I will be a better fit at safety." (WI)
Idaho's CB Stanley Franks looks forward to facing UH's offense
Looking forward to facing UH's offense, All-WAC CB Stanley Franks said:
"This right here is a cornerback's dream. With as much as they throw the ball ... it's definitely a cornerback's dream." (Idaho Statesman)
About UH's offense, Idaho coach Akey said:
"They're very good at what they do." (IS)
About how they need to have Franks' fearless attitude to face UH, Akey said:
"One of the reasons Stanley Franks is a good corner is he plays with an air of confidence and he appreciates the challenge. That's what he looks forward to, and that's when he plays his best, is when things are coming at him." (IS)
IS Note: "So far, that hasn't been the case this season. Franks, who led the nation with nine interceptions last season, hasn't been tested much this year. He has one interception in Idaho's first four games."
About how teams don't pass to Franks' side, defensive coordinator Mark Criner said:
"People tend to go away from him. He got challenged against the6-6 kid (Ramses Barden) from Cal Poly, but I think he had only two balls thrown at him against USC." (IS)
About how teams don't try to pass to Franks' side, Keo said:
"It's funny because we joke around and laugh when teams try to throw at him because we know he's going to make a big play or they're just going to have to resnap it. After last year, it's expected they stay away from a guy like that. That's the smart thing to do." (IS)
About how UH will run their offense and not worry about individual players like Franks, Colt said:
"We have a lot of respect for Idaho's defense and saw how tough they played USC. Coach Jones prides himself on our offense and us just worrying about ourselves. As far as what our responsibilities are, when (Jones) calls the play, we have to drop back and read it. We've faced good talent before and we just have to take care of ourselves." (IS)
IS Note: "Franks has taken the lack of activity in stride. He did injure his knee in last week's loss to Northern Illinois and missed Tuesday's practice, but said he expects to play Saturday."
About how he cannot lose concentration when teams avoid throwing on his side, Franks said:
"I try to stay focused and try to make a play when they do come to my side." (IS)
About Franks, LB Jo Artis Ratti said:
"He has ‘little man syndrome,' so he talks a lot. We like hearing from him. He's a vocal, spiritual person over there who plays with a lot of emotion. We love having that because he brings a lot of spirit to the team." (IS)
About how they believe they have a chance vs. UH, Franks said:
"I'm the type of player, like Jo Artis and Shiloh, who believe that you have to play the game with passion. You've got to go out there and be enthusiastic whether you are making plays or have to pick guys up." (IS)
About how Idaho moved him to CB when he joined them after junior college, Franks (whose only D-IA offer was from Idaho) said:
"A lot of schools were concerned about my size (5-foot-7, 157 pounds) coming out of JC." (IS)
IS Note: "The move has been beneficial to both parties. Franks, who will graduate in December, has professional football aspirations. But he's not focusing on them until the end of the season."
Focused on UH, not the NFL, right now, Franks said:
"The main goal is to enter the WAC season and try to win this ballgame. I'll wait 'til after the season to start preparing for that or whatever God has in store for me." (IS)
"This right here is a cornerback's dream. With as much as they throw the ball ... it's definitely a cornerback's dream." (Idaho Statesman)
About UH's offense, Idaho coach Akey said:
"They're very good at what they do." (IS)
About how they need to have Franks' fearless attitude to face UH, Akey said:
"One of the reasons Stanley Franks is a good corner is he plays with an air of confidence and he appreciates the challenge. That's what he looks forward to, and that's when he plays his best, is when things are coming at him." (IS)
IS Note: "So far, that hasn't been the case this season. Franks, who led the nation with nine interceptions last season, hasn't been tested much this year. He has one interception in Idaho's first four games."
About how teams don't pass to Franks' side, defensive coordinator Mark Criner said:
"People tend to go away from him. He got challenged against the6-6 kid (Ramses Barden) from Cal Poly, but I think he had only two balls thrown at him against USC." (IS)
About how teams don't try to pass to Franks' side, Keo said:
"It's funny because we joke around and laugh when teams try to throw at him because we know he's going to make a big play or they're just going to have to resnap it. After last year, it's expected they stay away from a guy like that. That's the smart thing to do." (IS)
About how UH will run their offense and not worry about individual players like Franks, Colt said:
"We have a lot of respect for Idaho's defense and saw how tough they played USC. Coach Jones prides himself on our offense and us just worrying about ourselves. As far as what our responsibilities are, when (Jones) calls the play, we have to drop back and read it. We've faced good talent before and we just have to take care of ourselves." (IS)
IS Note: "Franks has taken the lack of activity in stride. He did injure his knee in last week's loss to Northern Illinois and missed Tuesday's practice, but said he expects to play Saturday."
About how he cannot lose concentration when teams avoid throwing on his side, Franks said:
"I try to stay focused and try to make a play when they do come to my side." (IS)
About Franks, LB Jo Artis Ratti said:
"He has ‘little man syndrome,' so he talks a lot. We like hearing from him. He's a vocal, spiritual person over there who plays with a lot of emotion. We love having that because he brings a lot of spirit to the team." (IS)
About how they believe they have a chance vs. UH, Franks said:
"I'm the type of player, like Jo Artis and Shiloh, who believe that you have to play the game with passion. You've got to go out there and be enthusiastic whether you are making plays or have to pick guys up." (IS)
About how Idaho moved him to CB when he joined them after junior college, Franks (whose only D-IA offer was from Idaho) said:
"A lot of schools were concerned about my size (5-foot-7, 157 pounds) coming out of JC." (IS)
IS Note: "The move has been beneficial to both parties. Franks, who will graduate in December, has professional football aspirations. But he's not focusing on them until the end of the season."
Focused on UH, not the NFL, right now, Franks said:
"The main goal is to enter the WAC season and try to win this ballgame. I'll wait 'til after the season to start preparing for that or whatever God has in store for me." (IS)
Random Warrior Quotes from the local papers
About how they have been practicing silent counts and hand motions because they expect it to be hard to hear at Idaho, JJ said:
"Even if they have 10,000 people in there, the noise echoes and it can be hard to hear." (HA)
About how their offense can go to silent counts, Colt said:
"I know we can handle it. If it gets loud, we can make those adjustments. It's part of the game. You have to do it." (HA)
HA Note: "Jones will signal in a play as well as the snap count. Taking a cue from Brennan, the offensive linemen will silently count to the designated number."
About using a silent count, center John Estes said:
"It's all about the timing. I snap it when it's a certain time. It's a certain rhythm we use." (HA)
About their work on silent counts, Estes said:
"Sometimes I'd snap it faster than I should. But we worked on it, and our timing is better." (HA)
About going on silent counts, LG Hercules Satele said:
"It's a matter of trust. You have to trust the center will snap the ball on time. This is a precaution in case in gets loud. But we're ready." (HA)
Asked what was most important on silent counts (sneaking a peek at the C, good timing with teammates, or internal rhythm), Hercules said:
"All of the above. You have to have a sixth sense and you have to trust the ball will be snapped on that count." (HSB)
About how they used silent counts last year at Alabama and 3 weeks ago at La Tech, Colt said:
"It could be very loud at Idaho, so we have to make sure we have that package ready. We used it a lot at LaTech, especially in the second half. Everyone has to be on the same page and you can't anticipate." (HSB)
HA Note: "Brennan said he "tweaked" his sore right ankle near the end of yesterday's practice. But he said the condition is not "serious," and that he will resume practicing today."
About how his ankle will not make him miss the Idaho game, Colt said:
"No doubt, I'm starting." (HA)
Colt said that his right ankle is sore after practices:
"which isn't anything serious or out of the ordinary." (HA)
About his ankle, Colt said:
"There's always going to be pain in football. You have to get used to it. But hopefully I'll keep resting it and doing everything right (in treatment sessions) and by Saturday it'll be close to 100 percent as it needs to be." (HA)
About how the preventative methods (heavily wrapping his ankle during practices and wearing an ankle brace or medical boot when not practicing) can be worse than the actual ankle injury, Colt said:
"I mean, to be honest, you have to understand that all of the protective stuff I put on — all of the tape — can irritate it more than the actual ankle itself. You have to have to that on there for protection. Sometimes when you see me out there irritated, it's more so because of the tape job or how the ankle brace is sitting on me than actually how my ankle legitimately feels. If I were to run around here without an ankle brace, you wouldn't think I was hurt at all." (HA)
About why he needs the taping for practice and the ankle brace outside of practice, Colt said that without the precautions:
"the probability of turning (the ankle) is really high." (HA)
About Mouton's promise to him the night before the CSU game to get a TD, Colt said:
"I said, 'I probably won't be able to play today,' and he told me, 'I got you.' " (HA)
About his kickoff return for a TD, Mouton said:
"I had to do it. I'm a man of my word." (HA)
About how he told Mouton at halftime that he wouldn't get many more chances to return kickoffs, Colt said:
"The way our defense was playing, I knew he wouldn't get many chances. I told him right before halftime, 'You've got the second-half kickoff to go.' He said, 'I've got that.' When we came out at halftime, I walked out late. I didn't get a chance to talk to him before he went out on the field." (HA)
About how Mouton came to talk to him after opening the 2nd half with his kickoff return TD, Colt said:
"He ran over to me and said, 'That was for you.' That was cool." (HA)
About how he and Lane each have a kickoff return for a TD, Mouton said:
"We're discussing who's going to bring the next one." (HA)
About how kickoff teams now have to decide if they want to kick to Mouton or him, Lane said:
"I was joking with him. I said we have to break this tie. It's a great battle. Now the other team has to decide who to kick it to. Mouton is a good guy. I was just as happy for Mouton running his back as I was when I ran mine back. I was excited to see him get one." (HA)
About making the travel roster this time but not for the 12-day trip, Spenser Smith said:
"I traveled all of the time last year, and took it for granted. Not traveling last trip made me work hard. I wanted to do my best. I wanted to impress the coaches. It feels good to travel with the team." (HA)
About how JJ noticed that he tried to stick too closely with the offensive play on his runs, LWJ said:
"He told me to just run wild. If I see something else, hit it as hard as possible and get upfield." (HSB)
About getting settled in at RB, which he hasn't played since high school 3 years ago, LWJ said:
"Now I'm seeing stuff that I haven't seen since high school. I'm about to hit it now since Coach said it." (HSB)
About how he's improving at RB, which he hasn't played since Damien a couple of year ago, Pilares said:
"It's more instinctive now. I'm going out there and reacting to what is happening and not really thinking as much." (HSB)
About how they aren't going to "open any champagne bottles" over not giving up a sack last week, OL coach Dennis McKnight said:
"It's just all about experience. The more you play the better you get." (HSB)
About RT Keoni Steinhoff, who was named offensive player of the game vs. CSU, McKnight said:
"He's physical and stays with the opponent really good." (HSB)
"Even if they have 10,000 people in there, the noise echoes and it can be hard to hear." (HA)
About how their offense can go to silent counts, Colt said:
"I know we can handle it. If it gets loud, we can make those adjustments. It's part of the game. You have to do it." (HA)
HA Note: "Jones will signal in a play as well as the snap count. Taking a cue from Brennan, the offensive linemen will silently count to the designated number."
About using a silent count, center John Estes said:
"It's all about the timing. I snap it when it's a certain time. It's a certain rhythm we use." (HA)
About their work on silent counts, Estes said:
"Sometimes I'd snap it faster than I should. But we worked on it, and our timing is better." (HA)
About going on silent counts, LG Hercules Satele said:
"It's a matter of trust. You have to trust the center will snap the ball on time. This is a precaution in case in gets loud. But we're ready." (HA)
Asked what was most important on silent counts (sneaking a peek at the C, good timing with teammates, or internal rhythm), Hercules said:
"All of the above. You have to have a sixth sense and you have to trust the ball will be snapped on that count." (HSB)
About how they used silent counts last year at Alabama and 3 weeks ago at La Tech, Colt said:
"It could be very loud at Idaho, so we have to make sure we have that package ready. We used it a lot at LaTech, especially in the second half. Everyone has to be on the same page and you can't anticipate." (HSB)
HA Note: "Brennan said he "tweaked" his sore right ankle near the end of yesterday's practice. But he said the condition is not "serious," and that he will resume practicing today."
About how his ankle will not make him miss the Idaho game, Colt said:
"No doubt, I'm starting." (HA)
Colt said that his right ankle is sore after practices:
"which isn't anything serious or out of the ordinary." (HA)
About his ankle, Colt said:
"There's always going to be pain in football. You have to get used to it. But hopefully I'll keep resting it and doing everything right (in treatment sessions) and by Saturday it'll be close to 100 percent as it needs to be." (HA)
About how the preventative methods (heavily wrapping his ankle during practices and wearing an ankle brace or medical boot when not practicing) can be worse than the actual ankle injury, Colt said:
"I mean, to be honest, you have to understand that all of the protective stuff I put on — all of the tape — can irritate it more than the actual ankle itself. You have to have to that on there for protection. Sometimes when you see me out there irritated, it's more so because of the tape job or how the ankle brace is sitting on me than actually how my ankle legitimately feels. If I were to run around here without an ankle brace, you wouldn't think I was hurt at all." (HA)
About why he needs the taping for practice and the ankle brace outside of practice, Colt said that without the precautions:
"the probability of turning (the ankle) is really high." (HA)
About Mouton's promise to him the night before the CSU game to get a TD, Colt said:
"I said, 'I probably won't be able to play today,' and he told me, 'I got you.' " (HA)
About his kickoff return for a TD, Mouton said:
"I had to do it. I'm a man of my word." (HA)
About how he told Mouton at halftime that he wouldn't get many more chances to return kickoffs, Colt said:
"The way our defense was playing, I knew he wouldn't get many chances. I told him right before halftime, 'You've got the second-half kickoff to go.' He said, 'I've got that.' When we came out at halftime, I walked out late. I didn't get a chance to talk to him before he went out on the field." (HA)
About how Mouton came to talk to him after opening the 2nd half with his kickoff return TD, Colt said:
"He ran over to me and said, 'That was for you.' That was cool." (HA)
About how he and Lane each have a kickoff return for a TD, Mouton said:
"We're discussing who's going to bring the next one." (HA)
About how kickoff teams now have to decide if they want to kick to Mouton or him, Lane said:
"I was joking with him. I said we have to break this tie. It's a great battle. Now the other team has to decide who to kick it to. Mouton is a good guy. I was just as happy for Mouton running his back as I was when I ran mine back. I was excited to see him get one." (HA)
About making the travel roster this time but not for the 12-day trip, Spenser Smith said:
"I traveled all of the time last year, and took it for granted. Not traveling last trip made me work hard. I wanted to do my best. I wanted to impress the coaches. It feels good to travel with the team." (HA)
About how JJ noticed that he tried to stick too closely with the offensive play on his runs, LWJ said:
"He told me to just run wild. If I see something else, hit it as hard as possible and get upfield." (HSB)
About getting settled in at RB, which he hasn't played since high school 3 years ago, LWJ said:
"Now I'm seeing stuff that I haven't seen since high school. I'm about to hit it now since Coach said it." (HSB)
About how he's improving at RB, which he hasn't played since Damien a couple of year ago, Pilares said:
"It's more instinctive now. I'm going out there and reacting to what is happening and not really thinking as much." (HSB)
About how they aren't going to "open any champagne bottles" over not giving up a sack last week, OL coach Dennis McKnight said:
"It's just all about experience. The more you play the better you get." (HSB)
About RT Keoni Steinhoff, who was named offensive player of the game vs. CSU, McKnight said:
"He's physical and stays with the opponent really good." (HSB)
McMackin isn't overlooking Idaho
About how Idaho has improved from the last time UH played at the Kibbie Dome, GM said:
"Our guys know how important it is to not overlook them. We see a lot of improvement in them. They don't play like they did two years ago." (HSB)
About why they should not overlook Idaho, GM said:
"They're getting the most out of their athletes. They played well against USC (a 38-10 loss) and they were ahead of Washington State. They got their win against Cal Poly, and they should've won last week against Northern Illinois, but that was an accident game. They had all kinds of accidents go against them." (HSB)
Idaho averages 375.0 yards a game and allows 388.8 -- and those numbers include a game against the top-ranked team in the nation. Perhaps the Vandals are better than their record. But Hawaii is still favored by nearly four touchdowns.
About how Idaho's OL should be respected, and how they are better than La Tech's OL that played dirty, GM said:
"I think they're better than LaTech. They held and grabbed face masks. (Idaho's) offensive front is as good as any we've played yet." (HSB)
Not trusting the reports from Idaho that says that their star RB (Deonte Jackson) will miss the game, GM said:
"They say Jackson isn't going to play, but I'll believe it when I see it." (HSB)
About how Idaho's offensive coordinator (Steve Axman) knows JJ and him well, GM said:
"He was the offensive line coach with June and Mouse and me with the Denver Gold. He's a very good offensive coach." (HSB)
Prasing Sol Elimimian, GM said:
"His speed is a great attribute, and he has great instincts. Solly's a leader and he's very smart." (HSB)
"Our guys know how important it is to not overlook them. We see a lot of improvement in them. They don't play like they did two years ago." (HSB)
About why they should not overlook Idaho, GM said:
"They're getting the most out of their athletes. They played well against USC (a 38-10 loss) and they were ahead of Washington State. They got their win against Cal Poly, and they should've won last week against Northern Illinois, but that was an accident game. They had all kinds of accidents go against them." (HSB)
Idaho averages 375.0 yards a game and allows 388.8 -- and those numbers include a game against the top-ranked team in the nation. Perhaps the Vandals are better than their record. But Hawaii is still favored by nearly four touchdowns.
About how Idaho's OL should be respected, and how they are better than La Tech's OL that played dirty, GM said:
"I think they're better than LaTech. They held and grabbed face masks. (Idaho's) offensive front is as good as any we've played yet." (HSB)
Not trusting the reports from Idaho that says that their star RB (Deonte Jackson) will miss the game, GM said:
"They say Jackson isn't going to play, but I'll believe it when I see it." (HSB)
About how Idaho's offensive coordinator (Steve Axman) knows JJ and him well, GM said:
"He was the offensive line coach with June and Mouse and me with the Denver Gold. He's a very good offensive coach." (HSB)
Prasing Sol Elimimian, GM said:
"His speed is a great attribute, and he has great instincts. Solly's a leader and he's very smart." (HSB)
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Feature article on Mike Washington
About how he isn't happy in Hawaii because he isn't getting much playing time, Mike Washington said:
"Hawaii's cool. I mean, you got the beaches. Of course, you got the hula girls. You got Waikiki and everything. But it's not entirely paradise to me in my eyes because paradise to me is football and doing what I came down here to do in the first place." (Pittsburg Post-Gazette)
PPG: "Hawaii coach June Junes inserted Washington to return a punt in the third quarter, and Washington responded by returning it 80 yards for his first collegiate touchdown. The highlight-reel run was similar to those of Santana Moss and Dante Hall, two diminutive NFL receivers after whom Washington (5-7, 165) said he patterns his game."
About running the punt back for a TD when he got his chance, Washington said:
"When I got an opportunity, I just had to let coach Jones and everybody else know what's up. I'm like: You've got to look at my highlight tape or something. Everybody back home wants to know what I do down here. I just got the opportunity and I just did what I do." (PPG)
PPG Note: "Washington's lack of playing time has been due in part to Hawaii's depth at the wide receiver position. The Warriors boast three players who have at one time caught at least 70 passes in a season, and all three are considered NFL prospects. Washington serves as the backup to junior slot receiver Davone Bess, a two-time All-Western Athletic Conference selection who hauled in 96 catches and 15 touchdowns last season.
Speed is and always has been Washington's greatest athletic attribute. Since helping Aliquippa win the PIAA Class AA 400-meter relay his senior year, Washington has become even faster. He said he was timed at a blazing 4.28 in the 40 this past spring."
About his speed, Washington said:
"I'm not going to say I'm the fastest person on the team, because you know how people get big chests about it. But I will tell you this ... I am always three times as fast as I need to be." (PPG)
Praising Colt, Washington said:
"Colt is one of the best quarterbacks I've ever played with. He's got the right touch, the right speed, the right velocity, everything. He's just great. He deserved the Heisman last year. Let's just hope he gets it this year." (PPG)
PPG Note: "Washington said the move from Aliquippa to Hawaii was much more than a simple change of scenery, calling it "super culture shock," but said he was able to get through it by regularly talking with his grandparents and reading the Bible."
About how Washington worked out wife his old high school team over the summer, his former coach Mike Zmijanac said:
"He has a sense of purpose all the time. He's a guy who has been successful because he works hard. It didn't just happen for him. That's the thing Mike should really be proud of. He made it happen." (PPG)
"Hawaii's cool. I mean, you got the beaches. Of course, you got the hula girls. You got Waikiki and everything. But it's not entirely paradise to me in my eyes because paradise to me is football and doing what I came down here to do in the first place." (Pittsburg Post-Gazette)
PPG: "Hawaii coach June Junes inserted Washington to return a punt in the third quarter, and Washington responded by returning it 80 yards for his first collegiate touchdown. The highlight-reel run was similar to those of Santana Moss and Dante Hall, two diminutive NFL receivers after whom Washington (5-7, 165) said he patterns his game."
About running the punt back for a TD when he got his chance, Washington said:
"When I got an opportunity, I just had to let coach Jones and everybody else know what's up. I'm like: You've got to look at my highlight tape or something. Everybody back home wants to know what I do down here. I just got the opportunity and I just did what I do." (PPG)
PPG Note: "Washington's lack of playing time has been due in part to Hawaii's depth at the wide receiver position. The Warriors boast three players who have at one time caught at least 70 passes in a season, and all three are considered NFL prospects. Washington serves as the backup to junior slot receiver Davone Bess, a two-time All-Western Athletic Conference selection who hauled in 96 catches and 15 touchdowns last season.
Speed is and always has been Washington's greatest athletic attribute. Since helping Aliquippa win the PIAA Class AA 400-meter relay his senior year, Washington has become even faster. He said he was timed at a blazing 4.28 in the 40 this past spring."
About his speed, Washington said:
"I'm not going to say I'm the fastest person on the team, because you know how people get big chests about it. But I will tell you this ... I am always three times as fast as I need to be." (PPG)
Praising Colt, Washington said:
"Colt is one of the best quarterbacks I've ever played with. He's got the right touch, the right speed, the right velocity, everything. He's just great. He deserved the Heisman last year. Let's just hope he gets it this year." (PPG)
PPG Note: "Washington said the move from Aliquippa to Hawaii was much more than a simple change of scenery, calling it "super culture shock," but said he was able to get through it by regularly talking with his grandparents and reading the Bible."
About how Washington worked out wife his old high school team over the summer, his former coach Mike Zmijanac said:
"He has a sense of purpose all the time. He's a guy who has been successful because he works hard. It didn't just happen for him. That's the thing Mike should really be proud of. He made it happen." (PPG)
Quotes about the kick coverage unit (the "Hit Men")
About the players who form the left side of their kickoff coverage unit, Dennis McKnight (who coordinates the kickoff coverage) said:
"They do the job." (HA)
HA Note: "UH's strategy is to narrow the field, with Dan Kelly placing kickoffs to the return team's right. The Warriors loaded their left side with two speedsters (Ryan Keomaka and Guyton Galdeira) along the sideline, and wedge-busters Rustin Saole, Francis Maka and John Fonoti between the numbers and the tee. Galdeira and Keomaka are known as "Thunder" and "Lightning," respectively."
About the "Thunder" and "Lightning" nicknames that Keomaka and he have, Galdeira said:
"They see Ryan, because he's flying down with his long hair. I'm the one making the noise, metaphorically, when I hit." (HA)
About how he and Keomaka's jobs are to occupy as many blockers as possible, Galdeira said:
"You don't want one for one. You want two or three guys to block you. You want to sacrifice yourself so the other guys can make the tackles." (HA)
HA Note: "The Warriors are second among Western Athletic Conference teams in kickoff defense, allowing an average of 20.48 yards per return. Most of the long gains were against the reserves. The Warriors received a boost when defensive ends Maka and Fonoti were recruited to special teams. Maka was a late addition because he was awaiting certification of a summer-school grade. Fonoti only recently has fully recovered from a bruised left heel suffered in a household fall."
About how his left heel is fine now, Fonoti said:
"I'm feeling good now." (HA)
Dennis McNight said that Fonoti and Maka have:
"that combination of good size and good speed. When you've got a size-and-speed guy in kickoff coverage, you've got a good weapon. A lot of times you either have a fast guy or a power guy. In these two guys, we legitimately have both. They can power a guy if they're trying to block you, or they can run by a guy." (HA)
About why Maka got the nickname "The Terrorist", Karl Noa said:
"He terrorizes the other team." (HA)
About how he's adjusted his kickoff coverage play, Maka said:
"I used to try to hit the first person. I learned there's a lot more to it than that. Now you have to avoid the first group. When you get close enough (to the ballcarrier), then you blast them." (HA)
Asked if he was worried about getting injured when making a TD-saving tackle vs. CSU, kicker Dan Kelly said:
"I might as well go out the right way. What was it with the kicker (Bill Gramatica) with the Arizona Cardinals (in 2001)? He jumped up and hurt himself. I might as well get tackled and hurt myself. It's more of a manly way to go out. I'll take that. I'll take a guy just to save our average. It's what I'm meant to do. I don't like that one-dimensional thing where kickers just kick and they don't tackle." (HA)
About how he is the strong safety on the kickoff coverage on their left side, Kelly said:
"If anything pops through, that's my spot to fill." (HA)
About how he participated in tackling drills last year and has learned techniques by watching teammates, Kelly said:
"I'm not perfect, but I do know how to wrap up and grab cloth. I'm not strong enough to drive my legs and push him back. I grab cloth and fall over and drag him down." (HA)
"They do the job." (HA)
HA Note: "UH's strategy is to narrow the field, with Dan Kelly placing kickoffs to the return team's right. The Warriors loaded their left side with two speedsters (Ryan Keomaka and Guyton Galdeira) along the sideline, and wedge-busters Rustin Saole, Francis Maka and John Fonoti between the numbers and the tee. Galdeira and Keomaka are known as "Thunder" and "Lightning," respectively."
About the "Thunder" and "Lightning" nicknames that Keomaka and he have, Galdeira said:
"They see Ryan, because he's flying down with his long hair. I'm the one making the noise, metaphorically, when I hit." (HA)
About how he and Keomaka's jobs are to occupy as many blockers as possible, Galdeira said:
"You don't want one for one. You want two or three guys to block you. You want to sacrifice yourself so the other guys can make the tackles." (HA)
HA Note: "The Warriors are second among Western Athletic Conference teams in kickoff defense, allowing an average of 20.48 yards per return. Most of the long gains were against the reserves. The Warriors received a boost when defensive ends Maka and Fonoti were recruited to special teams. Maka was a late addition because he was awaiting certification of a summer-school grade. Fonoti only recently has fully recovered from a bruised left heel suffered in a household fall."
About how his left heel is fine now, Fonoti said:
"I'm feeling good now." (HA)
Dennis McNight said that Fonoti and Maka have:
"that combination of good size and good speed. When you've got a size-and-speed guy in kickoff coverage, you've got a good weapon. A lot of times you either have a fast guy or a power guy. In these two guys, we legitimately have both. They can power a guy if they're trying to block you, or they can run by a guy." (HA)
About why Maka got the nickname "The Terrorist", Karl Noa said:
"He terrorizes the other team." (HA)
About how he's adjusted his kickoff coverage play, Maka said:
"I used to try to hit the first person. I learned there's a lot more to it than that. Now you have to avoid the first group. When you get close enough (to the ballcarrier), then you blast them." (HA)
Asked if he was worried about getting injured when making a TD-saving tackle vs. CSU, kicker Dan Kelly said:
"I might as well go out the right way. What was it with the kicker (Bill Gramatica) with the Arizona Cardinals (in 2001)? He jumped up and hurt himself. I might as well get tackled and hurt myself. It's more of a manly way to go out. I'll take that. I'll take a guy just to save our average. It's what I'm meant to do. I don't like that one-dimensional thing where kickers just kick and they don't tackle." (HA)
About how he is the strong safety on the kickoff coverage on their left side, Kelly said:
"If anything pops through, that's my spot to fill." (HA)
About how he participated in tackling drills last year and has learned techniques by watching teammates, Kelly said:
"I'm not perfect, but I do know how to wrap up and grab cloth. I'm not strong enough to drive my legs and push him back. I grab cloth and fall over and drag him down." (HA)
Quotes about Mouton
About how the results of his MRI was negative, Mouton said:
"It was a little bruise. I'm fine." (HA)
About how teams might avoid kicking to him after his kickoff return TD, Mouton said:
"I hope I can keep getting a couple or more." (HA)
Mouton said that the key to returning kicks is to:
"hit it at full speed. You can't be worried about getting hit. Your blockers are going to be there for you." (HA)
About playing in the Kibbie Dome with his injured knee, Mouton said:
"We have to play in all types of conditions, and be ready to get out there and get after it. (The knee) is just a little sore." (HSB)
Praising Mouton, GM said:
"He's a big-time player. He's for real, and he complements our corners. He's playing our nickel (package), and we're getting him more and more reps and we consider him a starter and one of our better players." (HSB)
About contributing on D and special teams, Mouton said:
"I try to come in and contribute any way that I can, and I guess I'm doing that so far." (HSB)
Praising Mouton's ability as a kick returner, Dennis McKnight said:
"He's just a natural at it. You can have a fast guy, but that don't necessarily mean he'll be a good return guy. Ryan has a good feel for 'setting it,' which we talk about making 'em think you're going one way, then BOOM, snap it the way the return's going." (HSB)
Praising Timo Paepule for the block that set him free for the kickoff return TD, Mouton said:
"We were trying to go back right, and I saw (the opening) up the middle. I saw my blockers were staying on their blocks, and Timo came through with a clutch block at the end to set me free, and got there and ran with it." (HSB)
"It was a little bruise. I'm fine." (HA)
About how teams might avoid kicking to him after his kickoff return TD, Mouton said:
"I hope I can keep getting a couple or more." (HA)
Mouton said that the key to returning kicks is to:
"hit it at full speed. You can't be worried about getting hit. Your blockers are going to be there for you." (HA)
About playing in the Kibbie Dome with his injured knee, Mouton said:
"We have to play in all types of conditions, and be ready to get out there and get after it. (The knee) is just a little sore." (HSB)
Praising Mouton, GM said:
"He's a big-time player. He's for real, and he complements our corners. He's playing our nickel (package), and we're getting him more and more reps and we consider him a starter and one of our better players." (HSB)
About contributing on D and special teams, Mouton said:
"I try to come in and contribute any way that I can, and I guess I'm doing that so far." (HSB)
Praising Mouton's ability as a kick returner, Dennis McKnight said:
"He's just a natural at it. You can have a fast guy, but that don't necessarily mean he'll be a good return guy. Ryan has a good feel for 'setting it,' which we talk about making 'em think you're going one way, then BOOM, snap it the way the return's going." (HSB)
Praising Timo Paepule for the block that set him free for the kickoff return TD, Mouton said:
"We were trying to go back right, and I saw (the opening) up the middle. I saw my blockers were staying on their blocks, and Timo came through with a clutch block at the end to set me free, and got there and ran with it." (HSB)
Quotes about Le'Marcus Gibson's surgery
About how he got some valuable experience this season, playing in the UNC game before his torn ACL, Gibson said:
"The coaches let me establish myself in the system. They know I can play and hopefully I can come back next season ready to go." (HSB)
About how the medical redshirt year will give Gibson a chance at more playing time during his career, GM said:
"He'll have a chance at starting for four years, because he's got that kind of potential." (HSB)
"The coaches let me establish myself in the system. They know I can play and hopefully I can come back next season ready to go." (HSB)
About how the medical redshirt year will give Gibson a chance at more playing time during his career, GM said:
"He'll have a chance at starting for four years, because he's got that kind of potential." (HSB)
Quote about no PPV charge for road games for season ticket holders
About how the Idaho game might be the last road game that season ticket holders have to pay for PPV to see a game live, UH associate athletic director John McNamara said:
"I think there is an acknowledgement by everybody that it is something we have to look into. We're always looking for ways to reward and thank our season-ticket holders. They are the lifeblood of this department." (HA)
"I think there is an acknowledgement by everybody that it is something we have to look into. We're always looking for ways to reward and thank our season-ticket holders. They are the lifeblood of this department." (HA)
Colt injury update
About how he practiced yesterday and will play vs. Idaho, Colt said:
"My ankle is fine. I'll definitely be ready by Saturday." (HA)
About Colt at practice, QB coach Dan Morrison said that Colt was:
"his usual accurate self." (HA)
HA Note: "In three games this season, Brennan has completed 77.4 percent of his passes, even better than last year, when he finished with the best statistical season by a quarterback in NCAA history."
About how Colt looked at practice, Morrison said:
"He was moving around well. His arm looked alive. He's back to where he was." (HA)
About how Colt was wearing an ankle brace after practice, Morrison said:
"He's trying to keep it stabilized. You know how kids are. They can step off a sidewalk and turn it. He's trying to keep it straightened." (HA)
"My ankle is fine. I'll definitely be ready by Saturday." (HA)
About Colt at practice, QB coach Dan Morrison said that Colt was:
"his usual accurate self." (HA)
HA Note: "In three games this season, Brennan has completed 77.4 percent of his passes, even better than last year, when he finished with the best statistical season by a quarterback in NCAA history."
About how Colt looked at practice, Morrison said:
"He was moving around well. His arm looked alive. He's back to where he was." (HA)
About how Colt was wearing an ankle brace after practice, Morrison said:
"He's trying to keep it stabilized. You know how kids are. They can step off a sidewalk and turn it. He's trying to keep it straightened." (HA)
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Quote about Idaho
Praising Idaho as much as he can, JJ said:
"They are very well coached. They have one really good cornerback who could probably play in the NFL and they play hard. Their defense is very well coached, and we'll have to be very sharp." (AP)
"They are very well coached. They have one really good cornerback who could probably play in the NFL and they play hard. Their defense is very well coached, and we'll have to be very sharp." (AP)
Quotes about their offense's "crazy" production
About the production of their offense, QB coach Dan Morrison said:
"It's absolutely bizarre." (HSB)
"Crazy." (HSB)
"To be averaging 55 points a game, that's ridiculous." (HSB)
"You really shouldn't be putting up that many points." (HSB)
"Bizarre." (HSB)
"Crazy." (HSB)
"Ridiculous." (HSB)
Giving credit to their players, Morrison said:
"We're doing some things different (scheme-wise), but nothing dramatically different than we've been doing the last eight years." (HSB)
On behalf of the coaches Morrison said:
"It's not us." (HSB)
Asked what is responsible for their increased production, Morrison said:
"It's just the young people we have in the system right now." (HSB)
About how the fans were not satisfied when Tyler started the CSU game, Morrison said:
"Colt now routinely puts up 80, 81 percent completions, which is ... crazy. That really shouldn't be happening. And it's tough to keep in mind -- that there's a certain expectation that that's always going to happen. And the reality is it's not going to happen. (Colt Brennan's) unique in that way." (HSB)
About how they always put up big yardage stats, but not they are scoring so much more, Morrison said:
"But the scoring has changed," Morrison said. That's been the difference, these past two years." (HSB)
About their offense, Morrison said about their players:
"they operate it like I've never seen it operated before." (HSB)
About how their fans should not miss seeing them play this year, Morrison said:
"Get to the stadium while you can. Because they're going to be gone really shortly." (HSB)
"But somewhere along the line here we're going to hit a bump in the road. We're going to play somebody that's playing us real well and our kids are not going to be playing quite as well. And the crazy thing is we're going to come out of the game and win it 28-14 and people are going to be all over us over, 'What happened? What's wrong?' " (HSB)
"It's absolutely bizarre." (HSB)
"Crazy." (HSB)
"To be averaging 55 points a game, that's ridiculous." (HSB)
"You really shouldn't be putting up that many points." (HSB)
"Bizarre." (HSB)
"Crazy." (HSB)
"Ridiculous." (HSB)
Giving credit to their players, Morrison said:
"We're doing some things different (scheme-wise), but nothing dramatically different than we've been doing the last eight years." (HSB)
On behalf of the coaches Morrison said:
"It's not us." (HSB)
Asked what is responsible for their increased production, Morrison said:
"It's just the young people we have in the system right now." (HSB)
About how the fans were not satisfied when Tyler started the CSU game, Morrison said:
"Colt now routinely puts up 80, 81 percent completions, which is ... crazy. That really shouldn't be happening. And it's tough to keep in mind -- that there's a certain expectation that that's always going to happen. And the reality is it's not going to happen. (Colt Brennan's) unique in that way." (HSB)
About how they always put up big yardage stats, but not they are scoring so much more, Morrison said:
"But the scoring has changed," Morrison said. That's been the difference, these past two years." (HSB)
About their offense, Morrison said about their players:
"they operate it like I've never seen it operated before." (HSB)
About how their fans should not miss seeing them play this year, Morrison said:
"Get to the stadium while you can. Because they're going to be gone really shortly." (HSB)
"But somewhere along the line here we're going to hit a bump in the road. We're going to play somebody that's playing us real well and our kids are not going to be playing quite as well. And the crazy thing is we're going to come out of the game and win it 28-14 and people are going to be all over us over, 'What happened? What's wrong?' " (HSB)
JJ praises Tyler
Praising Tyler after watching over the tape, JJ said:
"I went back and looked at it, out of 36 throws he had three incompletions that were his fault." (HSB)
Unhappy with the booing, JJ said:
"I didn't hear the booing, but it kind of appalls me that that would happen to one of our kids." (HSB)
"I went back and looked at it, out of 36 throws he had three incompletions that were his fault." (HSB)
Unhappy with the booing, JJ said:
"I didn't hear the booing, but it kind of appalls me that that would happen to one of our kids." (HSB)
Quotes about the improved special teams play
About their improved play on special teams, JJ said:
"I said before the season that we're more talented athletically than we've ever been in our backups. That's why they're playing so well. The kids are taking a lot of pride and Dennis (McKnight) and Jeff (Reinebold) and Rich Miano do a great job with the special teams." (HSB)
"I said before the season that we are more talented, especially in our backups. That is why we are winning. (Coaches) Dennis (McKnight), Rich (Miano) and Jeff (Reinebold) are doing an outstanding job with our special teams." (AP)
Note: UH has scored 3 times on punt/kickoff returns already after scoring just once in the previous 2 years!
"I said before the season that we're more talented athletically than we've ever been in our backups. That's why they're playing so well. The kids are taking a lot of pride and Dennis (McKnight) and Jeff (Reinebold) and Rich Miano do a great job with the special teams." (HSB)
"I said before the season that we are more talented, especially in our backups. That is why we are winning. (Coaches) Dennis (McKnight), Rich (Miano) and Jeff (Reinebold) are doing an outstanding job with our special teams." (AP)
Note: UH has scored 3 times on punt/kickoff returns already after scoring just once in the previous 2 years!
Josh Leonard has his first baby
About the birth of his first child, Blayne, Josh Leonard said:
"I can't explain the feeling. It was great." (HA)
"I can't explain the feeling. It was great." (HA)
Injury updates
About how Blaze could have played vs. CSU, GM said:
"We felt we were prepared for this game, and why take a chance on getting him injured? He was ready to go last week, but what was the point? We want to make sure he gets his reps. He'll be ready to go this week." (HA)
About seeking a medical hardship after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee, Le'Marcus Gibson said:
"I'll still be a freshman next year." (HA)
HA Note: "Gibson said he suffered the injury while practicing in Houston two weeks ago."
About his lower back tightness, Rivers said:
"I never had anything like this before." (HA)
About playing vs. CSU without practicing all week, Rivers said:
"I wanted to play. During warmups, I was running fine. In the first quarter I was fine. As it dragged on, my back got stiff. It's fine now," Rivers added. "Once I start running around, it tightens up." (HA)
About Rivers' status, JJ said:
"He's not well. I feel bad for him. ... I probably should have held him out." (HA)
"I feel bad for him in his senior year. He's getting (his back) looked at again. He tried to go, I probably should have held him out. So we'll make adjustments that he's not going to be there." (HSB)
Hoping that he will be healthy enough to practice and play this week, Rivers said:
"Hopefully I can heal up this week, and be at least 95 to 100 percent. I want to get some practices in." (HA)
JJ said about how Lane would take Rivers' place in the lineup:
"(Lane) made one or two errors but the more he plays the better he'll get. I like his acceleration, I like his speed. I've liked him since he was a freshman when he didn't really know what to do last year. That's why I played him, because I knew he was going to be a player." (HSB)
"We felt we were prepared for this game, and why take a chance on getting him injured? He was ready to go last week, but what was the point? We want to make sure he gets his reps. He'll be ready to go this week." (HA)
About seeking a medical hardship after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee, Le'Marcus Gibson said:
"I'll still be a freshman next year." (HA)
HA Note: "Gibson said he suffered the injury while practicing in Houston two weeks ago."
About his lower back tightness, Rivers said:
"I never had anything like this before." (HA)
About playing vs. CSU without practicing all week, Rivers said:
"I wanted to play. During warmups, I was running fine. In the first quarter I was fine. As it dragged on, my back got stiff. It's fine now," Rivers added. "Once I start running around, it tightens up." (HA)
About Rivers' status, JJ said:
"He's not well. I feel bad for him. ... I probably should have held him out." (HA)
"I feel bad for him in his senior year. He's getting (his back) looked at again. He tried to go, I probably should have held him out. So we'll make adjustments that he's not going to be there." (HSB)
Hoping that he will be healthy enough to practice and play this week, Rivers said:
"Hopefully I can heal up this week, and be at least 95 to 100 percent. I want to get some practices in." (HA)
JJ said about how Lane would take Rivers' place in the lineup:
"(Lane) made one or two errors but the more he plays the better he'll get. I like his acceleration, I like his speed. I've liked him since he was a freshman when he didn't really know what to do last year. That's why I played him, because I knew he was going to be a player." (HSB)
Quotes about Mouton
About how he will play vs. Idaho, Mouton said:
"I'm cool. I'll be all right." (HA)
Praising Mouton, GM said:
"He's a player. We knew that from the beginning. He had to get his reps. He's a legit player." (HA)
About running a 4.28 40-yard dash during a combine at Blinn, Mouton said:
"All of the scouts came out to watch." (HA)
About how he has to slow himself down to let the wedge form on kickoffs, Mouton said:
"Sometimes I have to slow down and be patient and pick up a couple of blockers." (HA)
About the MRI Mouton had yesterday morning, JJ said:
"He was walking around today. It sounds like it's minor, they just want to double check and make sure it's not more serious." (HSB)
"I'm cool. I'll be all right." (HA)
Praising Mouton, GM said:
"He's a player. We knew that from the beginning. He had to get his reps. He's a legit player." (HA)
About running a 4.28 40-yard dash during a combine at Blinn, Mouton said:
"All of the scouts came out to watch." (HA)
About how he has to slow himself down to let the wedge form on kickoffs, Mouton said:
"Sometimes I have to slow down and be patient and pick up a couple of blockers." (HA)
About the MRI Mouton had yesterday morning, JJ said:
"He was walking around today. It sounds like it's minor, they just want to double check and make sure it's not more serious." (HSB)
Helmet decals awarded
About receiving a special helmet decal after being named Warrior of the week for offense, Keoni Steinhoff said:
"I didn't expect anything. I don't expect O-linemen to get awards."
Note: Adam Leonard was Warrrior of the week for the D and Mouton was selected for special teams.
About how the OL allowed 0 sacks and Tyler got touched only 3 times by the D, Steinhoff said:
"It was a good feeling knowing I did well and helped out the offense." (HA)
About his comfort level now, Steinhoff said that:
"after a few games, rough times, I'm feeling really comfortable. I just have to correct a few things." (HA)
"I didn't expect anything. I don't expect O-linemen to get awards."
Note: Adam Leonard was Warrrior of the week for the D and Mouton was selected for special teams.
About how the OL allowed 0 sacks and Tyler got touched only 3 times by the D, Steinhoff said:
"It was a good feeling knowing I did well and helped out the offense." (HA)
About his comfort level now, Steinhoff said that:
"after a few games, rough times, I'm feeling really comfortable. I just have to correct a few things." (HA)
Colt Injury update
About how Colt could have played vs. CSU, JJ said:
"Colt could have played ... but I didn't want him to. Colt makes the offense run smoothly." (AP)
Asked about his ankle, Colt said:
"It's good. It's great. It's terrific. It's absolutely awesome." (HA)
About how he will practice today, Colt said:
"I'm set to go. I think it's a little swollen from Saturday, because I got it ready to play. I went out there and warmed up. I paced up and down the sideline for the first half. But I'll be ready to practice by (today), and I'll definitely be ready to play by Saturday." (HA)
About how he will play this week, Colt said:
"The good thing is it's rested and I'll be able to practice this week and I'll keep making sure I get to 100 percent by Saturday." (HSB)
About having to watch Saturday's game instead of being able to play, Colt said:
"It's obviously something I haven't experienced for a couple of years now. But I'm glad it's over with, I'm glad I can come back this week and get back to playing football." (HSB)
Colt's first victory was at Idaho and he remembers the Kibbie Done as:
"intimate but loud crowd. I'm excited to go back." (HA)
"Colt could have played ... but I didn't want him to. Colt makes the offense run smoothly." (AP)
Asked about his ankle, Colt said:
"It's good. It's great. It's terrific. It's absolutely awesome." (HA)
About how he will practice today, Colt said:
"I'm set to go. I think it's a little swollen from Saturday, because I got it ready to play. I went out there and warmed up. I paced up and down the sideline for the first half. But I'll be ready to practice by (today), and I'll definitely be ready to play by Saturday." (HA)
About how he will play this week, Colt said:
"The good thing is it's rested and I'll be able to practice this week and I'll keep making sure I get to 100 percent by Saturday." (HSB)
About having to watch Saturday's game instead of being able to play, Colt said:
"It's obviously something I haven't experienced for a couple of years now. But I'm glad it's over with, I'm glad I can come back this week and get back to playing football." (HSB)
Colt's first victory was at Idaho and he remembers the Kibbie Done as:
"intimate but loud crowd. I'm excited to go back." (HA)
Quotes about Ryan Keomaka
About how Keomaka missed all of preseason training due to academics, GM said:
"He just had that deal to take care of." (HA)
HA Note: "The "deal" was Keomaka needed to earn a C in sociology of religion class. He received an extension to finish an assignment. Keomaka turned in the work. But his professor, who was visiting from New York, returned to the Mainland. After the professor finished a week-long vacation, he sent an e-mail in which he gave a C to Keomaka. But the professor failed to enter the revised grade in UH's computer system."
About the e-mail he received about his grade, Keomaka said:
"He sent me e-mails telling me everything was good." (HA)
About how Keomaka rejoined the team after the athletic department confirmed his grade, but by then Keomaka had falled on the depth chart, GM said:
"He had a setback because he wasn't able to go to camp." (HA)
Impressed with Keomaka's special teams work and speed at CB, GM said:
"He's doing a lot of good things. He gives us more depth, which is good." (HA)
About working his way up the depth chart, Keomaka said:
"I'm working my way up the ladder. I missed a whole camp. It was my fault. I didn't take care of business when I should have. Little by little, I'm coming back. Once I get my opportunity, I'm going to make the most of it." (HA)
HA Note: "Keomaka has kept active by starting a reward system for defensive backs on the scout team. He bought small gold stars. Keomaka and cornerback A.J. Martinez created a point system for good plays in practice. Each point is worth a gold star, which is placed on the practice helmets."
"He just had that deal to take care of." (HA)
HA Note: "The "deal" was Keomaka needed to earn a C in sociology of religion class. He received an extension to finish an assignment. Keomaka turned in the work. But his professor, who was visiting from New York, returned to the Mainland. After the professor finished a week-long vacation, he sent an e-mail in which he gave a C to Keomaka. But the professor failed to enter the revised grade in UH's computer system."
About the e-mail he received about his grade, Keomaka said:
"He sent me e-mails telling me everything was good." (HA)
About how Keomaka rejoined the team after the athletic department confirmed his grade, but by then Keomaka had falled on the depth chart, GM said:
"He had a setback because he wasn't able to go to camp." (HA)
Impressed with Keomaka's special teams work and speed at CB, GM said:
"He's doing a lot of good things. He gives us more depth, which is good." (HA)
About working his way up the depth chart, Keomaka said:
"I'm working my way up the ladder. I missed a whole camp. It was my fault. I didn't take care of business when I should have. Little by little, I'm coming back. Once I get my opportunity, I'm going to make the most of it." (HA)
HA Note: "Keomaka has kept active by starting a reward system for defensive backs on the scout team. He bought small gold stars. Keomaka and cornerback A.J. Martinez created a point system for good plays in practice. Each point is worth a gold star, which is placed on the practice helmets."
Monday, September 24, 2007
Quote about Jason Rivers
About Jason Rivers playing vs. CSU despite not practicing due to his lower back injury, JJ said:
"Jason didn't have a great game, but it was from not practicing. I went against my rule of allowing a guy to play without practicing. But I'm glad he got in there a little bit. The bottom line is you've got to do what you've got to do to win games. Even with no practice, (Rivers) gives us the best chance. But it wasn't fair to put him in there without practicing." (HA)
"Jason didn't have a great game, but it was from not practicing. I went against my rule of allowing a guy to play without practicing. But I'm glad he got in there a little bit. The bottom line is you've got to do what you've got to do to win games. Even with no practice, (Rivers) gives us the best chance. But it wasn't fair to put him in there without practicing." (HA)
Quotes about Ryan Mouton
About how he thinks his left knee injury is not significant, Mouton said:
"I think I'll be fine." (HA)
Praising Mouton, JJ said:
"He's the real deal. He's a next-level player. He plays football like the big boys. He plays football with confidence." (HA)
About his kickoff return for a TD to start the 2nd half, Mouton said:
"Colt (Brennan) told me at halftime, 'I thought you said you were going to run one back for me?' I had to live up to my word." (HSB)
"I think I'll be fine." (HA)
Praising Mouton, JJ said:
"He's the real deal. He's a next-level player. He plays football like the big boys. He plays football with confidence." (HA)
About his kickoff return for a TD to start the 2nd half, Mouton said:
"Colt (Brennan) told me at halftime, 'I thought you said you were going to run one back for me?' I had to live up to my word." (HSB)
Quotes about Adam Leonard
About what he was thinking during Adam Leonard's INT return for a TD, JJ said:
"I was thinking of switching him to fullback after that run." (HA)
About playing FB, Adam said:
"Tell him to put me in goal-line situations. I think Colt could hand them to me, and I could punch them in." (HA)
HA Note: "For now Leonard is continuing his goal of fully recovering from arthroscopic surgery in June. He had a torn meniscus in his right knee. His rehabilitation involved running drills, but not football-related workouts. He entered training camp still not healed."
About how his knee is still not 100%, Adam said:
"It's still bothering me. I don't think it will be 100 percent to where I don't feel (discomfort) for a while." (HA)
About how he was motivated when he saw that fans in some Internet UH fan site criticized him for being out of shape, Adam said:
"It kind of stings, but it doesn't hurt me. It won't break me or make me to have fans feel that way. It makes me want to prove them wrong." (HA)
About how their defense wants to be recognized like their offense, Adam said:
"We don't feel like our defense should take a backseat to anyone. We want to be known as a team with a great defense." (HSB)
"I was thinking of switching him to fullback after that run." (HA)
About playing FB, Adam said:
"Tell him to put me in goal-line situations. I think Colt could hand them to me, and I could punch them in." (HA)
HA Note: "For now Leonard is continuing his goal of fully recovering from arthroscopic surgery in June. He had a torn meniscus in his right knee. His rehabilitation involved running drills, but not football-related workouts. He entered training camp still not healed."
About how his knee is still not 100%, Adam said:
"It's still bothering me. I don't think it will be 100 percent to where I don't feel (discomfort) for a while." (HA)
About how he was motivated when he saw that fans in some Internet UH fan site criticized him for being out of shape, Adam said:
"It kind of stings, but it doesn't hurt me. It won't break me or make me to have fans feel that way. It makes me want to prove them wrong." (HA)
About how their defense wants to be recognized like their offense, Adam said:
"We don't feel like our defense should take a backseat to anyone. We want to be known as a team with a great defense." (HSB)
Quotes about Tyler's play vs. CSU
About how Tyler didn't deserve the boos, JJ said:
"I didn't hear (the boos) when the game was going on, but I heard it on the (television) replay of the game, and that's kind of disappointing that people would do that. I don't know what would cause people to do that to kids." (HA)
About the "We want Colt" chants during the CSU game, Colt said:
"I appreciate the love, but in all honesty, that wasn't fair to Tyler. Not at all. The fans don't see that a lot of mistakes that are pinned on the quarterback aren't necessarily the quarterback's fault. The fans can't see that. The way our offense has been, and the success we've had, the fans can get a little spoiled. It's weird. Just because the offense, which is usually so high octane, was having trouble early on, people were saying things. It was funny to see how the game ended up. When the fourth quarter came (and UH was ahead 49-10), it was like, 'Geez, do we have to go through this whole fourth quarter?' " (HA)
Praising Tyler, JJ said:
"Tyler did a great job. If you go back and double check, three or four (incompletions) weren't his fault. He's a player. I'm proud of him. He battled through some rough adversity early. He threw some strikes later." (HA)
"It was a little rough early, but I thought Tyler did a lot of good things." (HSB)
About how it took him too long to get going, Tyler said:
"It shouldn't have been 21-10 at the half. It should have been 51-10 at the half. We didn't execute. I didn't execute. I would have loved to have come out and taken the life out of them early. It takes the life out if you can pick them apart early. We didn't do that, but I finally got it together." (HA)
About how Tyler responded well to the boos, Colt said:
"A lot of quarterbacks could have totally folded and buckled and succumbed to the pressure, but Ty wouldn't do that. In fact, when things got bad, that's when Ty stepped up. It says a lot about him. That's what's awesome about Ty." (HA)
About the jeers, Tyler said:
"I probably deserved it. I would expect us to come out every Saturday for a home game and put up points early and put teams like that away. I didn't do that. It took me a little while. ... That's how football is. If you're not performing you're going to hear it from the fans. That's cool. I've seen worse than that." (HA)
About how he'll win the fans over, Tyler said:
"I probably didn't win everybody back, but slowly and surely I will. I guarantee I will." (HA)
About how he settled down in the 2nd half, Tyler said:
"The second half I was more calm than I'd ever been. I wasn't even thinking twice about it." (HSB)
About the CSU game, JJ said:
"Glad to get out of there with a win. We scored 66 points and held them to 10, but it felt like a 21-20 game." (HSB)
"It was an ugly win for me. That's because our expectations are much higher than they have ever been." (HSB)
About leaving Tyler in the game to get it together, Colt said:
"If you have a real good understanding of football, you understand why leaving Tyler in there is a great idea. We had trust in Tyler all the way." (HSB)
About the chants for Colt, Adam Leonard said:
"I was disappointed in the fans cheering for Colt to come into the game. This was experience Tyler needed to get because he might be called on to lead the team again at any time." (HSB)
"I didn't hear (the boos) when the game was going on, but I heard it on the (television) replay of the game, and that's kind of disappointing that people would do that. I don't know what would cause people to do that to kids." (HA)
About the "We want Colt" chants during the CSU game, Colt said:
"I appreciate the love, but in all honesty, that wasn't fair to Tyler. Not at all. The fans don't see that a lot of mistakes that are pinned on the quarterback aren't necessarily the quarterback's fault. The fans can't see that. The way our offense has been, and the success we've had, the fans can get a little spoiled. It's weird. Just because the offense, which is usually so high octane, was having trouble early on, people were saying things. It was funny to see how the game ended up. When the fourth quarter came (and UH was ahead 49-10), it was like, 'Geez, do we have to go through this whole fourth quarter?' " (HA)
Praising Tyler, JJ said:
"Tyler did a great job. If you go back and double check, three or four (incompletions) weren't his fault. He's a player. I'm proud of him. He battled through some rough adversity early. He threw some strikes later." (HA)
"It was a little rough early, but I thought Tyler did a lot of good things." (HSB)
About how it took him too long to get going, Tyler said:
"It shouldn't have been 21-10 at the half. It should have been 51-10 at the half. We didn't execute. I didn't execute. I would have loved to have come out and taken the life out of them early. It takes the life out if you can pick them apart early. We didn't do that, but I finally got it together." (HA)
About how Tyler responded well to the boos, Colt said:
"A lot of quarterbacks could have totally folded and buckled and succumbed to the pressure, but Ty wouldn't do that. In fact, when things got bad, that's when Ty stepped up. It says a lot about him. That's what's awesome about Ty." (HA)
About the jeers, Tyler said:
"I probably deserved it. I would expect us to come out every Saturday for a home game and put up points early and put teams like that away. I didn't do that. It took me a little while. ... That's how football is. If you're not performing you're going to hear it from the fans. That's cool. I've seen worse than that." (HA)
About how he'll win the fans over, Tyler said:
"I probably didn't win everybody back, but slowly and surely I will. I guarantee I will." (HA)
About how he settled down in the 2nd half, Tyler said:
"The second half I was more calm than I'd ever been. I wasn't even thinking twice about it." (HSB)
About the CSU game, JJ said:
"Glad to get out of there with a win. We scored 66 points and held them to 10, but it felt like a 21-20 game." (HSB)
"It was an ugly win for me. That's because our expectations are much higher than they have ever been." (HSB)
About leaving Tyler in the game to get it together, Colt said:
"If you have a real good understanding of football, you understand why leaving Tyler in there is a great idea. We had trust in Tyler all the way." (HSB)
About the chants for Colt, Adam Leonard said:
"I was disappointed in the fans cheering for Colt to come into the game. This was experience Tyler needed to get because he might be called on to lead the team again at any time." (HSB)
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Quotes from the UH-CSU game
HA = Honolulu Advertiser
HSB = Honolulu Star-Bulletin
AP = Associated Press
CSU = Official site for CSU Athletics (http://csusports.athleticsite.com)
______________________________
Quotes from the UH Coaches
Happy to get the win, JJ said:
"Glad to get out of there with a win. There were a lot of good things, but we were a little rough early." (HA)
About how Colt could have played but he didn't want to risk injuring his ankle, JJ said:
"I could tell he was ready to play and wanted to play but I just told him I'm not going to play you unless we need you." (AP)
About how this win was "ugly", JJ said:
"That's because our expectations are higher than they have ever been." (AP)
About the 2 TDs in the 2nd half before the offense even got a chance to play, JJ said:
"Very big. It's a team game. It felt like a 21-20 game." (HSB)
About how he thought about putting Colt in to start the 2nd half, JJ said:
"I was concerned if he had to run around and hurt it again. But I could tell he was ready to play." (HSB)
Note: I actually discussed during the 2nd quarter and halftime that if Colt was going to be inserted in the game it would be to start the 2nd half, but then the 2 TDs scored before the offense got to play ended any thought of that.
About Tyler's play in the game, QB coach Dan Morrison said:
"He took a little while to get into rhythm. Coach (June Jones) was going to allow him to work his way through that and he did. I think he ended up more confident toward the end. There was nothing unusual about the coverages it was just about him settling down, seeing things, just relaxing and go play." (HSB)
About how their D is getting used to his system and how the D is improving, GM said:
"I think they're more comfortable, and having fun playing and not thinking so much. I think they're getting better, which is more important than the wins and losses." (HA)
Proud of their players, GM said:
"I was proud of the guys. We needed to make plays, and they made plays." (HA)
About how he told his players at halftime that they needed to get more turnovers to score or set up scores, GM said:
"We needed to score and set up scores. We had possible interceptions that were dropped and fumbles that weren't recovered in the first half, and I knew we could do better." (HA)
About getting the turnovers, GM said:
"We have been just missing takeaways. Balls were going off our hands, but it was good to get them tonight." (HSB)
Note: In UH's first 3 games, their D got 4 turnovers...in this game they got 4 turnovers.
About Adam Leonard's 36-yard INT return for a TD, GM said:
"I think that was the game-breaker." (HA)
About their revised nickel package, GM said:
"It put speed on the field, and that makes a difference." (HA)
HA Note: "When the Warriors took a sizeable lead, forcing the Buccaneers into passing situations, they went to their revised nickel defense. Ryan Mouton became the nickelback, defending the inside receivers, and four pass-rushers — David Veikune, Amani Purcell, Francis Maka and John Fonoti — formed the defensive line."
About how their defense picked up the team this game, Jeff Reinbold said:
"To have the opportunity to put points on the board and have them turn the ball over and defend bad field position — all the things you need to do to be a good defense — we did those things tonight. Hopefully, that will give us confidence going into the conference schedule and the games where we're going to have to be better against better teams. On good football teams, one side of the football team will play good enough long enough for the other side to get its feet under itself, and I think that's what happened tonight." (HA)
Quotes from the UH players
About the early boos and chant for Colt to play, Tyler said:
"That's cool. As long as I win them back. I know these people will have my back. When I'm not doing good, I expect them to let me know. I've got their back as long as they've got mine." (HA)
"When I'm out there, I'm in the zone. I didn't hear any fans booing. I didn't hear anything going on." (AP, HA)
"I was in the zone." (HSB)
HA Note: "On Friday, head coach June Jones told reporters that Brennan, who had been on crutches and then in a shin-high medical boot, would start. But that night, he summoned Graunke, privately announcing him as the starter."
About how JJ told him he would start the night before the game, Tyler said:
"(Jones) was quick to the point. He told me I was going to play. I got myself ready." (HA)
About how he was shaky at first but settled down later in the game, Tyler said:
"I settled down finally. I followed my reads. I was a little shaky at first, but I expected that. I didn't expect to come out and be Colt or anything. I wasn't trying to be. I was trying to be myself. I settled down and worked the offense." (HA)
"I wasn't really hitting my targets but I finally settled down when the coach told me I could do it." (AP)
"It was frustrating at first. I wasn't really throwing balls the way I know how to throw them, and my head was kind of spinning a little quicker than it should have. I settled down and started throwing some good balls. I'm not happy with my performance, but as long as we get the win that's the main thing." (HSB)
About how he had to adjust to playing with the first-team WRs, Tyler said:
"There's definitely a difference in timing with the receivers, in what kind of routes they run. I'm still not used to these guys. I see them in practice every day, but I don't run with them everyday in practice. There's a big difference. But I gotta step in and do better than that. I just have to be me out there. I can't impress everybody, be Colt or anything like that. It's just a matter of making plays is what it comes down to it." (HA)
About the encouragement he got from former slotback Jason Ferguson, Tyler said:
"He told me just be me. It's great having him on our sideline." (HSB)
Happy to get to start the game, Tyler said:
"I had fun out there ... to settle down and finally do my thing." (HA)
"I couldn't wait to get out there and show what I've got." (HSB)
About how the 2 TDs in the 2nd half before he even got on the field gave him confidence, Tyler said:
"That was huge. I look at the scoreboard at halftime and I think we're in a game, and then it's 35-10 before I go in. They gave me so much confidence. I kept putting my helmet on and having to take it off again." (HSB)
"The second half I was more calm than I'd ever been. I wasn't even thinking twice about it. I'd look at the coverage and know where I was going to go with the ball -- see what happened and adjust from there." (HSB)
About the high expectations for their offense, Tyler said:
"I feel like there's a lot of expectations -- not just from the fans, but from us, the coaching staff and us as an offense. We expect to put up points on anybody." (HSB)
About being told by JJ the morning of the game that Tyler would start, Colt said:
"I could've played, but I understand. It's a great move and it's going to help Tyler and the team so much the next time he starts, whether it's this year or next." (HSB)
About having to sit out the game, Colt said:
"It sucks. I don't ever want to be in that position again." (HA)
"It was a decision we made together." (HA)
"I wanted to rest it because even though it felt better, if I didn't get a chance to rest it then, it would've been sore all week and maybe sore the rest of the year." (HA)
"When it came down to it I was ready to go, but Coach Jones didn't want to use me if he didn't have to and they didn't need me. They sure didn't need me." (HSB)
About how he had hope that he would play vs. CSU, Colt (who said he had no pain or swelling in his ankle when he woke up Saturday morning) said:
"I was questionable because we didn't know how my ankle was going to heal up. It felt good, and I could have played. But coach Jones said there was no reason to use me and get that ankle any worse." (HA)
About how he threw passes during warmups and lobbied to play by running sprints behind the UH bench, Colt said:
"I don't know if it was more stressful playing or sitting out." (HA)
About how Tyler was rusty to start the game, Colt said:
"He was a little rusty at first. He needed to get comfortable, and he did, and it was all good from there. He's a veteran. He needed to keep his nerves settled. But he knows the offense, and he's a great quarterback, we knew he would be all right." (HA)
About his confidence in his team to succeed without him in the game, Colt said:
"It's a team game. Obviously, the team came in and stepped up, gave Tyler some confidence and Tyler was able to come in and (do) some good things in the second half." (HA)
"That's just doing what they do. Tyler stepped up and did a great job." (HSB)
About how all phases of their team contributed to this win, Colt said:
"Tonight we showed we're a great team. Not just a great offense, but a great team." (HSB)
About his 16-yard TD run, where he made a number of good cuts, Pilares said:
"That's from practicing on the video games. You see that on the video games, and you go out there and try to mimic it." (HA)
Praising Tyler, RGM said:
"Tyler did a good job. We just had to make plays." (HA)
About their first half struggles, C.J. Hawthorne said:
"It was nothing they were doing that was stopping us, it was us stopping ourselves." (HSB)
Feeling that he's improving as the season goes along, Hawthorne said:
"I believe every game is progressively getting better for me. So I'm excited." (HSB)
About his fumble recovery, which he returned for 9 yards, Patek said:
"They tried to run some sort of trick play, but they lost control of the ball and it just ended up in my hands." (HA)
"I thought I had a touchdown. I saw the guy in the corner of my eye. I tried to stop, to do a little Reggie Bush thing, but I'm not that athletic." (HA)
About their slow start, Patek said:
"We knew we just had to shake it off and come back strong. We weren't worried, but we told ourselves that we couldn't let them score anymore. We had chances for take-aways, but we didn't come away with the ball." (HA)
About his INT that set up another UH score when the game was just 14-7, Desmond Thomas said:
"We needed a turnover. Our offense was doing good, but they had a slow start. Our defense needed some turnovers, and that jump-started it. It was like an avalanche." (HA)
HA Note: "Against an opponent that employs a no-huddle, spread offense, the Warriors unveiled their 45 defense, which resembles a nickel defense except the four starting defensive linemen are not replaced by speed-rushers. In this scheme, Thomas enters as a safety, replacing linebacker Brad Kalilimoku, and safety Keao Monteilh becomes the nickelback aligned as a linebacker."
About lining up as LB in their new 45 defense, Monteilh said:
"It's a different role for me. We have a feel of what linebackers go through, trying to read and take on blocks. I can't complain. I know what they go through." (HA)
About his kickoff return for a TD to start the 2nd half, Ryan Mouton said:
"I'm always one block away. I got that block." (HA)
"The blockers have done a great job all season, but we've been one man away from breaking it for a while now. This time we got that man and I had a lane the whole way." (HSB)
About his right knee injury from later in the 2nd half, Mouton said:
"I just had someone roll up on it. It's not a big deal." (HSB)
About his determination to get a TD on his INT return, Adam Leonard said:
"At the end of the day, when you see the end zone so close, you don't want anything to stop you. That was just my will." (HA)
About the tough catch he made for his INT, Adam said:
"I've been working in ball drills with the receivers, and it paid off. It felt like second nature." (HSB)
About the booing and the chanting for Colt, Adam Leonard said that he was:
"disappointed" (HSB)
About how the team helped out Tyler, Sol Elimimian said:
"We just wanted to help him out by giving him as many chances as possible. We wanted to try and make it easy for him by keeping (the Buccaneers) from scoring and getting him good field position." (HA)
About not starting but getting a lot of playing time, David Veikune said:
"The only thing I don't do is come out of the tunnel and have my name called at the beginning of the game. But I'm cool with that." (HSB)
About his sack that ended a CSU drive and led to UH's 2nd TD, Veikune said:
"I've got to give credit to Karl (Noa) and Amani (Purcell). They were able to force (Byrd) back to the middle, where I could make a play." (HSB)
About his 2nd sack after CSU drove inside their 10-yard line, where Patek recovered a fumble 2 plays later, Veikune said:
"Big plays like that help get the 12th man going. Those are the types of plays that get us ... momentum." (HSB)
About how his playing time depends on what offense the offense uses, Desmond Thomas said about the CSU game:
"Tonight I was in there in a couple plays and probably played about 90 percent of the time. I just want the coaches to be able to depend on me." (HSB)
About how they gave up just 24 points total to UNLV and CSU after giving up 44 to La Tech, Thomas said:
"The LaTech game was a humbling process for us. We know we're a good defense, and we want to show the nation we're a good defense." (HSB)
Praising Galdeira's unstoppable play on special teams, OL and special teams coach Dennis McKnight said:
"He's a spark plug." (HSB)
"He has a knack for it." (HSB)
Asked how many tackles he had on kickoffs vs. CSU, Guyton Galdeira said:
"Just another day at work." (HSB)
"I just do my responsibility. It all depends where they run. It's either going to be me or the guy next to me." (HSB)
About their effort on kickoff coverage, Galdeira said:
"We're just trying to -- every kickoff from the beginning (of the game) to the end, we're trying to get it on film. That way, when the next team looks at it, they know we come hard." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Time after time it was Galdeira, often taking on two blockers, holding his ground, somehow getting a piece of the tackle, after having sprinted for 40 yards, then throwing his body into opponents much bigger than he. No. 18 always seemed to be on the bottom of the pile. A pile he'd created."
Praising Galdeira, Dan Kelly said:
"That's pretty standard. When Guyton doesn't have five or six tackles, that's when I notice. What, is he hurt?" (HSB)
"He and Timo (Paepule) are like the two golden geese." (HSB)
About how his girlfriend attended the game despite contractions between 6 and 8 minutes apart (her due date was yesterday), Josh Leonard said:
"I caught myself looking over into the stands, just checking to see if she was still there." (HA)
Note: They will name their son Blayne.
Quotes from CSU
About how they came to win, CSU coach Jay Mills said:
"We came to win. As a coach you do your team a disservice if you don't have that as a goal. We need - to play at the level we want to play at - raise the bar. This certainly was a team that allowed us to raise the bar." (AP)
"We came to win. I think you do your team a disservice if that's not your motivation. I feel like we came out of the locker (for the second half) with confidence. It (the second half) was a fundamental breakdown, though -- a situation where you're trying so hard that you lose some focus, where your individual action causes friction with what the team is trying to do." (HSB)
"I was disappointed with the way we played in the second half. We came here to win - not just to compete - and I felt like we had a chance coming out of halftime." (CSU)
About how they self-detructed to start the 2nd half, Mills said:
"We just gave up too many big plays. The kickoff return and turning the ball over deep in our own end." (HSB)
"We got hurt badly in that first minute of the third quarter. We self destructed a couple of times right after halftime and obviously never recovered. Hawai'i is too good of a football team to make those kind of mistakes against." (CSU)
Proud that they hung in the game for the first half, Mills said:
"For 30 minutes, we showed that we can play parallel with an outstanding football team. I'm real proud of the team. We came out and competed. I knew they would play hard and clean." (HSB)
"I thought the 60 guys we brought here played valiantly against a terrific opponent. We want this program to be heading towards becoming an FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) power. I see it being only a matter of time before that happens." (CSU)
About Colt missing the game, Mills said:
"That definitely made it difficult for them. (Brennan) is such a great competitor." (HSB)
About how they could have beaten UH if they didn't make their mistakes, QB Eli Byrd said:
"If we could have held strong, I truly believe we could have beaten Hawaii. We expected to beat Hawaii. A couple of mistakes happened, and against a big team like that, there's no room for error. The second half was bad." (HSB)
About how they looked forward to facing UH, safety Josh Warrior (who got the INT on Tyler's first pass) said:
"We use five defensive backs normally, so it kind of plays into our defense, so it was a little comfortable. It was just the speed was a little different." (HA)
Asked if he was disappointed or relieved to face Tyler instead of Colt, Warrior said:
"We knew whichever quarterback was going to be in, it's the system." (HA)
About how he noticed the difference between Colt and Tyler during film study, Warrior said about Tyler:
"He's a good quarterback. But you could tell the maturity of Colt Brennan, on film, that he can make his reads pretty fast." (HA)
About the game, kicker Nick Ellis said:
"The game, I am sure, will get covered by different forms of media in Charleston, but let me be the first to say…the score doesn’t reflect the game. We definitely scared them in the first half. We competed with a top ranked D-I team, for the entire half. After that, however, you can read in the papers." (CSU)
HSB = Honolulu Star-Bulletin
AP = Associated Press
CSU = Official site for CSU Athletics (http://csusports.athleticsite.com)
______________________________
Quotes from the UH Coaches
Happy to get the win, JJ said:
"Glad to get out of there with a win. There were a lot of good things, but we were a little rough early." (HA)
About how Colt could have played but he didn't want to risk injuring his ankle, JJ said:
"I could tell he was ready to play and wanted to play but I just told him I'm not going to play you unless we need you." (AP)
About how this win was "ugly", JJ said:
"That's because our expectations are higher than they have ever been." (AP)
About the 2 TDs in the 2nd half before the offense even got a chance to play, JJ said:
"Very big. It's a team game. It felt like a 21-20 game." (HSB)
About how he thought about putting Colt in to start the 2nd half, JJ said:
"I was concerned if he had to run around and hurt it again. But I could tell he was ready to play." (HSB)
Note: I actually discussed during the 2nd quarter and halftime that if Colt was going to be inserted in the game it would be to start the 2nd half, but then the 2 TDs scored before the offense got to play ended any thought of that.
About Tyler's play in the game, QB coach Dan Morrison said:
"He took a little while to get into rhythm. Coach (June Jones) was going to allow him to work his way through that and he did. I think he ended up more confident toward the end. There was nothing unusual about the coverages it was just about him settling down, seeing things, just relaxing and go play." (HSB)
About how their D is getting used to his system and how the D is improving, GM said:
"I think they're more comfortable, and having fun playing and not thinking so much. I think they're getting better, which is more important than the wins and losses." (HA)
Proud of their players, GM said:
"I was proud of the guys. We needed to make plays, and they made plays." (HA)
About how he told his players at halftime that they needed to get more turnovers to score or set up scores, GM said:
"We needed to score and set up scores. We had possible interceptions that were dropped and fumbles that weren't recovered in the first half, and I knew we could do better." (HA)
About getting the turnovers, GM said:
"We have been just missing takeaways. Balls were going off our hands, but it was good to get them tonight." (HSB)
Note: In UH's first 3 games, their D got 4 turnovers...in this game they got 4 turnovers.
About Adam Leonard's 36-yard INT return for a TD, GM said:
"I think that was the game-breaker." (HA)
About their revised nickel package, GM said:
"It put speed on the field, and that makes a difference." (HA)
HA Note: "When the Warriors took a sizeable lead, forcing the Buccaneers into passing situations, they went to their revised nickel defense. Ryan Mouton became the nickelback, defending the inside receivers, and four pass-rushers — David Veikune, Amani Purcell, Francis Maka and John Fonoti — formed the defensive line."
About how their defense picked up the team this game, Jeff Reinbold said:
"To have the opportunity to put points on the board and have them turn the ball over and defend bad field position — all the things you need to do to be a good defense — we did those things tonight. Hopefully, that will give us confidence going into the conference schedule and the games where we're going to have to be better against better teams. On good football teams, one side of the football team will play good enough long enough for the other side to get its feet under itself, and I think that's what happened tonight." (HA)
Quotes from the UH players
About the early boos and chant for Colt to play, Tyler said:
"That's cool. As long as I win them back. I know these people will have my back. When I'm not doing good, I expect them to let me know. I've got their back as long as they've got mine." (HA)
"When I'm out there, I'm in the zone. I didn't hear any fans booing. I didn't hear anything going on." (AP, HA)
"I was in the zone." (HSB)
HA Note: "On Friday, head coach June Jones told reporters that Brennan, who had been on crutches and then in a shin-high medical boot, would start. But that night, he summoned Graunke, privately announcing him as the starter."
About how JJ told him he would start the night before the game, Tyler said:
"(Jones) was quick to the point. He told me I was going to play. I got myself ready." (HA)
About how he was shaky at first but settled down later in the game, Tyler said:
"I settled down finally. I followed my reads. I was a little shaky at first, but I expected that. I didn't expect to come out and be Colt or anything. I wasn't trying to be. I was trying to be myself. I settled down and worked the offense." (HA)
"I wasn't really hitting my targets but I finally settled down when the coach told me I could do it." (AP)
"It was frustrating at first. I wasn't really throwing balls the way I know how to throw them, and my head was kind of spinning a little quicker than it should have. I settled down and started throwing some good balls. I'm not happy with my performance, but as long as we get the win that's the main thing." (HSB)
About how he had to adjust to playing with the first-team WRs, Tyler said:
"There's definitely a difference in timing with the receivers, in what kind of routes they run. I'm still not used to these guys. I see them in practice every day, but I don't run with them everyday in practice. There's a big difference. But I gotta step in and do better than that. I just have to be me out there. I can't impress everybody, be Colt or anything like that. It's just a matter of making plays is what it comes down to it." (HA)
About the encouragement he got from former slotback Jason Ferguson, Tyler said:
"He told me just be me. It's great having him on our sideline." (HSB)
Happy to get to start the game, Tyler said:
"I had fun out there ... to settle down and finally do my thing." (HA)
"I couldn't wait to get out there and show what I've got." (HSB)
About how the 2 TDs in the 2nd half before he even got on the field gave him confidence, Tyler said:
"That was huge. I look at the scoreboard at halftime and I think we're in a game, and then it's 35-10 before I go in. They gave me so much confidence. I kept putting my helmet on and having to take it off again." (HSB)
"The second half I was more calm than I'd ever been. I wasn't even thinking twice about it. I'd look at the coverage and know where I was going to go with the ball -- see what happened and adjust from there." (HSB)
About the high expectations for their offense, Tyler said:
"I feel like there's a lot of expectations -- not just from the fans, but from us, the coaching staff and us as an offense. We expect to put up points on anybody." (HSB)
About being told by JJ the morning of the game that Tyler would start, Colt said:
"I could've played, but I understand. It's a great move and it's going to help Tyler and the team so much the next time he starts, whether it's this year or next." (HSB)
About having to sit out the game, Colt said:
"It sucks. I don't ever want to be in that position again." (HA)
"It was a decision we made together." (HA)
"I wanted to rest it because even though it felt better, if I didn't get a chance to rest it then, it would've been sore all week and maybe sore the rest of the year." (HA)
"When it came down to it I was ready to go, but Coach Jones didn't want to use me if he didn't have to and they didn't need me. They sure didn't need me." (HSB)
About how he had hope that he would play vs. CSU, Colt (who said he had no pain or swelling in his ankle when he woke up Saturday morning) said:
"I was questionable because we didn't know how my ankle was going to heal up. It felt good, and I could have played. But coach Jones said there was no reason to use me and get that ankle any worse." (HA)
About how he threw passes during warmups and lobbied to play by running sprints behind the UH bench, Colt said:
"I don't know if it was more stressful playing or sitting out." (HA)
About how Tyler was rusty to start the game, Colt said:
"He was a little rusty at first. He needed to get comfortable, and he did, and it was all good from there. He's a veteran. He needed to keep his nerves settled. But he knows the offense, and he's a great quarterback, we knew he would be all right." (HA)
About his confidence in his team to succeed without him in the game, Colt said:
"It's a team game. Obviously, the team came in and stepped up, gave Tyler some confidence and Tyler was able to come in and (do) some good things in the second half." (HA)
"That's just doing what they do. Tyler stepped up and did a great job." (HSB)
About how all phases of their team contributed to this win, Colt said:
"Tonight we showed we're a great team. Not just a great offense, but a great team." (HSB)
About his 16-yard TD run, where he made a number of good cuts, Pilares said:
"That's from practicing on the video games. You see that on the video games, and you go out there and try to mimic it." (HA)
Praising Tyler, RGM said:
"Tyler did a good job. We just had to make plays." (HA)
About their first half struggles, C.J. Hawthorne said:
"It was nothing they were doing that was stopping us, it was us stopping ourselves." (HSB)
Feeling that he's improving as the season goes along, Hawthorne said:
"I believe every game is progressively getting better for me. So I'm excited." (HSB)
About his fumble recovery, which he returned for 9 yards, Patek said:
"They tried to run some sort of trick play, but they lost control of the ball and it just ended up in my hands." (HA)
"I thought I had a touchdown. I saw the guy in the corner of my eye. I tried to stop, to do a little Reggie Bush thing, but I'm not that athletic." (HA)
About their slow start, Patek said:
"We knew we just had to shake it off and come back strong. We weren't worried, but we told ourselves that we couldn't let them score anymore. We had chances for take-aways, but we didn't come away with the ball." (HA)
About his INT that set up another UH score when the game was just 14-7, Desmond Thomas said:
"We needed a turnover. Our offense was doing good, but they had a slow start. Our defense needed some turnovers, and that jump-started it. It was like an avalanche." (HA)
HA Note: "Against an opponent that employs a no-huddle, spread offense, the Warriors unveiled their 45 defense, which resembles a nickel defense except the four starting defensive linemen are not replaced by speed-rushers. In this scheme, Thomas enters as a safety, replacing linebacker Brad Kalilimoku, and safety Keao Monteilh becomes the nickelback aligned as a linebacker."
About lining up as LB in their new 45 defense, Monteilh said:
"It's a different role for me. We have a feel of what linebackers go through, trying to read and take on blocks. I can't complain. I know what they go through." (HA)
About his kickoff return for a TD to start the 2nd half, Ryan Mouton said:
"I'm always one block away. I got that block." (HA)
"The blockers have done a great job all season, but we've been one man away from breaking it for a while now. This time we got that man and I had a lane the whole way." (HSB)
About his right knee injury from later in the 2nd half, Mouton said:
"I just had someone roll up on it. It's not a big deal." (HSB)
About his determination to get a TD on his INT return, Adam Leonard said:
"At the end of the day, when you see the end zone so close, you don't want anything to stop you. That was just my will." (HA)
About the tough catch he made for his INT, Adam said:
"I've been working in ball drills with the receivers, and it paid off. It felt like second nature." (HSB)
About the booing and the chanting for Colt, Adam Leonard said that he was:
"disappointed" (HSB)
About how the team helped out Tyler, Sol Elimimian said:
"We just wanted to help him out by giving him as many chances as possible. We wanted to try and make it easy for him by keeping (the Buccaneers) from scoring and getting him good field position." (HA)
About not starting but getting a lot of playing time, David Veikune said:
"The only thing I don't do is come out of the tunnel and have my name called at the beginning of the game. But I'm cool with that." (HSB)
About his sack that ended a CSU drive and led to UH's 2nd TD, Veikune said:
"I've got to give credit to Karl (Noa) and Amani (Purcell). They were able to force (Byrd) back to the middle, where I could make a play." (HSB)
About his 2nd sack after CSU drove inside their 10-yard line, where Patek recovered a fumble 2 plays later, Veikune said:
"Big plays like that help get the 12th man going. Those are the types of plays that get us ... momentum." (HSB)
About how his playing time depends on what offense the offense uses, Desmond Thomas said about the CSU game:
"Tonight I was in there in a couple plays and probably played about 90 percent of the time. I just want the coaches to be able to depend on me." (HSB)
About how they gave up just 24 points total to UNLV and CSU after giving up 44 to La Tech, Thomas said:
"The LaTech game was a humbling process for us. We know we're a good defense, and we want to show the nation we're a good defense." (HSB)
Praising Galdeira's unstoppable play on special teams, OL and special teams coach Dennis McKnight said:
"He's a spark plug." (HSB)
"He has a knack for it." (HSB)
Asked how many tackles he had on kickoffs vs. CSU, Guyton Galdeira said:
"Just another day at work." (HSB)
"I just do my responsibility. It all depends where they run. It's either going to be me or the guy next to me." (HSB)
About their effort on kickoff coverage, Galdeira said:
"We're just trying to -- every kickoff from the beginning (of the game) to the end, we're trying to get it on film. That way, when the next team looks at it, they know we come hard." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Time after time it was Galdeira, often taking on two blockers, holding his ground, somehow getting a piece of the tackle, after having sprinted for 40 yards, then throwing his body into opponents much bigger than he. No. 18 always seemed to be on the bottom of the pile. A pile he'd created."
Praising Galdeira, Dan Kelly said:
"That's pretty standard. When Guyton doesn't have five or six tackles, that's when I notice. What, is he hurt?" (HSB)
"He and Timo (Paepule) are like the two golden geese." (HSB)
About how his girlfriend attended the game despite contractions between 6 and 8 minutes apart (her due date was yesterday), Josh Leonard said:
"I caught myself looking over into the stands, just checking to see if she was still there." (HA)
Note: They will name their son Blayne.
Quotes from CSU
About how they came to win, CSU coach Jay Mills said:
"We came to win. As a coach you do your team a disservice if you don't have that as a goal. We need - to play at the level we want to play at - raise the bar. This certainly was a team that allowed us to raise the bar." (AP)
"We came to win. I think you do your team a disservice if that's not your motivation. I feel like we came out of the locker (for the second half) with confidence. It (the second half) was a fundamental breakdown, though -- a situation where you're trying so hard that you lose some focus, where your individual action causes friction with what the team is trying to do." (HSB)
"I was disappointed with the way we played in the second half. We came here to win - not just to compete - and I felt like we had a chance coming out of halftime." (CSU)
About how they self-detructed to start the 2nd half, Mills said:
"We just gave up too many big plays. The kickoff return and turning the ball over deep in our own end." (HSB)
"We got hurt badly in that first minute of the third quarter. We self destructed a couple of times right after halftime and obviously never recovered. Hawai'i is too good of a football team to make those kind of mistakes against." (CSU)
Proud that they hung in the game for the first half, Mills said:
"For 30 minutes, we showed that we can play parallel with an outstanding football team. I'm real proud of the team. We came out and competed. I knew they would play hard and clean." (HSB)
"I thought the 60 guys we brought here played valiantly against a terrific opponent. We want this program to be heading towards becoming an FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) power. I see it being only a matter of time before that happens." (CSU)
About Colt missing the game, Mills said:
"That definitely made it difficult for them. (Brennan) is such a great competitor." (HSB)
About how they could have beaten UH if they didn't make their mistakes, QB Eli Byrd said:
"If we could have held strong, I truly believe we could have beaten Hawaii. We expected to beat Hawaii. A couple of mistakes happened, and against a big team like that, there's no room for error. The second half was bad." (HSB)
About how they looked forward to facing UH, safety Josh Warrior (who got the INT on Tyler's first pass) said:
"We use five defensive backs normally, so it kind of plays into our defense, so it was a little comfortable. It was just the speed was a little different." (HA)
Asked if he was disappointed or relieved to face Tyler instead of Colt, Warrior said:
"We knew whichever quarterback was going to be in, it's the system." (HA)
About how he noticed the difference between Colt and Tyler during film study, Warrior said about Tyler:
"He's a good quarterback. But you could tell the maturity of Colt Brennan, on film, that he can make his reads pretty fast." (HA)
About the game, kicker Nick Ellis said:
"The game, I am sure, will get covered by different forms of media in Charleston, but let me be the first to say…the score doesn’t reflect the game. We definitely scared them in the first half. We competed with a top ranked D-I team, for the entire half. After that, however, you can read in the papers." (CSU)
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