KGMB = KGMB (channel 9)
MN = Maui News
Happy to get to watch the Warriors in person, Baldwin OL Shay Singleton said:
"I'm a huge fan, I watch like every game but this is the first time I watch them play live, in person." (KGMB)
Impressed with the turnout on Maui, Shane Austin said:
"I was actually impressed. It felt like a game there was a lot of people out here, love the support." (KGMB)
About the support they had from the fans all day, Rocky Savaiigaea said:
"When we came off the plane there were like all the events and stuff going on. It was a cool to see all the fans out that early, before we even got out here there was already a line and stuff." (KGMB)
About how he knew that UH would have a great crowd in Maui, Jayson Rego (from Wailuku, Maui) said:
"I know they wanted to play for a while so I'm glad to be back, happy that the team came down. Being someone from Maui what kind of following for Warrior football do they have on this island? It's really big, it's just like Oahu." (KGMB)
''I knew there was going to be a lot of people coming out, because on Maui there is a big fan base. It made me feel like I was small again, hearing everybody cheer. So, it was great.'' (MN)
About how going to Maui will help them recruit players from Maui, Mac said:
"This is going to help us recruiting wise. We lost a player here on Maui that went to a Pac-10 school and we want to keep all the good Hawaii players at home." (KGMB)
Praising Mac, Baldwin OL Josh Tatofi said:
"He came by and said what's up, he likes to show the aloha spirit. I went to one of his UH camps, he's a real welcoming guy, and he showed a lot of love to everybody." (KGMB)
KGMB Note: "So just how rare is it for the Warriors to be suited up on Maui? The only other trip as a team at War Memorial Stadium was the 2001 season opener, a win against Montana."
About how he marked the day of the scrimmage on his calendar a month in advance, Hawaii Swim Club coach Reid Yamamoto said:
''I think it's really great that the UH football team is in town. I'm a huge football fan. I was excited for this day for the past month. I'm alumni, '91. I think that makes it that much more special to me to come out here. Before I moved to Maui, as a kid I'd go to games with my dad, so it means a lot to me to be able to come out here and kind of keep things the same.'' (MN)
About how he hoped to learn things from the scrimmage that he can use for Baldwin's offense, Baldwin High School assistant football coach Rick Young said:
''We might change up our offense this year (at Baldwin) so I'm here to get the experience and see what they run, because we run a spread offense just like UH. Just to take notes, talk to them a bit, maybe improve the program a bit.'' (MN)
MN Note: "Baldwin senior Mana Rosa, last season's Maui Interscholastic League defensive player of the year, as well as the Bears' Micah Kahoohanohano and Kamehameha Maui teammates Matthew Kahoohanohano and Chase Bell were in attendance as well."
About attending the scrimmage, Mana Rosa (who was recruited by UH but will play for Oregon State in the fall) said:
''I came to talk to the coaches. They offered me a scholarship so I just wanted to check them out, say hi, while they're here, even though I'm going to Oregon.'' (MN)
About attending the scrimmage with Aulani Kahoohanohano and Aulani's grandchildren Lilinoe David (4) and Leialii Davis (3) (the grandchildren had UH pompoms and practiced their cheerleading skills), Monay Rodrigues (the children's auntie) said:
''We just came out to enjoy the scrimmage and have a family fun day. Grandma's a UH alumni and papa's a Baldwin football player, graduated in 1960, that's loyal to Hawaii.'' (MN)
About attending the scrimmage with her family, Aulani Kahoohanohano said:
''We came to support the team. 'What a privilege for us to be here. We love the Warriors.'' (MN)
Concerned that he wouldn't be able to bring his coolers into the stadium, Louis Cambra said:
''You better write that in the paper if they don't let me. I've been a longtime UH fan. We're here to kill some time, but we're actually spies. My grandson, (Baldwin graduate) Jojo Dickson, goes to Idaho.'' (MN)
Unsure how many autographs he signed at the event, Rayson Rego said:
''Yeah, definitely a personal record for a day. This is the most people who have asked me in a long time. I couldn't even give you a guess, but it's a lot.'' (MN)
MN Note: "The No. 3 running back on Hawaii's spring depth chart capped a Rego-centric day with an apparent touchdown on the last of eight drives on a 6-yard run, but it was called back on a holding penalty. On the next play, the 5-foot-9, 215-pound fifth-year senior, a walk-on from Wailuku and Kamehameha Schools Oahu, rumbled through the defense for a 12-yard run to the 2. One more bullish Rego run up the middle put the ball on about the 1-foot line and quarterback Shane Austin then scored on a sneak after a fake handoff to Rego that drew just about every defender his way."
About having his TD taken away due to the penalty, Rego said:
''That's football. It goes up, it goes down. There's ins, there's outs, that's just football. The main thing is we got into the end zone.'' (MN)
About doing well at RB during the scrimmage, Inoke said:
''It has been definitely different for me, kind of fun, something new, it is something exciting and new. It hasn't been too bad mentally. Luckily, it all came from quarterback, so I knew basically kind of the idea of what the running backs were supposed to do. So I was just basically just getting into detail more.'' (MN)
About how Rego and LWJ have been teaching him the RB position, Inoke said:
''Jayson and Leon have been my mentors. Helping me come along, so it has been good. They have been very helpful, helping me out as far as the position.'' (MN)
MN Note: "Hawaii coach Greg McMackin said the day was a success, even with an offense that found the end zone only twice. Four of the eight drives ended on downs --- the scrimmage had no kicking. Two ended with interceptions --- one that Kenny Estes returned 30 yards from the end zone and another by Spencer Smith."
Impressed with the effort by their players, Mac said:
''I was really impressed with the effort that was put out. There were plays made on both sides of the ball, there were interceptions, there were touchdowns, our running backs ran real hard. I was happy with the fronts. I think the offensive front has really improved. We were really asking the officials to make sure we weren't holding. We had too many holding penalties last year. They said our hands were good. We kept out several guys that start for us, but it gave us a good look at the rest of the guys. I'm really impressed with the fans and their attitude and it was a great turnout.'' (MN)
Happy that Rego got a chance to carry the ball during the last drive of the scrimmage, Mac said:
''Loved it, loved that last drive, I thought our running backs ran hard. Jayson always runs hard. I liked him last year and he is just a tough, hard-nosed guy and I wouldn't be afraid to play him any time.'' (MN)
MN Note: "The event belonged mostly to the reserves as starting quarterback Greg Alexander, slotback Kealoha Pilares, wide receivers Greg Salas and Malcolm Lane, defensive lineman Rocky Savaiigaea and linebacker Brashton Satele all watched the scrimmage from the sidelines."
Feeling that the defense had the upper hand during the scrimmage, Rocky Savaiigaea said:
''The defense did great, we had a couple interceptions, we had a lot of sacks going on. Overall, you can just start seeing the defense bonding and kind of just playing off of each other's energy.'' (MN)
MN Note: "Backup quarterback Brent Rausch was 8-for-17 with 77 passing yards and an interception while leading three of the drives. Austin was 8-for-16 for 105 yards, also on three drives. Bryant Moniz was 4-for-9 with an interception and 39 yards, while Steele Jantz was 3-for-5 for 16 yards."
Hoping the crowd wasn't too upset that he scored the TD at the end of the scrimmage instead of Rego, Shane Austin said:
''The coaches told me to pull that one, just dive it in there. I'm just trying to do anything to help out the team. I really wanted to score on that drive, but Jayson got us down there. I have to take my hat off to him. I told him, 'You are getting in the end zone.' I told the line, 'Make your move, he is going to plow in there.' He drove his legs hard. I love to see that.'' (MN)
Praising Shane Austin, Rolo said:
“He’s on time, he gets rid of the ball. He was in some good situations, and after they see the tape, they’ll make adjustments.” (HSB)
About how he was on the team (backing up Tim Chang) when UH played Montana at War Memorial Stadium in 2001, plus he played there in the Hula Bowl (he threw 3 TD passes to lead his team to the win and was named MVP), Rolo said:
"I have good memories of this stadium." (HSB)
About how big it was for him to be part of the Warriors for this scrimmage, Andrew Faaumu (who is from Kihei, Maui) said:
"It was real emotional. I attended the game against Montana and that was a big thing to me. ... When Coach announced we were going to Maui there were really no words to express how I felt." (HSB)
About how things were different for him now at War Memorial Stadium, Faaumu said:
"When I was in high school it was a big locker room. But when I come back now it's kind of small." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Junior slotback Ryan Henry was among the busiest, catching seven passes for 50 yards. Dustin Blount had four catches for 52 yards, including a 29-yard connection with Shane Austin late in the scrimmage."
Happy that the Warriors came to Maui, Matt Wong (who lives in Waiehu, Maui but his family flies to Oahu for several games each season) said:
"It was great, with the airline prices and everything, not everybody has the opportunity to go (to games). It looked like a lot of people took advantage of meeting the coaches and players. It was great to see people coming out and support the team." (HSB)
About the Warrior scrimmage on Maui was important, Jayson Rego (the father of the UH RB) said:
"This is a big thing for Maui, to see these guys." (HSB)
About how he bowled over safety Rykin Enos near the goal line (Inoke is 190 pounds, Enos is 200 pounds), Inoke laughed and said:
"I'm nothing like Bo Jackson -- he was a beast. But I know what play you're talking about, saw it on ESPN Classic. I'm a classic kind of guy." (HSB)
About how he loved playing at the stadium that is right next to where he grew up, Inoke said:
"It was amazing, a great feeling. But it's football, so you compete every day. You compete to prepare yourself for another day." (HSB)
About how Inoke has been doing well at RB, Ron Lee said:
"He found a home, he really did. He made a few guys miss, he has good vision, which we all knew. And he likes it, he sticks his nose in there blocking. ... He'll be a weapon." (HSB)
Happy they were able to have their event on Maui, Mac said:
"I think this was a great deal. Jim Donovan came up with the idea and I jumped at it because we play for the state of Hawaii. I think we can do some other things like this. We're only halfway through spring and to get this many people to a scrimmage in my mind is outstanding." (HSB)
Happy with their play during the scrimmage, Mac said:
"The tackling, I thought, was very good. There were very few missed tackles. I thought our running backs ran well. I thought Inoke showed that he can play running back. This will be a big-time film we'll look at and evaluate." (HSB)
Praising the OL for his big runs, Inoke said:
"I think it didn't matter who was in the backfield on some of those plays. I think they would have broken it because the line did such a good job. They made me look a lot better than it probably was. It's just like when you play as little kids. I've never actually trained running the ball. I just did what I did as a little kid growing up." (HSB)
Praising Shane Austin for his 31-yard gain on a shovel pass, Inoke said:
"The linebackers are watching the quarterback, and if he can really sell it like it's a pass, it opens it up for me. I know Shane had a big role in that, because when I turned there was nobody around, everybody dropped off. Because I played quarterback I had a lot of appreciation for that." (HSB)
About how the crowd added something to their scrimmage, Austin said:
"With the crowd and everything, it almost felt like a little game there. It definitely brings out the adrenaline. I was comfortable. We've been working all this spring with the receivers and it came together today. Everybody was having fun." (HSB)
http://kgmb9.com/main/content/view/16156/40/
http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/517134.html?nav=11
http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/517132.html?nav=11
http://www.starbulletin.com/columnists/furtherreview/20090412_further_review.html
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090412_funakis_progress_no_running_joke.html
Sunday, April 12, 2009
JD doesn't rule out a football game on Maui
MN = Maui News
MN Note: "The Warriors were on Maui for the seventh of their 15 spring practices, their first Valley Isle appearance since a 30-12 win over Montana on Sept. 8, 2001, in the season opener. Donovan said that Maui will likely host a scrimmage every two or three years."
Asked if they could have a Warrior game on Maui, JD said:
''I won't rule it out. I learned a long time ago, never say 'for sure' because there is almost always an in-between. You can make things happen if things come together.'' (MN)
MN Note: "Donovan was delighted with the turnout of about 3,000 fans on Saturday."
About having UH Athletics reach out to the neighbor islands, JD said:
''When I got the job, one of the things I said when I was interviewed was that we are the state of Hawaii's team and there is a need for us to reach out. I was actually talking to (Maui state) Senator Shan Tsutsui. He had said, 'Gosh, you guys haven't done anything on Maui since the Montana game.' So I went to talk to a few teams, I talked to softball and I talked to volleyball to see if there was anything they could do this spring over here. Schedule-wise they couldn't swing it, but I asked (football) coach (Greg McMackin), 'Hey, if I can swing some sponsors can you guys do a scrimmage and autograph session?' He thought it was a great idea, so here we are.'' (MN)
MN Note: "UH played Montana after then-coach June Jones was told War Memorial Stadium had 20,000 seats. The actual number of bleacher seats is 15,500, and the official attendance listed in the UH media guide for that game is 12,863. A turnstile count that day was 11,234, and the stadium appeared full."
About how UH lost money by playing Montana on Maui, JD said:
''I wouldn't rule out that absolutely we would never have another game here. It is just that economically it really did bottom-line effect us when we did it against Montana. It is something that, as time goes on, maybe we can look at. Maybe getting more temporary seats in here and maybe boosting the actual attendance here at War Memorial. It is possible that we could look at it for another Division I-AA team, but I am not going to promise.'' (MN)
MN Note: "Donovan said the UH athletic department is not in position to vacate the payout it can generate from a home game at Aloha Stadium. The school usually plays a seven-game home schedule, but if an eighth game ever popped onto the slate, Maui could be the site."
About how they get about $500k per game just from season ticket sales, JD said:
''We sell about 27,000 to 28,000 season tickets. And so we give that up for one game when we come over here and that is a big hit, about $500,000 right off the top. We have got to make that up with ticket sales over here and we didn't against Montana.'' (MN)
About how War Memorial Stadium could be expanded, JD said:
''You can legitimately get about 12,000 to 14,000 in here right now. When you get real people in there, I remember people sitting on the steps for the Montana game. There is still a lot of space where we could potentially put more people, so I am just saying, it is not impossible, but it will have to definitely take some massaging before we could pull it off. I would think we would have to get to a realistic total of 20,000 seats in here and maybe some way to overflow it to 22,000 or 23,000 for standing room only. If you can get up to those numbers with, like, a $20 ticket, you can get to the point where you can break even and it won't cost you money.'' (MN)
http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/517133.html
MN Note: "The Warriors were on Maui for the seventh of their 15 spring practices, their first Valley Isle appearance since a 30-12 win over Montana on Sept. 8, 2001, in the season opener. Donovan said that Maui will likely host a scrimmage every two or three years."
Asked if they could have a Warrior game on Maui, JD said:
''I won't rule it out. I learned a long time ago, never say 'for sure' because there is almost always an in-between. You can make things happen if things come together.'' (MN)
MN Note: "Donovan was delighted with the turnout of about 3,000 fans on Saturday."
About having UH Athletics reach out to the neighbor islands, JD said:
''When I got the job, one of the things I said when I was interviewed was that we are the state of Hawaii's team and there is a need for us to reach out. I was actually talking to (Maui state) Senator Shan Tsutsui. He had said, 'Gosh, you guys haven't done anything on Maui since the Montana game.' So I went to talk to a few teams, I talked to softball and I talked to volleyball to see if there was anything they could do this spring over here. Schedule-wise they couldn't swing it, but I asked (football) coach (Greg McMackin), 'Hey, if I can swing some sponsors can you guys do a scrimmage and autograph session?' He thought it was a great idea, so here we are.'' (MN)
MN Note: "UH played Montana after then-coach June Jones was told War Memorial Stadium had 20,000 seats. The actual number of bleacher seats is 15,500, and the official attendance listed in the UH media guide for that game is 12,863. A turnstile count that day was 11,234, and the stadium appeared full."
About how UH lost money by playing Montana on Maui, JD said:
''I wouldn't rule out that absolutely we would never have another game here. It is just that economically it really did bottom-line effect us when we did it against Montana. It is something that, as time goes on, maybe we can look at. Maybe getting more temporary seats in here and maybe boosting the actual attendance here at War Memorial. It is possible that we could look at it for another Division I-AA team, but I am not going to promise.'' (MN)
MN Note: "Donovan said the UH athletic department is not in position to vacate the payout it can generate from a home game at Aloha Stadium. The school usually plays a seven-game home schedule, but if an eighth game ever popped onto the slate, Maui could be the site."
About how they get about $500k per game just from season ticket sales, JD said:
''We sell about 27,000 to 28,000 season tickets. And so we give that up for one game when we come over here and that is a big hit, about $500,000 right off the top. We have got to make that up with ticket sales over here and we didn't against Montana.'' (MN)
About how War Memorial Stadium could be expanded, JD said:
''You can legitimately get about 12,000 to 14,000 in here right now. When you get real people in there, I remember people sitting on the steps for the Montana game. There is still a lot of space where we could potentially put more people, so I am just saying, it is not impossible, but it will have to definitely take some massaging before we could pull it off. I would think we would have to get to a realistic total of 20,000 seats in here and maybe some way to overflow it to 22,000 or 23,000 for standing room only. If you can get up to those numbers with, like, a $20 ticket, you can get to the point where you can break even and it won't cost you money.'' (MN)
http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/517133.html
JD planas to have more UH sporting events on neighbor islands
About how the success of their Maui scrimmage will mean that more UH sporting events will be held on neighbor islands, JD said:
"It's almost a certainty. Like I said when I got hired, this is Hawaii's team." (HSB)
About how major improvements (including 6,500 more seats) would have to be made to War Memorial Stadium before UH could hold a regular-season football game on Maui, JD said:
"We'd look at football, but there has to be at least 22,000 seats before it can begin to possibly be economically feasible. It would also have to be a year when we have eight home games." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Men's and women's volleyball, softball and baseball are more likely to play regular-season competitions on the neighbor islands. UH has already held golf tournaments on Kauai and the Big Island."
About how he likes the idea of having Maui host a football game but agrees that renovations are needed to the stadium (which seats 15,500), State senator Shan Tsutsui (Wailuku-Kahului on Maui) said:
"Realistically it'd be a challenge. There would have to be improvements, including the P.A. and the seating. But something like this shows the university they have our support on Maui." (HSB)
About how their fans on Maui support them via PPV since it is hard for them to get to home games on Oahu, JD said:
"Maui really supports us, especially with pay-per-view, and we wanted to say thank you." (HSB)
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/notebook/20090412_donovan_sees_neighbor_isles_hosting_more_uh_sports.html
"It's almost a certainty. Like I said when I got hired, this is Hawaii's team." (HSB)
About how major improvements (including 6,500 more seats) would have to be made to War Memorial Stadium before UH could hold a regular-season football game on Maui, JD said:
"We'd look at football, but there has to be at least 22,000 seats before it can begin to possibly be economically feasible. It would also have to be a year when we have eight home games." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Men's and women's volleyball, softball and baseball are more likely to play regular-season competitions on the neighbor islands. UH has already held golf tournaments on Kauai and the Big Island."
About how he likes the idea of having Maui host a football game but agrees that renovations are needed to the stadium (which seats 15,500), State senator Shan Tsutsui (Wailuku-Kahului on Maui) said:
"Realistically it'd be a challenge. There would have to be improvements, including the P.A. and the seating. But something like this shows the university they have our support on Maui." (HSB)
About how their fans on Maui support them via PPV since it is hard for them to get to home games on Oahu, JD said:
"Maui really supports us, especially with pay-per-view, and we wanted to say thank you." (HSB)
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/notebook/20090412_donovan_sees_neighbor_isles_hosting_more_uh_sports.html
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Preview of today's UH practice and scrimmage on Maui
About how he'll be looking for during their scrimmage, Mac said:
"Guys who run around and hit people," McMackin said.
HSB Note: "The team will run through a normal practice for the first hour, then hold their first scrimmage of the spring in the second hour. McMackin said the plan is to run about 60 plays in the scrimmage."
About being able to tackle during the scrimmage, R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane said:
"It's always good to go full speed. The coaches are talking about just staying pro style (in practice). It's good, but you can't really have as much contact as you'd like to. So that'll be fun." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Some of the Warriors' established starters won't see much action in the scrimmage, and hitting quarterbacks remains off limits. But the scrimmage gives the coaches a chance to gauge the team's progress over the first seven of 15 practices this spring."
About how they will give all their players a chance to perform during the scrimmage, Rich Miano said:
"We're going to play everybody back there. We want to see who can perform under pressure, get them an even amount of reps so we can evaluate them." (HSB)
About how the players are looking forward to going to Maui, Mac said:
"The players are really excited about going over there, seeing Maui and our fans on Maui." (HSB)
"Guys who run around and hit people," McMackin said.
HSB Note: "The team will run through a normal practice for the first hour, then hold their first scrimmage of the spring in the second hour. McMackin said the plan is to run about 60 plays in the scrimmage."
About being able to tackle during the scrimmage, R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane said:
"It's always good to go full speed. The coaches are talking about just staying pro style (in practice). It's good, but you can't really have as much contact as you'd like to. So that'll be fun." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Some of the Warriors' established starters won't see much action in the scrimmage, and hitting quarterbacks remains off limits. But the scrimmage gives the coaches a chance to gauge the team's progress over the first seven of 15 practices this spring."
About how they will give all their players a chance to perform during the scrimmage, Rich Miano said:
"We're going to play everybody back there. We want to see who can perform under pressure, get them an even amount of reps so we can evaluate them." (HSB)
About how the players are looking forward to going to Maui, Mac said:
"The players are really excited about going over there, seeing Maui and our fans on Maui." (HSB)
Hawaii Bowl gets the 2nd choice C-USA team
About getting the 2nd choice of C-USA teams for the Hawaii Bowl, Pete Derzis (senior VP & GM and ESPN Regional Television) said:
"Conference USA was one of the original partners of this game, and we're pleased to have them return in 2009." (HA)
HA Note: "The seventh bowl-eligible school from the Pac-10 was to participate this year, but because the conference only had five bowl-eligible teams last year all parties agreed to void the Pac-10 selection for 2009."
About how it is better for UH to play a high-placed C-USA team than an at-large team, JD said:
"We have had a great relationship and some exciting bowl games with Conference USA teams. The possibility of not having an eligible Pac-10 team was very real." (HA)
"We have had a great relationship and some exciting bowl games with Conference USA teams. The possibility of not having an eligible Pac-10 team was very real. I think in the long run it is better for us to be matched up against a high-placed C-USA team than an at-large team." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Sheraton Hawaii Bowl and Conference USA signed a one-year contract sending the league's championship game runner-up or a "preferred selection team" to the eighth annual game. The deal was announced yesterday by ESPN Regional Television, which owns the bowl game."
About getting their choice from C-USA was better than trying to get an at-large team, Hawaii Bowl executive director David Matlin said:
"We want to be able to control our own destiny by getting a preferred selection from Conference USA." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Hawaii Bowl and Pac-10 agreed to void the last year of a two-year deal that would have given the bowl the league's seventh selection. The Pac-10 produced six bowl-eligible teams in 2007 and five last year."
"Conference USA was one of the original partners of this game, and we're pleased to have them return in 2009." (HA)
HA Note: "The seventh bowl-eligible school from the Pac-10 was to participate this year, but because the conference only had five bowl-eligible teams last year all parties agreed to void the Pac-10 selection for 2009."
About how it is better for UH to play a high-placed C-USA team than an at-large team, JD said:
"We have had a great relationship and some exciting bowl games with Conference USA teams. The possibility of not having an eligible Pac-10 team was very real." (HA)
"We have had a great relationship and some exciting bowl games with Conference USA teams. The possibility of not having an eligible Pac-10 team was very real. I think in the long run it is better for us to be matched up against a high-placed C-USA team than an at-large team." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Sheraton Hawaii Bowl and Conference USA signed a one-year contract sending the league's championship game runner-up or a "preferred selection team" to the eighth annual game. The deal was announced yesterday by ESPN Regional Television, which owns the bowl game."
About getting their choice from C-USA was better than trying to get an at-large team, Hawaii Bowl executive director David Matlin said:
"We want to be able to control our own destiny by getting a preferred selection from Conference USA." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Hawaii Bowl and Pac-10 agreed to void the last year of a two-year deal that would have given the bowl the league's seventh selection. The Pac-10 produced six bowl-eligible teams in 2007 and five last year."
Friday, April 10, 2009
Feature on Elliott Purcell
About dating Elliot Purcell (a Saint Louis alumnus), Keani Santos said:
"My dad and mom both graduated from Kamehameha. My sister just married a Saint Louis (graduate), and I'm dating one." (HA)
HA Note: "What's more, Santos' father, Rob Santos, used to coach at Kamehameha."
About dating someone from Saint Louis, Keani said:
"There's that love-hate relationship. There's the constant battle in the house about Saint Louis and Kamehameha." (HA)A
HA Note: "To be sure, Purcell and Santos have a strong relationship. They are parents to 1 1/2-year-old Taimane, which means "diamond" in Samoan."
About how Keani named their daughter Taimane, Purcell said:
"She wanted a Polynesian name, and she likes diamonds. That's how she picked the name." (HA)
HA Note: "During the football season and spring training, Purcell lives in the dormitory. Santos and their son live with her parents in 'Aiea. But they see each other every day, and Santos, who is a full-time UH student, attends every practice. Often she brings Taimane."
About how he likes to see Keani and Taimane at practice, Purcell said:
"It feels good to look into the stands and see them there. It makes me so happy to see my son." (HA)
About bringing Taimane to practice, Keani said:
"Our son loves to come to football practice. He loves to run around, and after practice, he loves to put on Elliott's helmet." (HA)
About how he felt overloaded two years ago with football, school, and with a baby coming and thought about quitting football, Purcell said that he talked to Mac:
"I didn't know how to handle it. He gave me good advice. Coach (George) Lumpkin helped me, too. Just because you have a kid doesn't mean you have to change your career or quit school." (HA)
About how he quit partying and focused on his family, Purcell said:
"Becoming a father makes you more mature. That really helps you on the field." (HA)
About being the #1 left DE right now, Purcell (who weighed 215 as a freshman and weighs 257 now) said:
"It's mine to lose. As long as I trust my technique and work hard, I should be OK." (HA)
Hoping to get married to Keani some day, Purcell said:
"Hopefully, one day we'll get married. I really want to marry her." (HA)
"My dad and mom both graduated from Kamehameha. My sister just married a Saint Louis (graduate), and I'm dating one." (HA)
HA Note: "What's more, Santos' father, Rob Santos, used to coach at Kamehameha."
About dating someone from Saint Louis, Keani said:
"There's that love-hate relationship. There's the constant battle in the house about Saint Louis and Kamehameha." (HA)A
HA Note: "To be sure, Purcell and Santos have a strong relationship. They are parents to 1 1/2-year-old Taimane, which means "diamond" in Samoan."
About how Keani named their daughter Taimane, Purcell said:
"She wanted a Polynesian name, and she likes diamonds. That's how she picked the name." (HA)
HA Note: "During the football season and spring training, Purcell lives in the dormitory. Santos and their son live with her parents in 'Aiea. But they see each other every day, and Santos, who is a full-time UH student, attends every practice. Often she brings Taimane."
About how he likes to see Keani and Taimane at practice, Purcell said:
"It feels good to look into the stands and see them there. It makes me so happy to see my son." (HA)
About bringing Taimane to practice, Keani said:
"Our son loves to come to football practice. He loves to run around, and after practice, he loves to put on Elliott's helmet." (HA)
About how he felt overloaded two years ago with football, school, and with a baby coming and thought about quitting football, Purcell said that he talked to Mac:
"I didn't know how to handle it. He gave me good advice. Coach (George) Lumpkin helped me, too. Just because you have a kid doesn't mean you have to change your career or quit school." (HA)
About how he quit partying and focused on his family, Purcell said:
"Becoming a father makes you more mature. That really helps you on the field." (HA)
About being the #1 left DE right now, Purcell (who weighed 215 as a freshman and weighs 257 now) said:
"It's mine to lose. As long as I trust my technique and work hard, I should be OK." (HA)
Hoping to get married to Keani some day, Purcell said:
"Hopefully, one day we'll get married. I really want to marry her." (HA)
Feature on Aaron Kia and Laupepa Letuli
About #1 tackles Kia and Letuli, UH OL coach Gordy Shaw said:
"They've taken the coaching and taken the responsibility of holding down those positions and what it means to have good strong players there." (HSB)
HSB Note: "They shared time at left tackle last season and played side-by-side for a stretch when Letuli moved to guard. This spring, they're holding down positions on either side of the line with Kia at left tackle and Letuli on the right side."
About being a tackle on the OL, Kia said:
"You're in a unit, but you're alone. The whole offensive line, we have a lot of responsibility. But at tackle you're definitely working more in space." (HSB)
Letuli said that moving to the right side of the OL felt a bit awkward at first:
"but now I'm used to it and just getting that muscle memory." (HSB)
About trying to help their tackles out, Shaw said:
"(The tackles) get put on an island sometimes, so they have to be able to have the confidence in their abilities. We've tried to help them out a little bit with some of our changes in schemes to give them some help so they can be more aggressive outside or the inside." (HSB)
About how watching Letuli go through their offseason conditioning program made him comfortable with moving him to RT, Shaw said:
"He's got good size, he's got excellent athletic ability and he's a strong individual." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Kia said he's fine tuning his game on the left side while playing next to Ray Hisatake, who is settling in at left guard this spring."
About playing next to Ray Hisatake (#1 LG), Kia said:
"It's cool because Pepa is very talented. Ray's good. We communicate, work with each other. Ray's going to be a good one." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Now that Letuli has shifted over to the right side, Shaw doesn't plan to make many more moves, preferring to keep players in one spot and let them develop."
About the 5 OL coaches he has had at UH (including being recruited by Coach Cav), Kia said:
"It's tough because it's like you get to know them and the next thing you know they're gone." (HSB)
About how he made adjustments to their existing package instead of overhaul the blocking scheme, Shaw said:
"They had a system they already learned and we built on that system to add a couple of things so when we get certain looks we're a little firmer inside and the quarterback has more area inside so he has room to maneuver." (HSB)
About how the OL is "under a microscope" now because UH set an NCAA record for sacks, Kia said:
"We're just trying to erase that and get that sour taste out of our mouth." (HSB)
"They've taken the coaching and taken the responsibility of holding down those positions and what it means to have good strong players there." (HSB)
HSB Note: "They shared time at left tackle last season and played side-by-side for a stretch when Letuli moved to guard. This spring, they're holding down positions on either side of the line with Kia at left tackle and Letuli on the right side."
About being a tackle on the OL, Kia said:
"You're in a unit, but you're alone. The whole offensive line, we have a lot of responsibility. But at tackle you're definitely working more in space." (HSB)
Letuli said that moving to the right side of the OL felt a bit awkward at first:
"but now I'm used to it and just getting that muscle memory." (HSB)
About trying to help their tackles out, Shaw said:
"(The tackles) get put on an island sometimes, so they have to be able to have the confidence in their abilities. We've tried to help them out a little bit with some of our changes in schemes to give them some help so they can be more aggressive outside or the inside." (HSB)
About how watching Letuli go through their offseason conditioning program made him comfortable with moving him to RT, Shaw said:
"He's got good size, he's got excellent athletic ability and he's a strong individual." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Kia said he's fine tuning his game on the left side while playing next to Ray Hisatake, who is settling in at left guard this spring."
About playing next to Ray Hisatake (#1 LG), Kia said:
"It's cool because Pepa is very talented. Ray's good. We communicate, work with each other. Ray's going to be a good one." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Now that Letuli has shifted over to the right side, Shaw doesn't plan to make many more moves, preferring to keep players in one spot and let them develop."
About the 5 OL coaches he has had at UH (including being recruited by Coach Cav), Kia said:
"It's tough because it's like you get to know them and the next thing you know they're gone." (HSB)
About how he made adjustments to their existing package instead of overhaul the blocking scheme, Shaw said:
"They had a system they already learned and we built on that system to add a couple of things so when we get certain looks we're a little firmer inside and the quarterback has more area inside so he has room to maneuver." (HSB)
About how the OL is "under a microscope" now because UH set an NCAA record for sacks, Kia said:
"We're just trying to erase that and get that sour taste out of our mouth." (HSB)
Feature on CB Lewis Walker
About how The Parade of Champions (which celebrated UH's 2008 Sugar Bowl appearance) was held during his recruiting visit in January 2008, Lewis Walker said:
"It was the day after I got here. It was crazy seeing everyone. It almost seemed like the whole island was there. The atmosphere was crazy." (HA)
HA Note: "That night, Walker made a verbal commitment to accept a UH scholarship."
About living in California before moving to Utah at the end of his freshman year, Walker said:
"I wanted to go to a school out of state to see what kind of man I was going to be. Being away from your family and close friends, you can find your true self." (HA)
HA Note: "Walker, who redshirted last season, was the No. 1 right cornerback yesterday, filling in for Jeramy Bryant, who had to take a test. Walker is developing into a capable technician and cover defender."
About taking Walker to the North Shore to jump off La'ie Point, Paipai Falemalu said:
"He did a really good job. He wasn't scared at all." (HA)
About jumping off La'ie Point, Walker said:
"Looking down from there, you can see the rocks. But it's not that shallow. You have to gather yourself before you jump, wait for the waves to come in and give you a little more cushion. I did a little twist flip. It was pretty fun." (HA)
"It was the day after I got here. It was crazy seeing everyone. It almost seemed like the whole island was there. The atmosphere was crazy." (HA)
HA Note: "That night, Walker made a verbal commitment to accept a UH scholarship."
About living in California before moving to Utah at the end of his freshman year, Walker said:
"I wanted to go to a school out of state to see what kind of man I was going to be. Being away from your family and close friends, you can find your true self." (HA)
HA Note: "Walker, who redshirted last season, was the No. 1 right cornerback yesterday, filling in for Jeramy Bryant, who had to take a test. Walker is developing into a capable technician and cover defender."
About taking Walker to the North Shore to jump off La'ie Point, Paipai Falemalu said:
"He did a really good job. He wasn't scared at all." (HA)
About jumping off La'ie Point, Walker said:
"Looking down from there, you can see the rocks. But it's not that shallow. You have to gather yourself before you jump, wait for the waves to come in and give you a little more cushion. I did a little twist flip. It was pretty fun." (HA)
Nathaniel Nasca awaits word on his appeal for a sixth years of eligibility
Unsure when he'll find out the decision on his appeal, Nasca (who shows up every day to watch practice but cannot participate) said:
"I don't really know when they're going to tell me. I'm just waiting around, so I'm coming out, trying to stay in shape." (HSB)
"It's all in the hands of God right now. Whatever His plan for me to do is going to happen." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Nasca, a Pearl City graduate, suffered a torn hamstring during fall camp of his freshman year at Azusa Pacific which cost him the entire season."
"I don't really know when they're going to tell me. I'm just waiting around, so I'm coming out, trying to stay in shape." (HSB)
"It's all in the hands of God right now. Whatever His plan for me to do is going to happen." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Nasca, a Pearl City graduate, suffered a torn hamstring during fall camp of his freshman year at Azusa Pacific which cost him the entire season."
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Jim Mills says his best CFL memory is the 1991 season with Doug Flutie as his QB
RN = Richmond News
RN Note: "One of the all-time greats to come out of the former powerhouse football program at Richmond High is headed to the CFL Hall of Fame. Former B.C. Lion and Richmond native Jim Mills is part of the 2009 class that will be inducted during ceremonies in Winnipeg on Hall of Fame Weekend in September."
About blocking for QBs Roy Dewalt, Matt Dunigan, and Doug Flutie, Jim Mills said:
"I was pretty lucky to have a chance to play with some great quarterbacks here." (RN)
Note: Mills is now working with his family-run business (Mills Paints) s
About his best seasons in the CFL, Mills said:
"Making the Grey Cup in 1988 was great but it sure was a letdown losing a game we should have won. I'd have to say my best memory would be the '91 season with Flutie as our quarterback. We were getting over 40,000 in the dome and I think we had seven games that went to overtime." (RN)
RN Note: "Mills collected three CFL All-Star honours (1988, 1990, 1991) and was named a Western All-Star five times (1988, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993) over nine seasons in Black and Orange. The Vancouver native also received the nod as the league's Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in two consecutive seasons (1990, 1991). He played tight end for the Richmond Colts and shifted to lineman at the University of Hawaii where he earned a full-ride scholarship. He is a member of the B.C. Lions Wall of Fame and and was named to the club's 50th Season Dream Team in 2003."
http://www2.canada.com/richmondnews/news/sports/story.html?id=31fd6b88-b903-454f-b093-69dcf1bc9c51
RN Note: "One of the all-time greats to come out of the former powerhouse football program at Richmond High is headed to the CFL Hall of Fame. Former B.C. Lion and Richmond native Jim Mills is part of the 2009 class that will be inducted during ceremonies in Winnipeg on Hall of Fame Weekend in September."
About blocking for QBs Roy Dewalt, Matt Dunigan, and Doug Flutie, Jim Mills said:
"I was pretty lucky to have a chance to play with some great quarterbacks here." (RN)
Note: Mills is now working with his family-run business (Mills Paints) s
About his best seasons in the CFL, Mills said:
"Making the Grey Cup in 1988 was great but it sure was a letdown losing a game we should have won. I'd have to say my best memory would be the '91 season with Flutie as our quarterback. We were getting over 40,000 in the dome and I think we had seven games that went to overtime." (RN)
RN Note: "Mills collected three CFL All-Star honours (1988, 1990, 1991) and was named a Western All-Star five times (1988, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993) over nine seasons in Black and Orange. The Vancouver native also received the nod as the league's Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in two consecutive seasons (1990, 1991). He played tight end for the Richmond Colts and shifted to lineman at the University of Hawaii where he earned a full-ride scholarship. He is a member of the B.C. Lions Wall of Fame and and was named to the club's 50th Season Dream Team in 2003."
http://www2.canada.com/richmondnews/news/sports/story.html?id=31fd6b88-b903-454f-b093-69dcf1bc9c51
Feature on Shane Austin
About how when he was 9 he would stand against a wall with his right hand raised and then swing his hand down, slapping the wall with his right palm, Shane Austin said:
"I would do that maybe 100 times." (HA)A
HA Note: "That childhood drill helped develop a passer's wrist snap, and, these days, Austin throws what UH quarterbacks coach Nick Rolovich calls "the prettiest pass." Coupled with his knowledge of the four-wide offense, Austin has ascended to No. 3 on the depth chart. What's more, the third-year sophomore will be placed on football scholarship in August."
Shane Austin remembers watching an ESPN telecast of a UH game several years ago with his father when he father told him:
"Wouldn't it be nice to play for Hawai'i? They throw the ball." (HA)
About what his father said, Austin said:
"I thought he was joking, but it ended up working out." (HA)
HA Note: "The quarterback in that telecast? It was Rolovich, now Austin's position coach."
About how his father is a motivational speaker who works with several pro baseball pitchers, with one of his techniques having the player think about specific situations and try to come up with positive solutions, Austin said:
"I'm pretty much one of his clients. He gets me ready mentally." (HA)
About playing QB when he was a kid, Austin (who is now 6 feet and 200 pounds) said:
"I was always the small quarterback. To compensate, I had to make sure I had the perfect technique just to keep up with everybody. And I got good coaching." (HA)
HA Note: "One of his coaches was Bob Gagliano, a former Nation Football League quarterback. Austin said he also learned from former UH coaches June Jones and Mouse Davis, and now Rolovich."
About how he developed his throwing motion when he was young, Austin said:
"All of those little things, like slapping the wall, really helped. My passes started developing into nice spirals. Now it's second nature. I'm very fortunate I got all of that work when I was younger." (HA)
About competing for their QB spot, Austin said:
"It's a journey. It's definitely a battle working out here. The thing is to enjoy each moment, enjoy the process. I thank God every day for every opportunity I receive." (HA)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090409/SPORTS0201/904090339/1312&template=UHSports
"I would do that maybe 100 times." (HA)A
HA Note: "That childhood drill helped develop a passer's wrist snap, and, these days, Austin throws what UH quarterbacks coach Nick Rolovich calls "the prettiest pass." Coupled with his knowledge of the four-wide offense, Austin has ascended to No. 3 on the depth chart. What's more, the third-year sophomore will be placed on football scholarship in August."
Shane Austin remembers watching an ESPN telecast of a UH game several years ago with his father when he father told him:
"Wouldn't it be nice to play for Hawai'i? They throw the ball." (HA)
About what his father said, Austin said:
"I thought he was joking, but it ended up working out." (HA)
HA Note: "The quarterback in that telecast? It was Rolovich, now Austin's position coach."
About how his father is a motivational speaker who works with several pro baseball pitchers, with one of his techniques having the player think about specific situations and try to come up with positive solutions, Austin said:
"I'm pretty much one of his clients. He gets me ready mentally." (HA)
About playing QB when he was a kid, Austin (who is now 6 feet and 200 pounds) said:
"I was always the small quarterback. To compensate, I had to make sure I had the perfect technique just to keep up with everybody. And I got good coaching." (HA)
HA Note: "One of his coaches was Bob Gagliano, a former Nation Football League quarterback. Austin said he also learned from former UH coaches June Jones and Mouse Davis, and now Rolovich."
About how he developed his throwing motion when he was young, Austin said:
"All of those little things, like slapping the wall, really helped. My passes started developing into nice spirals. Now it's second nature. I'm very fortunate I got all of that work when I was younger." (HA)
About competing for their QB spot, Austin said:
"It's a journey. It's definitely a battle working out here. The thing is to enjoy each moment, enjoy the process. I thank God every day for every opportunity I receive." (HA)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090409/SPORTS0201/904090339/1312&template=UHSports
Raphael Ieru feels a sense of urgency to reach his potential in his senior year
HA Note: "As a McKinley High senior, Ieru was one of the top prospects when he signed with UH in February 2005. But he suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee when he was sideswiped during a running drill, and underwent arthroscopic surgery. Rehabilitation was about three months; it took his career nearly four years to recover."
About his difficult Warrior career, Ieru said:
"I had to learn from all of the mistakes and stupid things I did." (HA)
About how he weighed 365 pounds when he first enrolled at UH, Ieru said:
"I wasn't really training after high school. That was my fault." (HA)
HA Note: "The excessive weight, he believed, put added strain on his knees. He began to reduce his weight through exercise and diet last year. Now he follows a strict regimen. He eats lean protein (no more than 15 grams of fat each day), salads with light dressing, and he works out twice daily. He now weighs 315. He also is the No. 1 right guard."
About his sense of urgency to perform at his best this year, Ieru said:
"I could hear people talking on the side about the expectations they had for me. I wasn't performing at my best last year. This year is different. It's my last year. I have a sense of urgency." (HA)
About his difficult Warrior career, Ieru said:
"I had to learn from all of the mistakes and stupid things I did." (HA)
About how he weighed 365 pounds when he first enrolled at UH, Ieru said:
"I wasn't really training after high school. That was my fault." (HA)
HA Note: "The excessive weight, he believed, put added strain on his knees. He began to reduce his weight through exercise and diet last year. Now he follows a strict regimen. He eats lean protein (no more than 15 grams of fat each day), salads with light dressing, and he works out twice daily. He now weighs 315. He also is the No. 1 right guard."
About his sense of urgency to perform at his best this year, Ieru said:
"I could hear people talking on the side about the expectations they had for me. I wasn't performing at my best last year. This year is different. It's my last year. I have a sense of urgency." (HA)
Leon Wright-Jackson says that the run blocking is improving
About how the OL opened up a hole to enable him to make a big run in practice yesterday, LWJ said:
"Our linemen are really feeling the run. What Coach (Gordy) Shaw is doing with them is really helping our run blocking. If it wasn't for them there wouldn't have been a hole, that's all them." (HSB)
About trying to enjoy his senior year, LWJ said:
"Just trying to have fun. It's my last year with the boys, so I'm just trying to have fun with them and have a great senior year." (HSB)
"Our linemen are really feeling the run. What Coach (Gordy) Shaw is doing with them is really helping our run blocking. If it wasn't for them there wouldn't have been a hole, that's all them." (HSB)
About trying to enjoy his senior year, LWJ said:
"Just trying to have fun. It's my last year with the boys, so I'm just trying to have fun with them and have a great senior year." (HSB)
Spencer Smith hopes to play on D instead of just on special teams
About having the top two offensive units run plays back-to-back against the same defensive players, Mac said:
"I'm pleased with the way things are coming along. We just need more and more reps. We're running two huddles at the defense just to get twice as many reps." (HSB)
Praising Spencer Smith's play this Spring, Mac said:
"He's having an excellent spring. He got a lot of reps last year and he's a tough guy that can run." (HSB)
About rushing down the field to cover kickoffs, Smith said:
"To me that's the best thing in football. It's the first play of every game. I love opening on kickoff." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Smith was a mainstay in Hawaii's coverage and return units and is working to add to his workload in the fall as he competes for a starting job at safety. Smith has been a first-string safety through the first five practices of the spring alongside Mana Silva."
About how he proved himself on special teams and hopes to now earn reps at safety, Smith said:
"I felt like it was my time to prove I could play. Coach (Rich) Miano always says you have to earn your stripes on special teams first. Now I have to earn my stripes on defense." (HSB)
Praising Smith's excellent play on their special teams, and how special teams contributors often become key defensive players, Mac said:
"He was our best special teams player. When I came here (in 1999 and 2007), I looked at the special teams guys because usually the best players on special teams are going to be a good defensive player for you. He was our best special teams player last year and I expect him to see a lot of time this year." (HSB)
About how he got a lot of playing time at safety in the Hawaii Bowl, Smith said:
"The Notre Dame game was good experience for me because I got to play almost the whole second half. I think that gave Coach Miano a little more confidence in me for the spring. I was real nervous at first, but after I get that first hit out of the way I'm fine." (HSB)
About how Smith wants to continue on special teams even if he earns time at safety, special teams coordinator and safeties coach Chris Tormey said:
"He'll be one of our key special teams players. He's a guy we need to count on. We're looking for leadership in that area and I see him as one of our team leaders in special teams." (HSB)
HSB Note: "He's one of just five players on the UH roster whose hometowns are east of Texas (Chris Black, Malcolm Lane and Rick Taylor are from Florida. Cameron Allen-Jones is from Maryland). But the transition to island life wasn't as jarring as it might sound. His father coached rugby in Georgia and Florida, often bringing Smith into contact with Polynesians playing the sport in the area."
About rugby, Smith said:
"I always tried to introduce people to (rugby). We actually had 15-on-15 a couple times. It was fun." (HSB)
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090409_springing_forward.html
"I'm pleased with the way things are coming along. We just need more and more reps. We're running two huddles at the defense just to get twice as many reps." (HSB)
Praising Spencer Smith's play this Spring, Mac said:
"He's having an excellent spring. He got a lot of reps last year and he's a tough guy that can run." (HSB)
About rushing down the field to cover kickoffs, Smith said:
"To me that's the best thing in football. It's the first play of every game. I love opening on kickoff." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Smith was a mainstay in Hawaii's coverage and return units and is working to add to his workload in the fall as he competes for a starting job at safety. Smith has been a first-string safety through the first five practices of the spring alongside Mana Silva."
About how he proved himself on special teams and hopes to now earn reps at safety, Smith said:
"I felt like it was my time to prove I could play. Coach (Rich) Miano always says you have to earn your stripes on special teams first. Now I have to earn my stripes on defense." (HSB)
Praising Smith's excellent play on their special teams, and how special teams contributors often become key defensive players, Mac said:
"He was our best special teams player. When I came here (in 1999 and 2007), I looked at the special teams guys because usually the best players on special teams are going to be a good defensive player for you. He was our best special teams player last year and I expect him to see a lot of time this year." (HSB)
About how he got a lot of playing time at safety in the Hawaii Bowl, Smith said:
"The Notre Dame game was good experience for me because I got to play almost the whole second half. I think that gave Coach Miano a little more confidence in me for the spring. I was real nervous at first, but after I get that first hit out of the way I'm fine." (HSB)
About how Smith wants to continue on special teams even if he earns time at safety, special teams coordinator and safeties coach Chris Tormey said:
"He'll be one of our key special teams players. He's a guy we need to count on. We're looking for leadership in that area and I see him as one of our team leaders in special teams." (HSB)
HSB Note: "He's one of just five players on the UH roster whose hometowns are east of Texas (Chris Black, Malcolm Lane and Rick Taylor are from Florida. Cameron Allen-Jones is from Maryland). But the transition to island life wasn't as jarring as it might sound. His father coached rugby in Georgia and Florida, often bringing Smith into contact with Polynesians playing the sport in the area."
About rugby, Smith said:
"I always tried to introduce people to (rugby). We actually had 15-on-15 a couple times. It was fun." (HSB)
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090409_springing_forward.html
Cory Paredes is happy to be back at LB
About being back at LB after being moved from LB to RB last year, Paredes said:
"I like being physical, so linebacker is fun. I like the mentality of the defense." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Like Smith, Paredes saw most of his action on special teams last year and jumped at the chance to practice with the first team at outside linebacker yesterday morning. Paredes was a two-way player at Castle High, playing both wide receiver and linebacker for the Knights. That versatility came in handy last year when he started the season at linebacker but was moved to offense when injuries left the Warriors thin at running back."
About being moved to RB last season after the Warriors had injuries at RB, Paredes said:
"It wasn't too bad because I was just going with the flow. Wherever coach wanted me, I was just thankful to be helping out the team." (HSB)
"I like being physical, so linebacker is fun. I like the mentality of the defense." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Like Smith, Paredes saw most of his action on special teams last year and jumped at the chance to practice with the first team at outside linebacker yesterday morning. Paredes was a two-way player at Castle High, playing both wide receiver and linebacker for the Knights. That versatility came in handy last year when he started the season at linebacker but was moved to offense when injuries left the Warriors thin at running back."
About being moved to RB last season after the Warriors had injuries at RB, Paredes said:
"It wasn't too bad because I was just going with the flow. Wherever coach wanted me, I was just thankful to be helping out the team." (HSB)
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Mac is happy with new Warrior coaches Chris Tormey and Gordy Shaw
Happy with the additions of Tormey and Shaw to his staff, Mac said:
"I think they're great teachers, both of them are outstanding, that's why they've been so successful, they've really upgraded our staff." (KHNL)
About the improvement of the OL, OL coach Shaw said:
"I see a lot of great effort, and they're really picking up the changes we've made protection wise and as you can see we're giving out quarterbacks a much cleaner pocket to work in and throw the ball down the field with." (KHNL)
About their secondary, new special teams (and safety) coach Tormey said:
"We're (the secondary) really inexperienced right now, but the good news is we go against one of the best offenses in the country in terms of throwing the football and we know if we can play well against our offense, we can play well against anybody." (KHNL)
http://www.khnl.com/Global/story.asp?S=10141149
"I think they're great teachers, both of them are outstanding, that's why they've been so successful, they've really upgraded our staff." (KHNL)
About the improvement of the OL, OL coach Shaw said:
"I see a lot of great effort, and they're really picking up the changes we've made protection wise and as you can see we're giving out quarterbacks a much cleaner pocket to work in and throw the ball down the field with." (KHNL)
About their secondary, new special teams (and safety) coach Tormey said:
"We're (the secondary) really inexperienced right now, but the good news is we go against one of the best offenses in the country in terms of throwing the football and we know if we can play well against our offense, we can play well against anybody." (KHNL)
http://www.khnl.com/Global/story.asp?S=10141149
Quotes after today's practice
About his spectacular diving one-handed catch on a bomb to end today's practice, Greg Salas said:
"It’s reaction when the ball’s in the air. If it hits my hands I just want to bring it in.” (HSB)
HA Note: "In the past 10 years, UH's four-wide offense had a basic alignment: if the ball is in the middle, there are two receivers on the left and two on the right of the formation; if it's on the right hashmark, there are three receivers to the left; if it's on the left hash, there three receivers on the right."
About how Salas can start in the slot instead of them having to motion him there like last year, Mac said:
"Now, if we want, he can start off there. We have a lot of options." (HA)
About practicing his FG attempts today, safety Kenny Estes (a former All-State soccer player) said:
"I don't want to jinx anything." (HA)
About how their coaches are praising his workouts and play in practices, LWJ said:
"I'm just trying to have fun." (HA)
http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com/2009/04/08/bolla-out-as-uh-coach
http://blogs.starbulletin.com/uhsportsextra/spring-practice-day-5/
"It’s reaction when the ball’s in the air. If it hits my hands I just want to bring it in.” (HSB)
HA Note: "In the past 10 years, UH's four-wide offense had a basic alignment: if the ball is in the middle, there are two receivers on the left and two on the right of the formation; if it's on the right hashmark, there are three receivers to the left; if it's on the left hash, there three receivers on the right."
About how Salas can start in the slot instead of them having to motion him there like last year, Mac said:
"Now, if we want, he can start off there. We have a lot of options." (HA)
About practicing his FG attempts today, safety Kenny Estes (a former All-State soccer player) said:
"I don't want to jinx anything." (HA)
About how their coaches are praising his workouts and play in practices, LWJ said:
"I'm just trying to have fun." (HA)
http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com/2009/04/08/bolla-out-as-uh-coach
http://blogs.starbulletin.com/uhsportsextra/spring-practice-day-5/
Jim Mills talks about making the Canadian Football Hall of Fame
KBS = kbsradio.ca
KBS Note: "Mills, 47, a Vancouver native, played his college football at the University of Hawaii before being drafted in the ninth round of the 1983 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts. The offensive tackle spent two seasons with Indy before joining the B.C. Lions in 1986 before signing with Ottawa as a free agent 1994. But he returned to Vancouver to finish his career with the Lions in 1995. He was named the CFL's outstanding lineman in 1990 and 1991 and earned league all-star nominations in 1988, 1990, 1991."
About his surprise when learning about his induction into the Hall of Fame, Jim Mills said:
"I haven't played in 14 years so I was quite shocked when I got the call. As a kid you grow up dreaming about playing in the CFL or winning championships or getting trophies. The Hall of Fame is beyond my dream so it's a great day today." (KBS)
http://www.kbsradio.ca/news/15/907660
KBS Note: "Mills, 47, a Vancouver native, played his college football at the University of Hawaii before being drafted in the ninth round of the 1983 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts. The offensive tackle spent two seasons with Indy before joining the B.C. Lions in 1986 before signing with Ottawa as a free agent 1994. But he returned to Vancouver to finish his career with the Lions in 1995. He was named the CFL's outstanding lineman in 1990 and 1991 and earned league all-star nominations in 1988, 1990, 1991."
About his surprise when learning about his induction into the Hall of Fame, Jim Mills said:
"I haven't played in 14 years so I was quite shocked when I got the call. As a kid you grow up dreaming about playing in the CFL or winning championships or getting trophies. The Hall of Fame is beyond my dream so it's a great day today." (KBS)
http://www.kbsradio.ca/news/15/907660
Feature on Jayson Rego
MN = Maui News
About being the first UH player to earn a civil engineering degree (the first in any type of engineering in at least 3 decades), Rego said:
''I'm proud to say if and when I graduate, I will be the first football player to go through the (civil engineering) program and in the engineering program, any engineering program, it has been 30 to 40 years since someone has done, is what I'm told. It is has been very tough - long nights, even longer days. The work is intensive, but it all pays off. You spend hours upon hours doing homework. A lot of it is bookwork, a lot of bookwork, but also and a lot of lab time and lab reports, so it is pretty balanced. It is a real awesome program, but it really is tough.'' (MN)
About how Rego being able to earn an engineering degree while playing college football is an extremely rare feat, Mac said:
''I have been coaching for a long, long time and I can count on one hand guys who have been able to do what Jayson is doing. They have so much to do just as football players, but Jayson Rego is a special person, a class act. His parents have done a great job raising him. He is a pleasure to be around, he always has a smile on his face, but he is also a tough, hard-nosed running back. And obviously he is smart enough and focused enough to get it all done. That is the toughest major I think there is to do, I think for any student, much less do it along with football.'' (MN)
MN Note: "Rego was the team's leading rusher through three games, albeit with 13 carries for 71 yards. In the final 11 games of the season, he carried just eight more times, for 20 yards."
About Rego's drop in carries after their first 3 games last season, Mac said:
''Well Jayson was a big factor for us when we had some injuries at the running back spot. We were struggling at quarterback at the first of the year and he was one of our three running backs that we went with and when he got his chances, he did a great job.'' (MN)
About how Rego should get playing time this season, Mac said:
''I think he will get playing time this fall - he did last fall and did a good job for us. He brings toughness and quickness and he has got that height that no one can see until he is past them. Last year, he did a good job for us, he helped us win some games. I like him a lot, not only as a person, but as a player.'' (MN)
MN Note: "Rego will be back at a familiar stadium on Saturday - the 5-foot-9, 205-pound senior played for Baldwin High School as a sophomore before transferring to Kamehameha Oahu for his final two years and leading the Warriors to the 2004 state title as the state player of the year. The practice will begin at 11 a.m. and will include a 60-70 play scrimmage that will begin about noon, according to McMackin. An autograph session will follow at around 1 p.m. The fan-friendly event is free."
Excited to be a part of their scrimmage on Maui, Rego said:
''I'm real excited, really, really excited to be able to come home to play in front of friends and family - the people I played in front of when I was little. I haven't been home in a while, so it'll be a great experience. The last time I was home to visit was last summer.'' (MN)
MN Note: "While Rego has spent most of his time at UH as the only player from Maui County, on Saturday, he will be joined by walk-on sophomore offensive lineman Andrew Faaumu of Kihei and Lahainaluna."
About how he knows Faamu, Rego said:
''I know Faaumu really well, me and him are really good friends. We go back way back - his dad works with my dad, so we go back to little-kid days. Now he is here at UH with me and it is really exciting. He has been working hard and I think he will see the field in the fall.'' (MN)
About playing against Kaluka Maiava in high school, Rego said:
''I did play against him and with him. He is actually my cousin. I played with him at Baldwin as sophomore and against him when I came here (to Kamehameha). I am excited for him. It is exciting. He has always been a great athlete and I always knew he was going to be a player. I always had hope and faith in him.'' (MN)
About how he never received a scholarship, Rego said:
''I'm still walk-on status, but, no, I have no regrets. I love being able to be home, being able to play in front of my hometown, being able to play in front of the best fans in world. At times, it is hard financially, but you always find a way to make it.'' (MN)
About his packed schedule with football and academics, Rego said:
''A regular spring day starts with practice. I get up between 5 and 5:30 (a.m.), head down to practice, get on the field around 6:45. After practice, I go to school from anywhere from 9:30-10 a.m. to 3 in the afternoon. Then I have team meetings until 6 or so, then go home and do homework to 10 or 11. Then, if I'm lucky to get done early, I try to get an extra lift or extra run in. Then it is time to go to sleep start all over again.'' (MN)
About how being with the team is his best memory of his career, Rego said:
''The best memory I have here - it wouldn't be anything big - just being able to wake up every morning, go into the locker room and get ready with all my brothers, get ready to go to to practice. That would be my best memory, seeing all my buddies every day.'' (MN)
Asked what he would tell any Maui athlete who wanted to play in college, Rego said:
''I would tell them work hard, work hard every day. Follow your dreams. Don't let anybody tell you you're not big enough, not fast enough, not strong enough. Use that stuff as motivation because if you want it bad enough, you can have it. You know, yeah, at times I have heard all that - I wasn't big enough, strong enough, fast enough. That just made me want to work harder to prove them wrong.'' (MN)
http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/517008.html?nav=11
About being the first UH player to earn a civil engineering degree (the first in any type of engineering in at least 3 decades), Rego said:
''I'm proud to say if and when I graduate, I will be the first football player to go through the (civil engineering) program and in the engineering program, any engineering program, it has been 30 to 40 years since someone has done, is what I'm told. It is has been very tough - long nights, even longer days. The work is intensive, but it all pays off. You spend hours upon hours doing homework. A lot of it is bookwork, a lot of bookwork, but also and a lot of lab time and lab reports, so it is pretty balanced. It is a real awesome program, but it really is tough.'' (MN)
About how Rego being able to earn an engineering degree while playing college football is an extremely rare feat, Mac said:
''I have been coaching for a long, long time and I can count on one hand guys who have been able to do what Jayson is doing. They have so much to do just as football players, but Jayson Rego is a special person, a class act. His parents have done a great job raising him. He is a pleasure to be around, he always has a smile on his face, but he is also a tough, hard-nosed running back. And obviously he is smart enough and focused enough to get it all done. That is the toughest major I think there is to do, I think for any student, much less do it along with football.'' (MN)
MN Note: "Rego was the team's leading rusher through three games, albeit with 13 carries for 71 yards. In the final 11 games of the season, he carried just eight more times, for 20 yards."
About Rego's drop in carries after their first 3 games last season, Mac said:
''Well Jayson was a big factor for us when we had some injuries at the running back spot. We were struggling at quarterback at the first of the year and he was one of our three running backs that we went with and when he got his chances, he did a great job.'' (MN)
About how Rego should get playing time this season, Mac said:
''I think he will get playing time this fall - he did last fall and did a good job for us. He brings toughness and quickness and he has got that height that no one can see until he is past them. Last year, he did a good job for us, he helped us win some games. I like him a lot, not only as a person, but as a player.'' (MN)
MN Note: "Rego will be back at a familiar stadium on Saturday - the 5-foot-9, 205-pound senior played for Baldwin High School as a sophomore before transferring to Kamehameha Oahu for his final two years and leading the Warriors to the 2004 state title as the state player of the year. The practice will begin at 11 a.m. and will include a 60-70 play scrimmage that will begin about noon, according to McMackin. An autograph session will follow at around 1 p.m. The fan-friendly event is free."
Excited to be a part of their scrimmage on Maui, Rego said:
''I'm real excited, really, really excited to be able to come home to play in front of friends and family - the people I played in front of when I was little. I haven't been home in a while, so it'll be a great experience. The last time I was home to visit was last summer.'' (MN)
MN Note: "While Rego has spent most of his time at UH as the only player from Maui County, on Saturday, he will be joined by walk-on sophomore offensive lineman Andrew Faaumu of Kihei and Lahainaluna."
About how he knows Faamu, Rego said:
''I know Faaumu really well, me and him are really good friends. We go back way back - his dad works with my dad, so we go back to little-kid days. Now he is here at UH with me and it is really exciting. He has been working hard and I think he will see the field in the fall.'' (MN)
About playing against Kaluka Maiava in high school, Rego said:
''I did play against him and with him. He is actually my cousin. I played with him at Baldwin as sophomore and against him when I came here (to Kamehameha). I am excited for him. It is exciting. He has always been a great athlete and I always knew he was going to be a player. I always had hope and faith in him.'' (MN)
About how he never received a scholarship, Rego said:
''I'm still walk-on status, but, no, I have no regrets. I love being able to be home, being able to play in front of my hometown, being able to play in front of the best fans in world. At times, it is hard financially, but you always find a way to make it.'' (MN)
About his packed schedule with football and academics, Rego said:
''A regular spring day starts with practice. I get up between 5 and 5:30 (a.m.), head down to practice, get on the field around 6:45. After practice, I go to school from anywhere from 9:30-10 a.m. to 3 in the afternoon. Then I have team meetings until 6 or so, then go home and do homework to 10 or 11. Then, if I'm lucky to get done early, I try to get an extra lift or extra run in. Then it is time to go to sleep start all over again.'' (MN)
About how being with the team is his best memory of his career, Rego said:
''The best memory I have here - it wouldn't be anything big - just being able to wake up every morning, go into the locker room and get ready with all my brothers, get ready to go to to practice. That would be my best memory, seeing all my buddies every day.'' (MN)
Asked what he would tell any Maui athlete who wanted to play in college, Rego said:
''I would tell them work hard, work hard every day. Follow your dreams. Don't let anybody tell you you're not big enough, not fast enough, not strong enough. Use that stuff as motivation because if you want it bad enough, you can have it. You know, yeah, at times I have heard all that - I wasn't big enough, strong enough, fast enough. That just made me want to work harder to prove them wrong.'' (MN)
http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/517008.html?nav=11
QB Greg Alexander has been working on his mechanics
About how Alexander has been working on his mechanics, especially his footwork, Rolo said:
"He's been really looking at film, we talked a lot about his release toward the end of the year. The thing is, he's not stubborn, he knows those are things he has to get better at. He's open-minded enough to take coaching and to ask good questions. I'm really happy with where he's at right now." (HSB)
HSB Note: "For Greg Alexander to improve the accuracy of his arm, the Hawaii quarterback will concentrate on the position of his feet."
About the importance of footwork to QBs, Alexander said:
"Your feet are really the most important part of the position." (HSB)
HSB Note: "But a tendency to drop his arm angle became evident as the season progressed, resulting in several deflected passes. Correcting his motion may not be as much a matter of breaking habits as returning to old ones."
About how he didn't throw sidearm before, Alexander said:
"I never before threw it from down here, ever. My feet were out of position, so I'd have to make up for it by trying to sling it sometimes. I always threw over the top. I'm just going back to basic fundamentals." (HSB)
HSB Note: "To that end, Alexander spent the offseason performing drills to exaggerate an over-the-top throwing motion and better "control the nose" of the ball while also conditioning himself to keep his footwork sound. In one such drill, he'd put his feet together, lift up and throw the ball on a downhill angle like "coming off a pitcher's mound." "
About his improved mechanics improves his accuracy (especially on short and intermediate routes), Alexander said:
"You're more accurate, you get more on the football (and) it's coming out quicker. Everything's just a lot smoother." (HSB)
HSB Note: "A sidearm delivery can also negate the benefits of height and a notable example last season came in the fourth quarter of the regular-season finale against Cincinnati. After the Warriors took a 24-10 lead, a low throw was batted into the air and intercepted. Brandon Underwood returned it for a game-turning touchdown in the Bearcats' 29-24 win."
About the importance of footwork on the throwing motion, Rolo said:
"It's all balance, the whole body working. The throwing motion starts with your feet, it goes through your core then gets to your shoulder and your arm. I didn't learn until late in my arena (football) career how important balance is. You want your feet to direct the ball. We talk about your left foot should guide the ball where it should go." (HSB)
About how jumping rope and other conditioning drills will help Alexander's footwork and experience in the system will also speed up Alexander's release, Rolo said:
"He's got to build himself into the offense a little more and he'll just continue to grow throughout the summer and in the season and get better. The anticipation will help your feet which will get you on balance." (HSB)
"He's been really looking at film, we talked a lot about his release toward the end of the year. The thing is, he's not stubborn, he knows those are things he has to get better at. He's open-minded enough to take coaching and to ask good questions. I'm really happy with where he's at right now." (HSB)
HSB Note: "For Greg Alexander to improve the accuracy of his arm, the Hawaii quarterback will concentrate on the position of his feet."
About the importance of footwork to QBs, Alexander said:
"Your feet are really the most important part of the position." (HSB)
HSB Note: "But a tendency to drop his arm angle became evident as the season progressed, resulting in several deflected passes. Correcting his motion may not be as much a matter of breaking habits as returning to old ones."
About how he didn't throw sidearm before, Alexander said:
"I never before threw it from down here, ever. My feet were out of position, so I'd have to make up for it by trying to sling it sometimes. I always threw over the top. I'm just going back to basic fundamentals." (HSB)
HSB Note: "To that end, Alexander spent the offseason performing drills to exaggerate an over-the-top throwing motion and better "control the nose" of the ball while also conditioning himself to keep his footwork sound. In one such drill, he'd put his feet together, lift up and throw the ball on a downhill angle like "coming off a pitcher's mound." "
About his improved mechanics improves his accuracy (especially on short and intermediate routes), Alexander said:
"You're more accurate, you get more on the football (and) it's coming out quicker. Everything's just a lot smoother." (HSB)
HSB Note: "A sidearm delivery can also negate the benefits of height and a notable example last season came in the fourth quarter of the regular-season finale against Cincinnati. After the Warriors took a 24-10 lead, a low throw was batted into the air and intercepted. Brandon Underwood returned it for a game-turning touchdown in the Bearcats' 29-24 win."
About the importance of footwork on the throwing motion, Rolo said:
"It's all balance, the whole body working. The throwing motion starts with your feet, it goes through your core then gets to your shoulder and your arm. I didn't learn until late in my arena (football) career how important balance is. You want your feet to direct the ball. We talk about your left foot should guide the ball where it should go." (HSB)
About how jumping rope and other conditioning drills will help Alexander's footwork and experience in the system will also speed up Alexander's release, Rolo said:
"He's got to build himself into the offense a little more and he'll just continue to grow throughout the summer and in the season and get better. The anticipation will help your feet which will get you on balance." (HSB)
Updates on Jacob Patek and Adam Leonard
About the two year contract he was offered by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Jake Patek said:
"I'm blown away." (HA)
HA Note: "Although Patek participated in the 2008 Pro Day in Carson, Calif., his focus was on school. He needed 19 credits to earn a bachelor's degree. At last year's Pro Day, Patek ran the 40-yard dash in 4.84 seconds and pro-agility drill in 4.43 seconds. He bench pressed 225 pounds 14 times, and had a broad jump of 8 feet 1. He was neither drafted nor invited to a National Football League training camp.
Patek, who earned his degree in December, spent the past three months training at the Ikei Sports Performance center in Scottsdale, Ariz. At last week's Pro Day, he improved in every category — 40-yard dash (4.58 seconds), pro-agility (4.25 seconds), bench press (22 reps of 225 pounds) and broad jump (9 feet 4)."
About his tryout with the Tiger-Cats in Dallas on Saturday, Patek said:
"I didn't run my 40, but I did position drills, did a little one-on-ones. I was a little rusty in one-on-ones, but they liked my footwork." (HA)
HA Note: "Patek, who is 5 feet 11 1/8 and 210 pounds, was told he will play outside linebacker."
HA Note: "The past Monday, Leonard was among 15 pro prospects with ties to the Seattle area who worked out for Seahawk coaches. Leonard was one of two hopefuls who were given post-workout medical examinations. Leonard, who played through numerous injuries at UH, was given a clean medical evaluation."
Crediting Cal Lee and Scott Brantley (who supervised his workouts in Tampa) for his success in the drills at UH's Pro Day and in his workout for the Seahawks on Monday, Adam Leonard said:
"We did a lot of position-specific stuff. We did a lot of good work down there (in Tampa)." (HA)
HA Note: "Agent John Jackson said the Seahawks, Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins have shown the most interest in Leonard."
"I'm blown away." (HA)
HA Note: "Although Patek participated in the 2008 Pro Day in Carson, Calif., his focus was on school. He needed 19 credits to earn a bachelor's degree. At last year's Pro Day, Patek ran the 40-yard dash in 4.84 seconds and pro-agility drill in 4.43 seconds. He bench pressed 225 pounds 14 times, and had a broad jump of 8 feet 1. He was neither drafted nor invited to a National Football League training camp.
Patek, who earned his degree in December, spent the past three months training at the Ikei Sports Performance center in Scottsdale, Ariz. At last week's Pro Day, he improved in every category — 40-yard dash (4.58 seconds), pro-agility (4.25 seconds), bench press (22 reps of 225 pounds) and broad jump (9 feet 4)."
About his tryout with the Tiger-Cats in Dallas on Saturday, Patek said:
"I didn't run my 40, but I did position drills, did a little one-on-ones. I was a little rusty in one-on-ones, but they liked my footwork." (HA)
HA Note: "Patek, who is 5 feet 11 1/8 and 210 pounds, was told he will play outside linebacker."
HA Note: "The past Monday, Leonard was among 15 pro prospects with ties to the Seattle area who worked out for Seahawk coaches. Leonard was one of two hopefuls who were given post-workout medical examinations. Leonard, who played through numerous injuries at UH, was given a clean medical evaluation."
Crediting Cal Lee and Scott Brantley (who supervised his workouts in Tampa) for his success in the drills at UH's Pro Day and in his workout for the Seahawks on Monday, Adam Leonard said:
"We did a lot of position-specific stuff. We did a lot of good work down there (in Tampa)." (HA)
HA Note: "Agent John Jackson said the Seahawks, Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins have shown the most interest in Leonard."
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Jake Patek got a 2-year deal with the CFL!
HA Note: "Former UH safety Jake Patek is set to receive a two-year contract from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. Patek, who completed his UH eligibility at the end of the 2008 Sugar Bowl, participated in last week's Pro Day in Carson, Calif. It was there where he met Richard Wade, an area scout for the Tiger-Cats. Patek then learned the Tiger-Cats were holding tryouts the past Saturday in Dallas. With the help of former UH coaches June Jones and Jeff Reinebold, Patek secured an invitation to the tryout."
About his performance at the Tiger-Cats tryouts, Patek said:
"I didn't run my 40, but I did position drills, did a little one-on-ones. I was a little rusty in one-on-ones, but they liked my footwork." (HA)
About being offered a contract today, Patek said:
"Today, (a Tiger-Cat official) called me and told me they would offer me a contract. I'm blown away. I'm ready to play some football." (HA)
About his performance at the Tiger-Cats tryouts, Patek said:
"I didn't run my 40, but I did position drills, did a little one-on-ones. I was a little rusty in one-on-ones, but they liked my footwork." (HA)
About being offered a contract today, Patek said:
"Today, (a Tiger-Cat official) called me and told me they would offer me a contract. I'm blown away. I'm ready to play some football." (HA)
J.J. McDermott (former NMSU QB) says that everyone knows about Colt
CUSA = CSUAfans.com
About how everyone knows about Colt, McDermott (who was at NMSU when Colt was at UH) said:
“Everybody’s familiar with that guy. You see somebody throw 60 touchdowns, or whatever he did, it’s pretty fun to watch and something you’d like to do, I guess.” (CUSA)
http://www.cusa-fans.com/articles/cusa-football-2009/smu-spring-football_040709.html
About how everyone knows about Colt, McDermott (who was at NMSU when Colt was at UH) said:
“Everybody’s familiar with that guy. You see somebody throw 60 touchdowns, or whatever he did, it’s pretty fun to watch and something you’d like to do, I guess.” (CUSA)
http://www.cusa-fans.com/articles/cusa-football-2009/smu-spring-football_040709.html
Feature on John Fonoti
About his hard work and focus on the season, Fonoti said:
"It's going to be my senior year, and I'm trying to do my best, better than I did last year." (HA)
About how he will miss not having David Veikune at DE opposite him, Fonoti said:
"He was like a big idol for me. I'm trying to be like him — his speed rush, his power. I want to get a better work ethic." (HA)
About his mother undergoing chemotherapy to battle cancer, Fonoti said:
"It's a big shock for us. She's always trying to tell us she's OK, that she's getting better. As time goes on, we can see what's really going on." (HA)
About how his mother's cancer makes it difficult to focus sometimes, Fonoti said:
"She's always been with me. I want to be there for her." (HA)
About how everyone has tried to help him deal with the demands on his time, Fonoti said:
"The coaches, the mentors, the tutors have helped me out big time. They work around my schedule." (HA)
About how he didn't lift weights at Farrington High School, Fonoti said:
"I was only in the weight room twice, maybe four times." (HA)
HA Note: "He was on the active roster as a UH freshman in 2005. The next year, he was restricted from participating in football practices or games to focus on academics."
Fonoti said that his redshirt year:
"helped me a lot academically. ... And it got me into the weight room." (HA)
HA Note: "Now Fonoti can bench press 385 pounds and power clean 314 pounds."
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090407/SPORTS0201/904070341/1312&template=UHSports
"It's going to be my senior year, and I'm trying to do my best, better than I did last year." (HA)
About how he will miss not having David Veikune at DE opposite him, Fonoti said:
"He was like a big idol for me. I'm trying to be like him — his speed rush, his power. I want to get a better work ethic." (HA)
About his mother undergoing chemotherapy to battle cancer, Fonoti said:
"It's a big shock for us. She's always trying to tell us she's OK, that she's getting better. As time goes on, we can see what's really going on." (HA)
About how his mother's cancer makes it difficult to focus sometimes, Fonoti said:
"She's always been with me. I want to be there for her." (HA)
About how everyone has tried to help him deal with the demands on his time, Fonoti said:
"The coaches, the mentors, the tutors have helped me out big time. They work around my schedule." (HA)
About how he didn't lift weights at Farrington High School, Fonoti said:
"I was only in the weight room twice, maybe four times." (HA)
HA Note: "He was on the active roster as a UH freshman in 2005. The next year, he was restricted from participating in football practices or games to focus on academics."
Fonoti said that his redshirt year:
"helped me a lot academically. ... And it got me into the weight room." (HA)
HA Note: "Now Fonoti can bench press 385 pounds and power clean 314 pounds."
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090407/SPORTS0201/904070341/1312&template=UHSports
Feature on Viliami Nauahi
About how more than $47k in cash and prizes he won on the Wheel of Fortune, walk-on player Nauahi said:
"It's totally a blessing. I can eat some meat instead of saimin." (HSB)
About taking reps with the first team D (Blaze and Paipai are not participating this spring), Nauahi said:
"I'm not used to getting all the reps. Now I've got an opportunity to show what I've got and hopefully get some playing time. From day to day I'm getting more comfortable, but there's a lot more to work on." (HSB)
About how the extra reps are helping Nauahi adjust to LB (he was at safety until midway through last season), Mac said:
"He's a hitter and smart, he's picking it up real well. He gets a lot of reps so we really can see how he can be when (Soares and Falemalu) come back." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Nauahi, listed at 215 pounds last season, checked in at 230 for the spring as he adjusts to taking on offensive linemen more often. But he doesn't want to sacrifice speed for added bulk."
About having to adjust to the direction of his first step when the ball is snapped, Nauahi said:
"At safety you're reading pass first. Linebackers are reading run first so instead of going back I'm coming forward. So now we've got some linemen I have to deal with. I wouldn't say it's a big difference. The coaches are always saying the linebackers are just big DBs, so I have to get that mentality." (HSB)
HSB Note: "As for his turn on The Wheel, Nauahi said he didn't mention his role on the football team during the audition process and cleared the appearance with the UH compliance office before agreeing to play. He said the winnings are in the bank and he's no longer worried about finding the funds for summer school or his next semester."
About how his teammates never forget about his Wheel of Fortune win, Nauahi said:
"It doesn't get old. (My teammates) are always asking for loans." (HSB)
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090407_UHs_Nauahi_makes_shift_in_fortunes_and_direction.html
"It's totally a blessing. I can eat some meat instead of saimin." (HSB)
About taking reps with the first team D (Blaze and Paipai are not participating this spring), Nauahi said:
"I'm not used to getting all the reps. Now I've got an opportunity to show what I've got and hopefully get some playing time. From day to day I'm getting more comfortable, but there's a lot more to work on." (HSB)
About how the extra reps are helping Nauahi adjust to LB (he was at safety until midway through last season), Mac said:
"He's a hitter and smart, he's picking it up real well. He gets a lot of reps so we really can see how he can be when (Soares and Falemalu) come back." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Nauahi, listed at 215 pounds last season, checked in at 230 for the spring as he adjusts to taking on offensive linemen more often. But he doesn't want to sacrifice speed for added bulk."
About having to adjust to the direction of his first step when the ball is snapped, Nauahi said:
"At safety you're reading pass first. Linebackers are reading run first so instead of going back I'm coming forward. So now we've got some linemen I have to deal with. I wouldn't say it's a big difference. The coaches are always saying the linebackers are just big DBs, so I have to get that mentality." (HSB)
HSB Note: "As for his turn on The Wheel, Nauahi said he didn't mention his role on the football team during the audition process and cleared the appearance with the UH compliance office before agreeing to play. He said the winnings are in the bank and he's no longer worried about finding the funds for summer school or his next semester."
About how his teammates never forget about his Wheel of Fortune win, Nauahi said:
"It doesn't get old. (My teammates) are always asking for loans." (HSB)
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090407_UHs_Nauahi_makes_shift_in_fortunes_and_direction.html
Rodney Bradley likes the WR screen
HA Note: "During team drills yesterday, Bradley, aligned to the left, broke inside, caught a screen pass from Greg Alexander, juked safety Spencer Smith and sprinted for a long gain."
About his long gain yesterday on a WR screen, Bradley said:
"It was my first time running it. I like it." (HA)
"I'm getting used to the offense more and more every day. We just put in that screen today, I liked that." (HSB)
HA Note: "The inside screen was a pet play between quarterback Colt Brennan and wideout Jason Rivers in 2006 and 2007. The route causes chaos for defenses set in a two-deep zone, and opens the way for slotbacks or running backs to curl into the flats. Most important, it gives a big wideout, like Rivers or Bradley, a running start."
About Bradley's effectiveness with the WR screen, Greg Alexander said:
"You saw what he did to Spencer. If you get him the ball in space, he's going to make some things happen. He's going to be fun." (HA)
Bradley (who can run the 40 in 4.4 seconds) said that the:
"offense will allow me the chance to use a lot of my talent." (HA)
HA Note: "Now Bradley, who rotates with Joe Avery, is getting used to the workload. This spring, UH is using a platoon system, in which a second offensive unit sprints onto the field when the first team finishes a play. UH head coach Greg McMackin said the constant rotations double the number of plays the Warriors can run in team drills."
After being in a run-oriented offense at his JC, Bradley said that UH throws:
"five times more in practices. (At Navarro) it was a lot of blocking." (HA)A
HSB Note: "Having Navarro teammate Melvin Hopkins on the roster has helped Bradley get comfortable in Hawaii. They are among among five JC transfers who enrolled at UH for the spring semester, giving them a head start on making the transition to Division I."
About enrolling in the spring to get a head start on adjusting to D-IA football, Bradley said:
"It's a good opportunity to come in now because I get to pick up the offense a lot faster and I have more time to do it because this is a pretty hard offense. At first it was a little frustrating because this stuff is so different from what we ran in junior college. Every day it's getting a lot better." (HSB)
About his long gain yesterday on a WR screen, Bradley said:
"It was my first time running it. I like it." (HA)
"I'm getting used to the offense more and more every day. We just put in that screen today, I liked that." (HSB)
HA Note: "The inside screen was a pet play between quarterback Colt Brennan and wideout Jason Rivers in 2006 and 2007. The route causes chaos for defenses set in a two-deep zone, and opens the way for slotbacks or running backs to curl into the flats. Most important, it gives a big wideout, like Rivers or Bradley, a running start."
About Bradley's effectiveness with the WR screen, Greg Alexander said:
"You saw what he did to Spencer. If you get him the ball in space, he's going to make some things happen. He's going to be fun." (HA)
Bradley (who can run the 40 in 4.4 seconds) said that the:
"offense will allow me the chance to use a lot of my talent." (HA)
HA Note: "Now Bradley, who rotates with Joe Avery, is getting used to the workload. This spring, UH is using a platoon system, in which a second offensive unit sprints onto the field when the first team finishes a play. UH head coach Greg McMackin said the constant rotations double the number of plays the Warriors can run in team drills."
After being in a run-oriented offense at his JC, Bradley said that UH throws:
"five times more in practices. (At Navarro) it was a lot of blocking." (HA)A
HSB Note: "Having Navarro teammate Melvin Hopkins on the roster has helped Bradley get comfortable in Hawaii. They are among among five JC transfers who enrolled at UH for the spring semester, giving them a head start on making the transition to Division I."
About enrolling in the spring to get a head start on adjusting to D-IA football, Bradley said:
"It's a good opportunity to come in now because I get to pick up the offense a lot faster and I have more time to do it because this is a pretty hard offense. At first it was a little frustrating because this stuff is so different from what we ran in junior college. Every day it's getting a lot better." (HSB)
Feature on new GA Mike Smith
About Ray Lewis, Mike Smith (who was drafted for the Ravens to back up Lewis) said:
"One of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. He has a lot of passion and he'll hit you, but off the field he'll come give you a hug. He's a good guy." (HSB)
HSB Note: "McMackin coached Lewis during his tenure as defensive coordinator at the University of Miami and later recruited Smith to Texas Tech. Smith kept in touch with McMackin after they moved on in their careers and gave his former coach a call when an injury led him to call it a career after four years with the Ravens. Now he's taking in his first coaching experience as a graduate assistant on the Hawaii staff, assisting Cal Lee with the Warriors linebackers during spring practice."
About his role as GA (he has the spot that David Gilmore had last year), Smith said:
"We have some good players, they listen and they try to take what we learn from the film room to the field. We've got some good guys and it makes my job a lot easier." (HSB)
About working under DC Rex Ryan, with Lewis, Bart Scott, and Adalius Thomas at LB, Smith said:
"It was just a blessing to be around those guys and that kind of defense. That kind of violent defense." (HSB)
About his intensity during practices, Smith said:
"I've got a lot of intensity. I don't want anybody to ever question the effort of our guys." (HSB)
"One of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. He has a lot of passion and he'll hit you, but off the field he'll come give you a hug. He's a good guy." (HSB)
HSB Note: "McMackin coached Lewis during his tenure as defensive coordinator at the University of Miami and later recruited Smith to Texas Tech. Smith kept in touch with McMackin after they moved on in their careers and gave his former coach a call when an injury led him to call it a career after four years with the Ravens. Now he's taking in his first coaching experience as a graduate assistant on the Hawaii staff, assisting Cal Lee with the Warriors linebackers during spring practice."
About his role as GA (he has the spot that David Gilmore had last year), Smith said:
"We have some good players, they listen and they try to take what we learn from the film room to the field. We've got some good guys and it makes my job a lot easier." (HSB)
About working under DC Rex Ryan, with Lewis, Bart Scott, and Adalius Thomas at LB, Smith said:
"It was just a blessing to be around those guys and that kind of defense. That kind of violent defense." (HSB)
About his intensity during practices, Smith said:
"I've got a lot of intensity. I don't want anybody to ever question the effort of our guys." (HSB)
Monday, April 6, 2009
Feature on Inoke
About how having Inoke at RB gives them the option to move him to QB without substituting players, Ron Lee said:
"He's really in the best of two worlds, learning the running game. We can leave him in there, switch, do a lot of things with him in the ballgame. Move him from fullback to quarterback without subbing, things like that." (HSB)
HSB Note: "So, Inoke, is it weird to go from being protected ...
..."To protecting the guy?" Inoke Funaki finished off the question himself with a laugh." "
About adjusting to blocking at RB, Inoke said:
"Yeah, it is definitely different. I always joke around a lot, you know, giving the quarterbacks a hard time. Sometimes I joke around, but I'm always like, 'Don't worry, I got your back, I got your back.'" (HSB)
About how Inoke has been blocking well, Ron Lee said:
"That was the big question — his blocking, and he's doing fine. He's a tough guy and he'll play hard, so that wasn't the issue. It's just the size. But he's strong, and I think he'll be OK, as far as blocking." (HSB)
About needing to adjust his style while at RB, Inoke said:
"Just gotta get into more of an aggressive mental state. Go and attack. You got big guys coming, so you don't want to just be soft because you'll get blown back into the quarterback. I gotta go and meet them at the line of scrimmage and be willing to butt heads. If you don't go full speed, then you're going to get rolled." (HSB)
About how Inoke has a good chance to earn playing time at RB, RB coach Brian Smith said:
"Inoke's going to get a real good look from us because we think he's a tremendous athlete, and can help us on Saturdays. He's got a different feel to him than a lot of the younger players. He takes coaching very well, he's very calm, and understands coaching and how we're trying to approach him being a running back. I think he has a good understanding of what we want out of him, so he's responded really well to it." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Lee said the coaches would decide over the summer whether to make the move permanent."
About focusing on blocking instead of the WRs running their routes, Inoke said:
"It's definitely a different mind-set. I'm not looking at the routes anymore. I'm looking for guys to get my guy. It's cool though — I don't mind it at all. I like it. It's fun, I look forward to it." (HSB)
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090406_quarter_Back_to_running_Back.html
"He's really in the best of two worlds, learning the running game. We can leave him in there, switch, do a lot of things with him in the ballgame. Move him from fullback to quarterback without subbing, things like that." (HSB)
HSB Note: "So, Inoke, is it weird to go from being protected ...
..."To protecting the guy?" Inoke Funaki finished off the question himself with a laugh." "
About adjusting to blocking at RB, Inoke said:
"Yeah, it is definitely different. I always joke around a lot, you know, giving the quarterbacks a hard time. Sometimes I joke around, but I'm always like, 'Don't worry, I got your back, I got your back.'" (HSB)
About how Inoke has been blocking well, Ron Lee said:
"That was the big question — his blocking, and he's doing fine. He's a tough guy and he'll play hard, so that wasn't the issue. It's just the size. But he's strong, and I think he'll be OK, as far as blocking." (HSB)
About needing to adjust his style while at RB, Inoke said:
"Just gotta get into more of an aggressive mental state. Go and attack. You got big guys coming, so you don't want to just be soft because you'll get blown back into the quarterback. I gotta go and meet them at the line of scrimmage and be willing to butt heads. If you don't go full speed, then you're going to get rolled." (HSB)
About how Inoke has a good chance to earn playing time at RB, RB coach Brian Smith said:
"Inoke's going to get a real good look from us because we think he's a tremendous athlete, and can help us on Saturdays. He's got a different feel to him than a lot of the younger players. He takes coaching very well, he's very calm, and understands coaching and how we're trying to approach him being a running back. I think he has a good understanding of what we want out of him, so he's responded really well to it." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Lee said the coaches would decide over the summer whether to make the move permanent."
About focusing on blocking instead of the WRs running their routes, Inoke said:
"It's definitely a different mind-set. I'm not looking at the routes anymore. I'm looking for guys to get my guy. It's cool though — I don't mind it at all. I like it. It's fun, I look forward to it." (HSB)
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090406_quarter_Back_to_running_Back.html
Warriors stood out during Pro Day
About how Ryan Mouton, David Veikune, Josh Leonard, and Jake Ingram stood out at UH's Pro Day, Rich Miano said:
"The broad jump by Ryan Mouton was 11'0", which is the 2nd best jump by a defensive back in the country this year, so when you go 11 feet, that shows you what kind of explosiveness you have. David ran again, and ran a low 4.8, but his individual workout with linebacker coaches I thought was phenomenal, he caught balls like a wide receiver, he was real pure in catching them. Josh Leonard and the 41 repetitions at bench press at 225 is like a combine record almost, it just goes to show you year in and year out the warriors are the strongest team in the nation, Jake Ingram, by far if you talk to the scouts, there's nobody who debates he's the best at what he does, it's just whether or not someone will draft a long snapper." (KHNL)
http://www.khnl.com/Global/story.asp?S=10123478
"The broad jump by Ryan Mouton was 11'0", which is the 2nd best jump by a defensive back in the country this year, so when you go 11 feet, that shows you what kind of explosiveness you have. David ran again, and ran a low 4.8, but his individual workout with linebacker coaches I thought was phenomenal, he caught balls like a wide receiver, he was real pure in catching them. Josh Leonard and the 41 repetitions at bench press at 225 is like a combine record almost, it just goes to show you year in and year out the warriors are the strongest team in the nation, Jake Ingram, by far if you talk to the scouts, there's nobody who debates he's the best at what he does, it's just whether or not someone will draft a long snapper." (KHNL)
http://www.khnl.com/Global/story.asp?S=10123478
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Inoke adjusts to the RB position
About Inoke's first contact practice at RB, Brashton Satele said:
"I gave him that little extra shove. It was: 'Welcome to running back.' " (HA)
HA Note: "The third spring practice was the first in pads. Head coach Greg McMackin tried to impose the two-hand touch rule. That meant no takedowns, no wrap-ups. Linebackers R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane, Marc Moody and Satele delivered some loud hits during the 2-hour practice on UH's grass practice field."
About some players making loud his during practice, Mac smiled and said:
"Some guys get a little excited, and they forget the general rule." (HA)
HA Note: "To be sure, Funaki needed the physical education. The coaches want to see if Funaki can handle the blocking and toughness demanded of the running back's role. The test came in the inside drill, a 7-on-9 discipline that excludes the receivers and cornerbacks. Every play is a rush."
About their 7-on-9 inside drill, Inoke said:
"You know you're going to get whacked. They're not playing any pass. They know the play is coming right between the tackles. You have to man up, and hit the gap." (HA)
About running into Brashton on a play, Inoke said:
"I went up the middle and — boom! — Brashton pushed me right back." (HA)
About his contact with Inoke on that play, Brashton said:
"It's two-hand touch, and I two-hand-touched him pretty good." (HA)
HA Note: "On another play, Funaki went right, then tried to cut back to what was supposed to be a vacated area. Moody sniffed out the play, and belted Funaki, who suffered a scratch on his neck."
About the hit Moody (a Saint Louis grad) made on him (Inoke led Kahuku to state titles over Saint Louis), Inoke joked:
"Still taking it personal. Still holding grudges." (HA)
About that contact, Moody said:
"He actually ran into me. I felt it, too." (HA)
About Kahuku beating Saint Louis during his senior year, Moody said:
"we lost to (Kahuku) by one. I love all of the Kahuku guys. They're all real humble people. But we'll always have that little thing." (HA)
HA Note: "In all, Funaki appears to be adjusting to running back. His blocking has improved and, despite fumbling a shovel pass, he is making better decisions."
About how Inoke will do well at RB, Brashton said:
"He's going to be a good running back. Get him in the open field, and he's going to make a lot of guys miss." (HA)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090405/SPORTS0201/904050360/1312&template=UHSports
"I gave him that little extra shove. It was: 'Welcome to running back.' " (HA)
HA Note: "The third spring practice was the first in pads. Head coach Greg McMackin tried to impose the two-hand touch rule. That meant no takedowns, no wrap-ups. Linebackers R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane, Marc Moody and Satele delivered some loud hits during the 2-hour practice on UH's grass practice field."
About some players making loud his during practice, Mac smiled and said:
"Some guys get a little excited, and they forget the general rule." (HA)
HA Note: "To be sure, Funaki needed the physical education. The coaches want to see if Funaki can handle the blocking and toughness demanded of the running back's role. The test came in the inside drill, a 7-on-9 discipline that excludes the receivers and cornerbacks. Every play is a rush."
About their 7-on-9 inside drill, Inoke said:
"You know you're going to get whacked. They're not playing any pass. They know the play is coming right between the tackles. You have to man up, and hit the gap." (HA)
About running into Brashton on a play, Inoke said:
"I went up the middle and — boom! — Brashton pushed me right back." (HA)
About his contact with Inoke on that play, Brashton said:
"It's two-hand touch, and I two-hand-touched him pretty good." (HA)
HA Note: "On another play, Funaki went right, then tried to cut back to what was supposed to be a vacated area. Moody sniffed out the play, and belted Funaki, who suffered a scratch on his neck."
About the hit Moody (a Saint Louis grad) made on him (Inoke led Kahuku to state titles over Saint Louis), Inoke joked:
"Still taking it personal. Still holding grudges." (HA)
About that contact, Moody said:
"He actually ran into me. I felt it, too." (HA)
About Kahuku beating Saint Louis during his senior year, Moody said:
"we lost to (Kahuku) by one. I love all of the Kahuku guys. They're all real humble people. But we'll always have that little thing." (HA)
HA Note: "In all, Funaki appears to be adjusting to running back. His blocking has improved and, despite fumbling a shovel pass, he is making better decisions."
About how Inoke will do well at RB, Brashton said:
"He's going to be a good running back. Get him in the open field, and he's going to make a lot of guys miss." (HA)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090405/SPORTS0201/904050360/1312&template=UHSports
Features on slotbacks Pilares, Medeiros and Salas
Hoping to stick at slotback instead of moving between slot and RB, Kealoha Pilares said:
"Hopefully I can play one position and build the trust that (the coaches) want and show them I can play this position. I hope I get the opportunity to stay in one position this year." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Pilares is still nursing a foot injury he suffered in a loss at Boise State last year that hampered him the rest of season."
HSB Note: "Pilares, teaming with Jon Medeiros as the first-team slots, caught six passes in the 7-on-7 period, connecting with Greg Alexander on three consecutive completions at one stretch. On the second, he made a leaping catch of a deep pass down the right sideline, and he hauled in another long pass in the team period."
About his improvement at slotback this year, Pilares said:
"Getting introduced to it last year makes a lot of difference. I know what to look for now. It just makes a lot more sense this year." (HSB)
About slotbacks Pilares and Jon Medeiros (who had 5 catches in the team period), Alexander said:
"We've been working (in the offseason) -- they know the offense, and we know what to expect from each other." (HSB)
About being moved from his starting WR spot to slotback, Greg Salas said:
"It's going pretty good. I'm picking it up pretty fast. We still have to put in more plays, but right now I'm feeling real comfortable." (HSB)
About moving Salas from left wideout to left slotback, WR coach Craig Stutzmann said:
"He gives us a big body inside. He has a natural feel for just knowing zones and how to get there. He's kind of like a basketball player who knows how to get open in the zone." (HA)
HA Note: "The experiment serves two purposes: It gives more reps to wideouts Joe Avery and Rodney Bradley, and it gives Salas more pass-catching opportunities. Last year, the slots were the intended receivers on 51 percent of UH's passes; the wideouts were the targets 41 percent of the time. While Salas was a key part of the game plan — he was the intended receiver 22 percent of the time (96 of 490 throws) — he caught 57 passes, a conversion success of 59.3 percent."
Mac said that moving Salas to slotback:
"gives us a bigger target." (HA)
About moving from WR to slotback, Salas said:
"It gives you more opportunities to get the ball." (HA)
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090405_pilares_hopes_to_stick_to_slotback_this_time.html
"Hopefully I can play one position and build the trust that (the coaches) want and show them I can play this position. I hope I get the opportunity to stay in one position this year." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Pilares is still nursing a foot injury he suffered in a loss at Boise State last year that hampered him the rest of season."
HSB Note: "Pilares, teaming with Jon Medeiros as the first-team slots, caught six passes in the 7-on-7 period, connecting with Greg Alexander on three consecutive completions at one stretch. On the second, he made a leaping catch of a deep pass down the right sideline, and he hauled in another long pass in the team period."
About his improvement at slotback this year, Pilares said:
"Getting introduced to it last year makes a lot of difference. I know what to look for now. It just makes a lot more sense this year." (HSB)
About slotbacks Pilares and Jon Medeiros (who had 5 catches in the team period), Alexander said:
"We've been working (in the offseason) -- they know the offense, and we know what to expect from each other." (HSB)
About being moved from his starting WR spot to slotback, Greg Salas said:
"It's going pretty good. I'm picking it up pretty fast. We still have to put in more plays, but right now I'm feeling real comfortable." (HSB)
About moving Salas from left wideout to left slotback, WR coach Craig Stutzmann said:
"He gives us a big body inside. He has a natural feel for just knowing zones and how to get there. He's kind of like a basketball player who knows how to get open in the zone." (HA)
HA Note: "The experiment serves two purposes: It gives more reps to wideouts Joe Avery and Rodney Bradley, and it gives Salas more pass-catching opportunities. Last year, the slots were the intended receivers on 51 percent of UH's passes; the wideouts were the targets 41 percent of the time. While Salas was a key part of the game plan — he was the intended receiver 22 percent of the time (96 of 490 throws) — he caught 57 passes, a conversion success of 59.3 percent."
Mac said that moving Salas to slotback:
"gives us a bigger target." (HA)
About moving from WR to slotback, Salas said:
"It gives you more opportunities to get the ball." (HA)
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090405_pilares_hopes_to_stick_to_slotback_this_time.html
QB Report, with a special update on Bryant Moniz
HSB Note: "Four quarterbacks combined to complete 18 of 21 throws, including two shovel passes, in the team period. Alexander was 7-for-10, including a drop. Brent Rausch, Shane Austin and Bryant Moniz rotated in behind Alexander."
About how their offense is doing better than last year, Rolo said:
"Compared to last spring, we're way ahead. It's a great place to be. We still have room to grow, but it's a great feeling on offense." (HSB)
About getting some significant reps at QB in yesterday's practice, Bryant Moniz said:
"I was nervous just getting back to game speed." (HA)
HA Note: "Moniz, a Leilehua graduate who attended Fresno City College for a season, made several strong throws during team drills."
HA Note: "Greg Alexander, Brent Rausch and Shane Austin get the majority of the snaps in spring practice. Moniz and Steele Jantz often are used on the scout team — as safeties."
About walking on to the team, Moniz said that he is motivated by:
"the love of the game. It keeps me going. I love it, even playing safety on scout team. I have a lot of fun doing that." (HA)
About having a 10-month-old daughter and commuting daily from his home in Wahiawa, Moniz said:
"It's tough, but I figure it will pay off one day." (HA)
About how their offense is doing better than last year, Rolo said:
"Compared to last spring, we're way ahead. It's a great place to be. We still have room to grow, but it's a great feeling on offense." (HSB)
About getting some significant reps at QB in yesterday's practice, Bryant Moniz said:
"I was nervous just getting back to game speed." (HA)
HA Note: "Moniz, a Leilehua graduate who attended Fresno City College for a season, made several strong throws during team drills."
HA Note: "Greg Alexander, Brent Rausch and Shane Austin get the majority of the snaps in spring practice. Moniz and Steele Jantz often are used on the scout team — as safeties."
About walking on to the team, Moniz said that he is motivated by:
"the love of the game. It keeps me going. I love it, even playing safety on scout team. I have a lot of fun doing that." (HA)
About having a 10-month-old daughter and commuting daily from his home in Wahiawa, Moniz said:
"It's tough, but I figure it will pay off one day." (HA)
All-Poly Camp will be in Hawaii instead of Utah this year
HSB Note: "For the last eight years, players from Hawaii had to travel to Utah to participate in the All-Poly Camp. This year, the camp is coming to them. Alema Te'o, the president of the Polynesian Coaches Association, plans to hold a camp in Hawaii for the first time this summer. The camp is scheduled for June 29 to July 1, with plans to hold it at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Complex."
About expecting 300 players to participate in the All-Poly camp, Alema Te'o said:
"We're trying to bring exposure to the Pacific rim and help all the kids out here in the islands. I think eventually we're going to have to do more than one camp in Hawaii because there are too many good kids who need the exposure." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Hawaii coaching staff is slated to help at the camp, as well as coaches such as UCLA's Norm Chow, Colorado's Brian Cabral and UNLV's Keith Uperesa. Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach is another possibility."
About expecting 300 players to participate in the All-Poly camp, Alema Te'o said:
"We're trying to bring exposure to the Pacific rim and help all the kids out here in the islands. I think eventually we're going to have to do more than one camp in Hawaii because there are too many good kids who need the exposure." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Hawaii coaching staff is slated to help at the camp, as well as coaches such as UCLA's Norm Chow, Colorado's Brian Cabral and UNLV's Keith Uperesa. Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach is another possibility."
John Fonoti loves playing DE
About how he prefers playing DE than QB (which he played some at Farrington High School), John Fonoti said:
"I like hunting someone down and making big plays." (HSB)
Preferring to hit someone over scoring TDs, Fonoti said:
"On the other side you can make big plays and score touchdowns. But it feels better when you're chasing someone and hitting somebody." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The 6-foot-2, 255-pound senior is the Warriors' top returning tackler, finishing last season with 62 total stops while starting all 14 games. He was credited with 9 1/2 tackles for loss, including 3 1/2 sacks, and recovered three fumbles. His familiarity playing offense came in handy in a win over Nevada last October when he scooped up a fumble and scored the first of Hawaii's two defensive touchdowns."
About how the light turned on for Fonoti in the Nevada game, DL coach Dave Aranda said:
"Last year he struggled at times as he adjusted to the speed of things and playing with technique and not playing street ball. I thought the turning point was the Nevada game. John was a completely different player. If you look at (games against) Notre Dame, Cincinnati, Idaho, John really dominated a lot of times. We need him to be that type of player." (HSB)
About the huge turnover on the DL after so many starters graduated, Fonoti said:
"It's part of the game and you have to learn to adjust." (HSB)
About how he benefitted from redshirting his first season at UH, Fonoti said:
"It actually helped me out. When I came out of high school I didn't like the weight room at all. I didn't really lift. Brashton (Satele) always called me up, tried to wake me up and get me to work out in the early mornings. That year I got a lot stronger in the weight room." (HSB)
About how practicing against Fonoti makes him better, Aaron Kia said:
"He is such a good player. That man is strong and he's got every move in the book. I like going against him because he's got everything and it'll only make me better. If I get beat, of course I get frustrated, but I know he's getting me better." (HSB)
About their first practice in pads, Fonoti said:
"It was awesome. I've been waiting for it, training for it all spring and it's finally here." (HSB)
"I like hunting someone down and making big plays." (HSB)
Preferring to hit someone over scoring TDs, Fonoti said:
"On the other side you can make big plays and score touchdowns. But it feels better when you're chasing someone and hitting somebody." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The 6-foot-2, 255-pound senior is the Warriors' top returning tackler, finishing last season with 62 total stops while starting all 14 games. He was credited with 9 1/2 tackles for loss, including 3 1/2 sacks, and recovered three fumbles. His familiarity playing offense came in handy in a win over Nevada last October when he scooped up a fumble and scored the first of Hawaii's two defensive touchdowns."
About how the light turned on for Fonoti in the Nevada game, DL coach Dave Aranda said:
"Last year he struggled at times as he adjusted to the speed of things and playing with technique and not playing street ball. I thought the turning point was the Nevada game. John was a completely different player. If you look at (games against) Notre Dame, Cincinnati, Idaho, John really dominated a lot of times. We need him to be that type of player." (HSB)
About the huge turnover on the DL after so many starters graduated, Fonoti said:
"It's part of the game and you have to learn to adjust." (HSB)
About how he benefitted from redshirting his first season at UH, Fonoti said:
"It actually helped me out. When I came out of high school I didn't like the weight room at all. I didn't really lift. Brashton (Satele) always called me up, tried to wake me up and get me to work out in the early mornings. That year I got a lot stronger in the weight room." (HSB)
About how practicing against Fonoti makes him better, Aaron Kia said:
"He is such a good player. That man is strong and he's got every move in the book. I like going against him because he's got everything and it'll only make me better. If I get beat, of course I get frustrated, but I know he's getting me better." (HSB)
About their first practice in pads, Fonoti said:
"It was awesome. I've been waiting for it, training for it all spring and it's finally here." (HSB)
Warriors happy to practice in pads yesterday
Happy they were in pads yesterday, Aaron Kia said:
"It felt so good. Letting out some aggression. Kind of bad night at work last night, so I was happy to get out here and bang somebody. I couldn't wait to get out here." (HSB)
About their first practice in pads, Mac said:
"They hustled around and I thought for the first day they were completing passes and (the defensive players were) in position to make plays on passes. I thought they really practiced well. For our first padded practice, we've got a lot of things we have to continue to get better on, but we're miles ahead of where we were last spring." (HSB)
Before team drills, Mac told the team to limit their hitting, saying:
"Only two hand touch." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Linebackers R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane, Brashton Satele and Marc Moody delivered some hard "touches." "
About the hard hits in practice, Mac smiled and said:
"Sometimes they forget." (HSB)
"It felt so good. Letting out some aggression. Kind of bad night at work last night, so I was happy to get out here and bang somebody. I couldn't wait to get out here." (HSB)
About their first practice in pads, Mac said:
"They hustled around and I thought for the first day they were completing passes and (the defensive players were) in position to make plays on passes. I thought they really practiced well. For our first padded practice, we've got a lot of things we have to continue to get better on, but we're miles ahead of where we were last spring." (HSB)
Before team drills, Mac told the team to limit their hitting, saying:
"Only two hand touch." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Linebackers R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane, Brashton Satele and Marc Moody delivered some hard "touches." "
About the hard hits in practice, Mac smiled and said:
"Sometimes they forget." (HSB)
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Rich Ellerson (former UH coach, player) has his dream job--head coach at Army
NYT = New York Times
About how he's been talking for 32 years about how being a coach at Army was his dream job, Ellerson said:
“I didn’t realize I was always talking about that. I was always interested in Army football. It was something to dream about.” (NYT)
NYT Note: "Ellerson, in coaching for 32 seasons, knows about winning. He has been a head coach for nine seasons, the last eight at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo. His teams there posted winning records seven times, going 48-22 over his final 70 games, with two playoff berths in the Football Championship Subdivision. People who know him, though, say that he always spoke of the Army job since becoming a graduate assistant in 1977 at his alma mater, the University of Hawaii, where he played center and linebacker."
NYT Note: "Ellerson, the son of an Army colonel, Geoffrey Ellerson, was born in Japan and lived in places like Germany, France and Virginia before spending his high school years in Tucson. Like their father, Ellerson’s two brothers are West Point graduates and retired Army officers. One brother, John, played football and was a team captain for the Black Knights in 1962."
About his ties to the Army program, Ellerson said:
“So this is ground zero for the game in my world." (NYT)
Praising Ellerson, who he hired twice at UH and twice at Arizona, Dick Tomey said:
“I don’t think I’m demeaning anybody when I say he’s the smartest football coach I’ve ever worked with. I’m not talking about football smart. I’m just talking about generally because he’s always reading a ton of books. He’s up to date on world issues, political issues. I think he’s going to do a phenomenal job. As far as being a football person, he’s very knowledgeable about every phase of the game, as much so as anybody I’ve known.” (NYT)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/05/sports/ncaafootball/05army.html?ref=ncaafootball
About how he's been talking for 32 years about how being a coach at Army was his dream job, Ellerson said:
“I didn’t realize I was always talking about that. I was always interested in Army football. It was something to dream about.” (NYT)
NYT Note: "Ellerson, in coaching for 32 seasons, knows about winning. He has been a head coach for nine seasons, the last eight at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo. His teams there posted winning records seven times, going 48-22 over his final 70 games, with two playoff berths in the Football Championship Subdivision. People who know him, though, say that he always spoke of the Army job since becoming a graduate assistant in 1977 at his alma mater, the University of Hawaii, where he played center and linebacker."
NYT Note: "Ellerson, the son of an Army colonel, Geoffrey Ellerson, was born in Japan and lived in places like Germany, France and Virginia before spending his high school years in Tucson. Like their father, Ellerson’s two brothers are West Point graduates and retired Army officers. One brother, John, played football and was a team captain for the Black Knights in 1962."
About his ties to the Army program, Ellerson said:
“So this is ground zero for the game in my world." (NYT)
Praising Ellerson, who he hired twice at UH and twice at Arizona, Dick Tomey said:
“I don’t think I’m demeaning anybody when I say he’s the smartest football coach I’ve ever worked with. I’m not talking about football smart. I’m just talking about generally because he’s always reading a ton of books. He’s up to date on world issues, political issues. I think he’s going to do a phenomenal job. As far as being a football person, he’s very knowledgeable about every phase of the game, as much so as anybody I’ve known.” (NYT)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/05/sports/ncaafootball/05army.html?ref=ncaafootball
Friday, April 3, 2009
Interesting notes about ESPN's WAC schedule
http://www.idahostatesman.com/sports/story/718539.html
IS = Idaho Statesman
IS Note: "ESPN still can choose six WAC games for ESPNU, of which one could be a Broncos game. The dates for those games won't change."
IS Note: "ESPN wanted to put the Hawaii game on a Friday later in the season but the WAC would not force the Broncos to play there on a short week again. The teams played on a Friday in 2007."
IS = Idaho Statesman
IS Note: "ESPN still can choose six WAC games for ESPNU, of which one could be a Broncos game. The dates for those games won't change."
IS Note: "ESPN wanted to put the Hawaii game on a Friday later in the season but the WAC would not force the Broncos to play there on a short week again. The teams played on a Friday in 2007."
Miami's GM talked about trading Samson Satele
Asked about their thought process behind signing Jake Grove and trading Samson Satele, Miami Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland said:
"Jake is a player that we studied throughout the draft and we liked him in Dallas when he came out. He was a player that in free agency that we liked. In regard to Samson, I have a lot of respect for what Samson did here. He is a good player and good kid. He is a high character guy and I like him very much, but we needed better consistency at the position. Without going into specific details, that was the main thing we needed. Better consistency." (Orlando Sentinel)
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/football/dolphins/sfl-ireland-dolphins-transcript,0,5759664.story
"Jake is a player that we studied throughout the draft and we liked him in Dallas when he came out. He was a player that in free agency that we liked. In regard to Samson, I have a lot of respect for what Samson did here. He is a good player and good kid. He is a high character guy and I like him very much, but we needed better consistency at the position. Without going into specific details, that was the main thing we needed. Better consistency." (Orlando Sentinel)
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/football/dolphins/sfl-ireland-dolphins-transcript,0,5759664.story
Quotes from UH's Pro Day
About how he was placed on indefinite suspension after being arrested on suspicion of domestic abuse and never reinstated to the Warriors, Keenan Jones said:
"I was never charged. They dropped everything. But it took almost a whole year for them to do even that." (HA)
About how he returned to his family's home in LA after his Warrior career ended, Jones said:
"I went back to my dad's house and got my head on straight." (HA)
About how Mac gave him permission to compete in their Pro Day, Jones said:
"The coaches and everybody else were cool about it." (HA)
HA Note: "Jones ranked third among participants in the broad jump (9 feet, 11 inches) and vertical jump (32 inches). His time in the 40-yard dash was 4.7 seconds."
About his Pro Day performance, Jones said:
"I did OK. I left it all out on the field." (HA)
About how he was different at this year's Pro Day, Jacob Patek said:
"Who was that guy last year?" (HA)AA
HA Note: "Taking a full load of courses during the 2008 spring semester, Patek did not fully train for last year's Pro Day. He weighed 208, and his body fat was 18 percent."
About how he didn't prepare for last year's Pro Day, Patek said:
"I wanted to play football, but I knew it was more important to finish school. I wasn't one of the top prospects. I wasn't sure if my football career was promising." (HA)
HA Note: "After earning his bachelor's degree in December, Patek contacted Chad Ikei, who runs a training program in Scottsdale, Ariz. Ikei had worked with Patek's best friend, former UH wideout C.J. Hawthorne. Ikei immediately put Patek on a low-carb diet."
About his preparation for Pro Day, Patek said:
"I had to do pretty intense workouts, lots of cardio drills, for three months." (HA)
HA Note: "Patek, who is 5 feet 11, now weighs 210. But his body fat decreased to 10 percent. Despite a tender hamstring, Patek ran 40 yards in 4.59 seconds — more than two-tenths of a second faster than his time last year. He also had a 34-inch vertical jump, tops among yesterday's competitors. He finished the pro-agility drill in 4.25 seconds.
About his improved performance at this year's Pro Day, Patek said:
"This year I was definitely ready and prepared." (HA)
HA Note: "During the Pro Day for former University of Hawai'i football players, Mouton had a broad jump of 11 feet — a foot longer than second-place finisher Erik Robinson's effort. In the next drill, the 40-yard dash, Mouton "tweaked" his left hamstring at the 20-yard mark, and limp-scooted the final 10 yards. He completed the distance in 4.42 seconds, the fastest time among UH's NFL hopefuls."
About Mouton's fast time in the 40 despite his injury, Mac said:
"I've never seen a guy run that fast on a bad leg." (HA)
Praising Mouton's Pro Day performance, nfldraftguys.com analyst Andrew Gada said:
"He did a nice job." (HA)
HA Note: He competed in the East-West Shrine Game in January and the NFL Scouting Combine in February. Now it is left to the scouts and personnel directors to crunch the numbers and figure where Mouton rates as a prospect. Mouton played well in the all-star game, breaking up a pass in the end zone. He initially pulled his left hamstring during that game. At the NFL Combine, he had a vertical jump of 39 1/2 inches and a broad jump of 10 feet, 8 inches. But he aggravated his left hamstring in the final quarter of the 40-yard dash, finishing in 4.48 seconds. His goals for Pro Day were to run a sub-4.4 in the 40, reach 11 feet in the broad jump and perform well in pass-defense drills."
About how he was limited by his hamstring injury, Mouton said
"Unfortunately, I couldn't do everything because an injury happened." (HA)
About his injury while running his 40, Mouton said he:
"got down the track, about 20 yards, and I felt it, (the hamstring) tweaked a little bit. I tried to ease up and get through it, and hoped everything would be OK." (HA)
About his time of 4.42 in the 40, Mouton said:
"I guess that's a good time, but it's frustrating because I feel like I could do better. (His hamstring) felt good, but you never know until you run full speed." (HSB)
Asked if Mouton would be credited with a sub-4.4 time, his agent Kenny Zuckerman said:
"I think so, but every team will look at it differently. If he goes in the 4.3s, he jumps to another tier." (HA)
About Mouton, Zuckerman said:
"He's a blazer -- the teams know it and he just has to get healthy now." (HSB)
About how a player only needs to catch the attention of one team's scout, Patek said:
"All you need is just one team to like you." (HA)
HA Note: "David Veikune already has several suitors. He had a solid Senior Bowl, and bench-pressed 225 pounds 35 times at the NFL Combine. For Pro Day, he decided to skip all of the tests except the 40-yard dash, and stand on his combine numbers. His goal was to complete the 40 in under 4.8 seconds. His two attempts were 4.82 and 4.81."
Unhappy with his 40 times, Veikune said:
"I'm a little disappointed." (HA)
HA Note: "But the scouts were more interested in Veikune's footwork. According to several scouts, Veikune showed he is capable of being an effective outside linebacker. Veikune, who was exclusively a defensive end in UH's 4-3 scheme, is being viewed "primarily as an outside linebacker" by teams running 3-4 defenses. For Veikune, that means lining up out of a two-point stance and learning to drop back into coverage."
About learning to be an OLB, Veikune said:
"It's a new position, but I'm a football player. I feel I can adjust." (HA)
HA Note: "Linebackers Adam Leonard and Solomon Elimimian — both of whom began training on the Mainland starting within days after the Dec. 24 Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl — had pedestrian numbers in the 40 yesterday. Elimimian, who is suffering from a tight hamstring, had a best of 4.75 seconds. Leonard, who appeared distracted after two false starts, ran 4.88."
Unhappy with his 40 time, Adam Leonard said:
"I was disappointed in my (40) time, but I felt good in the linebacker drills." (HA)
HA Note: "Elimimian's hamstring problems kept him from participating in the broad jump. But Elimimian, like Leonard and Veikune, showed "game quickness" in linebacker drills. They worked on change of directions, and balance."
HA Note: "Leonard, rush end Francis Maka and Patek trained at the Ikei Performance facility in Scottsdale, Ariz. The program's director, Chad Ikei, created a workout to help improve Leonard's bench-press technique and 40 time. Ikei placed restraining bands on a bar bell when Leonard worked with 405-pound weights. Leonard also worked on his reps with 225- and 240-pound weights."
About his workouts to prepare for Pro Day, Josh Leonard said:
"I wanted to do more reps with lighter weights." (HA)
HA Note: "Leonard bench-pressed 225 pounds 41 times. He also sprinted 40 yards in 4.99 and 4.93 seconds, and finished the pro-agility test in 4.35 seconds."
About his improved running times, Josh said:
"The first three days (of training), we worked on just my start. It's amazing how much technique is all in your start, your first 10 yards." (HAA)
HA Note: "Long-snapper Jake Ingram, meanwhile, received tips from Darrin Simmons, who coaches the Cincinnati Bengals' special teams. Simmons said long-snappers are evaluated on their accuracy, blocking and cover skills."
About attending UH's Pro Day to see Ingram, Simmons said:
"I wouldn't be here if Jake couldn't snap (accurately)." (HA)
About how the punt snapper has to cover punts in the NFL, Simmons said:
"you only have one punt formation you can use. The (snapper) is always involved in protection." (HA)
Simmons said that the most important thing about a long snapper is that:
"he has to have a good personality. In the NFL, (the players) don't go to class. They're with you the whole day. Can I stand to be around a guy for the whole day? Jake has a very good personality. I can be around him all day." (HA)
About how he weighs 230 and needs to gain 10 pounds, Ingram said:
"I need carbs." (HA)
HA Note: "Mouton has a meeting next week with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Adam Leonard has a private workout with his hometown Seattle Seahawks on Monday. Veikune is going to visit the Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans and Dallas Cowboys."
About all the teams he is visiting, Veikune said:
"I'm going to be busy." (HA)
About how he can catch the ball (something he didn't need to do at DE but a necessary skill for an OLB), Veikune said:
"I'm not going to lie, I've got hands." (HSB)
About showing the scouts he had the skills for a LB, Veikune said:
"I've only been doing linebacker drills for a month, and I wanted to show I'm athletic enough to play linebacker. It's different from having a hand on the ground and just trying to blow up the quarterback. You have to drop into open space. It's been different, but its fun learning a new position." (HSB)
About how Miano runs their Pro Day, which attracted between 50 and 60 scouts, Mac said:
"Rich Miano does an unbelievable job with this. It really was an impressive deal. ... We're really proud of our guys. It was just a class event." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Long snapper Jake Ingram, considered the top prospect at his position, got a thorough workout from the scouts, his agent, Wynn Silberman, said. Along with snapping, Ingram was tested on his ability to get downfield in coverage by a Cincinnati Bengals scout who worked him out for 35 minutes."
About Sol going through the workout despite aggravating his hamstring injury while running the 40, his agent Siberman said:
"He really gutted it out. We were proud of him today, it was a very gritty performance. The scouts were aware of the injury and they were impressed that he gutted it out." (HSB)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090403/SPORTS0201/904030364/1312&template=UHSports
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090403_warriors_put_on_a_show_for_pros.html
"I was never charged. They dropped everything. But it took almost a whole year for them to do even that." (HA)
About how he returned to his family's home in LA after his Warrior career ended, Jones said:
"I went back to my dad's house and got my head on straight." (HA)
About how Mac gave him permission to compete in their Pro Day, Jones said:
"The coaches and everybody else were cool about it." (HA)
HA Note: "Jones ranked third among participants in the broad jump (9 feet, 11 inches) and vertical jump (32 inches). His time in the 40-yard dash was 4.7 seconds."
About his Pro Day performance, Jones said:
"I did OK. I left it all out on the field." (HA)
About how he was different at this year's Pro Day, Jacob Patek said:
"Who was that guy last year?" (HA)AA
HA Note: "Taking a full load of courses during the 2008 spring semester, Patek did not fully train for last year's Pro Day. He weighed 208, and his body fat was 18 percent."
About how he didn't prepare for last year's Pro Day, Patek said:
"I wanted to play football, but I knew it was more important to finish school. I wasn't one of the top prospects. I wasn't sure if my football career was promising." (HA)
HA Note: "After earning his bachelor's degree in December, Patek contacted Chad Ikei, who runs a training program in Scottsdale, Ariz. Ikei had worked with Patek's best friend, former UH wideout C.J. Hawthorne. Ikei immediately put Patek on a low-carb diet."
About his preparation for Pro Day, Patek said:
"I had to do pretty intense workouts, lots of cardio drills, for three months." (HA)
HA Note: "Patek, who is 5 feet 11, now weighs 210. But his body fat decreased to 10 percent. Despite a tender hamstring, Patek ran 40 yards in 4.59 seconds — more than two-tenths of a second faster than his time last year. He also had a 34-inch vertical jump, tops among yesterday's competitors. He finished the pro-agility drill in 4.25 seconds.
About his improved performance at this year's Pro Day, Patek said:
"This year I was definitely ready and prepared." (HA)
HA Note: "During the Pro Day for former University of Hawai'i football players, Mouton had a broad jump of 11 feet — a foot longer than second-place finisher Erik Robinson's effort. In the next drill, the 40-yard dash, Mouton "tweaked" his left hamstring at the 20-yard mark, and limp-scooted the final 10 yards. He completed the distance in 4.42 seconds, the fastest time among UH's NFL hopefuls."
About Mouton's fast time in the 40 despite his injury, Mac said:
"I've never seen a guy run that fast on a bad leg." (HA)
Praising Mouton's Pro Day performance, nfldraftguys.com analyst Andrew Gada said:
"He did a nice job." (HA)
HA Note: He competed in the East-West Shrine Game in January and the NFL Scouting Combine in February. Now it is left to the scouts and personnel directors to crunch the numbers and figure where Mouton rates as a prospect. Mouton played well in the all-star game, breaking up a pass in the end zone. He initially pulled his left hamstring during that game. At the NFL Combine, he had a vertical jump of 39 1/2 inches and a broad jump of 10 feet, 8 inches. But he aggravated his left hamstring in the final quarter of the 40-yard dash, finishing in 4.48 seconds. His goals for Pro Day were to run a sub-4.4 in the 40, reach 11 feet in the broad jump and perform well in pass-defense drills."
About how he was limited by his hamstring injury, Mouton said
"Unfortunately, I couldn't do everything because an injury happened." (HA)
About his injury while running his 40, Mouton said he:
"got down the track, about 20 yards, and I felt it, (the hamstring) tweaked a little bit. I tried to ease up and get through it, and hoped everything would be OK." (HA)
About his time of 4.42 in the 40, Mouton said:
"I guess that's a good time, but it's frustrating because I feel like I could do better. (His hamstring) felt good, but you never know until you run full speed." (HSB)
Asked if Mouton would be credited with a sub-4.4 time, his agent Kenny Zuckerman said:
"I think so, but every team will look at it differently. If he goes in the 4.3s, he jumps to another tier." (HA)
About Mouton, Zuckerman said:
"He's a blazer -- the teams know it and he just has to get healthy now." (HSB)
About how a player only needs to catch the attention of one team's scout, Patek said:
"All you need is just one team to like you." (HA)
HA Note: "David Veikune already has several suitors. He had a solid Senior Bowl, and bench-pressed 225 pounds 35 times at the NFL Combine. For Pro Day, he decided to skip all of the tests except the 40-yard dash, and stand on his combine numbers. His goal was to complete the 40 in under 4.8 seconds. His two attempts were 4.82 and 4.81."
Unhappy with his 40 times, Veikune said:
"I'm a little disappointed." (HA)
HA Note: "But the scouts were more interested in Veikune's footwork. According to several scouts, Veikune showed he is capable of being an effective outside linebacker. Veikune, who was exclusively a defensive end in UH's 4-3 scheme, is being viewed "primarily as an outside linebacker" by teams running 3-4 defenses. For Veikune, that means lining up out of a two-point stance and learning to drop back into coverage."
About learning to be an OLB, Veikune said:
"It's a new position, but I'm a football player. I feel I can adjust." (HA)
HA Note: "Linebackers Adam Leonard and Solomon Elimimian — both of whom began training on the Mainland starting within days after the Dec. 24 Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl — had pedestrian numbers in the 40 yesterday. Elimimian, who is suffering from a tight hamstring, had a best of 4.75 seconds. Leonard, who appeared distracted after two false starts, ran 4.88."
Unhappy with his 40 time, Adam Leonard said:
"I was disappointed in my (40) time, but I felt good in the linebacker drills." (HA)
HA Note: "Elimimian's hamstring problems kept him from participating in the broad jump. But Elimimian, like Leonard and Veikune, showed "game quickness" in linebacker drills. They worked on change of directions, and balance."
HA Note: "Leonard, rush end Francis Maka and Patek trained at the Ikei Performance facility in Scottsdale, Ariz. The program's director, Chad Ikei, created a workout to help improve Leonard's bench-press technique and 40 time. Ikei placed restraining bands on a bar bell when Leonard worked with 405-pound weights. Leonard also worked on his reps with 225- and 240-pound weights."
About his workouts to prepare for Pro Day, Josh Leonard said:
"I wanted to do more reps with lighter weights." (HA)
HA Note: "Leonard bench-pressed 225 pounds 41 times. He also sprinted 40 yards in 4.99 and 4.93 seconds, and finished the pro-agility test in 4.35 seconds."
About his improved running times, Josh said:
"The first three days (of training), we worked on just my start. It's amazing how much technique is all in your start, your first 10 yards." (HAA)
HA Note: "Long-snapper Jake Ingram, meanwhile, received tips from Darrin Simmons, who coaches the Cincinnati Bengals' special teams. Simmons said long-snappers are evaluated on their accuracy, blocking and cover skills."
About attending UH's Pro Day to see Ingram, Simmons said:
"I wouldn't be here if Jake couldn't snap (accurately)." (HA)
About how the punt snapper has to cover punts in the NFL, Simmons said:
"you only have one punt formation you can use. The (snapper) is always involved in protection." (HA)
Simmons said that the most important thing about a long snapper is that:
"he has to have a good personality. In the NFL, (the players) don't go to class. They're with you the whole day. Can I stand to be around a guy for the whole day? Jake has a very good personality. I can be around him all day." (HA)
About how he weighs 230 and needs to gain 10 pounds, Ingram said:
"I need carbs." (HA)
HA Note: "Mouton has a meeting next week with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Adam Leonard has a private workout with his hometown Seattle Seahawks on Monday. Veikune is going to visit the Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans and Dallas Cowboys."
About all the teams he is visiting, Veikune said:
"I'm going to be busy." (HA)
About how he can catch the ball (something he didn't need to do at DE but a necessary skill for an OLB), Veikune said:
"I'm not going to lie, I've got hands." (HSB)
About showing the scouts he had the skills for a LB, Veikune said:
"I've only been doing linebacker drills for a month, and I wanted to show I'm athletic enough to play linebacker. It's different from having a hand on the ground and just trying to blow up the quarterback. You have to drop into open space. It's been different, but its fun learning a new position." (HSB)
About how Miano runs their Pro Day, which attracted between 50 and 60 scouts, Mac said:
"Rich Miano does an unbelievable job with this. It really was an impressive deal. ... We're really proud of our guys. It was just a class event." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Long snapper Jake Ingram, considered the top prospect at his position, got a thorough workout from the scouts, his agent, Wynn Silberman, said. Along with snapping, Ingram was tested on his ability to get downfield in coverage by a Cincinnati Bengals scout who worked him out for 35 minutes."
About Sol going through the workout despite aggravating his hamstring injury while running the 40, his agent Siberman said:
"He really gutted it out. We were proud of him today, it was a very gritty performance. The scouts were aware of the injury and they were impressed that he gutted it out." (HSB)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090403/SPORTS0201/904030364/1312&template=UHSports
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090403_warriors_put_on_a_show_for_pros.html
Thursday, April 2, 2009
UH's Pro Day is today, the day after USC's Pro Day
About scheduling their Pro Day to be right after USC's Pro Day, Rich Miano said:
"We're expecting a representative from every team. We find out when USC's day is. We want the most visibility, maximum exposure and it's worked out well for us. If we were out in Hawaii we wouldn't get the same representation. And Home Depot has been great to us, it's a beautiful facility." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Among the former Warriors expected to run through the tests and drills for the scouts are defensive linemen Veikune, Josh Leonard and Fale Laeli, cornerback Ryan Mouton, long snapper Jake Ingram, linebackers Solomon Elimimian and Adam Leonard, offensive lineman Keith AhSoon and punter Tim Grasso. Safety Jake Patek and defensive lineman Amani Purcell, who completed their UH careers in 2007, are also scheduled to run for the scouts."
"We're expecting a representative from every team. We find out when USC's day is. We want the most visibility, maximum exposure and it's worked out well for us. If we were out in Hawaii we wouldn't get the same representation. And Home Depot has been great to us, it's a beautiful facility." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Among the former Warriors expected to run through the tests and drills for the scouts are defensive linemen Veikune, Josh Leonard and Fale Laeli, cornerback Ryan Mouton, long snapper Jake Ingram, linebackers Solomon Elimimian and Adam Leonard, offensive lineman Keith AhSoon and punter Tim Grasso. Safety Jake Patek and defensive lineman Amani Purcell, who completed their UH careers in 2007, are also scheduled to run for the scouts."
Lametrius Davis keeps being moved between CB and safety
HA Note: "Lametrius Davis continues to impress coaches with his play at safety. Thing is, he moves to cornerback next week. And then back to safety. And then corner ..."
About how they might use Lametrius at either safety or CB, Rich Miano said:
"If our safeties come along, he might play corner. If not, he might play safety." (HA)
About how he was a bump-and-run CB at his JC, Davis said:
"The scheme is different here." (HA)
HA Note: "The Warriors often play in a zone. In the scheme, the corner has to be in sync with the linebackers."
About how Davis has to learn their zone scheme, Miano said:
"He was more of a man corner. He's got some work to do. We've got four months, and he's learning the system." (HA)
HA Note: "Davis will align as either a left corner or a right safety. The Warriors are dividing the safety duties into left and right instead of strong and free."
About adjusting to safety in their D, Davis said:
"I'm starting to feel comfortable." (HA)
About how they might use Lametrius at either safety or CB, Rich Miano said:
"If our safeties come along, he might play corner. If not, he might play safety." (HA)
About how he was a bump-and-run CB at his JC, Davis said:
"The scheme is different here." (HA)
HA Note: "The Warriors often play in a zone. In the scheme, the corner has to be in sync with the linebackers."
About how Davis has to learn their zone scheme, Miano said:
"He was more of a man corner. He's got some work to do. We've got four months, and he's learning the system." (HA)
HA Note: "Davis will align as either a left corner or a right safety. The Warriors are dividing the safety duties into left and right instead of strong and free."
About adjusting to safety in their D, Davis said:
"I'm starting to feel comfortable." (HA)
Chad Preacher is the #1 long-snapper
About trying to replace Jake Ingram as their long-snapper, Preacher said:
"They only know your name if you mess up. Following the guy who snapped last year is kind of a big deal. He was the best one in the country. I've been watching his films. He doesn't mess up." (HA)
About how he learned to long-snap when he was young at the urging of his father, Preacher said:
"I kept doing that all through high school. I played all of the positions, but I stayed with that. It was my door to get into college football." (HA)
About looking around at colleges when he was a senior in high school, Preacher said:
"I tried to find a place that needed a long-snapper." (HA)
About choosing UH, Preacher said:
"It's Hawai'i. It's beautiful out here. It has great people." (HA)
HA Note: "Preacher tries to snap every day. During the summers, he works out for two hours, often alone."
About his long-snapping workouts, Preacher said:
"You know one of those baseball nets you throw to? I've got the same thing. I got that for my 16th birthday. I throw it, and it bounces back. I tried to have my mom (serve as a receiver). She was out on the lawn and dad would be at work. I tried to snap it to her, but she couldn't do it. That's why we got the net." (HA)
"They only know your name if you mess up. Following the guy who snapped last year is kind of a big deal. He was the best one in the country. I've been watching his films. He doesn't mess up." (HA)
About how he learned to long-snap when he was young at the urging of his father, Preacher said:
"I kept doing that all through high school. I played all of the positions, but I stayed with that. It was my door to get into college football." (HA)
About looking around at colleges when he was a senior in high school, Preacher said:
"I tried to find a place that needed a long-snapper." (HA)
About choosing UH, Preacher said:
"It's Hawai'i. It's beautiful out here. It has great people." (HA)
HA Note: "Preacher tries to snap every day. During the summers, he works out for two hours, often alone."
About his long-snapping workouts, Preacher said:
"You know one of those baseball nets you throw to? I've got the same thing. I got that for my 16th birthday. I throw it, and it bounces back. I tried to have my mom (serve as a receiver). She was out on the lawn and dad would be at work. I tried to snap it to her, but she couldn't do it. That's why we got the net." (HA)
Feature on #1 RT Laupepa Letuli
HA Note: "Letuli, who is the Hawai'i football team's No. 1 offensive right tackle, credits his ascent to maturity, a renewed commitment to training and "prehab." His preventative rehabilitation program includes taking rest breaks each day. One of his uncles, a former pro football player, recommended proper rest to complement weight training and conditioning drills."
About his "prehab" rest breaks, Letuli said:
"I have little naps during the day. It helps a lot." (HA)
About his injuries, Letuli said:
"Every year it was something small or something big. It always hurt me in playing, which sucks. I have to overcome those. I try not to think about it." (HA)
About being put at LT, G, TE, RB, and DE, Letuli said:
"I was learning new positions every semester or every year. I was slowly learning bits and pieces." (HA)
About moving Letuli to RT after Kia won the LT spot, OL coach Gordy Shaw said:
"We were looking for the next best talented guy (behind Kia), and (Letuli) was the obvious guy. He took to it like duck takes to water." (HA)
About how the 6'4", 320-pound Letuli has the needed strength and skill, Shaw said:
"We worked on his technique. We're giving him things to make his confidence very high. When his confidence is high, he plays very well." (HA)
About his play this year, Letuli said:
"I'm a lot more focused." (HA)
About his "prehab" rest breaks, Letuli said:
"I have little naps during the day. It helps a lot." (HA)
About his injuries, Letuli said:
"Every year it was something small or something big. It always hurt me in playing, which sucks. I have to overcome those. I try not to think about it." (HA)
About being put at LT, G, TE, RB, and DE, Letuli said:
"I was learning new positions every semester or every year. I was slowly learning bits and pieces." (HA)
About moving Letuli to RT after Kia won the LT spot, OL coach Gordy Shaw said:
"We were looking for the next best talented guy (behind Kia), and (Letuli) was the obvious guy. He took to it like duck takes to water." (HA)
About how the 6'4", 320-pound Letuli has the needed strength and skill, Shaw said:
"We worked on his technique. We're giving him things to make his confidence very high. When his confidence is high, he plays very well." (HA)
About his play this year, Letuli said:
"I'm a lot more focused." (HA)
Jake Heun was happy to be moved from RB to DE
About his reaction to being moved from RB to DE, Heun said:
"Hell, yeah." (HSB)
"I'm excited. All through high school I played linebacker and in junior college (two years at City College of San Francisco) I played outside-middle linebacker. Absolutely (I'm more comfortable on defense). I feel like I can play football wherever. It's just a different mentality. Go after people again and such." (HSB)
About Heun's adjustment to DE, Dave Aranda said:
"He's handled it well. I think Jake is an old-school football player. He has good strength. He has explosive hips, and his speed is good. A good football understanding of the game, a guy you don't have to explain things more than once. All those things have helped in his transition to D-end." (HSB)
"Hell, yeah." (HSB)
"I'm excited. All through high school I played linebacker and in junior college (two years at City College of San Francisco) I played outside-middle linebacker. Absolutely (I'm more comfortable on defense). I feel like I can play football wherever. It's just a different mentality. Go after people again and such." (HSB)
About Heun's adjustment to DE, Dave Aranda said:
"He's handled it well. I think Jake is an old-school football player. He has good strength. He has explosive hips, and his speed is good. A good football understanding of the game, a guy you don't have to explain things more than once. All those things have helped in his transition to D-end." (HSB)
Feature on Jovonte Taylor
About how he's recovered from his illness that forced him to drop out of school last Fall, Taylor said:
"I've regained all my strength, gained all my weight back and I'm ready to hit it hard." (HSB)
About how Taylor is improved this season, Ron Lee said:
"On tape he was just fast. Now he's starting to get an understanding of what we're doing and he's picking it up really fast. What I like most is he seems to be at peace. He's taken care of his academics and he's really working hard to be a good player." (HSB)
About their first practice on the new surface at the Ching Complex, Mac said:
"We had a great practice. It allows you to practice fast and it's a neat surface. This is outstanding, the players really love it." (HSB)
About Taylor's speed, Ron Lee said:
"He's scary as far as speed." (HSB)
About his health problem last season, Taylor said:
"Whatever it was, it wasn't that nice, I can tell you that." (HSB)
About how he's recovered from his health problems, Taylor said:
"I think I got it all back. The speed is there, getting back into the rhythm of the offense, catching on real quick. The first day I was kind of rusty, but it's getting better and better." (HSB)
Taylor said that he started suffering from headaches in the week leading to their SJSU game:
"and from there it went out of control. It felt like I was on my death bed. ... It was horrible, I wouldn't wish that on anybody, not even my enemies." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Taylor said he dropped about 25 pounds while spending most of a three-week stretch in bed. He withdrew from his classes and returned to Los Angeles in October and eventually began to regain his appetite and his strength."
About how he began to recover after he returned to LA, Taylor said:
"The following week, I started working out, running again. That's when it started coming back." (HSB)
About how he won a state championship in the 100 meters while ata LA Southwest College, with his best time at 10.4 seconds, even though he didn't care much for track, Taylor said:
"I did it because I knew it would help me on the football field. I knew it would help me get faster. Instead of running wild, that slows you down a lot, with good form it keeps you straight and keeps you focused and you can run a lot faster, definitely." (HSB)
About Taylor's improvement in the offense, Ron Lee said:
"He's swimming a little bit, but he's going to be a good one. He looked at tape, so he's got a good understanding, but we're moving a little faster this spring. We're installing more, a lot of different coverages. He's coming along fine. He's going to be exciting." (HSB)
Looking forward to returning kickoffs, Taylor said:
"That's what I do. I love that." (HSB)
About being paired with Malcolm Lane (who averaged 26.5 yards per return) on kickoffs, Taylor grinned and said they could be:
"Dangerous. That's all I have to say." (HSB)
"I've regained all my strength, gained all my weight back and I'm ready to hit it hard." (HSB)
About how Taylor is improved this season, Ron Lee said:
"On tape he was just fast. Now he's starting to get an understanding of what we're doing and he's picking it up really fast. What I like most is he seems to be at peace. He's taken care of his academics and he's really working hard to be a good player." (HSB)
About their first practice on the new surface at the Ching Complex, Mac said:
"We had a great practice. It allows you to practice fast and it's a neat surface. This is outstanding, the players really love it." (HSB)
About Taylor's speed, Ron Lee said:
"He's scary as far as speed." (HSB)
About his health problem last season, Taylor said:
"Whatever it was, it wasn't that nice, I can tell you that." (HSB)
About how he's recovered from his health problems, Taylor said:
"I think I got it all back. The speed is there, getting back into the rhythm of the offense, catching on real quick. The first day I was kind of rusty, but it's getting better and better." (HSB)
Taylor said that he started suffering from headaches in the week leading to their SJSU game:
"and from there it went out of control. It felt like I was on my death bed. ... It was horrible, I wouldn't wish that on anybody, not even my enemies." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Taylor said he dropped about 25 pounds while spending most of a three-week stretch in bed. He withdrew from his classes and returned to Los Angeles in October and eventually began to regain his appetite and his strength."
About how he began to recover after he returned to LA, Taylor said:
"The following week, I started working out, running again. That's when it started coming back." (HSB)
About how he won a state championship in the 100 meters while ata LA Southwest College, with his best time at 10.4 seconds, even though he didn't care much for track, Taylor said:
"I did it because I knew it would help me on the football field. I knew it would help me get faster. Instead of running wild, that slows you down a lot, with good form it keeps you straight and keeps you focused and you can run a lot faster, definitely." (HSB)
About Taylor's improvement in the offense, Ron Lee said:
"He's swimming a little bit, but he's going to be a good one. He looked at tape, so he's got a good understanding, but we're moving a little faster this spring. We're installing more, a lot of different coverages. He's coming along fine. He's going to be exciting." (HSB)
Looking forward to returning kickoffs, Taylor said:
"That's what I do. I love that." (HSB)
About being paired with Malcolm Lane (who averaged 26.5 yards per return) on kickoffs, Taylor grinned and said they could be:
"Dangerous. That's all I have to say." (HSB)
ESPN will nationally televise the UH-Wisconsin game on 12/5
HA Note: "The University of Hawai'i's football game against Wisconsin on Dec. 5 will be televised nationally on ESPN or ESPN2 — one of at least two UH regular-season games this season on national TV."
About the ESPN games scheduled this season, WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said:
"The last five years in the WAC have featured two BCS games, 18 other bowl appearances, and four teams that posted undefeated regular seasons. We are expecting another exciting season in 2009 and are pleased to have ESPN as our television partner." (HA)
About the ESPN games scheduled this season, WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said:
"The last five years in the WAC have featured two BCS games, 18 other bowl appearances, and four teams that posted undefeated regular seasons. We are expecting another exciting season in 2009 and are pleased to have ESPN as our television partner." (HA)
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Feature on UH's Pro Day (tomorrow!)
About UH's Pro Day, agent Kenny Zuckerman (who represents David Veikune and Ryan Mouton) said:
"This is going to be big." (HA)
About the importance of their Pro Day, Josh Leonard said:
"It's a chance to show what I can do." (HA)
HA Note: "At the combine, Veikune bench-pressed 225 pounds 35 times, the fourth-highest total among the participants. In the 40-yard dash, his announced official time was 4.87 seconds, ninth best among the linemen. But that was the slowest reading by the three timers. One official clocked Veikune at 4.79 seconds."
About how he will focus on the 40-yard dash and agility drills during Pro Day (he will not bench press), Veikune said:
"I want to run in the low 4.7s." (HA)
About how teams are looking to see if they can move Veikune to OLB in a 3-4 D, Zuckerman said:
"Teams are coming back because they want to see what he can do as a linebacker." (HA)
HA Note: "Last week, the Miami Dolphins conducted a private workout for Veikune and USC linebackers Brian Cushing, Clay Matthews and Rey Maualuga. Yesterday, Veikune had a private workout with linebacker coach Don Martindale of the Denver Broncos."
About his private workout with Broncos coach Martindale, Veikune said:
"It was a 30-minute workout. He wanted to see how I would react as a linebacker in different coverages." (HA)
HA Note: "Mouton also has drawn a lot of attention after his success in the East-West Shrine Game and NFL Scouting Combine. He had a 39 1/2-inch vertical jump and a broad jump of 10 feet, 9 inches. At the combine, Mouton popped his left hamstring at the 32-yard mark of the 40-yard dash. He still finished in 4.48 seconds, fourth best among defensive backs. Mouton's hamstring is now sound, and he is expected to attempt the 40 again."
Zuckerman said Veikune and Mouton will
"try to improve on what they did at the combine. At Pro Day, even though they won't be at home, they'll be more comfortable." (HA)
About how he's been told that his NFL future is at OLB, Sol said:
"That's why I want to show my speed." (HA)
About focusing on resistance workouts for his speed training, Sol said:
"It trains your muscles to move faster." (HA)
Sol said that he's received inquiries from several NFL teams, but:
"if I run a good 40 time, it will help me a lot." (HA)
"This is going to be big." (HA)
About the importance of their Pro Day, Josh Leonard said:
"It's a chance to show what I can do." (HA)
HA Note: "At the combine, Veikune bench-pressed 225 pounds 35 times, the fourth-highest total among the participants. In the 40-yard dash, his announced official time was 4.87 seconds, ninth best among the linemen. But that was the slowest reading by the three timers. One official clocked Veikune at 4.79 seconds."
About how he will focus on the 40-yard dash and agility drills during Pro Day (he will not bench press), Veikune said:
"I want to run in the low 4.7s." (HA)
About how teams are looking to see if they can move Veikune to OLB in a 3-4 D, Zuckerman said:
"Teams are coming back because they want to see what he can do as a linebacker." (HA)
HA Note: "Last week, the Miami Dolphins conducted a private workout for Veikune and USC linebackers Brian Cushing, Clay Matthews and Rey Maualuga. Yesterday, Veikune had a private workout with linebacker coach Don Martindale of the Denver Broncos."
About his private workout with Broncos coach Martindale, Veikune said:
"It was a 30-minute workout. He wanted to see how I would react as a linebacker in different coverages." (HA)
HA Note: "Mouton also has drawn a lot of attention after his success in the East-West Shrine Game and NFL Scouting Combine. He had a 39 1/2-inch vertical jump and a broad jump of 10 feet, 9 inches. At the combine, Mouton popped his left hamstring at the 32-yard mark of the 40-yard dash. He still finished in 4.48 seconds, fourth best among defensive backs. Mouton's hamstring is now sound, and he is expected to attempt the 40 again."
Zuckerman said Veikune and Mouton will
"try to improve on what they did at the combine. At Pro Day, even though they won't be at home, they'll be more comfortable." (HA)
About how he's been told that his NFL future is at OLB, Sol said:
"That's why I want to show my speed." (HA)
About focusing on resistance workouts for his speed training, Sol said:
"It trains your muscles to move faster." (HA)
Sol said that he's received inquiries from several NFL teams, but:
"if I run a good 40 time, it will help me a lot." (HA)
Feature story on JC DBs Lametrius Davis and Melvin Hopkins
About living in Hawaii, Davis (from Butte College in California) said:
"You can't really compare it really, because it's a different atmosphere here. In Hawaii it's different because you feel like everybody knows you. (At Butte) everybody knew us and everything, but over here it's a whole 'nother level of popularity." (HSB)
About relying on their JC DBs to play right away (since no starters return this season) while their high school recruits get adjusted to playing at the college level, Rich Miano said:
"These junior college guys, I think they realize that clock, that window of opportunity is that much smaller. They seem to be much more focused and driven on trying to start, to play next (season). They're mature. Their attitudes are good." (HSB)
About the 100 or so fans that watched their first practice, Davis said:
"I was looking around, looking at everybody like, 'Dang, this is how it is, how it looks at the next level.' Oh no, we never had that (for a JC practice)." (HSB)
About the 100 fans watching them practice, Hopkins said:
"Everything's just different. It's like, I'd never had so many people watch a practice like that. It makes it feel like a game. I can get used to that, but I've never been a part of this. It's crazy." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Hopkins must put on some muscle to earn either the left or right cornerback job, Miano said, but if both he and Davis can build off their initial showing through the next four months until fall camp, things bode well."
About how both Hopkins and Davis have a chance to start or contribute, Miano said:
"Both of those guys should be contributors, if not starters. Those guys have been pretty much what we hoped or expected. We've got a long way to go, it's only been one practice, but I see those guys have the right focus and attitude to definitely make an impact for us." (HSB)
Asked if they are rebuilding on defense, Davis (whose Butte Roadrunners went 12-0 last season) said:
"I really don't feel ... well, just from experience, we're building from scratch, but I think the players here, they all hungry. It's a good thing, like Coach Miano said, everybody's hungry, everybody wants to make a name for themself. That's going to be good for everybody in the secondary, because everybody going to compete. Every play's going to be hard, because every play could determine whether you're going to play or not. You're going to get the most out of everybody." (HSB)
About the D-IA atmosphere, Hopkins said:
"Oh, it's way better, way better. More intense, it's great." (HSB)
"You can't really compare it really, because it's a different atmosphere here. In Hawaii it's different because you feel like everybody knows you. (At Butte) everybody knew us and everything, but over here it's a whole 'nother level of popularity." (HSB)
About relying on their JC DBs to play right away (since no starters return this season) while their high school recruits get adjusted to playing at the college level, Rich Miano said:
"These junior college guys, I think they realize that clock, that window of opportunity is that much smaller. They seem to be much more focused and driven on trying to start, to play next (season). They're mature. Their attitudes are good." (HSB)
About the 100 or so fans that watched their first practice, Davis said:
"I was looking around, looking at everybody like, 'Dang, this is how it is, how it looks at the next level.' Oh no, we never had that (for a JC practice)." (HSB)
About the 100 fans watching them practice, Hopkins said:
"Everything's just different. It's like, I'd never had so many people watch a practice like that. It makes it feel like a game. I can get used to that, but I've never been a part of this. It's crazy." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Hopkins must put on some muscle to earn either the left or right cornerback job, Miano said, but if both he and Davis can build off their initial showing through the next four months until fall camp, things bode well."
About how both Hopkins and Davis have a chance to start or contribute, Miano said:
"Both of those guys should be contributors, if not starters. Those guys have been pretty much what we hoped or expected. We've got a long way to go, it's only been one practice, but I see those guys have the right focus and attitude to definitely make an impact for us." (HSB)
Asked if they are rebuilding on defense, Davis (whose Butte Roadrunners went 12-0 last season) said:
"I really don't feel ... well, just from experience, we're building from scratch, but I think the players here, they all hungry. It's a good thing, like Coach Miano said, everybody's hungry, everybody wants to make a name for themself. That's going to be good for everybody in the secondary, because everybody going to compete. Every play's going to be hard, because every play could determine whether you're going to play or not. You're going to get the most out of everybody." (HSB)
About the D-IA atmosphere, Hopkins said:
"Oh, it's way better, way better. More intense, it's great." (HSB)
The football schedule out!
About the 36-day gap between homes games (9/4 Central Arkansas, 10/10 Fresno State), Rocky Savaiigaea said:
"That's crazy. I've never seen anything like that. But it's football. You have to play no matter what." (HA)
About their schedule, Mac said:
"You gotta play what you gotta play. It'll all work out." (HA)
"I think it's a competitive schedule and a challenging schedule. I think its a good home schedule for our fans. We have to come out with great desire and a sense of urgency in our first three ballgames." (HSB)
About how they will stay in Vegas between the Washington State and UNLV games but will return to Honolulu before the Louisiana Tech game, Mac said:
"We'll come home and do our laundry and we'll get back on the road." (HA)
HA Note: "McMackin acknowledged that it will be a hardship for fans not to see a home game for more than seven weeks. But he said the second half of the season will be favorable for UH supporters. The Warriors will play home games against four schools that played in bowls in 2008 — Fresno State, Boise State, Navy and Wisconsin."
About playing home games against 4 teams that played in bowls in 2008, Mac said:
"They are good teams, championship teams. It's important that we win at home. That's why we need to fill the stadium for these home games." (HA)
"That's crazy. I've never seen anything like that. But it's football. You have to play no matter what." (HA)
About their schedule, Mac said:
"You gotta play what you gotta play. It'll all work out." (HA)
"I think it's a competitive schedule and a challenging schedule. I think its a good home schedule for our fans. We have to come out with great desire and a sense of urgency in our first three ballgames." (HSB)
About how they will stay in Vegas between the Washington State and UNLV games but will return to Honolulu before the Louisiana Tech game, Mac said:
"We'll come home and do our laundry and we'll get back on the road." (HA)
HA Note: "McMackin acknowledged that it will be a hardship for fans not to see a home game for more than seven weeks. But he said the second half of the season will be favorable for UH supporters. The Warriors will play home games against four schools that played in bowls in 2008 — Fresno State, Boise State, Navy and Wisconsin."
About playing home games against 4 teams that played in bowls in 2008, Mac said:
"They are good teams, championship teams. It's important that we win at home. That's why we need to fill the stadium for these home games." (HA)
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