Notes about how much TV money each D-IA conference gets

C-USA gets $43 mil over 5 years from Fox and about $8 mil/year from CBS College Sports. ESPN gets to show the C-USA title game on ESPN2, but it is unclear how much money ESPN will pay for the title game. So, C-USA gets about $16.3 mil/year (not counting on any ESPN money), about $1.36 mil/school:
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-08-16/sports/os-conference-usa-espn-tv-20110816_1_fox-sports-media-group-contract-extension-agreement-contract-negotiations

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2010-07-25/sports/os-cusa-media-news-20100725_1_c-usa-commissioner-britton-banowsky-southern-mississippi-larry-fedora

Notre Dame gets $15 mil/year from NBC and their deal expires after the 2015 season:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/11/sports/ncaafootball/11sandomir.html

The Big East currently gets $5 mil per football school from its ESPN contract that expires after the 2013 football season. They turned down an offer of $11 mil/school from ESPN and hope to get $19 mil to $23 mil per school:
http://www.boston.com/sports/colleges/extras/colleges_blog/2011/08/big_east_confid.html

Instead of signing a $150k over 3 year deal for radio rights, UH became an equity partner with KKEA:
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/ferdswords/20110728_UHs_radio_rights_deal_is_an_interesting_partnership.html

Article about the MWC's financial struggles, mentions that getting AQ status will only mean about $1 mil more per school. The MWC may remain underpaid by TV because the MWC markets only cover 5% of the US population:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/jul/27/mountain-west-facing-financial-struggles/


Nice summary of the TV deals:
ACC $155 million 2011 through 2022-23 ESPN/ABC
Big 12 $90 million 2012 through 2024-25 Fox
$60 million 2008 through 2015-16 ESPN/ABC
Big East $36 million 2007 through 2013 ESPN/ABC
Big Ten $232 million 2007 through 2031-32 The Big Ten Network*
$20 million 2006 through 2015-16 CBS
Conference USA $15.6-16.1 million 2011 through 2015-16 CBS College Sports
Mountain West $11.7 million 2007 through 2013-14 CBS College Sports
Pac-12 $250 million 2011 through 2022-23 ESPN and Fox
SEC $150 million 2009 through 2023-24 ESPN/ABC
$55 million 2009 through 2023-24 CBS College Sports

http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2011/05/09/Media/Pac-10.aspx


The Big 12 signed a 13-year, $1.17 bil deal with Fox for their 2nd-choice TV rights. So, the 2nd-choice TV rights bring in $90 mil/year, an increase of 350%. The first-choice TV rights belong to ABC/ESPN until 2015-2016, and bring in $60 mil/year. If that goes up 350% then the Big 12 will be rolling in money...as it is, the conference will be stable with the new contract and with Texas/Oklahoma getting their own TV networks.
http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/04/13/big-12-set-to-announce-new-tv-deal/


Fox was paying just $20 mil/year for the Big 12 second-tier TV rights...$90 mil is a huge raise. Every Big 12 home football game will be on TV now.
http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/40764/what-the-big-12s-new-tv-deal-means


Apparently Texas, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M were offered $20 mil/year each to stay in the Big 12, with the extra money coming from the shares of the other Big 12 schools...Texas and Oklahoma turned down the offer of extra money but Texas A&M demanded the $20 mil/year:
http://www.kansascity.com/2011/04/13/2799218/tv-deal-is-tie-that-binds-big.html


San Diego State's President said that C-USA schools (in other words, Houston/SMU/UTEP) were not interested in joining the MWC after C-USA increased their TV money:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/jan/25/mountain-west-holding-expansion/


Update 1/23/11:

HawaiiMongoose had a nice summary of the TV deals:

MWC - Through 2016, signed with Comcast and CBS for $12MM/YR, but membership changes allow the contract to be renegotiated now
Pac12 - Through 2012, signed with Fox and ESPN/ABC for $53MM/YR; renegotiation is now underway
Big East - Through 2014, signed with ESPN/ABC for approximately $40MM/YR; may be renegotiated early
Big 12 - Through 2016, signed with ESPN/ABC and Fox for approximately $135MM/YR
Big 10 - Through 2017, signed with ESPN/ABC for $200MM/YR (and Fox for Big 10 Network which generates additional $50MM+/YR)
ACC - Through 2023, signed with ESPN/ABC for $155MM/YR
SEC - Through 2024, Signed with ESPN/ABC and CBS for $205MM/YR

http://www.mwcboard.com/www/forums/index.php?showtopic=31029&st=25

Update 1/5/11:

C-USA chose Fox sports over ESPN. Fox gave them 5-years, $38 million beginning in 2011 (replacing a 6-year, $22 mil contract from ESPN). They also signed a 6-year, $42 mil contract with CBS College sports. That is $14.6 mil from TV, $1.22 mil/school each year:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/7367052.html

ACC: 2010-11 (new contract runs to 2022-23)
Big 12: 2015-16 ABC Football/ESPN Basketball, 2011-12 FSN Football/All Other Sports
Big East: 2013-14 ABC/ESPN Football & Basketball, CBS Basketball
Big Ten: 2016-17 ABC/ESPN, 2026-27 Fox/Big Ten Netork
C-USA: 2010-11 CBS College & ESPN (CBS College has new contract extending to 2015-16)
MAC: 2016-17 ESPN
MWC: 2015-16 CBS College
Pac-12: 2011-12 ABC & FSN
SEC: 2023-24 CBS & ESPN
Sun Belt: 2011-12 ESPN
WAC: 2016-17 ESPN

Texas is reportedly going to get $12 million per year (10 years guaranteed) from ESPN for its TV rights for its network. This is in addition to the $20 million per year Texas will get from its Big 12 TV money:
http://texas.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1148672

If Boise State makes a BCS bowl, UH gets $1.055 million, if a MWC team makes a BCS bowl, UH gets $429,500, and if no non-AQ team makes a BCS bowl, UH gets $311k:
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/ferdswords/20101104_The_decision_between_money_and_victory_is_an_easy_one.html

The Pac-12 expects to go from $5.3 million per year in TV money to between $10.8 million and $14.1 million. USC and UCLA will get an extra $2 million per year until the TV revenue is big enough:
http://www.denverpost.com/colleges/ci_16382545

ESPN's TV deal with the WAC guarantees 10 ESPN/ESPN2 games plus 6 on ESPNU:
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20101019_ESPN_airing_UH-Boise_would_dent_PPV_cash.html

BYU is getting $8 million in 2010 for its football telecasts in its first year as an independent:
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/sports/50363126-77/mtn-byu-utah-league.html.csp


The Big East has 2 TV contracts, each football-playing member gets $3.67 million from ESPN (6-year, $80 million deal for football, 6-year $138 million for basketball from ESPN and $54 million from CBS)
http://blogs.dailymail.com/wvu/2010/06/23/evaluating-and-projecting-big-east-tv-deal/


The SEC, Big East, and ACC have reportedly been told that their TV deals will not be redone if they add schools--so, if they expand, they will get less money per school. The Big 12 is looking for a 4-year cable TV deal so that all of its TV rights will come up for bid in 2016:
http://texas.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1129216


C-USA extended its TV deal with CBS College Sports through 2016 and is said to be close to extending their deal with ESPN. The CBSCS rights increased by 15% in their contract extension:
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_college_ucf/2010/07/conference-usa-expects-to-make-about-8-million-a-year-off-cbs-college-sports-tv-contract-continues-negotiations-with-espn.html

ESPN gets first choice of games, CBSCS gets second choice, and then local TV deals are allowed to show the games that neither network chooses. C-USA tried to learn from the problems that the MWC had with its TV deal to provide flexibility and visibility for their schools.



The Pac-10 does *not* share TV revenue equally--USC gets around $5 million more than a school like Washington State. USC, UCLA, and Washington have blocked the Pac-10 from going to a more equal split of revenue:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/budwithers/2012384965_withers18.html


West Virginia *lost* $1.1 million when they went to the 2008 Fiesta Bowl:
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/x/s_657537.html?source=emailthis


Industry analysts project Texas could produce up to $5 million per year in additional revenues from the network, once it is established. But those numbers could be low. Florida reportedly makes in excess of $8 million per year from its network, tops among SEC schools:
http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/06/15/2268189/longhorns-hope-to-get-tv-network.html#ixzz0r2Xgasx9


TV experts say that a TV network for Oklahoma might not make money because they don't have the population base to overcome the high expenses for a network. Oklahoma has 3x the population than Hawaii, a big presence in several big Texas markets, and is a national brand...if they cannot make a profit on a network then most schools cannot:
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9GCEPEO0.htm


The MWC gets $120 million over 10 years, running through 2015-2016. ESPN pays the WAC about $4 million per year, so BSU would get about $700k more per year to go to the MWC.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/05/21/1201115/mountain-west-tv-what-you-need.html

http://voices.idahostatesman.com/2010/05/20/ccripe/detailing_mountain_west_tv_contract


The ACC got a new ESPN TV deal for $155 million per year, far higher than the $67 million per year they have on their TV deal expiring in 2011. This is less than the $205 million per year that the SEC gets, but still a *huge* step up in their revenue. The TV deal is reported to be $1.86 billion over 12 years. ESPN had to outbid FOX for the TV rights, which increased the deal from the previously estimated $120 million per year:

http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/stories/2010/05/17/daily2.html


According to the Sports Business Journal, the Big Ten Network, launched in June 2006, has been hugely profitable. In 2007, the network generated $217.7 million and paid each of the 11 schools approximately $18.8 million. And in 2008, the payout increased to $22 million apiece.

The Southeastern Conference, according to the Sports Business Journal, paid its schools about $11 million apiece in 2007, while the Pac 10, which has been talking expansion and creation of its own network, paid between $7 million and $11.5 million, the Big 12 paid between $7 and $12 million, and the Big East paid about $4.5 million to its schools.

http://www.detnews.com/article/20100505/SPORTS0203/5050464/1133/SPORTS/Speculation-mounts--but-future-of-Big-Ten-is-unknown#ixzz0nAp1sf2L

The SEC has a 15-year, $3.075 billion TV contract. That is $205 million per year, $17.08 million per team
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/stewart_mandel/07/24/sec-espn/index.html

The Big 10 Network is *really* paying off for the Big 10--they make more than $17 million per team now and their revenue keeps increasing each year as they get more cable companies to carry them.
http://www.statesman.com/sports/longhorns/texas-headed-to-the-big-ten-not-likely-230052.html

The Big 12 does not share money evenly, with Texas making BY FAR the most TV money (due to network appearances and NCAA tournament success)...but Texas only gets between $7 million and $10 million per year and the rest of the conference gets less.
http://new.cbssports.com/collegefootball/story/12910849/expansion-would-boost-pac10-but-leave-wake-of-disruption?utm_source=bleacherreport.com

According to this link, the Big 12 made about $80 million in TV money last year, which comes out to an average of $6.7 million per team.

http://www.freep.com/article/20100214/COL08/2140476/Texas-to-the-Big-Ten?-Its-possible

ACC teams each get $6.1 million per year from TV (SI article above).

Update on the ACC: They now get $70 million per year for TV rights (about $6 million per school) and are currently negotiating to try to get $120 million per year (about $10 million per school):

http://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=article.preview&articleid=65017

MWC has got a 7-year, $82 million contract through 2013-2014. That comes out to $11.7 million per year or $1.3 million per team

C-USA got $45.8 million over 6 years from CBCCS and $22 million over six years from ESPN (through 2010-2011), which comes out to $11.3 million per year or about $1 million per team

C-USA's exit fee is just $500k. MWC and WAC have no exit fee. Schools do have to forfeit the conference revenue in their final year in the conference when they decide to leave.

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110102_eyes_of_mwc_are_upon_texas.html

Note:

The CBS Sportsline article from 2009 stated that the Big 10 Network would make $2.8 million per year. The article also mentions $100 million per year from ESPN from the Big 10. However, this 2010 article mentions that the Big 10 Network made nearly $250 million! So, the Big 10's TV revenue was approximately $102.8 million in 2008 and $250 million in 2009...a huge increase.

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/84357987.html

The Big Ten paid out nearly $18.8 million to each of its schools in 2008, and The Sporting News projected that this figure topped $20 million each for member schools in 2009. In contrast, the University of Missouri earned $8.4 million in 2008 and was projected to receive about $10 million this year.

Texas took home $10.2 million in 2008 from the conference, as the league’s revenue sharing is not completely equal. Even if the Big Ten expands by another team, this amount would still be approximately $ 8–10 million more per school than what the Big 12 currently pays out.

http://www.globe-democrat.com/news/2010/feb/23/inside-sports-business-changing-conferences-all-ab/

UH will apparently receive about $400k from the WAC's TV deal in 2010, which includes a $75k inconvenience fee for playing the USC game on a Thursday. Given that there are 9 teams in the WAC, that would seem to indicate that the WAC's TV contract is worth between $3 million and $4 million per year.

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100217/SPORTS0201/2170366&template=UHsports

The Pac-10 doesn't share TV money equally:

2008 TV revenue:
USC $6,469,584
UCLA $4,905,922
Oregon State $4,864,571
Washington $4,740,518
California $4,388,159
Arizona State $4,091,777
Oregon $3,967,724
Stanford $3,449,961
Arizona $3,342,259
Wash. State $3,029,526

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2009256167_uwmoney24.html

Overall conference revenue distribution (2008-2009 academic year):

USC: $11,479,242
Oregon: $9,277,342
OSU: $9,922,072
Cal: $8,851,138
Washington: $8,447,330
UCLA: $8,783,712
Arizona: $8,181,329
ASU: $7,910,038
Stanford: $7,216,848
WSU: $6,676,774

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/collegesports/2010/08/12/pac-10-football-conference-revenue-and-per-school-distribution-figures/

UH gets $135k per year from Under Armour and product allowances, marketing support and other extras valued at a total of $465k per year. Honolulu Advertiser 5/16/2010.

Michigan is getting $66.5 million over 8 years from Adidas

Notre Dame is getting $60 million over 10 years from Adidas

North Carolina is getting $33.7 million over 10 years from Nike

Alabama is getting $30 million over 8 years from Nike

http://blog.al.com/solomon/2010/05/alabamas_nike_deal_comes_with.html

Winning has sure paid off for Boise State's licensing revenue stream--from $70k per year in 2002-2003 to over $700k last year. BSU's bookstore ships BSU merchandise to all 50 states and mainstream department stores sell their merchandise:
http://www.cnbc.com/id/39042050


Boise State makes about $1.86 million per home game:
http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/10/09/1372804/scheduling-top-teams-now-a-tougher.html

Chancellor Hinshaw approved a proposal for a $50 per semester Student Athletic Fee!

HA Note: "A new proposal for a student athletic fee that could help the University of Hawai'i athletic department balance its annual budget is headed toward the Board of Regents for review. Spokesman Gregg Takayama said Mānoa chancellor Virginia S. Hinshaw has signed off on the proposal that would assess all full- and part-time students $50 per semester and result in $2 million per year in revenue. The proposal, which is expected to be passed on by UH President M.R.C. Greenwood, could go before the regents as soon as the July 15 meeting. The regents are not scheduled to meet next month. But even if it is approved this summer, UH officials said the fee would not be assessed until January 2011."

HA Note: "UH is the only school in the nine-member Western Athletic Conference without some form of a student fee and has sought to implement one for more than two years over the opposition of student government leaders."

About how the Associated Students of the University of Hawaii (ASUH) are opposed to a athletic fee, ASUH VP-elect Anna Koethe said:
"On behalf of ASUH, I am strongly opposed to an athletic fee at this current time." (HA)

About how Hinshaw responded to the objections last year from several student groups and committees but looking to see how the students could get better value, Takayama said Hinshaw: "asked the athletic department to take another look. The new proposal makes several changes to prior proposals." (HA)

HA Note: "In exchange for the $50 per semester fee, the current proposal would set aside seats for students at all events where an admission fee is charged. For example, up to 10 percent of Aloha Stadium's 50,000-seat capacity, would be for students. In the event student demand exceeds the allotment, a committee composed of students, athletic representatives and campus administrators would be charged with finding a solution.

Five percent of the money collected would be turned over to the committee, which would earmark the funds to enhance the student experience through promotions, giveaways, transportation or additional and varied events.

In addition, Takayama said, the athletic department would host a free concert for students in the Stan Sheriff Center at the beginning of each school year."

About how it would be good to get students attend more athletic events, JD said:
"Getting the students more involved in athletics would be a win-win all the way around." (HA)

About how the Chancellor knows that there is opposition to the athletic fee but it is needed for the financial stability of the University, Takayama said:
"the chancellor realizes there is still going to be concern or opposition on the part of some but what she is prepared to tell those (people) is that she has to address the financial stability of the entire university, including athletics. It is her feeling that a strong, financially stable sports program is important not just for the university, but the entire community, our alumni, other supporters and possible donors." (HA)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100506/SPORTS02/5060362&template=UHsports

Feature article on RGM and Bess

MH = Miami Herald

MH Note: "He sprinted around the field with those same quick and compact steps, catching passes and returning punts while dreadlocks flowed from the back of his helmet. For two years, Dolphins wide receiver Davone Bess has been easy to spot at the team's facility because of those very qualities. So this was nothing unusual. But it wasn't Bess."

Pointing out a difference between Bess and him, RGM said:
"My dreadlocks are a little bit longe." (MH)

MH Note: "Just how similar are Grice-Mullen and Bess? While they played college football together at Hawaii, Grice-Mullen's own mother had to begin developing detailed ways to distinguish one from the other if she couldn't see their jersey numbers."

About how she tells Bess apart from her son RGM, Sheila Pinkney said:
"You know how I tell them apart? Their legs. Davone has big thighs. And Ryan crosses his feet on the sideline. If he's getting a breather, he crosses his feet. That's how I can keep an eye on him." (MH)

MH Note: "Bess and Grice-Mullen, two free spirits with eerily similar personalities, have become such kindred spirits away from the field that Pinkney said she considers Bess to be more like a son than a friend. Every Mother's Day, Bess phones Pinkney."

MH Note: "It's a special bond that began on the field at Hawaii, where the duo became known as "the dread heads" while piling up huge numbers. As juniors, they combined for 214 catches and 25 touchdowns in 2007 before declaring for the NFL Draft."

About Bess and RGM being at UH at the same time, Miami head coach Tony Sparano said:
"It must have been a heck of a 7-on-7 [passing drill during practice] down there in Hawaii when you're throwing the ball around and these two guys are moving all over the place." (MH)

MH Note: "Whereas the friendship remained firmly intact, the paths of both began to diverge. Both undrafted, Bess landed in Miami and immediately thrived in a system that relied on his nonstop motor. But Grice-Mullen, who landed in Houston, tweaked his hamstring before he could prove the same type of worth as Bess."

About being cut after he got injured, RGM said:
"If you have an injury as a free agent, you're gone. That was the thing that hurt the most. It wasn't like I got released because I wasn't good enough. I just wasn't able to show my talent." (MH)

MH Note: "Although two is better than one in many industries, the Dolphins aren't afforded such luxuries because there are only 53 roster spots. And with Brandon Marshall, Greg Camarillo, Brian Hartline and Bess all established, it makes it even more difficult. Plus, the team still is developing Patrick Turner."

Pointing out some differences between RGM and Bess, Sparano said:
"He has shown me good ability to judge the football back there which is a major hurdle with any returner is to get by that type of deal. So I feel like he's going to be a pretty good decision maker." (MH)

About how he and Bess can handle different roles, RGM said:
"I do definitely see that fit. One thing from playing at Hawaii, we're both versatile. We can play different spots. You can move us in the slot, and we can handle ourselves outside for small guys. We can both do the return game, too." (MH)

About how Bess will always support him, RGM said:
"The best thing about Davone, even if I'd gone to another team, he's just excited I'm getting my chance again. It's always been nothing but love.'' (MH)

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/05/1615342/miami-dolphins-reunite-dread-heads.html

Aaron Kia will get a tryout with the Jets

HA Note: "Kia has been invited to participate in the New York Jets' organized team activities (OTA) beginning May 15. The workouts will serve as a tryout, and if Kia does well, he might receive a free-agent contract from the Jets."

About how Brashton Satele was the first person to call him after learning that he was invited to OTAs with the Jets, Aaron Kia said:
"I wanted to know what the weather would be like in New York." (HA)

About how his tryout with the 49ers should help him in his tryout with the Jets, Kia said:
"Now I have an idea of what to expect." (HA)

About how he weighed 281 pounds at UH's Pro Day and was about 290 at the start of the 49ers' mini-camp, Kia said:
"My goal is to be over 300. I want to be solid. I don't want to be flabby." (HA)

About how he's training with his brother Micah (UCLA OL) and former UCLA DL Jerzy Siewierski, Kia said:
"I've got two more weeks to gain some more weight and continue training. It's not like I'm relying on somebody else. It's up to me. I have a legitimate shot. Hopefully, it will happen. It's an opportunity." (HA)

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100505/SPORTS04/5050365/1049/sportsfront/Former+Warrior+Kia+gets+Jet+tryout

Reports reviewing the end of Spring Practice (Moniz is still in the top group of QBs)

HA Note: "Although the Hawai'i football team will not release a post-spring-training depth chart, it has established a two-tier system for the quarterbacks. Head coach Greg McMackin said Shane Austin, David Graves, Brent Rausch and Bryant Moniz are in the top group. Cayman Shutter, Corey Nielsen and incoming freshman Kevin Spain are in the second group."

HA Note: "Offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich acknowledged that Moniz still "was No. 1" when he departed. McMackin said Moniz will remain in that first tier despite the absence. Still, Rolovich said, "nobody really separated" himself from the other quarterbacks during the 15 practices of spring training spread over a month."

About how Royce Pollard is ahead of Billy Ray Stutzmann at right wideout, Rolo said that Pollard:
"had a very good spring. It seemed like he made bigger plays for us this spring than he did in the past." (HA)

About how Billy Ray was hampered by nagging injuries, Rolo said:
"I thought Billy Ray started off spring really well. He got banged up a little bit." (HA)

About how there never is enough time to get everything done in the Spring, Dave Aranda said:
"The first two weeks we really installed heavy, so the last two weeks we've been repping it out and getting to know the details and adjustments. There's still other things that need to be inserted, but I feel the base of our defense is in. You'd like for spring to get a look at people, you'd like to get looks at the Army option, the USC power, the Colorado quick-throwing game. ... You have to juggle your time and there's not enough time." (HSB)

About how they have to cut between 30 and 35 players this week, Mack said:
"We'll make some decisions. Everybody out there is a player, you just have to do the tough thing and it's a numbers thing." (HSB)

About their play in their final scrimmage, Mack said:
"It shows that it's really competitive because there were plays made on both sides of the ball, big-time hits, and big plays on offense. We're moving in the right direction." (HSB)

About how Stepter and Ornellas played a lot more because their top 3 CBs were sitting out by the end of the Spring, Aranda said:
"Our twos were also our threes and fours. Real proud of those guys, they were able to do what they needed to do. We're down to bare bones and (Rich Miano and Chris Tormey) coached them up." (HSB)

Feeling like they are more experienced and have depth now, Mack said:
"We have veterans now. We had seven starters back last year, we have 17 back this year and we played without several of our players (due to injuries). I feel we have some depth and we're young. That's what I like about this team, they're young and hungry and competitive." (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/20100504_UH_ends_productive_spring.html

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100504/SPORTS0201/5040346&template=UHsports

The UH Athletic Department is projecting a $2 million deficit, $600k less than the previous year

HA Note: "The University of Hawai'i athletic department is projecting a deficit of approximately $2 million when the current fiscal year ends in less than two months, which could mark an improvement of as much as $600,000 from the previous one. But the shortfall remains in line with a February forecast to the Board of Regents predicting the accumulated net deficit will hit $10.1 million when the books close June 30, 2010.

UH had a $2.63 million deficit for the fiscal year that closed June 30, 2009. It was the seventh time in eight years a deficit has been recorded. Only the Sugar Bowl year of 2007 did not close in the red. The accumulated net deficit, which has been building since 2002, was $8,051,123 as of June 30, 2009."

About how the deficits will continue, an independent auditor's report in February concluded:
"in the near term, during the next two or three fiscal years, it is probably not realistic for Manoa athletics to self-generate enough revenues at the current level of allocated revenues to produce a balanced budget." (HA)

JD said that UH's deficit will end up:
"somewhere between $1.8 million and $2.2 million." (HA)

HA Note: "UH said it has kept about 12.5 percent of its athletic department positions vacant to help save money and attempted to tap new revenue opportunities."

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100504/SPORTS02/5040345&template=UHsports

Feature article on how Colt Brennan is still confident

WP = Washington Post

WP Note: "If there's one truth for anyone who writes about the Redskins, it is this: every so often -- maybe every couple weeks, or maybe every couple days, or maybe every couple hours -- you'll get an e-mail asking about Colt Brennan's future with the organization. It's remarkable. Without a doubt, I get more e-mails about Brennan than any other single player, and I know some colleagues have said the same. This for a man who has never thrown an NFL regular-season pass."

About his criticism in the media, Colt said that media members are:
"trying sometimes to discredit why I get a lot of support." (WP)

About how his critics say that he's cocky, Colt said:
"I'm very confident. People say I'm a cocky, arrogant guy. I'm not. I'm not. I'm just not gonna let anyone convince me that I can't be a great quarterback in this league someday." (WP)

Asked if he gets frustrated when he sees the chances that players like JaMarcus Russell have been given, Colt said:
"I mean, it's frustrating because when you get drafted high like that, you also get opportunities. You get financial [rewards], but you also get an opportunity. And one thing is, when you get drafted late, you just have to work for that opportunity. That's the way it is in this league. You don't get the reps, you don't get the experience, you just have to really wait for your opportunity. That guy was given a great opportunity, and you wish you would have seen him do a lot more with it. So it is frustrating, and that's just something I keep hoping and waiting for, for that opportunity to come my way and for somebody really to buy in and say let's give this kid a chance." (WP)

About how everyone knows that Donovan McNabb (who he spent some time training with in Arizona during the offseason) is their starting QB, Colt said:
"Right now everybody kind of knows who the starter is for our team this year, and that's obvious. I'd like to think that down the road someday, as I develop as a quarterback, that I could be a great quarterback in this league and a starter down the road, absolutely. It's not about me being a starter right now. I've got a great opportunity to show this coaching staff what the future could be." (WP)

WP Note: "After four surgeries in two years, Brennan said he's healthy now. He said he likely has a better rapport with Kyle Shanahan than he did with Jim Zorn, because of their similar ages. Shanahan told Brennan that he loves his throwing motion and doesn't want him to change a thing, and that he needs to concentrate on his decision-making."

About the support he has gotten from Washington fans (including the Cult of Colt status he's had for 2 years), Colt said:
"I'm really grateful for the way the Redskins nation has been toward me, and that didn't change last year when I had some adversity. I mean, obviously the media turned on me real fast, but that's part of the job, that just happens. And Chase [Daniel] had a great preseason, we can't take anything away from Chase, but he's also got a Super Bowl ring right now. It's funny how life works itself out....

Like I said, there's one thing that's never wavered. Redskins fans out there, through the thick and thin, they're always there, and that's something I've got to experience. They've been there for me through the thick and thin and it's really humbling, it's really exciting. And one thing I just want to do now is not only pay back the franchise that's been great to me these last two years but pay back the fans. And right now as a backup but hopefully down the road someday potentially as a starter, and that's just what I'm working for." (WP)

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2010/05/colt_brennan_is_still_confiden.html

Brashton Satele signed a 3-year contract with the New York Jets

About how they did not care that Brashton did not receive a signing bonus when signing the standard 3-year contract for an undrafted free agent, his agent Kenny Zuckerman said:
"That does not matter. This is an opportunity to make an NFL team." (HA)

Happy to sign with the Jets, Brashton said:
"I'm fortunate to be on any team. Two weeks ago, I wasn't on any team." (HA)

HA Note: "That was a reference to the NCAA's denial of Satele's appeal for a medical exemption that would have allowed him to play for UH as a sixth-year senior in 2010. Satele had argued he met the criteria of missing two seasons (2005 and 2009) because of injuries. In its ruling, the NCAA insisted that Satele did not have enough contemporaneous documentation — notes written by doctors in 2005."

HA Note: "After the NFL draft last week, Satele reached agreement on a free-agent deal with the Oakland Raiders. Satele signed the free-agent contract. But two days before he was set to report to mini-camp, Satele learned the Raiders did not "execute the contract" after receiving a faxed copy of the signed document.

That left Satele free to accept a tryout with the Jets this past weekend. Satele reportedly played well during the mini-camp, which involved double practices Friday and Saturday, and a single workout yesterday."

About how he was surprised when the Jets told him they wanted to sign him to a 3-year contract, Brashton said:
"I was shocked. Coach came to me and told me, 'we want you back for camp.'" (HSB)

HSB Note: "Satele returns to Hawaii today and will head back in two weeks for organized team activities (OTAs) in the next step in his football journey. Satele was among four linebackers invited to try out at the Jets' rookie minicamp after a free-agent deal with the Oakland Raiders fell through. The Jets inserted Satele at WILL (inside) linebacker in their 3-4 scheme."

About competing at the Jets mini-camp, Brashton said:
"I just went in loose, I knew I was in shape and ready to do whatever they asked. I just had to learn the plays and we had good coaches to teach us." (HSB)

Happy with how things are going with the Jets, Brashton said:
"It's a blessing. When I didn't get my year back (at UH) I kept trusting in God to get me through it and he brought me to New York." (HSB)

About how he competed in the Jets' mini-camp, Brashton said:
"I haven't played for a year, but I didn't lose a step. Coming into the situation, I knew I was ready for the physical part. The mental part, I was wondering if I still had it." (HA)

HA Note: "Apparently Satele showed enough to warrant a contract. He has been invited to return May 16 to the Offseason Team Activities, which, in essence, is another mini-camp."

About how the Jets want to add depth behind starting inside LBs David Harris and Bart Scott, Brashton said:
"Those are two great guys to learn from." (HA)

About how he does not expect to be signed with the 49ers after participating in their mini-camp this past weekend, Aaron Kia said:
"It was good exposure. But as far as a job, the chances are slim." (HA)

HA Note: "Former Warrior defensive tackle Rocky Savaiigaea, who also participated in the 49ers' mini-camp, said he will learn today whether he receives a free-agent offer. Savaiigaea was the only rookie nose tackle invited to workouts."

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100503/SPORTS04/5030338/1049/sportsfront/Satele+signs+free-agent+contract+with+the+Jets

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100503_satele_lands_with_Jets_after_uh_eligibility_denied.html

Feature articles on RGM with the Miami Dolphins

MH = Miami Herald
PBP = Palm Beach Post
SFSS = South Florida Sun-Sentinel
PP = Phil Phanatic

MH Note: "It has been interesting watching receiver Ryan Grice-Mullen, who was signed earlier this offseason after playing in the CFL. Grice-Mullen is a former teammate of Davone Bess at Hawaii so the comparisons are natural. I would tell you the guys are similar in that both are not necessarily fast, but rather quick. Both wear their hair in dreads. And then there's the real reason Grice-Mullen has a chance."

About how RGM has a chance to make the Dolphins as a returner, Miami head coach Tony Sparano said:
"The thing they have in common is their return ability and those skills. That was something that interested us. [Grice-Mullen] has shown me good ability to judge the football back there which is a major hurdle for any returner. I feel like he's going to be a pretty good decision-maker." (MH)

Asked what he likes about Ryan Grice-Mullen in comparison to Davone Bess, Sparano said:
"I think they're two different players, I really do. I think they remind me a little bit of each other in the fact that—it must have been a heck of a 7 on 7 period down there in Hawaii when you're throwing the ball around and these two guys are moving all over the place. They're both really quick twitch guys that way, and they're quicker probably then they are fast. That's the thing that they have in common. Of course, Davone is built a little lower to the ground and Grice is a little taller than Davone I would say. Both of them have good ball skills. But, just a little bit different players I think in what they do for the football team. The thing that they have in common is that they both have return abilities and some of those skills. So, that was something that interests us with Grice as well." (PP)

Asked if there is a difference between the skills needed for returning the football in the CFL versus the NFL, Sparano said:
"I would say so, yes. The field size and all of those kinds of things make it a little bit different. Also, certainly speed coming down the field and any of those types of things. So, I would think that having the ability to judge the ball as the returner and not having to go through that process—He has shown me so far, and not just here in the last couple of days, he has shown me good ability to judge the football back there which is a major hurdle with any returner is to get by that type of deal. So, I feel like he's going to be a pretty good decision maker." (PP)

MH Note: "Grice-Mullen averaged 9.6 yards on 43 punt returns and 23.4 yards on 47 kickoff returns. He set a CFL record with a 106-yard punt return for a touchdown in a playoff game."

Praising RGM as a returner, Sparano said:
"He has shown me good ability to judge the football back there, which is a major hurdle with any returner. I feel like he's going to be a pretty good decision-maker." (MH)

RGM said that Bess:
"is like my brother." (MH)

Sparano said that RGM and Bess:
"remind me a little bit of each other. They're quicker than they are fast.'' (MH)

About how RGM needs to be able to be more than just a returner to make the team, Sparano said:
"Although the return thing is very, very important, I want a guy that is going to be able to do a few different things.'' (MH)

About Bess, RGM said:
"Davone is like my brother. We're both about the same height — he's a little wider, I'm a little slimmer. Both of us wear dreads. He started his before mine, but mine are a little longer." (SFSS)

SFSS Note: "If Bess were a Hollywood actor in need of a stuntman, Grice-Mullen would get the job, hands-down. If Bess were a dictator in need of a body double, there would be no need for an audition. At 5 feet 11, Grice-Mullen is one inch taller. At 190 pounds, Bess is 10 pounds heavier. Bess wears No. 15. Grice-Mullen wears 17. Heck, their birthdays are a day apart in September, although Bess is a year older at 24.

About Bess and RGM, Sparano said:
"It must have been a heck of a 7-on-7 period down there in Hawaii. You're throwing the ball around, and these two guys are moving all over the place. They're both really quick-twitch guys." (SFSS)

SFSS Note: "And hands? These guys are like Venus Flytraps. They have been working out together since Grice-Mullen arrived in early March. Bess helped him learn the playbook, showed him around the facility and the area, helped him hone his routes on the practice field. No wonder Grice-Mullen hesitated for about two seconds before signing with the Dolphins in January after spending parts of two seasons in the Canadian Football League. He figured it was time to join forces with his friend once more. Last time they played together, Bess finished with 108 catches for 1,266 yards and 12 touchdowns. Grice-Mullen? He went for 106 catches for 1,372 yards and 13 touchdowns."

Asked how he differs from Bess, RGM said:
"How are we different?. I don't really know." (SFSS)

After a pause, RGM said:
"I might be a bit faster. A lot of people would say we're the same." (SFSS)

About how his chance to make the Dolphins is primarily on special teams, especially with the trade of Ginn, RGM said:
"As a young player that's your biggest way of making the team is special teams. But you still have to impress in other areas, too." (PBP)

PBP Note: "Playing on the league's 110-yard field, Grice-Mullen set a playoff record with a 106-yard punt return for a touchdown in a Nov. 22 loss to Montreal. The Dolphins called the next day and eventually signed Grice-Mullen in January."

About his chance with Miami, RGM said:
"You know how this game is, sometimes it's perfect timing." (PBP)

PBP Note: "Working with rookies and first-year players this weekend, Grice-Mullen hopes to get back in synch with Bess. Known as the "Dreadheads," the duo caught 214 passes and 25 touchdowns as juniors in 2007 before declaring for the NFL Draft. But while Bess caught on with Miami and excelled as an undrafted rookie, Grice-Mullen injured his hamstring, was cut by two teams and ended up in Canada."

About how he cheered for Bess on Sundays, RGM said:
"When I saw him on TV it got me excited. That's like my brother, we've been together since we were 18. To see him have his success made me hungrier." (PBP)

PBP Note: "Even so, Grice-Mullen, who lines up in the slot like Bess, is a long shot to make the Dolphins. The team has four established wide receivers - Bess, Brandon Marshall, Greg Camarillo and Brian Hartline - and is looking for 2009 third-round pick Patrick Turner to develop. Grice-Mullen's ability in the return game helps, but he'll likely have to do more to earn a spot on the 53-man roster during training camp."

About how RGM has to do more than just return kicks to make their team, Sparano said:
"Although the return thing is very important, I want to have a guy that can do a few different things out there." (PBP)

About how he just needs a chance like Bess got, RGM said:
"Seeing him making it and seeing him do his thing gave more confidence to myself." (PBP)

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/2010/05/saturday-minicamp-practice-observations.html#ixzz0mmRTsiAt

http://phinphanatic.com/2010/05/01/sparano-interview-with-local-media/

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/dolphins/dolphins-rookie-wr-ryan-grice-mullen-doesnt-dread-659590.html

http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2010-05-01/sports/fl-dolphins-rookie-camp-0502-20100501_1_davone-bess-dolphins-rookie-minicamp-miami-dolphins

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/01/1608767/miami-dolphins-eye-grice-mullen.html

Quotes from UH's Final Scrimmage

Praising Chizzy Dimude's play (52 yards and a TD on 4 carries yesterday), Rolo said:
"He's doing everything possible to get out there and be a difference-maker for us." (HA)

Chizzy said that he wasn't going to let his injured groin slow him down:
"after that first (28-yard) run I was a little sore but I was running on adrenaline. But, I'm here to make the most of my opportunities." (HA)

"It really feels good. With all the fans out there I was just trying to put on a show for them. I didn't know how I was going to do, my groin's been messing with me all spring but I felt I did all right just coming out here and showing what I've got. Our O-line did really good making the holes and we just ran through them." (HSB)

About getting just 11 carries over 6 games last season, Chizzy said:
"It was frustrating but I wasn't mad about it; I just tried to hold my head up. Now, this is my senior year so I'm not holding anything back. I'm putting everything into it." (HA)

HA Note: "It has been the kind of performance that suggests the Warriors will be blessed with a 1-2 combination at running back with Green and Dimude, who both scored touchdowns in the scrimmage . While the 6-foot, 2-inch, 230-pound Green provides the crunch, Dimude, who is 5-feet, 9 inches and 190 pounds, operates with elusiveness."

Happy with how they ran the ball yesterday, David Graves said:
"I felt we did really well. We ran the ball awesome. We have some great weapons in our backfield, with AG and Chizzy, we call them the peanut butter and jelly — hit them with the PB and J. They played really well; the line played really well tonight. I felt like the offense was clicking." (HA)

"You don't even know what it's like to get in the huddle and know that I have weapons sitting right next to me. A.G. and Chizzy are just straight weapons, give them the ball and they're going to get some big time yards this year." (HSB)

About how they showed the effectiveness of their running game, Chizzy said:
"We really showed we could run the ball, we are dependable; we can get five yards, 10 yards. We can make big plays. I tell (offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich) that all the time, 'Let's just run the ball.' " (HA)

HA Note: "The Warriors executed about 80 plays, with punts and field goals — kicker Scott Enos made his at 27, 44 and 47 yards —including overtime and two-minute drill sessions. Green and Dimude, along with quarterback Brent Rausch, accounted for all the touchdowns, all on runs."

About his performance, Chizzy said:
"I didn't know how I was going to do today because my groin has been hurting. I felt like I did alright, I just need to tighten up a couple of things. Me and AG out there, just the whole running back core and the linemen blocking and everything. Once we get it down, it's going to be really good." (HA)

Gaining confidence from his performance, Chizzy said:
"It's a confidence booster, I'm not gonna lie. I just can't wait to get into summer and get bigger, stronger and faster. I know I'm going be healthy and can't wait until fall camp." (HSB)

After they scored all their TDs with their running game, Mack said that he thought:
"our running game looked good. I thought the guys blocked it up front, and everybody played hard on both sides of the ball." (HA)

About how they had wanted to get certain looks for each RB and QB yesterday, Brian Smith said:
"We got what we wanted out of AG and Chizzy as far as the looks we wanted to see from them. They both executed really well and did a good job of what they can do for us next year." (HA)

About how they do not have a #1 QB yet, Mack said:
"There's really not a depth chart. Obviously (Bryant) Moniz is going to be in the mix also really soon, so I think our quarterbacks have done a good job all spring and when we put Moniz in there, we have a good situation at quarterback." (HA)

About how their QBs performed this spring, Rolo said that:
"the young guys were getting a lot of reps, and Brent did a great job tonight. We've been waiting to see that out of him. Cayman Shutter drove us down the field in the two-minute drill and got us a field goal. David Graves continues to impress. There's a lot of things to take into consideration." (HA)

HA Note: "Shane Austin and Graves took reps with with first team, with Austin completing 5-of-8 passes for 46 yards and two interceptions and Graves going 4 of 6 for 46 yards. Rausch, with the No. 2s, was 11 of 18 for 93 yards. Defensively, tackle Vaughn Meatoga led the Warriors with two sacks. Defensive backs Kawika Borden, Richard Torres and Jordan Gomes also recorded interceptions."

About getting both of their sacks yesterday, Meatoga said:
"Coach Tony (Tuioti) emphasizes making big plays and getting into quarterback's faces. It just messes them up, messing their tempo up, and they are thinking of the next time they are dropping back, if they are going to see some big guy running at them. I think we did a good job disrupting the offense." (HA)

About how their progress this Spring puts them "in a good position" for summer workouts to prepare for the season, Meatoga said:
"We're starting to get that swagger that coach is talking about." (HA)

About delivering the hardest hit of yesterday's scrimmage when he hit slotback Ryan Henry, CB Steve Stepter said:
"It was a zone coverage and I was looking for that. I was concentrating on my man and I saw him coming out, and he caught it before I could get there so I just wanted to make the tackle." (HA)

About not noticing the crowd reacting to his hit, Stepter said:
"when I hit people I don't really hear it. I just hear my players." (HA)

About that hit, Henry said he was:
"just trying to get away from Spencer (Smith) and get out of bounds at the same time. I'm OK. I just had to gain my composure for one play, and then come back in. But it's all good though." (HA)

Praising Henry, Royce Pollard said:
"He's a beast, though." (HA)

About the 3 INTs their defense made yesterday, Richard Torres said:
"It goes to show the competition is up there. As long as everybody's making plays it shows we're moving in the right direction." (HSB)

Proud of the way that his defense played, Dave Aranda said:
"The thing I'm most proud of is the defensive guys feel good about themselves. They hit people, they feel like they can swarm to the ball and they feel like they can compete with anybody. I don't know that we felt that at this time last year. I think if we have that, the other things as coaches we can get done." (HSB)

About matching up Richard Torres and QB David Graves in the first pride drill yesterday, Mack said:
"I just wanted to see how tough he is. He's always telling me how tough he is." (HSB)

Walking by Mack when he said that, Graves said:
"I am tough, Coach. I am tough." (HSB)

About how Torres (former state champion wrestler) quickly took him down, Graves said:
"I was all right with it. I was like, 'Let's go.' Then he got me, fast." (HSB)

Praising his OL for how he wasn't touched during the scrimmage, Graves said:
"Mad props to the line." (HSB)

Praising Graves, Mack said:
"He can throw it and he can run it, too." (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/columnists/furtherreview/20100501_pride_drills_prove_players_mettle_at_spring_finale.html

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/20100501_warriors_leave_with_a_spring_in_their_step.html

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100501/COLUMNISTS06/5010342/1142&template=UHSports

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100501/SPORTS0201/5010352&template=UHsports

The Offense and Defense Prepare to Compete in the Warrior Bowl Today

About the competition between the offense and defense in the Warrior Bowl, Shane Austin said:
"There'll be some smack-talking. There's definitely guys who are competitive on both sides of the ball. It'll be fun, there'll be some sparks flying." (HSB)

HSB Note: "An autograph session is scheduled for 5-6 p.m. Practice starts at 7 and the evening will feature a situational scrimmage. The Warriors will work on various down-and-distance situations as well as overtime and 2-minute drill scenarios."

About how they will need to cut about 31 out of their current 116 players on their spring roster to make space for the 25 players joining their team for the fall, Mack said:
"To these guys it's all competition and a lot of them are competing for jobs, competing to make the 105 to go to fall, competing for their own positions. I think that's why we've had a good attitude out there, everyone's competing for their job." (HSB)

About how they are ahead of where they were last year, Dave Aranda said:
"There's been a lot of emotion in our scrimmages both offensively and defensively, so it's fun. I look back to last spring and we were struggling to keep up ... and it kind of leaked into the season. I like where we're at now with the confidence level and the swagger is starting to come back." (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100430_warriors_wrap_it_up_with_spring_game.html

Feature article on Darius Bright

About how they aren't sure if they should redshirt Darius Bright or play him, Ron Lee said:
"He's made it tough on us. No doubt about that." (HA)

HA Note: "And, that's at the heart of the "problem" for UH coaches. They'd like to redshirt Bright and start his two-year eligibility clock in 2011 when they will be without Kealoha Pilares and Greg Salas, among other receivers. But Bright is 6 feet, 5 inches and blessed with good hands and speed, a package the Warriors haven't exactly had in abundance on the outside."

About how teams have been able to play man defense on their outside receivers and make it hard for their offense to move the ball, something that Bright might be able to prevent, Ron Lee said:
"A lot of teams started playing us man on the outside and a guy like him out there makes it tough to do that." (HA)

Rolo praised Bright and said that:
"the way he's played is going to force us to make some decisions." (HA)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100430/COLUMNISTS06/4300370/1142&template=UHSports

New Wing Dedicated for Warrior Football (new offices for the coaches, 2 conference rooms, video room, and reception area)

UH Note: "University of Hawai'i officials along with the Warrior football staff, state legislators and other dignitaries were in attendance Thursday morning for the dedication of the new football wing on the third floor of the athletics complex."

UH Note: "The facility includes 12 new offices for coaches and staff, two conference rooms, one video room and reception area adorned with an "H" logo. The new offices will include state-of-the-art equipment, including SMART boards in both the offensive and defensive conference rooms. Each office, meanwhile, will be equipped with presentation boards and 40-inch flat-screen televisions. The football staff will begin its move into the new facility after the conclusion of spring practice on Friday, April 30."

Excited about the new wing for the football program, Mack said:
"This is a great day for our football program. This new wing is going to provide a great environment for our coaches and players. It's just first-class. This, along with the T.C. Ching Field is going to be a great place for coaching, teaching and learning and is going to be an outstanding recruiting tool. It shows that the University of Hawai'i is serious about having a first-class football program. You can just see it by walking through here and the people of Hawai'i have created this. We are just really excited." (UH)

UH Note: "The facility was funded by a $1.3 million appropriation from the State Legislature and construction began in January 2010. The renovation was designed by WCIT Architecture and completed by Paramount Builders."

About how the new wing will help UH recruit and help the football coaches to be a lot more efficient, JD said:
"This new wing is just absolutely beautiful and this is going to help us in recruiting and it helps us to be a lot more efficient too. There are so many people who contributed to this incredible addition. The State Legislature in particular has just been phenomenal in their support of us, both UH-Manoa and UH Athletics." (UH)

http://hawaiiathletics.com/news/2010/4/29/FB_0429102214.aspx?path=football

Warrior Quotes 4/29/10 (focus on the OL position battles, DBs focus on turnovers)

When a DB creates a fumble during UH's practices, the DBs immediately yell:
"Cheeseburger! Cheeseburger! Cheeseburger!" (HA)

One DB chooses to instead yell:
"Chicken!" (HA)

About how it doesn't matter if they yell chicken or cheeseburger, Spencer Smith said:
"We aren't getting chicken. Or, any cheeseburgers, either." (HA)

HA Note: "Rather the references, assistant coach Chris Tormey's innovation, are food for thought for a defensive secondary hungry to create turnovers and make big plays this season."

About how the NFL can reward creating turnovers with money but in college they cannot even give the players a cheeseburger as a reward, Rich Miano said:
"In the pros they might give you $5,000 for creating a turnover (in a game), but we can't even give cheeseburgers. So we use food as a reminder. Instead of trying to strip the ball as an after-thought we want to make it a conditioned action every play, every practice. When the bell rings it is time to eat, just like Pavlov's dog." (HA)

About how their DBs play with an attitude, Spencer Smith said:
"We have an attitude. We're coming after people, we're going to hit you and we're going to play together. We keep doing all that, we're going to be a pretty good defense." (HA)

About how their experienced secondary (4 returning starters and 3 others returning with a lot of experience) looks to be one of the team's strengths, Smith said:
"We've spent more time together and are building a chemistry. This spring has helped." (HA)

Smith said that cheeseburgers would be nice after a long day's practice, but:
"it is like in the movie 'Hook' — I guess — we have to eat with our minds." (HA)

About how Austin Hansen has earned their starting LT spot, Gordy Shaw said:
"Nobody's going to knock out Austin." (HA)

Shaw praised Hansen's:
"experience and knowledge of the game. He just doesn't mess up fundamentally. He doesn't beat himself by doing the wrong step." (HA)

About the praise he received from Shaw, Hansen said:
"That's high praise considering all of the talented guys we have. I've been here with Gordy for two years. I know his system." (HA)

About how their defense has challenged them during practice, Hansen said:
"Our defense shows so many different looks. They have a real diverse package. It's good. It puts a mental strain on us." (HA)

About how he has the edge at center over Bronson Tiwanak, Matagisila Lefiti said:
"I know my calls. I've had chemistry with the first unit." (HA)

HA Note: "Shaw said Lefiti is ahead physically, but both Lefiti and Tiwanak are relatively even in their knowledge of the offense. Lefiti is capable of bench pressing 440 pounds and squat lifting 545 pounds. Shaw said London Sapolu, who transferred from a junior college in January, should challenge for second-team reps during training camp."

HA Note: "With the return of right tackle Laupepa Letuli, who was granted a sixth year of eligibility, Adrian Thomas moves back to right guard, where he will compete against Brysen Ginlack."

About the position battles (Thomas vs. Ginlack at RG, Leonard vs. Faamu at LG), Shaw said:
"The more the better. They know if they take a day off this summer, the other guy who didn't take a day off might do enough to move ahead. They all know they have to work their butt off this summer." (HA)

About how the Warrior Bowl will be an important evaluation day, especially for Warriors on the bubble of getting cut, Mack said:
"It's going to be a big evaluation day. It's the toughest thing about coaching. These are all good players. There's not a non-athlete out there. Letting them go is tough on everybody. We've given them a shot. But we have to be realistic. It's a numbers game." (HA)

About how he is on the bubble, Fesootai Papali'i said:
"I'm giving it my best. Whatever happens, happens. I'm sure all of the other walk-ons gave it their best, too. I'm ready for anything." (HA)

HA Note: "This is his second spring with the Warriors after transferring from Foothill College. Because of a low grade-point average, he acknowledged, he did not compete during the 2009 season. He had to go through the walk-on tryout to earn another berth on the spring roster."

About how it is hard to cut players, Rich Miano said:
"You don't want to take away someone's dream. Their dream is to play for the University of Hawai'i. They've worked so, so hard. The best part is that no matter what happens, they will always be part of our family. Just because you don't make it, you still have our respect and you'll always be in the Warrior ohana." (HA)

About how their OL preparation will not stop with tomorrow's Warrior Bowl, Austin Hansen said:
"It'll start up again on Monday. Spring ball is over and now we have to get ready to play the season and get into fall camp." (HSB)

About being moved from RT to LT this offseason, Hansen said:
"There have been some good tackles since I've been here, so I want to respect the position and play as hard as I can to show them I respect the legacy they set up." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Shaw said Brett Leonard and Andrew Faaumu remain close at left guard. The race at center could be a three-man battle between Sila Lefiti, Bronson Tiwanak and junior college transfer London Sapolu. Thomas and Brysen Ginlack are both proven at right guard. Letuli was granted a sixth year of eligibility and aims to shed about 20 pounds over the summer and will be pushed at right tackle by Kainoa LaCount, who missed about half of the spring with a knee injury."

About how there is a lot of competition for all 4 OL spots outside of the LT spot, Shaw said:
"It's a photo finish at this point in those four spots. That's not all bad because if a guy decides to take a day off in May, June or July and the other guy doesn't, that might be just enough to put the other guy ahead of him." (HSB)

About how the chemistry of their OL is coming together, Hansen said:
"I think it's getting there, there's better communication, but it's not where it needs to be for sure. I think a summer together is really going to help us out." (HSB)

About how their OL is communicating properly, Shaw said:
"The communication is there within those first two units. I don't think there's anybody in the room who doesn't understand the offense, whereas last year it was all so new to them." (HSB)

About how most of their players will stay around for the first session of summer school so the workouts and drills will continue through the summer, Hansen said:
"There's going to be workouts every day, position-specific drills every day and guys will be running, getting in shape. We're going to be on the field working techniques and hopefully we'll go into fall camp ready to go." (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100429_fierce_competition_for_4_uh_oline_spots.html

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100429/SPORTS0201/4290362&template=UHsports

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100429/COLUMNISTS06/4290360/1142&template=UHSports

Mack said today that Bryant Moniz will return in time for Fall Practice

HSB Note: "As Jason Kaneshiro reported Monday, Bryant Moniz will be back soon to compete for the Hawaii starting quarterback job that was his at the end of last season. Coach Greg McMackin narrowed the timeline down further today, saying Moniz will return from personal leave in time for "fall practice," meaning the start of fall camp."

About planning for how they will insert Moniz into their QB rotation when Fall Practice begins, Rolo said:
"We'll have to talk about where we insert him. It gives us a much better problem than not having him would be." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Shane Austin and David Graves have been taking most of the first-team reps in the spring and have been impressive at times, as have Brent Rausch and Cayman Shutter. But no one has moved clearly to the head of the class, Rolovich said."

http://blogs.starbulletin.com/quickreads/?p=812

Brashton Satele is getting a tryout with the Jets after Oakland withdrew their offer

HA Note: "After the Oakland Raiders withdrew an offer with the former University of Hawai'i middle linebacker, the New York Jets called, offering Satele a tryout."

About Brashton's tryout with the Jets, his agent Kenny Zuckerman said:
"We'll see how it goes." (HA)

HA Note: "Satele probably faces a more favorable situation with the Jets than the Raiders. Mike Smith, who was a graduate assistant helping with the Warrior linebackers in 2009, is now an assistant with the Jets."

HA Note: "The Jets did sign two undrafted free agent linebackers — Kevin Basped of Nevada and Broderick Stewart of Vanderbilt — who will participate in this weekend's mini-camp for rookies and free agents. A couple of hours after the NFL's three-day, seven-round draft ended Saturday, Satele reached agreement on a standard free-agent contract with the Raiders. He was to receive a signing bonus. Satele received a faxed copy of the contract, which he signed and then sent back to the Raiders. But the Raiders did "not execute" the contract, according to Zuckerman, making Satele free to look elsewhere. It is not known if he still will receive a signing bonus from the Raiders."

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100428/SPORTS04/4280360/sportsfront/Ex-Warrior+Satele+gets+tryout+with+N.Y.+Jets

Warrior Quotes 4/27/10 (Graves praise, Bradley continues comeback, power cleans)

HSB Note: "Graves initially committed to Nevada while at Folsom (Calif.) High School, his nimble feet making him a fit for the option phase of the Wolf Pack's Pistol offense. But when Hawaii started showing interest during his senior season, Graves found himself drawn to the run-and-shoot and eventually signed with the Warriors." (HSB)

About choosing UH due to its offensive system, David Graves said:
"I've always considered myself a passer, and Hawaii's offense is a passing offense. Hawaii football is very explosive, the ball flying through the air, that gets people on their feet." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Graves continued to back up Shane Austin with the first unit during yesterday's no-pads practice at Ching Field, while Brent Rausch and Cayman Shutter operated the second unit in a still fluid quarterback race."

Praising their freshmen's performance in practice yesterday, Rolo said:
"David's taken advantage of the reps, Cayman had a good day today. You talk about two kids in their first spring and they're doing good things." (HSB)

Graves said that after the reps he go over the 13 practices this spring he is:
"a completely different person from the beginning of spring to now. In the fall, I would go into film and take mental reps, but it's completely different when you get to the line and have to run it against a defense." (HSB)

Noting the improvement in Graves, Mack said:
"I see a big jump in David Graves. The way he took that first unit down and scored, he showed he's really come a long way. He's going through his progressions better and he's always a weapon running the football. He's really helped himself this spring." (HSB)

About how he ran too quickly on one of his runs on Saturday, Graves said:
"I took off a little prematurely. I could have stayed in there and gotten it to one of our athletes. But it'll come with time. I'm still getting the system down and getting backside reads is part of the growing in the system." (HSB)

About how they plan to choose their starter with about 2 weeks left before the USC game, Mack said:
"We've got quite a while left. Mo's going to be back and he'll be in the mix, so we've got five or six good quarterbacks we're going to have to decide on and see how they work in the offseason." (HSB)

About how he was able to run routes and participate in the 7-on-7 period for the first time this spring, Rodney Bradley said:
"My leg felt a lot better, so I just tried to test it out and see what I could do. It felt good, most of it is mental. I'm favoring one side, but my leg feels fine." (HSB)

Bradley said that he still needs to build strength in his leg, but:
"it feels real good to have a helmet back on and catching passes with the team." (HSB)

About how they will not split the team up for the Warrior Bowl this year, instead working on situations between the offense and defense, Mack said:
"We want to solidify our first and second team with reps and we're still evaluating our third and fourth group." (HSB)

About how a significant portion of every weight-lifting session they have under strength coach Tommy Heffernan has been spent on power cleans (the weight is pulled from the floor to a racked position across the deltoids), Alex Green said:
"The power clean is good for us. It's an explosive lift. We're lifting weights while actually doing active movements." (HA)

HA Note: "Heffernan, who took over the Warriors' strength and conditioning program this year, said cleans are more football-specific workouts than bench presses. Heffernan said cleans, as well as squat lifts, develop hip and lower-body strength."

About why they focus on power cleans and squat lifts, Heffernan said:
"As far as playing and running, the stronger your legs and hips are, the faster you run, and the better player you'll be." (HA)

HA Note: "Heffernan said every offensive lineman can power clean at least 300 pounds."

About how he has benefited from the power clean, kicker Scott Enos said:
"I'm definitely getting stronger." (HA)

HA Note: "The most improved is right slotback Kealoha Pilares, who did not have a weight-lifting schedule in high school. Pilares, now a UH'senior, can power clean a team-best 365 pounds"

About power cleans, Kealoha Pilares said:
"To do it, you need good form. Tommy took a lot of time to teach the proper mechanics. Power cleans are different from the bench press. You have to generate force and movement." (HA)

About wanting to cut down on his fumbles, Alex Green said:
"I'm working on my ball security." (HA)

About how he has developed a running style this spring where he holds the football close to his body, Green said:
"When (defenders) reach, they won't knock the ball out. I feel more powerful when I run with the ball close to me. It keeps my pads low. It keeps me leaning forward." (HA)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100427/SPORTS0201/4270366&template=UHsports

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100427_QB_Graves_progresses.html

Aaron Kia got a tryout with the 49ers this weekend, Blaze Soares tries out with Chicago this weekend

About his tryout with the 49ers this weekend, which could lead to a free-agent offer if things go well, Aaron Kia said:
"I have to go there and be ready and be strong." (HA)

About how the LT Kia is being asked to tryout at G and C, Gordy Shaw said:
"They like his height and his arm reach and his athletic ability. He plays tremendously hard. He's a very aggressive football player . All of those things were positive." (HA)

Shaw said that Kia's one-on-one blocking skills will be helpful in playing center, so he can use the tryout to show:
"he can snap the ball, and (make the) snap-and-step (move)." (HA)

About how he has to do well this weekend, Kia said:
"I have to do my part right now." (HA)

About how his tryout is "a do-or-die situation", Kia said:
"I'm happy to get an opportunity. It's going to be challenging, but I'm just going to give it my best shot." (HA)

About his tryout with the Bears this weekend, Blaze Soares said:
"I've got to shine and show this team what I can do." (HSB)

About trying to make the same team that has Pisa Tinoisamoa, Blaze said:
"Growing up he was one of the guys who I tried to mimic. Since high school I tried to play like him, and getting to meet him, it's going to be awesome." (HSB)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100427/SPORTS0201/4270366&template=UHsports

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100427_Soares_and_Kia_get_NFL_tryouts.html

Warrior Quotes 4/25/10 (Graves practiced as #1 QB)

About how David Graves practiced as their #1 QB yesterday, Rolo said:
"We threw Dave in there with the (first team) because we wanted to see how he responded. He has a great on-field personality. He's got some real good characteristics. He brings some life to the guys." (HA)

Praising the way that Graves acts on the field, Rolo said:
"I like the way he acts on the football field. That's probably his strongest characteristic. It means a lot to him, very vocal, he's positive, competitive." (HSB)

About how no QB has earned the starting spot yet, Rolo said:
"I don't know if have a No. 1 yet. We feel Shane is competing and doing some good things. Again with Brent, it's consistency. .... I don't think Dave is scared of anybody on the field. ... I thought he did well. He moved the ball." (HA)

HA Note: "With Graves at the controls, the offense "tied" the score in yesterday's scrimmage before a few hundred spectators at Ching Athletic Complex. In the overtime, the two left-side receivers ran post patterns, pulling the defense to the middle of the field."

About running for a TD in overtime, Graves said:
"I ran to the (left) pylon. I was taught that at a young age. If there's nobody there, run to the pylon. It was a touchdown." (HA)

HA Note: "Or it should have been ruled a score. Head coach Greg McMackin called to replay the down."

About how Mack called for a replay of the down, Graves smiled and said:
"I counted it." (HA)

About how he'll never be satisfied with how well he's doing, Graves said:
"Things are going good. But I have to do better. I'm going to say that until the end of this. Five years from now, if we go undefeated or something, I'll say, 'I need to keep getting better.' " (HA)

About being driven to the turf by Lametrius Davis after catching a simple bubble screen, Chizzy Dimude said:
"I don't know what to say about that one. I ate it up." (HA)

About running for a long gain on the next play, Chizzy said:
"We're competing, man. It's all about putting in 100 percent." (HA)

About how he had surgery after last season because of a labrum tear in his left shoulder and now is slowed by a groin injury, Chizzy said:
"When the fall comes, I'll be all right." (HA)

About how Chizzy gives them a nice contrast with RB Alex Green, Mack said:
"(Dimude) gives a different dimension. Alex is a powerful fast guy. (Dimude) is a quick fast guy. He brings a change-up to the package. I like the change-up. It sure makes it a lot tougher for the defense." (HA)

HA Note: "Dimude said he will work on improving his leg strength this summer. Because of the shoulder surgery he could not power clean the past few months."

About how he looks forward to the live scrimmages every Saturday, Haku Correa said:
"I love Saturdays because during the week (in scrimmage periods) all we do is take our five steps and then we stop. On Saturdays I get to go all out and hit people, that's what I like. After Wednesday's practice I'm bummed out because we have nothing to do for two days. All we do is lift, and I'm just getting anxious for Saturday." (HSB)

About how Correa slightly ahead of Kaniela Tuipulotu for the starting DT spot, Dave Aranda said:
"It's still ongoing. Every day they come out and battle for that thing. Haku's really consistent making plays. Kaniela's an explosive player. It's a contest and it's every day and that's the way you want it." (HSB)

About how Tuipulotu is pushing him to get better, Correa said:
"Kani's always right there to push me. I want to get to the top and he wants to get to the top, so it's good competition." (HSB)

HSB Note: "{Correa earned a prominent role in the tackle rotation as a redshirt freshman, backing up Tuika Tufaga, and entered the spring atop the depth chart. He saw action in all 13 games and made two tackles for losses in his introduction to Division I."

About how he is much better than last year because he can play faster than he could as a freshman, Correa said:
"Last year I was learning my plays; now it's all second nature for me. I know what I have to do — everything's better, everything's faster." (HSB)

Haku said that his brother Laanui (who played for UH between 2000 and 2002) drills into him the importance of:
"staying low and consistency." (HSB)

About trying to help his brother Haku, Laanui said:
"I just try to give him any knowledge I've learned through the years. It's not really any secrets, just try to guide him the right way and he works hard himself." (HSB)

HSB Note: "The Warriors took full advantage of their weekly dose of live hitting yesterday. Early in the scrimmage linebacker Corey Paredes flattened running back Chizzy Dimude, who later took a big hit from cornerback Lametrius Davis. Dimude bounced back with a 25-yard gain on a swing pass to help set up a touchdown. The drive, directed by freshman quarterback David Graves, ended in another big blow, this one delivered by slotback Kealoha Pilares as he crossed the goal line on a 4-yard run."

About Pilares blasting his way into the end zone for a TD, Graves said:
"When you lower the shoulder and you want the end zone, that's having heart." HSB)

HSB Note: "Brent Rausch had a brief turn at quarterback in the overtime period. He hit slotback Dustin Blount across the middle for a touchdown on his lone snap."

Pleased with how they have been progressing during the spring, Mack said:
"I'm pleased with how we're coming along. We only have two more practices and a scrimmage, so we have to get the most out of this next week. We have to try to come out of this spring better than we were when we ended last year, and we're gaining on it." (HSB)

About how he did not win his campaign to be ASUH President, Jett Jasper said:
"I was upset (Friday), but a day later you think about it and me and my sister (running mate Jori Jasper) ran a really good campaign. We broke records in voter turnout. I feel like the athletic department really came together and we just came about a couple hundred votes short." (HSB)

About how all of their home games (except for the USC game that starts at 5pm) will kick off at 5:30pm, compromising between how season ticket holders preferred a 5pm start and individual ticket purchasers preferred a 6pm start, JD said:
"Hopefully, this strikes a balance and will work for all of our fans." (HA)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100425/SPORTS0201/4250388&template=UHsports

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100425/SPORTS0201/4250391&template=UHsports

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100425_Correa_relishes_Saturdays.html

Feature on how the NFL has finally caught up with Mouse Davis' offense

About how football purists hated the run-and-shoot offense he was creating, Mouse Davis laughed and said:
"They called us communists. Now they're all communists." (HSB)

About how the NFL has validated what Mouse Davis was criticized for 30 years ago, Steve Bartkowski said:
"It's funny, because everybody is doing now what Mouse and June were doing 30 years ago." (HSB)

About how NFL teams are running 4-WR run-and-shoot type of systems, Mouse said:
"Indianapolis and New England use them a lot. I haven't scouted New Orleans that much, but I'm told they do, too. Of course, they can do it because they have good quarterbacks." (HSB)

About believing in Mouse's offense and asking him to speak at UH's high school coaches clinic yesterday, Mack said:
"Mouse has been running it since I was at Aloha (Oregon) High School and he was at Sunset." (HSB)

Asked why it took so long for Mouse's system to catch on with the NFL, Mack said:
"I think they were afraid of the quarterback getting hurt. And you know how it is, everybody runs the same offense. So it took some guts. Everybody uses parts of it, mostly on third down. Now Indy does it on first down. In my mind, as a defensive coach, it can't be defended if (the offense) is executing." (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/columnists/furtherreview/20100425_NFL_offenses_finally_catch_up_to_Mouse.html

Four undrafted Warriors get free agent deals with the NFL

HA Note: "Shortly after the conclusion of the three-day, seven-round NFL draft, pro dreams were extended to:

• Center John Estes, who will join the Jacksonville Jaguars.

• Linebacker Brashton Satele, who has signed with the Oakland Raiders.

• Offensive lineman Ray Hisatake, who signed with the Carolina Panthers.

• Linebacker Blaze Soares, in a text message to The Advertiser, said he will sign with the Chicago Bears."

About how Estes will not let his not being drafted stop him, his agent Kenny Zuckerman said:
"At the end of the day, you have to make the roster, and John is in a great situation." (HA)

HA Note: "Estes had hoped to land on a team with an older center who could serve as a mentor. The Jaguars' starting center, Brad Meester, 33, will be entering his 11th season in 2010. Most NFL teams have eight active offensive linemen for each game, and prefer the backup linemen to be able to play multiple positions. But the Jaguars were willing to sign Estes as primarily a backup center."

About how the Jaguars were a good fit for Estes, Zuckerman said:
"This is a team with an older center that has no problem playing tougher under-sized guys in the past." (HA)

HA Note: "Estes started each of the 54 games of his UH career. He also played well in the East-West Shrine Game, where he caught the attention of the Jaguars. Estes was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, and a tweaked left hamstring cut short his workout at UH's Pro Day. But the Jaguars remained in contact, and it was believed that if Estes were not drafted, he would be a high-priority free agent."

Zuckerman said that Estes signed the standard three-year contract with a five-figure signing bonus that:
"is one of the larger signing bonuses given to an undrafted player." (HA)

Glad to know where he will be playing, Estes said:
"I knew I would play football somewhere. It worked out. Jacksonville is the best situation. I like their style." (HA)

About being denied a 6th season by the NCAA last week, Brashton Satele said:
"That was tough." (HA)

"Just the other week I found out I'm not playing for the Warriors and now I'm finding out I'm going to the Raiders.I sat out long enough, and the time I sat out showed me how much I love the game and how much I missed it and I appreciate it more now." (HSB)

HA Note: "Satele had received several inquiries before the draft, but it was decided that the Raiders, who place a high value on speedy defenders, would be the best match. Satele ran the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds at UH's Pro Day. One scout clocked him at 4.59 seconds."

About signing the standard 3-year deal with Oakland, joining his cousin Samson who is on that team, Brashton said:
"This is the best situation for me. I have to prove myself, but I'm ready to go." (HA)

About how Brashton knew that he would not be drafted, Zuckerman said:
"Brashton knew he wasn't getting drafted. He told me, 'find me a team that will give me a chance.' He's getting a chance." (HA)

HA Note: "Hisatake's ascent has been remarkable. He attended a California high school that did not field a football team. After playing at College of San Mateo, he joined the Warriors as a defensive lineman. He switched to the offensive line in 2008, and broke into the starting lineup, as a guard, last year."

Excited about his chance with the NFL, Hisatake said:
"I'm really excited. I'm a one-year starter, and I've only been playing on the o-line for two years." (HA)

"I'm real excited they're going to give me a chance to show what I can do. Especially with the road I took, didn't play in high school, only played O-line for two years." (HSB)

HA Note: "Agent Leo Goeas said the Panthers were impressed with Hisatake's reach (34 inches), footwork and ability to play both guard and tackle."

Goeas pointed out that Carolina did not draft any OL, so even if they sign other free-agent lineman, then Hisatake:
"will be on equal ground with them." (HA)

HA Note: "Hisatake received a $10,000 signing bonus. In all free-agent contracts, only the signing bonus is guaranteed. The first-year salary is $320,000."

HSB Note: "Hisatake said he's been training with Chad Ikei in Arizona and has dropped 42 pounds since the end of the season to prepare for his shot. Former tackle Aaron Kia is hoping to hear from an NFL team, possibly by tomorrow."

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100425_3_Warriors_get_NFL_shot.html

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100425/SPORTS04/4250378/NFL+deals+for+ex-Warriors

UH will continue to play 13 games instead of getting a second bye week

About how a new NCAA rule would allow the Hawaii Bowl to take a 6-6 UH even if other 7-5 teams did not have a bowl game yet, Hawaii Bowl Executive Director David Matlin said:
"Six and six teams are in the mix now whereas, in the past, we'd have had to take a 7-5 team first." (HA)

JD said that UH has considered playing just 12 games to get an extra bye week, but:
"we will continue to utilize (the Hawai'i Exemption) as long as it makes sense for us. Right now, in football, it allows us an extra home game and we can really use the money." (HA)

HA Note: "UH nets approximately $250,000 to $500,000 for each of its home games against Football Championship Subdivision teams (formerly known as Division I-AA), which would be the most likely trimmed in the event the schedule was reduced to 12 games."

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100424/SPORTS04/4240334/sportsfront/Warriors+will+get+in+with+6-6+record

Hawaii News Now article about Letuli's 6th year

HNN = Hawaii News Now

Happy to have another season with the Warriors, Laupepa Letuli said:
"It's good to be with my teammates and (I've) got another year coming, so I'll just put in my all this semester." (HNN)

About how Letuli and he were excited to hear that Letuli would be able to play this season, Gordy Shaw said:
"He was very excited and I kind of was doing some back flips in my apartment. It was a good." (HNN)

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=12354131

Warrior Quotes 4/22/10 (Laupepa Letuli got his 6th year!)

About how he has to lose some weight, Laupepa Letuli patted his hips and said:
"I have to lose some." (HA)

About how Letuli found out Tuesday night, about 3 months after he filed his appeal, Gordy Shaw said:
"It's been a long few months for Laupepa from a stress standpoint." (HA)

About how he was about to go to sleep for the night when OL coach Gordy Shaw called him with the good news, Letuli said:
"I was just going to knock out and he called me. I didn't answer at first, so I called him back. He said, 'I've got some news for you. You've got your year back buddy.' " (HSB)

About the importance of getting his 6th season with the Warriors, Letuli said:
"It's a pivotal point in my life, it's a fork in the road right now, so I just wanted an answer. It's great, I'm happy I am (coming back). If I didn't, still I'd have an answer and I'd know what to do. In the waiting period I wasn't sure, couldn't make any moves." (HSB)

About how waiting for the ruling was stressing Letuli, Shaw said:
"I could see he was stressed out. Particularly as we approached the end of this week with no word." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Letuli, who will graduate this semester, was granted the sixth year after providing documentation that injuries kept him out of action as a freshman in 2005 and again last fall, when he started three games at right tackle before suffering a torn tendon in his knee while working out the week following a loss at UNLV."

About his injury last season, Letuli said:
"It was just a freak accident." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Letuli said his knee is back to 90-95 percent and has been participating in spring practice since being granted a waiver allowing him to work with the Warriors while his appeal was under consideration."

About how Letuli will be held out of their 11-on-11 periods, Shaw said:
"He'll take no live snaps the rest of spring because he's not in playing shape right now. I wouldn't risk him getting nicked up in that stuff." (HSB)

In their 1-on-1 drills with the OL, Shaw said that Letuli (despite Letuli's hopes to drop 20 pounds before Fall camp):
"looks really good. It's good to see a big guy like that moving that quick." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Letuli's return figures to add to the depth — and therefore the competition — on the right side of the line in fall camp. Kainoa LaCount opened the spring at right tackle with the top unit, but hasn't practiced since hurting his knee. Adrian Thomas will continue to work with the first line at tackle with Brysen Ginlack at right guard. Thomas began the spring at right guard and could move back there when Letuli and LaCount return to duty. The left side of tackle Austin Hansen and guard Brett Leonard and center Sila Lefiti have maintained their spots through 11 practices this spring."

About how Letuli's return increases the competition they have at OL, Shaw said:
"It's all about competition." (HSB)

About how he still participated in one-on-one drills yesterday, but not full-contact team workouts, just like before he heard the result of his appeal, Letuli said:
"I'm still involved in only one-on-ones." (HA)

Happy that the stress of waiting for his appeal ruling is gone, Letuli said:
"I'm relieved. I'm not stressed anymore. It was very stressful waiting." (HA)

HA Note: "Letuli felt confident that he met the precedent of proving that injuries forced him to miss nearly two full seasons. He suffered torn ligaments in his right shoulder in 2005 and a torn tendon in his left knee in 2009. He said his mother and UH head trainer Eric Okazaki provided contemporaneous documents — notes written in the years he was injured."

Letuli said that his mother:
"is very organized. She gave a lot of information." (HA)

Happy that they will have Letuli for another season, Shaw said:
"The biggest winner in all of this is the Warrior football program. We get a good player back for another year." (HA)

"He lends a lot of maturity to the group now and we've got another guy who can be a leader, knowing he'll be here in the fall. It was hard for him to really take charge because he didn't know if he'd be here or not." (HSB)

HA Note: "During UH's Pro Day, an event Letuli attended earlier this month in Carson, Calif., Shaw told National Football League scouts that Letuli was one of the best tackles he ever coached. Shaw repeated that claim yesterday."

Explaining why Letuli was one of the best tackles he ever coached, Shaw said:
"He has the rare combination of power and strength along with physical size, athleticism and quickness. He has all of the skills, like no one else I've ever been associated with on the offensive line. He's a very smart football player. He understands the game very well. It's just an awesome tribute to the NCAA to give a guy like that another year on the field." (HA)

About being able to run pass routes without discomfort, giving him hope that he will be ready for this summer's training camp, Rodney Bradley said:
"I'm about 90 percent, there's a little pain in the area." (HA)

About how he's sitting out of Spring Practice because he does not want to risk a setback in his recovery, Bradley said:
"Somebody could roll up on my leg." (HA)

About running routes after practice with QBs Cayman Shutter and Corey Nielsen throwing passes, Bradley said:
"I'll definitely be ready this summer." (HA)

About how Mack missed practice yesterday to be with his wife Heather, who suffered a fractured arm when she was hit by a car Sunday, Spencer Smith said:
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. McMackin." (HA)

HA Note: "Cornerback Tank Hopkins, who is recovering from a pelvic injury, said he is contemplating redshirting this coming season. Hopkins, who will be a senior, has never used a redshirt year."

HA Note: "The grass practice field has been renamed Cooke Field, according to a small plaque. What used to be Cooke Field — the complex featuring a track and football field with an artificial surface — is now Ching field."

About how Austin and Rausch took reps with the first unity yesterday, moving Rausch ahead of Graves, Rolo said:
"We're trying to get them all some reps. Brent's done some nice things, he's made a lot of progress in the middle of spring. Shane, on the whole, has been the best performer. Dave's had his good days. He still has stuff to learn, it's a tough offense to get in the spring. Brent's been up and down, and we think he's on one of the ups right now." (HSB)

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http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/20100422_Letuli_cleared_to_play_1_more_season.html

Laupepa Letuli was granted a 6th season by the NCAA!

Happy to be able to play for the Warriors this season, Letuli (UH's #1 RT) said:
"I'm very happy to be coming back. I'm happy for my family, too." (HA)

About how the NFL draft starts tomorrow and he needed to notify the NFL if he was available for free-agent offers, Letuli said:
"It was getting frustrating when I didn't hear anything (from the NCAA). I got the answer I wanted." (HA)

HA Note: "During the 2005 training camp, when Letuli was a true freshman, he suffered ligament damage to his right shoulder. He did not play a down that season. In 2009, he suffered a tendon injury in his left knee. The injury prevented him from running. He even underwent a blood-spinning procedure in which his blood was drawn, treated, and then injected into the damaged tendon. Letuli provided what the NCAA calls contemporaneous documents — notes written in the year he was injured."

About how he provided contemporaneous documentation to the NCAA, Letuli said:
"My mom really helped me out. Plus, Eric (Okazaki, UH's head athletic trainer). They documented everything." (HA)

Ready to resume full workouts with the Warriors starting today, Letuli said:
"I wouldn't say I'm in the best shape right now, but I'm in the direction of losing weight." (HA)

About how he'd like to report to training camp weighing about 305 pounds, Letuli said:
"It's good to be back." (HA)

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