About how the spring is when their OL should make mistakes and learn from them, OL coach Gordy Shaw said:
"I don't care if the defense blitzes every times (in spring drills). We might not block a soul. The next practice, when they do the same things, if we pick it up, good. We've learned something from our mistakes. You can't always have success and think you're ready to go. Through failure, you get better." (HSA)
About how freshman takles Sean Shigematsu and Jordan Loeffler and guard David Lefotu are pushing the starting OL for playing time, Shaw said:
"Physically, there's a pretty good upside to those young players on the second unit. it's not like a 100-yard dash. It's a matter of experience." (HSA)
About how their young OL need to learn what to do against stunts and blitzes, Shaw said:
"Everybody in the stands thinks you're supposed to always block the guy in front of you. It's not that way all of the time. Sometimes it might be the guy playing to the inside of you. … You don't want to be the new puppy in the house that bites the ankle of everybody who shows up in front of you. We want our guys to play with patience and confidence. That comes with experience." (HSA)
About how he wants to give all their OL members enough practice reps, Shaw said:
"We want to give everyone a chance in different situations." (HSA)
http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com/2011/03/26/the-waiting-game-2
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The Hawaii Bowl will remain on December 24
About the Hawaii Bowl remaining on December 24, Hawaii Bowl Executive Director David Matlin said:
"We are very excited to celebrate 10 years of aloha as we mark the 10th anniversary of the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110322_hawaii_bowl_to_remain_on_christmas_eve.html
"We are very excited to celebrate 10 years of aloha as we mark the 10th anniversary of the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110322_hawaii_bowl_to_remain_on_christmas_eve.html
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
UH's 2011 Football Schedule been released!
About playing 4 WAC road games and 3 WAC home games, Rolo said:
"that's fair. They had to do it. And at least we don't have to play back-to-back weekends on the road." (HSA)
About how it took awhile to make the schedule, the incompetent WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said:
"It was an extremely difficult process. This was the first time we've had an imbalanced schedule, with four of the schools having four road games and four having three road games. And the last-minute changes by Fresno State and Nevada made it more challenging for us." (HSA)
Note: By the way, the "last-minute change" by Fresno State was announced in DECEMBER. More than 3 months ago Fresno State made it clear to the world that they were playing San Diego State on 12/3/11. For Karl Benson to try to blame Fresno State for the WAC's incompetence in scheduling is petty and deceitful. I *hate* Fresno State but they are 100% in the right on this and the facts show that the WAC was incompetent in this issue and are lying now to try to hide their incompetence...nice way to try to blame Fresno State for their "last-minute" change that was done in December while Louisiana Tech actually *did* make last-minute changes to their schedule recently and aren't mentioned...since they aren't leaving the WAC.
About giving UH a bye week between their road games at Louisiana Tech and San Jose State, Benson said:
"We tried to factor in geography with the home-and-away balance. We always try to protect the University of Hawaii so it won't have to go to the mainland on consecutive weekends." (HSA)
About how UH's final road game is on 11/12 at Reno, Benson said:
"Nov. 12 is not late in the season. It's almost dead in the middle of the season. We don't factor in weather at all." (HSA)
About how UH scheduled nonconference games on 11/26 and 12/3 so there were only 8 weeks for them to schedule 7 WAC games for UH, Benson said:
"Nov. 26 and Dec. 3 were not options for us for any conference games (for UH). That's another thing. We always protect Thanksgiving and the final Saturday for nonconference games for (the Warriors). We've been very accommodating to the University of Hawaii over time." (HSA)
About how some schools will complain about the schedule, Benson said:
"I'm sure there will be some complaints. We had other schools who were willing to make concessions. If an athletic director and head coach were to draw their perfect schedule, I doubt any of them would be the one we released today." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110322_uh_football_schedule_out.html
"that's fair. They had to do it. And at least we don't have to play back-to-back weekends on the road." (HSA)
About how it took awhile to make the schedule, the incompetent WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said:
"It was an extremely difficult process. This was the first time we've had an imbalanced schedule, with four of the schools having four road games and four having three road games. And the last-minute changes by Fresno State and Nevada made it more challenging for us." (HSA)
Note: By the way, the "last-minute change" by Fresno State was announced in DECEMBER. More than 3 months ago Fresno State made it clear to the world that they were playing San Diego State on 12/3/11. For Karl Benson to try to blame Fresno State for the WAC's incompetence in scheduling is petty and deceitful. I *hate* Fresno State but they are 100% in the right on this and the facts show that the WAC was incompetent in this issue and are lying now to try to hide their incompetence...nice way to try to blame Fresno State for their "last-minute" change that was done in December while Louisiana Tech actually *did* make last-minute changes to their schedule recently and aren't mentioned...since they aren't leaving the WAC.
About giving UH a bye week between their road games at Louisiana Tech and San Jose State, Benson said:
"We tried to factor in geography with the home-and-away balance. We always try to protect the University of Hawaii so it won't have to go to the mainland on consecutive weekends." (HSA)
About how UH's final road game is on 11/12 at Reno, Benson said:
"Nov. 12 is not late in the season. It's almost dead in the middle of the season. We don't factor in weather at all." (HSA)
About how UH scheduled nonconference games on 11/26 and 12/3 so there were only 8 weeks for them to schedule 7 WAC games for UH, Benson said:
"Nov. 26 and Dec. 3 were not options for us for any conference games (for UH). That's another thing. We always protect Thanksgiving and the final Saturday for nonconference games for (the Warriors). We've been very accommodating to the University of Hawaii over time." (HSA)
About how some schools will complain about the schedule, Benson said:
"I'm sure there will be some complaints. We had other schools who were willing to make concessions. If an athletic director and head coach were to draw their perfect schedule, I doubt any of them would be the one we released today." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110322_uh_football_schedule_out.html
Sunday, March 20, 2011
The MWC will try to help UH keep its PPV deal
HSA Note: "The Mountain West Conference has pledged its "reasonable efforts" to help the University of Hawaii preserve its lucrative pay-per-view television package and at least $2.3 million in annual income when the Rainbow Warriors join the conference in football in 2012."
The contract that was obtained through the FOIA said that the MWC will try to:
"negotiate a local area 'carve-out' for UH with its national television broadcast contract." (HSA)
HSA Note: "In addition, the conference "shall use its reasonable effort — but shall not be obligated — to" secure the $2.3 million the school has been banking from its pay-per-view deal with Oceanic Time Warner Cable."
HSA Note: "But part of UH's agreement to join the Mountain West in 2012 specifies that UH will assign "all local, regional, national and international broadcast rights" to the Mountain West."
HSA Note: "UH's agreement with the Mountain West says the $2.3 million payment from the conference "may come from all television sources ..." In addition, the contract states, "Hawaii shall not be entitled to share in other national TV contract revenue until such time as all other MWC institutions have received at least $2.3 million in TV revenue from football for that academic year, at which point Hawaii shall share in any additional revenues above this threshold." "
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110320_Mountain_West_will_help_UH_keep_pay_per_view_deal.html
The contract that was obtained through the FOIA said that the MWC will try to:
"negotiate a local area 'carve-out' for UH with its national television broadcast contract." (HSA)
HSA Note: "In addition, the conference "shall use its reasonable effort — but shall not be obligated — to" secure the $2.3 million the school has been banking from its pay-per-view deal with Oceanic Time Warner Cable."
HSA Note: "But part of UH's agreement to join the Mountain West in 2012 specifies that UH will assign "all local, regional, national and international broadcast rights" to the Mountain West."
HSA Note: "UH's agreement with the Mountain West says the $2.3 million payment from the conference "may come from all television sources ..." In addition, the contract states, "Hawaii shall not be entitled to share in other national TV contract revenue until such time as all other MWC institutions have received at least $2.3 million in TV revenue from football for that academic year, at which point Hawaii shall share in any additional revenues above this threshold." "
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110320_Mountain_West_will_help_UH_keep_pay_per_view_deal.html
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Feature article on Coach Tomey
About coming back to UH to coach this year, Dick Tomey said:
"It is like a lot of things in life because it is a big circle. I have number of players that are sons of guys that were on original teams, the athletic director was a player on our team and one of the assistant coaches is still here from when I was here." (scout.com)
About how the only place that he would coach is UH, Tomey said:
"There are a lot of familiar faces and the new basketball coach is even the son of guy that I coached when I was here. I feel really blessed because I am in good health and this is the only job on staff I would want and only place I would want to coach. I live here and am going to for future, so it has been great." (scout.com)
About how there is a lot that he needs to learn due to all of the changes in coaching, Tomey said:
"I have a lot to learn. Every staff calls everything differently and the terminology is different. To be in charge of all special teams is a big responsibility and I am learning all of the new players and learning where they are from. There is no question that I have a lot to learn." (scout.com)
About how there is a big difference between today's players and the players he coached years ago, Tomey said:
"Players work harder today than they have ever worked in history of football. They are more dedicated today but there are also more demands made on players' time than ever before." (scout.com)
About how football is a year-round commitment now, Tomey said:
"A player has to be fully committed. Summer workouts used to be something that players went home to do and now they stay at campus. Schools have very well structured off season programs by very confident professionals. When I started some places like Hawaii did not have a weight room and if they did it was the size of a small room at your house." (scout.com)
About how Arizona needs to have equal facilities with the rest of the Pac-12, Tomey said:
"You are not going to get ahead, but a school has to keep pace and I think Oregon has surged ahead. A couple of other schools like USC and UCLA have also not kept pace but those schools have geography." (scout.com)
Thankful for his career and family, Tomey said:
"I want to emphasize how grateful I am for the family that I have, for my wife Nancy and kids and grandchildren because the blessings I have are not professional in nature. Family is the greatest blessing and I have the health of my family and a number of grandkids all over the world." (scout.com)
http://hawaii.scout.com/2/1054025.htmlhttp://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=219&f=1136&t=7333761
"It is like a lot of things in life because it is a big circle. I have number of players that are sons of guys that were on original teams, the athletic director was a player on our team and one of the assistant coaches is still here from when I was here." (scout.com)
About how the only place that he would coach is UH, Tomey said:
"There are a lot of familiar faces and the new basketball coach is even the son of guy that I coached when I was here. I feel really blessed because I am in good health and this is the only job on staff I would want and only place I would want to coach. I live here and am going to for future, so it has been great." (scout.com)
About how there is a lot that he needs to learn due to all of the changes in coaching, Tomey said:
"I have a lot to learn. Every staff calls everything differently and the terminology is different. To be in charge of all special teams is a big responsibility and I am learning all of the new players and learning where they are from. There is no question that I have a lot to learn." (scout.com)
About how there is a big difference between today's players and the players he coached years ago, Tomey said:
"Players work harder today than they have ever worked in history of football. They are more dedicated today but there are also more demands made on players' time than ever before." (scout.com)
About how football is a year-round commitment now, Tomey said:
"A player has to be fully committed. Summer workouts used to be something that players went home to do and now they stay at campus. Schools have very well structured off season programs by very confident professionals. When I started some places like Hawaii did not have a weight room and if they did it was the size of a small room at your house." (scout.com)
About how Arizona needs to have equal facilities with the rest of the Pac-12, Tomey said:
"You are not going to get ahead, but a school has to keep pace and I think Oregon has surged ahead. A couple of other schools like USC and UCLA have also not kept pace but those schools have geography." (scout.com)
Thankful for his career and family, Tomey said:
"I want to emphasize how grateful I am for the family that I have, for my wife Nancy and kids and grandchildren because the blessings I have are not professional in nature. Family is the greatest blessing and I have the health of my family and a number of grandkids all over the world." (scout.com)
http://hawaii.scout.com/2/1054025.htmlhttp://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=219&f=1136&t=7333761
Feature on the finish of the first week of Spring practice
Pleased with how their first 5 practices went, Mack said:
"I thought we made a lot of improvement, especially on special teams." (HSA)
HSA Note: "McMackin said there are 60 players competing for spots on the six special-teams units. He said the coverage specialists are separated into four groups: 1) small but fast; 2) medium-sized but fast; 3) linebackers and defensive ends, and 4) linemen."
About their focus on special teams this spring, Mack said:
"We're really evaluating special teams. We're looking for guys who can run down and get the job done. We'll have some we'll take off our list and some we'll put back on." (HSA)
About looking for the right fits on offense, Bryant Moniz said:
"We're getting there. We're moving receivers around, trying to put together all of the puzzle pieces. We started at '1,' and now we're at '6.' We'll probably finish camp at a '7' or '8.' We need to come out of fall camp at a '10.'" (HSA)
About how David Graves and Cayman Shutter have taken a lot of reps to see in their competition wto replace Shane Austin as #2 QB, Rolo said:
"We know what Shane can do.We want to see what the other guys can do ." (HSA)
HSA Note: "When spring training opened, left wideout Darius Bright, left slotback Allen Sampson and right slotback Terence Bell were on the first team. The past two practices, Corey Paclebar and Billy Ray Stutzmann were the No. 1 slotbacks. Bright, Joe Avery and Sampson shared reps at left wideout yesterday."
About experimenting with their starters at wideout and slot, Rolo said:
"We have to find the best four, and their best fit in the scheme." (HSA)
About how they are waiting for Miah Ostrowski to return after the basketball team is finished with their season, Moniz said:
"We don't want them to lose, but to hurry up." (HSA)
About how incoming players Promise Amadi, Chris Gant and Trevor Davis will compete for playing time in training camp, Rolo said:
"We'll see how they compete when they get here." (HSA)
Praising RB Joey Iosefa for his play this spring, Rolo said:
"Joey is having a great camp. As far as expectations, he's exceeded them." (HSA)
About how RBs Will Gregory and Jared Leaf will join the team this summer, Rolo said:
"We may need one of those young guys to help us early." (HSA)
About how they may redshirt Gregory or Leaf to stagger when they run out of eligibility, Rolo said:
"There are a lot of options this year." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110319_Springs_first_act_is_eventful.html
"I thought we made a lot of improvement, especially on special teams." (HSA)
HSA Note: "McMackin said there are 60 players competing for spots on the six special-teams units. He said the coverage specialists are separated into four groups: 1) small but fast; 2) medium-sized but fast; 3) linebackers and defensive ends, and 4) linemen."
About their focus on special teams this spring, Mack said:
"We're really evaluating special teams. We're looking for guys who can run down and get the job done. We'll have some we'll take off our list and some we'll put back on." (HSA)
About looking for the right fits on offense, Bryant Moniz said:
"We're getting there. We're moving receivers around, trying to put together all of the puzzle pieces. We started at '1,' and now we're at '6.' We'll probably finish camp at a '7' or '8.' We need to come out of fall camp at a '10.'" (HSA)
About how David Graves and Cayman Shutter have taken a lot of reps to see in their competition wto replace Shane Austin as #2 QB, Rolo said:
"We know what Shane can do.We want to see what the other guys can do ." (HSA)
HSA Note: "When spring training opened, left wideout Darius Bright, left slotback Allen Sampson and right slotback Terence Bell were on the first team. The past two practices, Corey Paclebar and Billy Ray Stutzmann were the No. 1 slotbacks. Bright, Joe Avery and Sampson shared reps at left wideout yesterday."
About experimenting with their starters at wideout and slot, Rolo said:
"We have to find the best four, and their best fit in the scheme." (HSA)
About how they are waiting for Miah Ostrowski to return after the basketball team is finished with their season, Moniz said:
"We don't want them to lose, but to hurry up." (HSA)
About how incoming players Promise Amadi, Chris Gant and Trevor Davis will compete for playing time in training camp, Rolo said:
"We'll see how they compete when they get here." (HSA)
Praising RB Joey Iosefa for his play this spring, Rolo said:
"Joey is having a great camp. As far as expectations, he's exceeded them." (HSA)
About how RBs Will Gregory and Jared Leaf will join the team this summer, Rolo said:
"We may need one of those young guys to help us early." (HSA)
About how they may redshirt Gregory or Leaf to stagger when they run out of eligibility, Rolo said:
"There are a lot of options this year." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110319_Springs_first_act_is_eventful.html
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Quotes from the Spring Practices articles in the Star-Advertiser (Paclebar/Stutz at the top slot positions, feature on Art Laurel)
About being one of that 12 or so Warriors that jumped 30 feet from a cliff above Kapena Fallas into a deep pool of water, Billy Ray Stutzmann said:
"It was a long way down, but it was fun. We're in college. Why not do fun things?" (HSA)
About having Corey Paclebar and Stutzmann as their #1 slotbacks in their practice yesterday, Rolo said:
"They understand what we're doing and they're making plays. This is a good opportunity for them." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Left slotback Allen Sampson and right slotback Terence Bell, who moved from wideout, were the No. 1 slotbacks during the first three spring practices. Miah Ostrowski, the point guard on the UH basketball team, will rejoin the Warriors after the hoops season ends. Promise Amadi, a highly regarded recruit, joins the mix this summer as the Warriors seek successors to Greg Salas and Kealoha Pilares."
Rolo said that Paclebar:
"understands how to get open, and how to get other people open. He's working hard." (HSA)
About choosing to walk-on to UH because of coming to Hawaii on numerous business trips earlier, Paclebar said:
"I fell in love with the aloha culture." (HSA)
About how his big performance in the 2009 Warrior Bowl earned him an invitation to the 2009 training camp, Paclebar said:
"I got lucky in the spring game. When I went back and looked at the tape, I didn't really run the routes very well." (HSA)
About how he suffered a subluxed left shoulder while swinging a pillow during an orientation session during the 2009 training camp, Paclebar said:
"That's embarrassing." (HSA)
HSA Note: "He continued practicing, eventually leading to fractures in two areas of his shoulder and a labrum tear. He missed the entire 2009 season. He contributed on the scout team in 2010 while continuing to learn the intricacies of the Warriors' four-wide offense."
Praising Paclebar, Mouse Davis said:
"He has quickness, and he works hard." (HSA)
About how he's comfortable with the offense now, Paclebar said:
"Two years in the offense, it's about time I got things straightened out. I'm having fun with it now." (HSA)
Asked where Stutzmann will play since he's the #2 right wideout and is being trained to play slotback, Rolo smiled and said:
"For Hawaii for the next three years." (HSA)
About having Art Laurel play their "elephant" position, Dave Aranda said:
"He's physical and he can run." (HSA)
HSA Note: "In certain schemes, Laurel will be used at "elephant," a hybrid position in which the outside linebacker is aligned as a rush end near the line of scrimmage. The position demands strength, quickness and perseverance."
About how they have options for the elephant position, Aranda said:
"We have some hybrid guys now, like Art, whereas a couple of years ago, we didn't have anyone who could fit that bill. If we can do things that are simple for us, but hard and complex for (the opposing team), then we'll want to do that." (HSA)
About how Laurel has a chance to earn a prominent role on defense, Aranda said:
"Art's always been a guy who's had potential. He's been in the system for a long time. It's Art Laurel time. He knows that more than anybody, and to his credit, he's doing something about it." (HSA)
About making all 6 of his 35-yard FG attempts during practice yesterday, walk-on kicker Kenton Chun said:
"I came out of the trials, so I'm in the competition mode. Hopefully, I can make my way on the fall roster." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110317_Laurel_versatile_like_an_elephant.html
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110317_Paclebar_Stutzmann_top_slots.html
"It was a long way down, but it was fun. We're in college. Why not do fun things?" (HSA)
About having Corey Paclebar and Stutzmann as their #1 slotbacks in their practice yesterday, Rolo said:
"They understand what we're doing and they're making plays. This is a good opportunity for them." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Left slotback Allen Sampson and right slotback Terence Bell, who moved from wideout, were the No. 1 slotbacks during the first three spring practices. Miah Ostrowski, the point guard on the UH basketball team, will rejoin the Warriors after the hoops season ends. Promise Amadi, a highly regarded recruit, joins the mix this summer as the Warriors seek successors to Greg Salas and Kealoha Pilares."
Rolo said that Paclebar:
"understands how to get open, and how to get other people open. He's working hard." (HSA)
About choosing to walk-on to UH because of coming to Hawaii on numerous business trips earlier, Paclebar said:
"I fell in love with the aloha culture." (HSA)
About how his big performance in the 2009 Warrior Bowl earned him an invitation to the 2009 training camp, Paclebar said:
"I got lucky in the spring game. When I went back and looked at the tape, I didn't really run the routes very well." (HSA)
About how he suffered a subluxed left shoulder while swinging a pillow during an orientation session during the 2009 training camp, Paclebar said:
"That's embarrassing." (HSA)
HSA Note: "He continued practicing, eventually leading to fractures in two areas of his shoulder and a labrum tear. He missed the entire 2009 season. He contributed on the scout team in 2010 while continuing to learn the intricacies of the Warriors' four-wide offense."
Praising Paclebar, Mouse Davis said:
"He has quickness, and he works hard." (HSA)
About how he's comfortable with the offense now, Paclebar said:
"Two years in the offense, it's about time I got things straightened out. I'm having fun with it now." (HSA)
Asked where Stutzmann will play since he's the #2 right wideout and is being trained to play slotback, Rolo smiled and said:
"For Hawaii for the next three years." (HSA)
About having Art Laurel play their "elephant" position, Dave Aranda said:
"He's physical and he can run." (HSA)
HSA Note: "In certain schemes, Laurel will be used at "elephant," a hybrid position in which the outside linebacker is aligned as a rush end near the line of scrimmage. The position demands strength, quickness and perseverance."
About how they have options for the elephant position, Aranda said:
"We have some hybrid guys now, like Art, whereas a couple of years ago, we didn't have anyone who could fit that bill. If we can do things that are simple for us, but hard and complex for (the opposing team), then we'll want to do that." (HSA)
About how Laurel has a chance to earn a prominent role on defense, Aranda said:
"Art's always been a guy who's had potential. He's been in the system for a long time. It's Art Laurel time. He knows that more than anybody, and to his credit, he's doing something about it." (HSA)
About making all 6 of his 35-yard FG attempts during practice yesterday, walk-on kicker Kenton Chun said:
"I came out of the trials, so I'm in the competition mode. Hopefully, I can make my way on the fall roster." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110317_Laurel_versatile_like_an_elephant.html
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110317_Paclebar_Stutzmann_top_slots.html
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
UH has set their starting OL...at least for now
HSA Note: "In yesterday's first spring practice in pads, the No. 1 offensive line was: left tackle Clayton Laurel, left guard Brett Leonard, center Matagisila Lefiti, right guard Chauncy Winchester-Makainai and right tackle Levi Legay. Laurel, Leonard and Lefiti will be fifth-year seniors in the fall. They have combined for one start, by Leonard. Legay will be a fourth-year junior. Winchester-Makainai, who played in 11 games in 2010, will be a sophomore."
About their starters on the OL right now, OL coach Gordy Shaw said:
"Right now, we think we have the five best players starting." (HSA)
About how the starting group will remain the same this week, but might change when they return on March 28 after spring break, Shaw said:
"We might make some adjustments after the break. That's when you might see a change up or down." (HSA)
About having Lefiti and Leonard rotate between C and LG, switching after each 4 snaps yesterday, Shaw said:
"They're both among the top five. No doubt." (HSA)
Shaw said that they had planned for Winchester-Makainai to compete at RT, but after several evaluation meetings they decided:
"he has to be an inside guy." (HSA)
Asked if he was discouraged when he was not invited to training camp in 2008 despite participating in the spring training that year, Legay sadi:
"No, it was the desire to play, really. I wanted to get out on the field." (HSA)
About his protein-rich diet and extra time in the weight room to get a better chance to play, Legay said:
"If I'm a little too light in practice, I'll gain a little weight." (HSA)
About Legay, Shaw said:
"Fundamentally, he's pretty sound. He knows the offense. He's holding down the position for now. He will get challenged, for sure." (HSA)
Praising the improvement of senior London Sapolu, Shaw said:
"He's improved tremendously. He struggled not so much with knowing the offense, but knowing how to perform in the offense." (HSA)
About how they will have at least 3 new OL starters for the 4th year in a row, Shaw said:
"The system is in place. It's no different than at wide receiver or anywhere else in our offense. The system is there. The players learn the system, and they perfect their techniques within the system, and they become good players." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110315_Warriors_settle_on_starting_offensive_line_for_now.html
About their starters on the OL right now, OL coach Gordy Shaw said:
"Right now, we think we have the five best players starting." (HSA)
About how the starting group will remain the same this week, but might change when they return on March 28 after spring break, Shaw said:
"We might make some adjustments after the break. That's when you might see a change up or down." (HSA)
About having Lefiti and Leonard rotate between C and LG, switching after each 4 snaps yesterday, Shaw said:
"They're both among the top five. No doubt." (HSA)
Shaw said that they had planned for Winchester-Makainai to compete at RT, but after several evaluation meetings they decided:
"he has to be an inside guy." (HSA)
Asked if he was discouraged when he was not invited to training camp in 2008 despite participating in the spring training that year, Legay sadi:
"No, it was the desire to play, really. I wanted to get out on the field." (HSA)
About his protein-rich diet and extra time in the weight room to get a better chance to play, Legay said:
"If I'm a little too light in practice, I'll gain a little weight." (HSA)
About Legay, Shaw said:
"Fundamentally, he's pretty sound. He knows the offense. He's holding down the position for now. He will get challenged, for sure." (HSA)
Praising the improvement of senior London Sapolu, Shaw said:
"He's improved tremendously. He struggled not so much with knowing the offense, but knowing how to perform in the offense." (HSA)
About how they will have at least 3 new OL starters for the 4th year in a row, Shaw said:
"The system is in place. It's no different than at wide receiver or anywhere else in our offense. The system is there. The players learn the system, and they perfect their techniques within the system, and they become good players." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110315_Warriors_settle_on_starting_offensive_line_for_now.html
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Warrior Quotes from the Star-Advertiser 3/13/11 (Kenny Estes feature, feature on the centers)
About how just started practicing with the first team this past Wednesday, despite being projected to start as far back as 2009, Kenny Estes sad:
"I take every day as it is. I can't think of the future — or the past." (HSA)
About being their #1 free safety this spring, with Jordan Gomes out with a knee injury and Brandon Leslie arriving this summer, Estes said:
"Anything can happen. I'm trying to study all of my plays and do the right things." (HSA)
Asked which shoulder required a medical hardship in 2008, Estes said:
"I don't even know. I hurt both sides. I get mixed up." (HSA)
About how another shoulder injury ruined the Warriors' plans to make him a starter in 2009, Estes said that after the injury:
"I got down on the depth chart." (HSA)
About how his great job on their kick-coverage unit in 2010 earned him a shot at safety as a senior this year, Estes said:
"This is my fifth year in college. It's my last year. I've grown up a lot." (HSA)
About how Honolulu was very different that the rural Kauai area he came from, Estes said:
"When I got here, I was like, 'Holy smokes, this is a whole different thing.'" (HSA)
About how they didn't have the fishing regulations on Kauai that they have on Oahu, Estes said:
"When I go fishing here, I have to follow all of these laws. Back at home, it's all free game." (HSA)
About Estes, who stays at his family's house during the summer, Kealoha Pilares said:
"He's a down-to-earth country kid. He sticks to his roots no matter what. He loves fishing. You can't get it out of him. That's one thing about him, he needs his fishing." (HSA)
About staying at Estes' family home, Pilares said:
"It was super fun. He showed me how they lived. It's very different from Oahu. Life is a lot slower. That's him. He can tear up a dance floor, but he doesn't like to go out. He'd rather go to the beach and throw out the fishing poles." (HSA)
About how he plays aggressively despite his laid-back personality, Estes said:
"I do what I need to do." (HSA).
HSA Note: "In team testing, Elmer "Tahi" Lim, Kahai Choy and Matagisila Lefiti had impressive weight-lifting performances. Lim and Choy — both Kamehameha Schools graduates — each bench-pressed a team-high 455 pounds. Choy and Lefiti each benched 225 pounds 35 times."
About how he increased his weight-training workouts after the Warriors cut him at the end of the 2009 spring training, Lim said:
"That's when I really started to work on my upper-body strength." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Lim, who is 6 feet 1 and 290 pounds. was reinstated to the roster following a successful walk-on tryout in February 2010. He practiced at guard during the 2010 season before switching to center. He has one season of eligibility remaining."
About benching 455 pounds but not succeeding at 475 pounds, Lim said:
"I just couldn't get it." (HSA)
About competing for a spot at guard, Andrew Faaumu (who had the top power clean with a lift of 342 pounds) said:
"It's going to come down to the summer." (HSA)
About earning his bachelor's degree in communications and planning to go for a master's degree, Faaumu said:
"Right now, Plan A is football." (HSA)
About using financial aid, student loans, and help from his family to pay for UH and living expenses, walk-on Faaumu said:
"I don't see anything wrong with investing money into college. Whether you're taking out loans, it's an investment into your future. I didn't go to college just to play football. I wanted to learn." (HSA)
About how it was easy for him to adjust to the CB position, John Hardy-Tuilau said:
"I played corner before. I know it." (HSA)
About how he gained versatility when playing nickel last year, Hardy-Tuilau said:
"Playing nickel. I had to learn all of the positions (in the secondary)." (HSA)A
About how he did well in their first two spring practices, Cecil Doe said:
"I feel I'm making pretty good progress." (HSA)
About how he's learning to read the various defensive coverages and how his routes can open things up for other receivers, Doe said:
"It's a really good offense. It's definitely fun to run." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110313_no_hurry_no_worry_for_estes.html
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110313_centers_throw_their_weights_around.html
"I take every day as it is. I can't think of the future — or the past." (HSA)
About being their #1 free safety this spring, with Jordan Gomes out with a knee injury and Brandon Leslie arriving this summer, Estes said:
"Anything can happen. I'm trying to study all of my plays and do the right things." (HSA)
Asked which shoulder required a medical hardship in 2008, Estes said:
"I don't even know. I hurt both sides. I get mixed up." (HSA)
About how another shoulder injury ruined the Warriors' plans to make him a starter in 2009, Estes said that after the injury:
"I got down on the depth chart." (HSA)
About how his great job on their kick-coverage unit in 2010 earned him a shot at safety as a senior this year, Estes said:
"This is my fifth year in college. It's my last year. I've grown up a lot." (HSA)
About how Honolulu was very different that the rural Kauai area he came from, Estes said:
"When I got here, I was like, 'Holy smokes, this is a whole different thing.'" (HSA)
About how they didn't have the fishing regulations on Kauai that they have on Oahu, Estes said:
"When I go fishing here, I have to follow all of these laws. Back at home, it's all free game." (HSA)
About Estes, who stays at his family's house during the summer, Kealoha Pilares said:
"He's a down-to-earth country kid. He sticks to his roots no matter what. He loves fishing. You can't get it out of him. That's one thing about him, he needs his fishing." (HSA)
About staying at Estes' family home, Pilares said:
"It was super fun. He showed me how they lived. It's very different from Oahu. Life is a lot slower. That's him. He can tear up a dance floor, but he doesn't like to go out. He'd rather go to the beach and throw out the fishing poles." (HSA)
About how he plays aggressively despite his laid-back personality, Estes said:
"I do what I need to do." (HSA).
HSA Note: "In team testing, Elmer "Tahi" Lim, Kahai Choy and Matagisila Lefiti had impressive weight-lifting performances. Lim and Choy — both Kamehameha Schools graduates — each bench-pressed a team-high 455 pounds. Choy and Lefiti each benched 225 pounds 35 times."
About how he increased his weight-training workouts after the Warriors cut him at the end of the 2009 spring training, Lim said:
"That's when I really started to work on my upper-body strength." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Lim, who is 6 feet 1 and 290 pounds. was reinstated to the roster following a successful walk-on tryout in February 2010. He practiced at guard during the 2010 season before switching to center. He has one season of eligibility remaining."
About benching 455 pounds but not succeeding at 475 pounds, Lim said:
"I just couldn't get it." (HSA)
About competing for a spot at guard, Andrew Faaumu (who had the top power clean with a lift of 342 pounds) said:
"It's going to come down to the summer." (HSA)
About earning his bachelor's degree in communications and planning to go for a master's degree, Faaumu said:
"Right now, Plan A is football." (HSA)
About using financial aid, student loans, and help from his family to pay for UH and living expenses, walk-on Faaumu said:
"I don't see anything wrong with investing money into college. Whether you're taking out loans, it's an investment into your future. I didn't go to college just to play football. I wanted to learn." (HSA)
About how it was easy for him to adjust to the CB position, John Hardy-Tuilau said:
"I played corner before. I know it." (HSA)
About how he gained versatility when playing nickel last year, Hardy-Tuilau said:
"Playing nickel. I had to learn all of the positions (in the secondary)." (HSA)A
About how he did well in their first two spring practices, Cecil Doe said:
"I feel I'm making pretty good progress." (HSA)
About how he's learning to read the various defensive coverages and how his routes can open things up for other receivers, Doe said:
"It's a really good offense. It's definitely fun to run." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110313_no_hurry_no_worry_for_estes.html
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110313_centers_throw_their_weights_around.html
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Gordy Show is happy with the work ethic of his OL
Asked if the first day of practice helped him figure out who were the starters on their OL, Gordy Shaw said:
"No, we were in our underwear. It'll be different when they put the pads on. But the first day was good." (HSA)
About how he and Brett Leonard will rotate between C and LG, with Chauncy Winchester-Makainai a top candidate to start at RT or LG, Matagisila Lefiti said:
"We have guys who have been waiting their turn." (HSA)
About how their 7 senior OL conducted 2x/week unsupervised workouts during the offseason, Shaw said:
"They took responsibility and ownership of the offensive line. I'm very pleased with their work ethic. I don't think anybody outworked them this offseason. That showed in the first practice." (HSA)
About how their new starters on the OL shouldn't make people worry about their offense, Lefiti said:
"I don't think anybody should worry. We're going to be a high-powered offense. We'll be all right. The young guys are filling in. We'll be good." (HSA)
About how he got married last month and he and his wife are expecting their first child in June, Corey Paredes (held out of contact drills while recovering from shoulder surgery) said:
"It's been hectic." (HSA)
About adjusting to being a safety in football after leaving the basketball team about a year ago, Leroy Lutu said:
"Don't get me wrong, I miss basketball a lot. I told Gib (Arnold, UH's basketball coach) I'll be one of their biggest fans. I played basketball my whole life, but I missed football a lot, too. It's just a better situation for me. I'll have more opportunities to be successful in football." (HSA)
About working on improving his strength, especially via power cleans, Lutu said:
"Kealoha Pilares is one of my best friends, and he was really into the (power) cleans. I'm trying to be like him. He's really quick. That's a key thing to be when you're a football player." (HSA)
About how he gets advice from Rich Miano and Richard Torres regularly, Lutu said:
"(Torres) is like another coach out there. I can ask him a lot of things." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110310_Shaw_happy_with_offensive_lines_work_ethic.html
"No, we were in our underwear. It'll be different when they put the pads on. But the first day was good." (HSA)
About how he and Brett Leonard will rotate between C and LG, with Chauncy Winchester-Makainai a top candidate to start at RT or LG, Matagisila Lefiti said:
"We have guys who have been waiting their turn." (HSA)
About how their 7 senior OL conducted 2x/week unsupervised workouts during the offseason, Shaw said:
"They took responsibility and ownership of the offensive line. I'm very pleased with their work ethic. I don't think anybody outworked them this offseason. That showed in the first practice." (HSA)
About how their new starters on the OL shouldn't make people worry about their offense, Lefiti said:
"I don't think anybody should worry. We're going to be a high-powered offense. We'll be all right. The young guys are filling in. We'll be good." (HSA)
About how he got married last month and he and his wife are expecting their first child in June, Corey Paredes (held out of contact drills while recovering from shoulder surgery) said:
"It's been hectic." (HSA)
About adjusting to being a safety in football after leaving the basketball team about a year ago, Leroy Lutu said:
"Don't get me wrong, I miss basketball a lot. I told Gib (Arnold, UH's basketball coach) I'll be one of their biggest fans. I played basketball my whole life, but I missed football a lot, too. It's just a better situation for me. I'll have more opportunities to be successful in football." (HSA)
About working on improving his strength, especially via power cleans, Lutu said:
"Kealoha Pilares is one of my best friends, and he was really into the (power) cleans. I'm trying to be like him. He's really quick. That's a key thing to be when you're a football player." (HSA)
About how he gets advice from Rich Miano and Richard Torres regularly, Lutu said:
"(Torres) is like another coach out there. I can ask him a lot of things." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110310_Shaw_happy_with_offensive_lines_work_ethic.html
Bryant Moniz has been taking a leadership role this Spring
About feeling like he's been at UH for a long time (3 years), Bryant Moniz said:
"I do feel old. I was telling the guys: 'How can you be here for six years? Guys who use the grayshirt and redshirt years ... that's a long time. I think every season you age twice as fast. It's two years to one. It's like a dog's age. I feel old." (HSA)
About taking a leadership role this Spring as 1 of their 2 returning starters, Moniz said:
"There's a lot of work to do. There are a lot of new guys to break in." (HSA)
About how they will miss both Salas and Pilares this season, Moniz said that working with Salas and Pilares:
"I realized what a pleasure it was." (HSA)
Remembering when he joined UH in January 2009, Moniz said:
"There were guys who knew the offense, and I had to catch up to them. Now it's the opposite way around, knowing the offense and the other guys having to catch up. We have to build chemistry together." (HSA)
About how he's getting comfortable in the offense, Darius Bright said:
"Everything felt like it was falling into place." (HSA)
About practicing as the #1 right slotback while Miah Ostrowski is playing basketball for UH, Terence Bell said:
"It was my first time being in the first group. It was everything I expected it to be." (HSA)
About being a walk-on this season, living with his girlfriend in an off-campus apartment, Bell said:
"Man, it's really hard. We're pretty much scraping by. But this is a good opportunity to play for a good team." (HSA)
About how their first practice went well, Moniz said:
"It was a start. We have to start somewhere. We'll see where we are at the end of spring." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110310_Moniz_steps_up_as_leader.html
"I do feel old. I was telling the guys: 'How can you be here for six years? Guys who use the grayshirt and redshirt years ... that's a long time. I think every season you age twice as fast. It's two years to one. It's like a dog's age. I feel old." (HSA)
About taking a leadership role this Spring as 1 of their 2 returning starters, Moniz said:
"There's a lot of work to do. There are a lot of new guys to break in." (HSA)
About how they will miss both Salas and Pilares this season, Moniz said that working with Salas and Pilares:
"I realized what a pleasure it was." (HSA)
Remembering when he joined UH in January 2009, Moniz said:
"There were guys who knew the offense, and I had to catch up to them. Now it's the opposite way around, knowing the offense and the other guys having to catch up. We have to build chemistry together." (HSA)
About how he's getting comfortable in the offense, Darius Bright said:
"Everything felt like it was falling into place." (HSA)
About practicing as the #1 right slotback while Miah Ostrowski is playing basketball for UH, Terence Bell said:
"It was my first time being in the first group. It was everything I expected it to be." (HSA)
About being a walk-on this season, living with his girlfriend in an off-campus apartment, Bell said:
"Man, it's really hard. We're pretty much scraping by. But this is a good opportunity to play for a good team." (HSA)
About how their first practice went well, Moniz said:
"It was a start. We have to start somewhere. We'll see where we are at the end of spring." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110310_Moniz_steps_up_as_leader.html
Feature on the friendship between Mouse Davis and Rolo
When a friend suggested a place for him to stay and he asked if that was a hotel because he hadn't heard of it, Mouse Davis said that he was told:
"No, it is a retirement home." (HSA)
About how he's teased about his age (he's 78), Mouse said:
"(Associate head coach Rich) Miano asked me the other day if my social security number was 2 or 3." (HSA)
About wondering if it would work out for him to serve as Rolo's mentor, Mouse said:
"Nobody wants some old bleep looking over their shoulder, saying, 'I would have done this and I would have done that.' " (HSA)
About how having Mouse serve as his mentor worked out really well, Rolo said:
"You couldn't have dreamed for it to turn out any better." (HSA)
HSA Note: "The bottom line on this April-December marriage of the minds came in a 10-4 season in which the Warriors led the nation in passing offense and finished in the top 10 in total offense and scoring."
About how Mouse and Rolo work well together, Bryant Moniz said:
"They've had a real good chemistry from the start; Rolo runs the show and Mouse pretty much invented it." (HSA)
HSA Note: "One of the initial indicators to its impending success was when the Warriors ran one of Rolovich's so-called "special" plays -- "something with a funky name like 'fear the beard' or 'duck buns,' " Davis recalled -- and Rolovich asked for an instant assessment. To which Davis reportedly replied, "That's pretty bleeping average" and Rolovich quickly retorted, "Tell me how you really feel." Then, they both broke into laughter."
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/ferdswords/20110310_Warriors_odd_couple_has_become_perfect_pair.html
"No, it is a retirement home." (HSA)
About how he's teased about his age (he's 78), Mouse said:
"(Associate head coach Rich) Miano asked me the other day if my social security number was 2 or 3." (HSA)
About wondering if it would work out for him to serve as Rolo's mentor, Mouse said:
"Nobody wants some old bleep looking over their shoulder, saying, 'I would have done this and I would have done that.' " (HSA)
About how having Mouse serve as his mentor worked out really well, Rolo said:
"You couldn't have dreamed for it to turn out any better." (HSA)
HSA Note: "The bottom line on this April-December marriage of the minds came in a 10-4 season in which the Warriors led the nation in passing offense and finished in the top 10 in total offense and scoring."
About how Mouse and Rolo work well together, Bryant Moniz said:
"They've had a real good chemistry from the start; Rolo runs the show and Mouse pretty much invented it." (HSA)
HSA Note: "One of the initial indicators to its impending success was when the Warriors ran one of Rolovich's so-called "special" plays -- "something with a funky name like 'fear the beard' or 'duck buns,' " Davis recalled -- and Rolovich asked for an instant assessment. To which Davis reportedly replied, "That's pretty bleeping average" and Rolovich quickly retorted, "Tell me how you really feel." Then, they both broke into laughter."
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/ferdswords/20110310_Warriors_odd_couple_has_become_perfect_pair.html
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
The Warriors will try to develop chemistry on offense quickly despite returning only 2 starters
About how he realized that he couldn't leave football behind after completing his eligibility at UH in December 2011, Rolo said:
"Certain guys have a sickness where leaving football is almost impossible. I think I was diagnosed with that pretty early." (HSA)
About returning only 2 starters on offense, Rolo said:
"We're going to try to develop chemistry — between the receivers and the O-line, and within the receiving crew. I feel good about our team." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Rolovich said Shane Austin, who will be a senior in the fall, David Graves, Cayman Shutter and Corey Nielsen will receive equal reps in the competition for the No. 2 quarterback job. Kevin Spain, who had shoulder surgery last summer, might be limited in his number of spring reps."
About how Shane Austin, David Graves, Cayman Shutter, and Corey Nielsen will receive equal reps in Spring Practice while they compete for the #2 QB job, Rolo said:
"We have a good idea of what Shane can do. We want to evaluate all of the quarterbacks. It's getting some depth, and some insight to what our future might look like." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Rolovich said Moniz will get a lot of work with the top receivers. That group includes wideouts Pollard, Billy Ray Stutzmann, Darius Bright, Joe Avery and Cecil Doe, and slotbacks Terence Bell and Allen Sampson."
Rolo said that Bell will practice at #1 right slotback until:
"Miah gets back with us."
HSA Note: "After that, Bell likely will move to left slotback. Stutzmann, who is listed as a right wideout, will get some work at slotback."
About having Bright start at left wideout and move to slotback if he masters the wideout position, Rolo said:
"I want (Bright) to feel comfortable at one position first." (HSA)
About how their offense is very different than the run-oriented system that Doe had at his JC, Rolo said:
"This (offense) is much different than what he's been in. His strengths are attacking the ball when it's in the air. He appears to have good hands from the films we've watched of him." (HSA)
About slotback Corey Paclebear, who missed 2009 due to a broken arm and didn't play much in 2010, Rolo said:
"He's in a good place, as far as mentality-wise. He's ready. He's got quickness and he understands the system. As long as you can do those two things, you have a chance to play." (HSA)
About how "handyman" Justin Clapp can play all 4 receiver positions, Rolo said:
"He plays very hard. And he's matured. He has a desire to get on the field. He gives us a bigger, tougher body if we go that route." (HSA)
About how Sterling Jackson is different than Alex Green, Rolo said:
"Sterling has underestimated speed. He's a very tough, strong runner. He'll be a little more north-south. A.G. had some quick feet. He could give one move and go. I think Sterling will run through more tackles and get us some tough yards." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Rolovich said there is some experience on the offensive line. Matagisila Lefiti and Brett Leonard are seniors who will rotate between left guard and center. Left tackle Clayton Laurel also is entering his final season. Chauncy Winchester-Makainai should earn a starting job on the right side, and freshmen Dave Lefotu, Sean Shigematsu, Frank Loyd and Jordan Loeffler will compete for playing time."
About their young OL who will be fighting for the open spots on the OL, Rolo said:
"You've got a bunch of hungry guys who are smelling their opportunity. The thing is, we're not bringing anybody else in. These are the guys. We feel good about them. They need to find their place in the O-line." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110309_Warriors_eager_to_unveil_players_who_can_help_on_offense.html
"Certain guys have a sickness where leaving football is almost impossible. I think I was diagnosed with that pretty early." (HSA)
About returning only 2 starters on offense, Rolo said:
"We're going to try to develop chemistry — between the receivers and the O-line, and within the receiving crew. I feel good about our team." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Rolovich said Shane Austin, who will be a senior in the fall, David Graves, Cayman Shutter and Corey Nielsen will receive equal reps in the competition for the No. 2 quarterback job. Kevin Spain, who had shoulder surgery last summer, might be limited in his number of spring reps."
About how Shane Austin, David Graves, Cayman Shutter, and Corey Nielsen will receive equal reps in Spring Practice while they compete for the #2 QB job, Rolo said:
"We have a good idea of what Shane can do. We want to evaluate all of the quarterbacks. It's getting some depth, and some insight to what our future might look like." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Rolovich said Moniz will get a lot of work with the top receivers. That group includes wideouts Pollard, Billy Ray Stutzmann, Darius Bright, Joe Avery and Cecil Doe, and slotbacks Terence Bell and Allen Sampson."
Rolo said that Bell will practice at #1 right slotback until:
"Miah gets back with us."
HSA Note: "After that, Bell likely will move to left slotback. Stutzmann, who is listed as a right wideout, will get some work at slotback."
About having Bright start at left wideout and move to slotback if he masters the wideout position, Rolo said:
"I want (Bright) to feel comfortable at one position first." (HSA)
About how their offense is very different than the run-oriented system that Doe had at his JC, Rolo said:
"This (offense) is much different than what he's been in. His strengths are attacking the ball when it's in the air. He appears to have good hands from the films we've watched of him." (HSA)
About slotback Corey Paclebear, who missed 2009 due to a broken arm and didn't play much in 2010, Rolo said:
"He's in a good place, as far as mentality-wise. He's ready. He's got quickness and he understands the system. As long as you can do those two things, you have a chance to play." (HSA)
About how "handyman" Justin Clapp can play all 4 receiver positions, Rolo said:
"He plays very hard. And he's matured. He has a desire to get on the field. He gives us a bigger, tougher body if we go that route." (HSA)
About how Sterling Jackson is different than Alex Green, Rolo said:
"Sterling has underestimated speed. He's a very tough, strong runner. He'll be a little more north-south. A.G. had some quick feet. He could give one move and go. I think Sterling will run through more tackles and get us some tough yards." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Rolovich said there is some experience on the offensive line. Matagisila Lefiti and Brett Leonard are seniors who will rotate between left guard and center. Left tackle Clayton Laurel also is entering his final season. Chauncy Winchester-Makainai should earn a starting job on the right side, and freshmen Dave Lefotu, Sean Shigematsu, Frank Loyd and Jordan Loeffler will compete for playing time."
About their young OL who will be fighting for the open spots on the OL, Rolo said:
"You've got a bunch of hungry guys who are smelling their opportunity. The thing is, we're not bringing anybody else in. These are the guys. We feel good about them. They need to find their place in the O-line." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110309_Warriors_eager_to_unveil_players_who_can_help_on_offense.html
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
The WAC schedule not being set yet is making it harder for UH to keep costs down for the conference road trips
HSA Note: "Eleventh-hour dithering by breakaway schools Fresno State and Nevada has been blamed for sending the 2011 schedule "back to ground zero," commissioner Karl Benson told members in a frank e-mail recently. At a time when most major conferences have already announced their schedules and TV lineups, Benson added it will be later this month before a WAC schedule or TV lineup is finalized."
About how the delay in finalizing their schedule makes it harder for UH to book their road trips at a cheaper price, JD said:
"For us, the biggest concern is that we don't know when we are playing on the road, so we haven't had the opportunity to go ahead and grab the air (arrangements). Seemingly, every week now airfare prices have been going up and so the sooner we know, the easier it is for us to make arrangements before prices get worse." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Nevada threw the first late monkey wrench into the schedule when it changed its mind about playing previously booked nonconference games on the road in succession against Oregon (Sept. 10), Texas Tech (Sept. 24) and Boise State (Oct. 1) — and sought to drop one of them. Then, "24 hours before, when we were going to announce the WAC schedule," the conference learned about Fresno State's Dec. 3 game at San Diego State, Benson said."
About how WAC schools had been asked to leave the Dec. 3 date open for a conference game, so Fresno State scheduling San Diego State on that day upset the WAC, Karl Benson wrote in a e-mail to Fresno State's AD:
"For you (Fresno State) to do this without our knowledge and now cause (associate commissioner Jeff Hurd) to start over making the schedule is neither fair nor equitable to the other seven WAC members. Jeff will do his best to establish a fair and balanced schedule for all eight WAC football teams, but you have just made his job much more difficult." (HSA)
About how they would like to avoid having back-to-back road games again, JD said:
"I certainly don't feel like, if it happens, that it is something that it is, quote, something being done to us, unquote, because we're leaving the WAC. (Rather) it is just the nature of trying hard to get everybody in." (HSA)
About how UH fans have been trying to arrange their schedule to be able to attend road games, but he can't tell them anything about the conference schedule, JD said:
"I get e-mails all the time from people who want to (attend) away games, and we don't know what it is yet." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110308_WAC_football_schedule_in_limbo.html
About how the delay in finalizing their schedule makes it harder for UH to book their road trips at a cheaper price, JD said:
"For us, the biggest concern is that we don't know when we are playing on the road, so we haven't had the opportunity to go ahead and grab the air (arrangements). Seemingly, every week now airfare prices have been going up and so the sooner we know, the easier it is for us to make arrangements before prices get worse." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Nevada threw the first late monkey wrench into the schedule when it changed its mind about playing previously booked nonconference games on the road in succession against Oregon (Sept. 10), Texas Tech (Sept. 24) and Boise State (Oct. 1) — and sought to drop one of them. Then, "24 hours before, when we were going to announce the WAC schedule," the conference learned about Fresno State's Dec. 3 game at San Diego State, Benson said."
About how WAC schools had been asked to leave the Dec. 3 date open for a conference game, so Fresno State scheduling San Diego State on that day upset the WAC, Karl Benson wrote in a e-mail to Fresno State's AD:
"For you (Fresno State) to do this without our knowledge and now cause (associate commissioner Jeff Hurd) to start over making the schedule is neither fair nor equitable to the other seven WAC members. Jeff will do his best to establish a fair and balanced schedule for all eight WAC football teams, but you have just made his job much more difficult." (HSA)
About how they would like to avoid having back-to-back road games again, JD said:
"I certainly don't feel like, if it happens, that it is something that it is, quote, something being done to us, unquote, because we're leaving the WAC. (Rather) it is just the nature of trying hard to get everybody in." (HSA)
About how UH fans have been trying to arrange their schedule to be able to attend road games, but he can't tell them anything about the conference schedule, JD said:
"I get e-mails all the time from people who want to (attend) away games, and we don't know what it is yet." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110308_WAC_football_schedule_in_limbo.html
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Spring Practice Preview for Warrior Football
About the importance of Spring Practice for their team, Mack said:
"This spring is a crucial spring for us. If you look at our team, we have a lot of talent, but we don't have a lot of experience. The guys we lost had an outstanding season. But we have guys who have been getting reps and are talented, and in some ways, we're excited about our young players. They're ready to go." (HSA)
About having just 2 returning starters on offense, just like in 2008, but how things are different than 2008 because they have a returning QB in Moniz, Mack said:
"It's different this time." (HSA)
About making adjustments every year, Mack said:
"I believe life is a bunch of adjustments. If something is working, you go with it. If something isn't working, you make adjustments. Your decision has to be what's best for the program. That's what I always keep in mind: What's best for the program? What's best for the players?" (HSA)
About giving defensive play-calling duties to Dave Aranda last year, Mack said:
"It was a decision I made that I felt was better for the program and the players. I knew Dave could handle it." (HSA)
About gaining 7 pounds since January to now weigh 212, Bryant Moniz said:
"My goal was 210 for the season, so I already surpassed that." (HSA)
Praising Sterling Jackson's running style, Mack said:
"He's a tough runner with speed." (HSA)
About how he is recovered from a broken right thumb that required surgery, Sterling Jackson (who scored a TD in a scrimmage with the broken thumb) said:
"Everything is good now." (HSA)
Abotu how RGM gave him tips to understand the offense better, Terrence Bell said:
"He taught me not only how to run a route, but the idea behind it. He gave me a lot of good advice." (HSA)
About how this is his first year of eligibility (and really his only year due to being cleared by the NCAA after 10 games last year), Bell (who was the faster receiver in the 20-yard dash, running it in 2.61 seconds) said:
"I've got only one year to play.. I'm going to make the most of it." (HSA)
About how a broken leg stopped him from playing 2 years ago and a broken wrist stopped him from playing last year, Clayton Laurel said:
"It's kind of frustrating. I had my chances. I'm trying to focus and make sure I don't get injured. I'm working hard for that starting spot." (HSA)
About looking to have a greater role on defense, Paipai Falemalu said:
"I'm trying to be more of a stout run defender, so I can be an every-down defensive end. I want to be a complete defensive end. That's my goal this year." (HSA)
About how being able to get free of blockers works for pass rushing but is not always the most important thing against the run, Paipai said:
"I'm trying not to force everything." (HSA)
About how redshirting was hard on him, Tank Hopkins said:
"First game (of 2010), I cried in the locker room." (HSA)
About how missing the year was important for his body to heal, Hopkins said:
"I wasn't 100 percent until the end of January." (HSA)
HSA Note: "In team testing, Hopkins ran the fastest 20-yard dash (2.6 seconds) among the Warriors. At the end of each voluntary workout the past month, a one-on-one competition was staged. The line of scrimmage is the 5. The win went to the player who makes the touchdown catch or pass breakup. The winner stayed on the field to face the next challenger. Hopkins set the record for most consecutive victories as a defender (eight) and receiver (nine)."
About how he finally was allowed to play on the kickoff-coverage unit during their regular-season finale (he made 2 tackles vs. UNLV), Kamalani Alo said:
"It's the Kahuku mentality. The opening kickoff at Kahuku is always nuts. The Kahuku fans are great. They do the tomahawk. The feeling of running down on the opening kickoff always felt good. It made me want to do it in college as well." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110306_mcmackin_and_warriors_ready_to_spring_into_action.html
"This spring is a crucial spring for us. If you look at our team, we have a lot of talent, but we don't have a lot of experience. The guys we lost had an outstanding season. But we have guys who have been getting reps and are talented, and in some ways, we're excited about our young players. They're ready to go." (HSA)
About having just 2 returning starters on offense, just like in 2008, but how things are different than 2008 because they have a returning QB in Moniz, Mack said:
"It's different this time." (HSA)
About making adjustments every year, Mack said:
"I believe life is a bunch of adjustments. If something is working, you go with it. If something isn't working, you make adjustments. Your decision has to be what's best for the program. That's what I always keep in mind: What's best for the program? What's best for the players?" (HSA)
About giving defensive play-calling duties to Dave Aranda last year, Mack said:
"It was a decision I made that I felt was better for the program and the players. I knew Dave could handle it." (HSA)
About gaining 7 pounds since January to now weigh 212, Bryant Moniz said:
"My goal was 210 for the season, so I already surpassed that." (HSA)
Praising Sterling Jackson's running style, Mack said:
"He's a tough runner with speed." (HSA)
About how he is recovered from a broken right thumb that required surgery, Sterling Jackson (who scored a TD in a scrimmage with the broken thumb) said:
"Everything is good now." (HSA)
Abotu how RGM gave him tips to understand the offense better, Terrence Bell said:
"He taught me not only how to run a route, but the idea behind it. He gave me a lot of good advice." (HSA)
About how this is his first year of eligibility (and really his only year due to being cleared by the NCAA after 10 games last year), Bell (who was the faster receiver in the 20-yard dash, running it in 2.61 seconds) said:
"I've got only one year to play.. I'm going to make the most of it." (HSA)
About how a broken leg stopped him from playing 2 years ago and a broken wrist stopped him from playing last year, Clayton Laurel said:
"It's kind of frustrating. I had my chances. I'm trying to focus and make sure I don't get injured. I'm working hard for that starting spot." (HSA)
About looking to have a greater role on defense, Paipai Falemalu said:
"I'm trying to be more of a stout run defender, so I can be an every-down defensive end. I want to be a complete defensive end. That's my goal this year." (HSA)
About how being able to get free of blockers works for pass rushing but is not always the most important thing against the run, Paipai said:
"I'm trying not to force everything." (HSA)
About how redshirting was hard on him, Tank Hopkins said:
"First game (of 2010), I cried in the locker room." (HSA)
About how missing the year was important for his body to heal, Hopkins said:
"I wasn't 100 percent until the end of January." (HSA)
HSA Note: "In team testing, Hopkins ran the fastest 20-yard dash (2.6 seconds) among the Warriors. At the end of each voluntary workout the past month, a one-on-one competition was staged. The line of scrimmage is the 5. The win went to the player who makes the touchdown catch or pass breakup. The winner stayed on the field to face the next challenger. Hopkins set the record for most consecutive victories as a defender (eight) and receiver (nine)."
About how he finally was allowed to play on the kickoff-coverage unit during their regular-season finale (he made 2 tackles vs. UNLV), Kamalani Alo said:
"It's the Kahuku mentality. The opening kickoff at Kahuku is always nuts. The Kahuku fans are great. They do the tomahawk. The feeling of running down on the opening kickoff always felt good. It made me want to do it in college as well." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110306_mcmackin_and_warriors_ready_to_spring_into_action.html
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Oceanic starting a UH sports channel could mean no UH sports on free TV or on Dish/DirecTV
HSA Note: "Employees of KFVE — which, along with its family of stations, has aired UH sports since 1984 — said they were told by management recently that "everything" is moving to Oceanic, which plans to inaugurate a new UH channel in the fall in addition to its OC 16 channel, which features high school sports among its programming. Oceanic's new station will be dedicated, it said, to "all things UH." Oceanic and KFVE paid UH $2.45 million this past year for TV and pay-per-view rights to its athletic events, all but $500,000 reportedly coming from Oceanic."
HSA Note: "Oceanic has about 400,000 subscribers. Exclusive UH viewing would give it an edge against satellite competitors DirecTV and the Dish Network."
About how Oceanic may be taking over the production of TV coverage of UH sports, KFVE VP and GM John Fink said:
"We're still in discussions with Oceanic, and the best thing that I can say at this point is — and I hate to use this term — but (talks) are fluid. We should have some definite information in a few weeks." (HSA)
About how it is unclear if the UH sports channel will be part of basic cable or a premium sports pack, an Oceanic employee said:
"A lot of things surrounding this are still up in the air." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/hawaiinews/20110301_Free_TV_viewing_dims_in_cables_UH_sports_deal.html
HSA Note: "Oceanic has about 400,000 subscribers. Exclusive UH viewing would give it an edge against satellite competitors DirecTV and the Dish Network."
About how Oceanic may be taking over the production of TV coverage of UH sports, KFVE VP and GM John Fink said:
"We're still in discussions with Oceanic, and the best thing that I can say at this point is — and I hate to use this term — but (talks) are fluid. We should have some definite information in a few weeks." (HSA)
About how it is unclear if the UH sports channel will be part of basic cable or a premium sports pack, an Oceanic employee said:
"A lot of things surrounding this are still up in the air." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/hawaiinews/20110301_Free_TV_viewing_dims_in_cables_UH_sports_deal.html
Monday, February 28, 2011
Alex Green and Greg Salas excelled at the NFL Combine
About how he felt about how he did at the Combine, Greg Salas said:
"I was pretty happy with my performance." (HSA)
About how Salas was initially credited with running a 5.0 instead of the 4.50 that the statistician meant to input, Salas' agent Kenny Zuckerman said:
"We knew it wasn't a 5 flat. We knew it was in the 4.5 range." (HSA)
HSA Note: "NFL.com reported that Salas completed his second 40 in 4.57 seconds. Each NFL team records its own times for each player at the combine. For Salas' first run, the range was between 4.49 and 4.54."
About using a technique where he stretched his arms on the surface, then bear-crawled back to the starting line, Salas said:
"It's a technique we've been working on. It's supposed to help you explode off the line." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Salas had a 37-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot broad jump. He bench-pressed 225 pounds 15 times. He was credited with running the three-cone drill in 6.65 seconds (seventh-fastest among running backs, receivers and quarterbacks yesterday) and the 60-yard shuttle in 11.21 seconds (ninth). He initially was credited with completing the 20-yard shuttle in 4.10 seconds, but that number was adjusted to an undisclosed slower time."
About catching all of the dozen passes that were thrown to him in the receiver drills, Salas said:
"All of those routes (at UH) had to help. I have confidence in my hands." (HSA)
About how Salas did all of the Combine drills instead of waiting for his school's Pro Day like some players, Zuckerman said:
"My mantra is to get the best bang for the buck. The most (NFL) people are at the combine. Your value increases when more people watch you. It's supply and demand." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Green yesterday had a vertical jump of 36 inches, and a broad jump of 9 feet 6. He completed the three-cone drill in 6.91 seconds. Earlier, he bench-pressed 225 pounds 20 times."
About performing at the Combine, Alex Green said:
"I wasn't nervous at all. It was kind of cool." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Despite receiving praise from ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. two weeks ago, Green arrived as a relative unknown. Agent Michael Hoffman said NFL scouts projected Green as a "4.6 guy," which would be a so-so time for an NFL tailback. NFL.com reported that Green ran the 40 in unofficial times of 4.55 seconds and 4.52 seconds. NFL scouts credited Green with a more favorable range of between 4.46 and 4.48 for his second — and best — run."
About his goal to run faster then 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash, Green said:
"I figured that would help me. It showed I'm faster than some people think. I have to keep working hard, but I'm happy with my time." (HSA)
About Green's good time in the 40, his agent Michael Hoffman said that at Green's weight of:
"225, it was one of the more impressive 40s. He answered one of the biggest question marks." (HSA)
About how Green's performance at the Combine will get scouts to review him closer on film, Hoffman said:
"He's put himself in the right direction." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Former UH slotback Kealoha Pilares benched 225 pounds 19 times Saturday, but did not participate in any of the speed, jumping or position drills yesterday. Three weeks ago, he was cleared to run after suffering a partially torn posterior-cruciate ligament in the Dec. 24 Hawaii Bowl. Pilares said he will participate in all of the activities at UH's pro day."
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110228_salas_green_excel.html
"I was pretty happy with my performance." (HSA)
About how Salas was initially credited with running a 5.0 instead of the 4.50 that the statistician meant to input, Salas' agent Kenny Zuckerman said:
"We knew it wasn't a 5 flat. We knew it was in the 4.5 range." (HSA)
HSA Note: "NFL.com reported that Salas completed his second 40 in 4.57 seconds. Each NFL team records its own times for each player at the combine. For Salas' first run, the range was between 4.49 and 4.54."
About using a technique where he stretched his arms on the surface, then bear-crawled back to the starting line, Salas said:
"It's a technique we've been working on. It's supposed to help you explode off the line." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Salas had a 37-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot broad jump. He bench-pressed 225 pounds 15 times. He was credited with running the three-cone drill in 6.65 seconds (seventh-fastest among running backs, receivers and quarterbacks yesterday) and the 60-yard shuttle in 11.21 seconds (ninth). He initially was credited with completing the 20-yard shuttle in 4.10 seconds, but that number was adjusted to an undisclosed slower time."
About catching all of the dozen passes that were thrown to him in the receiver drills, Salas said:
"All of those routes (at UH) had to help. I have confidence in my hands." (HSA)
About how Salas did all of the Combine drills instead of waiting for his school's Pro Day like some players, Zuckerman said:
"My mantra is to get the best bang for the buck. The most (NFL) people are at the combine. Your value increases when more people watch you. It's supply and demand." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Green yesterday had a vertical jump of 36 inches, and a broad jump of 9 feet 6. He completed the three-cone drill in 6.91 seconds. Earlier, he bench-pressed 225 pounds 20 times."
About performing at the Combine, Alex Green said:
"I wasn't nervous at all. It was kind of cool." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Despite receiving praise from ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. two weeks ago, Green arrived as a relative unknown. Agent Michael Hoffman said NFL scouts projected Green as a "4.6 guy," which would be a so-so time for an NFL tailback. NFL.com reported that Green ran the 40 in unofficial times of 4.55 seconds and 4.52 seconds. NFL scouts credited Green with a more favorable range of between 4.46 and 4.48 for his second — and best — run."
About his goal to run faster then 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash, Green said:
"I figured that would help me. It showed I'm faster than some people think. I have to keep working hard, but I'm happy with my time." (HSA)
About Green's good time in the 40, his agent Michael Hoffman said that at Green's weight of:
"225, it was one of the more impressive 40s. He answered one of the biggest question marks." (HSA)
About how Green's performance at the Combine will get scouts to review him closer on film, Hoffman said:
"He's put himself in the right direction." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Former UH slotback Kealoha Pilares benched 225 pounds 19 times Saturday, but did not participate in any of the speed, jumping or position drills yesterday. Three weeks ago, he was cleared to run after suffering a partially torn posterior-cruciate ligament in the Dec. 24 Hawaii Bowl. Pilares said he will participate in all of the activities at UH's pro day."
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110228_salas_green_excel.html
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Greg Salas, Kealoha Pilares and Alex Green are having interviews and testing at the NFL Combine today
About the start of the NFL Combine today, with interviews, testing, and measurements, Greg Salas said:
"The waiting is over." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Salas and Green said they will participate in all of the skill drills. Pilares, who suffered a partially torn posterior cruciate ligament during the Dec. 24 Hawaii Bowl, said he will take part in the weight-lifting drills, but not the 40-yard dash. Instead, Pilares said he will run the 40 at UH's Pro Day March 31 in Carson."
About how he won't do the 40-yard dash at the Combine, instead running it at UH's Pro Day, Kealoha Pilares said:
"I'll wait until I'm 100 percent. You don't want to go out there and not be 100 percent. I just got (medically) cleared to run in the beginning of the month." (HSA)
About ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay predicting that he would be a sleeper in the draft, Salas said:
"That was cool." (HSA)
About Mcshay spotlighting him as an under-the-radar prospect, Alex Green said:
"I heard about it, but I didn't see (the report). It's definitely an honor to be mentioned by someone with (McShay's) experience." (HSA)
About coming back from a virus he had after the Hawaii Bowl that dropped his weight from 230 to 219, Green said:
"I gained 12 pounds of muscle since I've been out here." (HSA)
About training at Athletes' Performance for more than a month, Green said:
"It makes a difference to be out here. We train twice a day as opposed to once a day. We don't do much heavy lifting. We do technique lifting. We work on balance, moving laterally, and on our core." (HSA)
About how he was told that he is projected to run the 40 in 4.6 seconds, Green said:
"I want to run faster than that." (HSA)
About how he will return to his family's home in Portland for 2 weeks after the combine, Green said:
"Then I'll get ready for Pro Day. I have to take care of business." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110224_Tested_and_measured_3_Warriors_to_perform_at_NFL_combine.html
"The waiting is over." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Salas and Green said they will participate in all of the skill drills. Pilares, who suffered a partially torn posterior cruciate ligament during the Dec. 24 Hawaii Bowl, said he will take part in the weight-lifting drills, but not the 40-yard dash. Instead, Pilares said he will run the 40 at UH's Pro Day March 31 in Carson."
About how he won't do the 40-yard dash at the Combine, instead running it at UH's Pro Day, Kealoha Pilares said:
"I'll wait until I'm 100 percent. You don't want to go out there and not be 100 percent. I just got (medically) cleared to run in the beginning of the month." (HSA)
About ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay predicting that he would be a sleeper in the draft, Salas said:
"That was cool." (HSA)
About Mcshay spotlighting him as an under-the-radar prospect, Alex Green said:
"I heard about it, but I didn't see (the report). It's definitely an honor to be mentioned by someone with (McShay's) experience." (HSA)
About coming back from a virus he had after the Hawaii Bowl that dropped his weight from 230 to 219, Green said:
"I gained 12 pounds of muscle since I've been out here." (HSA)
About training at Athletes' Performance for more than a month, Green said:
"It makes a difference to be out here. We train twice a day as opposed to once a day. We don't do much heavy lifting. We do technique lifting. We work on balance, moving laterally, and on our core." (HSA)
About how he was told that he is projected to run the 40 in 4.6 seconds, Green said:
"I want to run faster than that." (HSA)
About how he will return to his family's home in Portland for 2 weeks after the combine, Green said:
"Then I'll get ready for Pro Day. I have to take care of business." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110224_Tested_and_measured_3_Warriors_to_perform_at_NFL_combine.html
Bryant Moniz made a Heisman Watch List
About how he often struck a Heisman Trophy pose when he was a kid, Bryant Moniz said:
"Of course. When you're a kid running around, that's what you do. That's what you see on TV." (HSA)
About Heismanpundit.com naming him as 1 of the 22 players on its Heisman Trophy watch list, Moniz said:
"It's cool, I guess. It doesn't change much for me. It doesn't matter what you are before the season. I keep that in mind." (HSA)
About how UH will campaign for Moniz, UH SID Derek Inouchi said:
"We'll be doing a campaign for him. We haven't decided what approach we'll take yet, but we've talked about doing something and are exploring some options." (HSA)
About how UH was #1 in ESPN's study of "explosion plays" (offensive plays that gained 20+ yards) in 2010, Rolo said:
"I figured we were one of the top teams, I just didn't have all the stats." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110224_Moniz_makes_Heisman_watch_list.html
"Of course. When you're a kid running around, that's what you do. That's what you see on TV." (HSA)
About Heismanpundit.com naming him as 1 of the 22 players on its Heisman Trophy watch list, Moniz said:
"It's cool, I guess. It doesn't change much for me. It doesn't matter what you are before the season. I keep that in mind." (HSA)
About how UH will campaign for Moniz, UH SID Derek Inouchi said:
"We'll be doing a campaign for him. We haven't decided what approach we'll take yet, but we've talked about doing something and are exploring some options." (HSA)
About how UH was #1 in ESPN's study of "explosion plays" (offensive plays that gained 20+ yards) in 2010, Rolo said:
"I figured we were one of the top teams, I just didn't have all the stats." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110224_Moniz_makes_Heisman_watch_list.html
Monday, February 21, 2011
UHAD is not talking about cutting any of their 19 teams, will deal with the deficit in other ways
About how they are not trying to get people to donate more by threatening to cut sports teams, JD said:
"I don't think there is any need to threaten to cut sports so that you can turn around and use that as a fundraising mechanism. I don't think that sends the right message to the student-athletes and coaches of those sports you are threatening." (HSA)
HSA Note: "UH officials have told the Board of Regents that, because of NCAA, conference and gender equity requirements, it would be unlikely the school could cut enough sports to save a substantial amount of money without risking its Division I status. UH has 11 women's teams, seven for men and one co-ed squad."
About how they need to cut the deficit and start having an annual surplus in order to deal with their $10 mil deficit, not cut teams to try to cut their deficit, JD said:
"I think the most prudent thing for us to do is get hold of the annual deficit situation, turn that into the black and use annual revenue to pay down the accumulated debt. And that's what we've been doing." (HSA)
About how UHAD has been quickly reducing its deficit each year he's been AD, JD said:
"The first year I was on board we would have had a $2.4 million deficit if it wasn't for the Sugar Bowl money. Then, (the deficit) was about $2.2 (million), Last year, it was about $1.6 million, and right now we're projecting in the neighborhood of $500,000 or less" for the current fiscal year that ends June 30. "So we're doing exactly what we said we'd do." (HSA)
About how UH held fundraisers to commemorate the 100th year of UH football and will hold fundraisers for the 40th anniversary of women's sports at UH, JD said:
"That's in addition to all the regular golf tournaments, dinners and fundraisers we have going on annually." (HSA)
About how they will deal with UHAD's deficit, Chancellor Hinshaw said:
"We continually work to generate private support for all of our sports programs and are very grateful for that support, so we are using that approach." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110220_uh_trying_to_work_away_its_debt_not_cut_teams.html
"I don't think there is any need to threaten to cut sports so that you can turn around and use that as a fundraising mechanism. I don't think that sends the right message to the student-athletes and coaches of those sports you are threatening." (HSA)
HSA Note: "UH officials have told the Board of Regents that, because of NCAA, conference and gender equity requirements, it would be unlikely the school could cut enough sports to save a substantial amount of money without risking its Division I status. UH has 11 women's teams, seven for men and one co-ed squad."
About how they need to cut the deficit and start having an annual surplus in order to deal with their $10 mil deficit, not cut teams to try to cut their deficit, JD said:
"I think the most prudent thing for us to do is get hold of the annual deficit situation, turn that into the black and use annual revenue to pay down the accumulated debt. And that's what we've been doing." (HSA)
About how UHAD has been quickly reducing its deficit each year he's been AD, JD said:
"The first year I was on board we would have had a $2.4 million deficit if it wasn't for the Sugar Bowl money. Then, (the deficit) was about $2.2 (million), Last year, it was about $1.6 million, and right now we're projecting in the neighborhood of $500,000 or less" for the current fiscal year that ends June 30. "So we're doing exactly what we said we'd do." (HSA)
About how UH held fundraisers to commemorate the 100th year of UH football and will hold fundraisers for the 40th anniversary of women's sports at UH, JD said:
"That's in addition to all the regular golf tournaments, dinners and fundraisers we have going on annually." (HSA)
About how they will deal with UHAD's deficit, Chancellor Hinshaw said:
"We continually work to generate private support for all of our sports programs and are very grateful for that support, so we are using that approach." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110220_uh_trying_to_work_away_its_debt_not_cut_teams.html
Friday, February 18, 2011
New special teams coordinator Coach Tomey says UH is the only school he would have applied to coach at
About how Coach Tomey is a perfectionist, which makes him ideal for the special teams coordinator position, Mack said:
"He's a perfectionist, he's perfect for this position." (HSA)
About how his new job at UH starts today, Tomey said:
"This is kind of the full circle." (HSA)
Asked if he thought football would be out of his blood when he retired, Tomey said:
"not necessarily." (HSA)
About how Tomey was the favored candidate out of the 100 or so applicants, Mack said:
"He was the guy other guys had to knock out of the saddle." (HSA)
About having telephone interviews with 6 finalists, Mack said:
"He was clearly the one. I couldn't find a better person." (HSA)
About how Tomey has a job at UH for much longer than his 1-year contract, Mack said:
"I'm planning on him coaching as long as he wants to coach. That's up to him." (HSA)
About how long he wiill coach, Tomey (who turns 73 in June) said:
I'm in it as long as I feel good. ... I know I'm feeling good. I know I'm healthy." (HSA)
HSA Note: He said he exercises daily. He runs and lifts weights. He recently picked up stand-up paddling."
About how he would not have applied to work anywhere else, Tomey said:
"It had to be Hawaii."It had to be this job. In my mind, I think it's just a unique opportunity."
About how he doesn't want to be a head coach anymore, Tomey said:
"I've done that, 29 years worth, and I had a great time at three terrific schools. I don't want to spend the time it takes. I've got eight grandchildren. I need to take some time to see my grandkids, and be there for (wife) Nancy. Being a head coach just takes too much time." (HSA)
About how Tomey will assist him in his game-management strategy, Mack said:
"I can bounce things off of Dick. Shoot, he's been a head coach a heck of a lot longer than I have." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110218_Tomey_sees_a_unique_opportunity_with_Warriors.html
"He's a perfectionist, he's perfect for this position." (HSA)
About how his new job at UH starts today, Tomey said:
"This is kind of the full circle." (HSA)
Asked if he thought football would be out of his blood when he retired, Tomey said:
"not necessarily." (HSA)
About how Tomey was the favored candidate out of the 100 or so applicants, Mack said:
"He was the guy other guys had to knock out of the saddle." (HSA)
About having telephone interviews with 6 finalists, Mack said:
"He was clearly the one. I couldn't find a better person." (HSA)
About how Tomey has a job at UH for much longer than his 1-year contract, Mack said:
"I'm planning on him coaching as long as he wants to coach. That's up to him." (HSA)
About how long he wiill coach, Tomey (who turns 73 in June) said:
I'm in it as long as I feel good. ... I know I'm feeling good. I know I'm healthy." (HSA)
HSA Note: He said he exercises daily. He runs and lifts weights. He recently picked up stand-up paddling."
About how he would not have applied to work anywhere else, Tomey said:
"It had to be Hawaii."It had to be this job. In my mind, I think it's just a unique opportunity."
About how he doesn't want to be a head coach anymore, Tomey said:
"I've done that, 29 years worth, and I had a great time at three terrific schools. I don't want to spend the time it takes. I've got eight grandchildren. I need to take some time to see my grandkids, and be there for (wife) Nancy. Being a head coach just takes too much time." (HSA)
About how Tomey will assist him in his game-management strategy, Mack said:
"I can bounce things off of Dick. Shoot, he's been a head coach a heck of a lot longer than I have." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110218_Tomey_sees_a_unique_opportunity_with_Warriors.html
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Dick Tomey returns to UH as special teams coordinator
About how Dick Tomey is one of his 7 mentors that he's writing about in a book, Joe Onosai said:
"He's one of them. He missed his calling. He should have been a preacher, minus the F-bombs. He would have been perfect. He's so eloquent. He's articulate. He has a way with words that gets to your soul." (HSA)
About how Tomey is great motivator, Onosai said:
"He was such a motivator. We would want to run through walls for him. I didn't realize a guy could have so much power. You never wanted to get him upset. When his baby-blue eyes looked into your eyes, they were piercing. My freshman year, I was late to a pregame meeting. I'll never forget how embarrassed I was when he picked on me. I was never late for a meeting after that." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110217_Tomey_brings_expertise_back_to_Warriors_in_special_teams_role.html
"He's one of them. He missed his calling. He should have been a preacher, minus the F-bombs. He would have been perfect. He's so eloquent. He's articulate. He has a way with words that gets to your soul." (HSA)
About how Tomey is great motivator, Onosai said:
"He was such a motivator. We would want to run through walls for him. I didn't realize a guy could have so much power. You never wanted to get him upset. When his baby-blue eyes looked into your eyes, they were piercing. My freshman year, I was late to a pregame meeting. I'll never forget how embarrassed I was when he picked on me. I was never late for a meeting after that." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110217_Tomey_brings_expertise_back_to_Warriors_in_special_teams_role.html
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
UH may get 5 national TV games, great exposure but a big loss in PPV money
About how each national TV game UH is on results in less PPV money, Oceanic Time Warner VP for operations Norman Santos said:
"While more games may appear on 'free' TV due to UH being the big dog in the conference in 2011, the number of games available for PPV might be lessened, which would, naturally, mean less revenue for UH." (HSA)
HSA Note: "UH is to receive $2.45 million in fees for its 2010 pay-per-view package, which included 11 of the Warriors' 13 regular season games."
Note: ESPN may show home games with Colorado, BYU, and Fresno State and the road game with Nevada, and the road game at Washington may be on Fox Sports Northwest.
Expecting ESPN to pick a bunch of UH games after their 10-4 season (and conveniently forgetting that ESPN picked only 1 UH game, the one against USC, before last season began), WAC commissioner Karl Benson said:
"I would expect Hawaii to be of interest to ESPN, they always have been." (HSA)
HSA Note: "The WAC has received approximately $4 million a season and been guaranteed a minimum of 10 games on the combination of ESPN and ESPN2, plus six more on ESPNU. UH's share will be about $400,000 when checks go out in June."
Expecting ESPN to reduce the number of WAC games they show and the money they give the WAC next season, WAC associate commissioner Jeff Hurd said:
"There's going to be reduced games, although to what extent I don't know yet." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110216_Warriors_popularity_may_come_with_a_price.html
"While more games may appear on 'free' TV due to UH being the big dog in the conference in 2011, the number of games available for PPV might be lessened, which would, naturally, mean less revenue for UH." (HSA)
HSA Note: "UH is to receive $2.45 million in fees for its 2010 pay-per-view package, which included 11 of the Warriors' 13 regular season games."
Note: ESPN may show home games with Colorado, BYU, and Fresno State and the road game with Nevada, and the road game at Washington may be on Fox Sports Northwest.
Expecting ESPN to pick a bunch of UH games after their 10-4 season (and conveniently forgetting that ESPN picked only 1 UH game, the one against USC, before last season began), WAC commissioner Karl Benson said:
"I would expect Hawaii to be of interest to ESPN, they always have been." (HSA)
HSA Note: "The WAC has received approximately $4 million a season and been guaranteed a minimum of 10 games on the combination of ESPN and ESPN2, plus six more on ESPNU. UH's share will be about $400,000 when checks go out in June."
Expecting ESPN to reduce the number of WAC games they show and the money they give the WAC next season, WAC associate commissioner Jeff Hurd said:
"There's going to be reduced games, although to what extent I don't know yet." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110216_Warriors_popularity_may_come_with_a_price.html
Former Georgia Tech safety Brandon Leslie signed with the Warriors
About signing Brandon Leslie with the scholarship that they saved in case a top recruit became available after NLI day, Mack said:
"Every year, we try to save one scholarship in case a top (prospect) becomes available." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Among the late signings at those schools, according to McMackin, were now All-Pro linebacker Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens and receiver Wes Welker of the New England Patriots."
About signing with UH after NLI day, Leslie said:
"I did my research, and I decided to sign with Hawaii." (HSA)
HSA Note: "As a senior at Fresno's Edison High in 2008, Leslie signed with Georgia Tech, turning down offers from Stanford, Washington and Nebraska. Leslie redshirted that year, and then played in 2009 under Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson, a former UH offensive coordinator."
About his time at Georgia Tech, Leslie said:
"I had good relationships there." (HSA)
HSA Note: "But Leslie left to help care for his father, who was ill. He decided to remain in Central California, enrolling at the College of the Sequoias."
About picking UH over Arizona, Iowa State and Nevada, Leslie (who said he was a Warriors fan "since high school") said:
"I like the program, and I like the coaches." (HSA)
About how he visited his Aunt (who lived in Hawaii for 8 years) a few years ago and went island-hopping, Leslie said:
"I love everything about Hawaii." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Leslie said he will enroll at UH in June, and have two years to play two seasons."
About the 6'1", 208-pound Leslie, Mack said:
"I like his size and his speed and his ability. What I really like is he's a good person. We did our homework. We talked to a lot of people. We talked to high school coaches and his JC coach. We know Paul Johnson. Everybody says he's a great person." (HSA)
HSA Note: "The initial plan was to move John Hardy-Tuliau, who played quarter (nickel back) as a true freshman in 2010, to safety. With Leslie's commitment, Hardy-Tuliau will instead shift to cornerback. Last year's starting cornerbacks, Lametrius Davis and Jeramy Bryant, completed their UH eligibility after the 2010 Hawaii Bowl. Hardy-Tuliau, Tank Hopkins and Mike Edwards, who played at Tennessee in 2009, are expected to be the top three cornerbacks. In several of UH's defensive schemes, three cornerbacks are employed."
About how Leslie gives UH options in the secondary, Mack said:
"On paper, there are a lot of different things we can do now." (HSA)
About himself, Leslie (whose nicknames are Taz and B-Les) said:
"I'm adventurous. I like to try different things." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110216_UH_signs_former_Georgia_Tech_safety.html
"Every year, we try to save one scholarship in case a top (prospect) becomes available." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Among the late signings at those schools, according to McMackin, were now All-Pro linebacker Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens and receiver Wes Welker of the New England Patriots."
About signing with UH after NLI day, Leslie said:
"I did my research, and I decided to sign with Hawaii." (HSA)
HSA Note: "As a senior at Fresno's Edison High in 2008, Leslie signed with Georgia Tech, turning down offers from Stanford, Washington and Nebraska. Leslie redshirted that year, and then played in 2009 under Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson, a former UH offensive coordinator."
About his time at Georgia Tech, Leslie said:
"I had good relationships there." (HSA)
HSA Note: "But Leslie left to help care for his father, who was ill. He decided to remain in Central California, enrolling at the College of the Sequoias."
About picking UH over Arizona, Iowa State and Nevada, Leslie (who said he was a Warriors fan "since high school") said:
"I like the program, and I like the coaches." (HSA)
About how he visited his Aunt (who lived in Hawaii for 8 years) a few years ago and went island-hopping, Leslie said:
"I love everything about Hawaii." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Leslie said he will enroll at UH in June, and have two years to play two seasons."
About the 6'1", 208-pound Leslie, Mack said:
"I like his size and his speed and his ability. What I really like is he's a good person. We did our homework. We talked to a lot of people. We talked to high school coaches and his JC coach. We know Paul Johnson. Everybody says he's a great person." (HSA)
HSA Note: "The initial plan was to move John Hardy-Tuliau, who played quarter (nickel back) as a true freshman in 2010, to safety. With Leslie's commitment, Hardy-Tuliau will instead shift to cornerback. Last year's starting cornerbacks, Lametrius Davis and Jeramy Bryant, completed their UH eligibility after the 2010 Hawaii Bowl. Hardy-Tuliau, Tank Hopkins and Mike Edwards, who played at Tennessee in 2009, are expected to be the top three cornerbacks. In several of UH's defensive schemes, three cornerbacks are employed."
About how Leslie gives UH options in the secondary, Mack said:
"On paper, there are a lot of different things we can do now." (HSA)
About himself, Leslie (whose nicknames are Taz and B-Les) said:
"I'm adventurous. I like to try different things." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110216_UH_signs_former_Georgia_Tech_safety.html
Sunday, February 13, 2011
UH is reducing the number of D-IAA opponents on its schedule
About how UH doesn't have any D-IAA opponents on its schedules after 2012 and will try not to schedule them in the future, Associate AD Carl Clapp said:
"That will be a last option." (HSA)
About reducing the number of D-IAA opponents they play, JD said that he would:
"prefer to play FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) opponents as much as possible. Nothing against FCS programs, but (opponents) seem to resonate better with our fans if they're an FBS program." (HSA)
About how he's tried to achieve a balanced schedule, JD said:
"We don't want our schedule to be described as 'easy,' but we also don't want it to be Murderer's Row, either. I'm very pleased with Carl's assistance with this. It was one of the immediate things I needed to address when I was hired, And I think we've done a good job of filling out our schedules into the future, and we'll continue to work on it on a consistent basis." (HSA)
About how they have been talking to many schools, including USC, about future games, JD said:
"We have talked to USC, but we still have some more talking to do. Some games take weeks (to make) and others take months." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110213_fcs_opponents_vanishing_from_warriors_schedule.html
"That will be a last option." (HSA)
About reducing the number of D-IAA opponents they play, JD said that he would:
"prefer to play FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) opponents as much as possible. Nothing against FCS programs, but (opponents) seem to resonate better with our fans if they're an FBS program." (HSA)
About how he's tried to achieve a balanced schedule, JD said:
"We don't want our schedule to be described as 'easy,' but we also don't want it to be Murderer's Row, either. I'm very pleased with Carl's assistance with this. It was one of the immediate things I needed to address when I was hired, And I think we've done a good job of filling out our schedules into the future, and we'll continue to work on it on a consistent basis." (HSA)
About how they have been talking to many schools, including USC, about future games, JD said:
"We have talked to USC, but we still have some more talking to do. Some games take weeks (to make) and others take months." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110213_fcs_opponents_vanishing_from_warriors_schedule.html
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Colt Brennan was surprised when he woke up 4 or 5 days after the accident and found that he had surgery
About the scar on his cheek and the scars all along the left side of his chest, Colt Brennan said:
"I've got some scars. It gives me a little street cred, I think." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Yesterday, Brennan reiterated that "four or five days" after the accident, he awakened at The Queen's Medical Center and was surprised to learn he underwent surgery to repair a broken left clavicle, and had received stitches for a gash at the back of his head. He said he also suffered four broken ribs on his left side, and injuries to his left eye socket and left cheek."
About the accident, Colt said:
"I don't remember, and it's not like I remember that moment when I woke up. It's not like that at all. ... I was out for four or five days. ... I woke up, and all of my stitches were out of my body, and I was sitting there feeling fine, to an extent. And (my parents) were like, 'No, you went through something traumatic.'" (HSA)
About how he hasn't had any post-traumatic problems because of his memory loss, Colt said:
"I haven't had to face any of that." (HSA)
About how he went on a diet to get to 210 pounds, about 8 pounds less than before the accident, Colt said:
"I definitely lost weight after the accident, but I gained a lot back over the holidays. Basically, about a week or two ago, I was getting a little too big. I put myself on a diet last week. Basically, when I start training hard, it will be easy to get to the right weight." (HSA)
Colt said that the clavicle surgery was performed:
"with the sense I'll be playing football again." (HSA)
About the surgeries he had on both hips and both knees from April 2008 to April 2010, Colt said about his knee injuries:
"Small meniscus tears. On paper, it looks bad. Surgery, surgery, surgery. None of it was any type of structural damage. It wasn't as if I blew out a major ligament." (HSA)
About how the support he got from Hawaii fans helped his recovery, Colt said:
"Whether it was writing a quick e-mail or sending a nice note, my mom is convinced that was a huge part in my healing. The state of Hawaii had a lot to do with that. I'm very grateful." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110212_Surgeries_surprised_Brennan.html
"I've got some scars. It gives me a little street cred, I think." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Yesterday, Brennan reiterated that "four or five days" after the accident, he awakened at The Queen's Medical Center and was surprised to learn he underwent surgery to repair a broken left clavicle, and had received stitches for a gash at the back of his head. He said he also suffered four broken ribs on his left side, and injuries to his left eye socket and left cheek."
About the accident, Colt said:
"I don't remember, and it's not like I remember that moment when I woke up. It's not like that at all. ... I was out for four or five days. ... I woke up, and all of my stitches were out of my body, and I was sitting there feeling fine, to an extent. And (my parents) were like, 'No, you went through something traumatic.'" (HSA)
About how he hasn't had any post-traumatic problems because of his memory loss, Colt said:
"I haven't had to face any of that." (HSA)
About how he went on a diet to get to 210 pounds, about 8 pounds less than before the accident, Colt said:
"I definitely lost weight after the accident, but I gained a lot back over the holidays. Basically, about a week or two ago, I was getting a little too big. I put myself on a diet last week. Basically, when I start training hard, it will be easy to get to the right weight." (HSA)
Colt said that the clavicle surgery was performed:
"with the sense I'll be playing football again." (HSA)
About the surgeries he had on both hips and both knees from April 2008 to April 2010, Colt said about his knee injuries:
"Small meniscus tears. On paper, it looks bad. Surgery, surgery, surgery. None of it was any type of structural damage. It wasn't as if I blew out a major ligament." (HSA)
About how the support he got from Hawaii fans helped his recovery, Colt said:
"Whether it was writing a quick e-mail or sending a nice note, my mom is convinced that was a huge part in my healing. The state of Hawaii had a lot to do with that. I'm very grateful." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110212_Surgeries_surprised_Brennan.html
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
UH LB recruit Tyler Gray is the first player from his high school to get a D-IA football scholarship out of high school
SLO = Sanluisobispo.com
About how Tyler Gray is the first player from Templeton High School to go to D-IA team with a scholarship straight from high school, Templeton coach Dave Harper said:
"The youth league kids, they all know who Tyler Gray is. A lot of kids want to be No. 37 next year. I just encourage them to do their best, and some day they will be here." (SLO
SLO Note: "He's believed to be the first player in school history to sign with an FBS program directly out of high school and receive a full ride."
SLO Note: "He also had previously visited Air Force and Cal Poly — his other finalists — and San Jose State had also offered him a scholarship."
Relieved that the recruiting process is behind him, Gray said:
"I'm very excited. I'm definitely glad the whole (process) is over, because it's so stressful, all the things you have to go through for four, five years. So it's a good relief." (SLO)
About how he loved his recruiting trip to Hawaii, Gray said:
"I had the best time on my trip. I got along with people really well. I felt like I was part of the team by the time I left." (SLO)
Harper said that the 6'3", 215-pound Gray will likely be used at UH's joker position:
"where he'll be rushing from either side depending on what the play call was in the huddle." (SLO)
About how it is rare for one of their players to make it to D-IA football, Harper said:
"It comes around very seldom, and he's worked very hard to accomplish these things. When I first saw him play, there was something special about him." (SLO)
About how Gray can serve as motivation to future Templeton players, Harper said:
"If it motivates kids to stay in school, to do the right things so that they, too, can accomplish their dreams, that's what I think is the biggest thing with him. We'll have to have some kids fill some big shoes, but we think we have some kids that want to do that. And now, seeing what can happen, how hard work will pay off for you, it's exciting for us." (SLO)
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2011/02/02/1468554/this-eagle-to-land-in-hawaii.html#ixzz1DS7UZ0fz
About how Tyler Gray is the first player from Templeton High School to go to D-IA team with a scholarship straight from high school, Templeton coach Dave Harper said:
"The youth league kids, they all know who Tyler Gray is. A lot of kids want to be No. 37 next year. I just encourage them to do their best, and some day they will be here." (SLO
SLO Note: "He's believed to be the first player in school history to sign with an FBS program directly out of high school and receive a full ride."
SLO Note: "He also had previously visited Air Force and Cal Poly — his other finalists — and San Jose State had also offered him a scholarship."
Relieved that the recruiting process is behind him, Gray said:
"I'm very excited. I'm definitely glad the whole (process) is over, because it's so stressful, all the things you have to go through for four, five years. So it's a good relief." (SLO)
About how he loved his recruiting trip to Hawaii, Gray said:
"I had the best time on my trip. I got along with people really well. I felt like I was part of the team by the time I left." (SLO)
Harper said that the 6'3", 215-pound Gray will likely be used at UH's joker position:
"where he'll be rushing from either side depending on what the play call was in the huddle." (SLO)
About how it is rare for one of their players to make it to D-IA football, Harper said:
"It comes around very seldom, and he's worked very hard to accomplish these things. When I first saw him play, there was something special about him." (SLO)
About how Gray can serve as motivation to future Templeton players, Harper said:
"If it motivates kids to stay in school, to do the right things so that they, too, can accomplish their dreams, that's what I think is the biggest thing with him. We'll have to have some kids fill some big shoes, but we think we have some kids that want to do that. And now, seeing what can happen, how hard work will pay off for you, it's exciting for us." (SLO)
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2011/02/02/1468554/this-eagle-to-land-in-hawaii.html#ixzz1DS7UZ0fz
PPV revenue dropped for the third straight year, UH will get $2.45 mil in 2010
About how UH will get $17k less in rights fees this year, the third straight year PPV revenue has dropped, UH Associate AD John McNamara said:
"I think given the fact that we're still not out of the economic situation we've experienced the last two years, to have numbers that are consistently performing well has been pleasing." (HSA)
About the varied reasons why PPV subscriptions might have dropped from 7,347 subscribers to 6,038 subscribers, Oceanic VP for Operations Norman Santos said:
"While the economy may have had some effect, there are other factors to consider such as teams' past record, the opponents on the PPV schedule, diluted interest because of over exposure of the sport on TV and perhaps the price of the package overall." (HSA)
Season Packages Rights fee
2010 6,038 $2.45 million
2009 7,347 $2.47 million
2008 8,318 $2.6 million
2007 8,837 $2.54 million
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110209_UH_pay-per-view_revenue_drops.html
"I think given the fact that we're still not out of the economic situation we've experienced the last two years, to have numbers that are consistently performing well has been pleasing." (HSA)
About the varied reasons why PPV subscriptions might have dropped from 7,347 subscribers to 6,038 subscribers, Oceanic VP for Operations Norman Santos said:
"While the economy may have had some effect, there are other factors to consider such as teams' past record, the opponents on the PPV schedule, diluted interest because of over exposure of the sport on TV and perhaps the price of the package overall." (HSA)
Season Packages Rights fee
2010 6,038 $2.45 million
2009 7,347 $2.47 million
2008 8,318 $2.6 million
2007 8,837 $2.54 million
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110209_UH_pay-per-view_revenue_drops.html
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Choosing Toronto meant that Chad Owens had to give up his dream to play in the NFL
GM = Globe and Mail
About how he made his decision on where he wanted to play, not for the money, Chad Owens said:
"I tried to look at it outside of the money. If the NFL and the CFL paid players the same, I'd be in Toronto anyway. I got everything I wanted and then some from Toronto." (GM)
About how it was hard to give up his dream to play in the NFL, Owens said:
"My goal growing up was to play in the NFL. It ended up being a very hard and emotional decision for me and my family." (GM)
Happy they signed Owens, Toronto head coach and GM Jim Barker said:
"Obviously, Chad Owens is one of the prime-time guys we wanted to get. He epitomizes everything we want an Argo to be." (GM)
Wanting to win a championship with Toronto, Owens said:
"I've got one goal in mind, and that's the Grey Cup. We have a legitimate shot." (GM)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/chad-owens-commits-future-to-argos/article1899624/
About how he made his decision on where he wanted to play, not for the money, Chad Owens said:
"I tried to look at it outside of the money. If the NFL and the CFL paid players the same, I'd be in Toronto anyway. I got everything I wanted and then some from Toronto." (GM)
About how it was hard to give up his dream to play in the NFL, Owens said:
"My goal growing up was to play in the NFL. It ended up being a very hard and emotional decision for me and my family." (GM)
Happy they signed Owens, Toronto head coach and GM Jim Barker said:
"Obviously, Chad Owens is one of the prime-time guys we wanted to get. He epitomizes everything we want an Argo to be." (GM)
Wanting to win a championship with Toronto, Owens said:
"I've got one goal in mind, and that's the Grey Cup. We have a legitimate shot." (GM)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/chad-owens-commits-future-to-argos/article1899624/
Chad Owens chose the Toronto Argonauts over the New York Jets
TS = Toronto Sun
About signing an extension with Toronto that will take him through 2013, Chad Owens said:
"I'm excited to continue to be an Argonaut. My pro career has seen a lot of ups and downs over the years. Last year in Toronto was a huge up and, as a pro, you look for those types of seasons. When looking at the whole situation, I realized that in coach Jim Barker I had a coach and GM who not only cared about me but also cared about my family. This contract helps take care of my family but more than that, I get to re-join a special group of players who I feel are my team in a city I feel is my home. This team has become my extended family and I'm honoured to be a part of this group who love me unconditionally. I'm glad this process is over so I can focus on what needs to be done to bring the Grey Cup to Toronto." (TS)
About how he could have made more money if he had gone to the NFL, Owens said:
"Definitely. There's a potential of a whole lot more money when you are talking about the NFL and the potential to make more. But if they paid players the same money in the CFL as they did in the NFL, I would be back in Toronto anyway." (TS)
TS Note: "Owens reportedly will make upward of $125,000 a season with Toronto. The process, as Owens called it, involved a contract offer from the New York Jets, his agent, Richard Burnoski, told the Toronto Sun a couple of weeks ago. Part of what apparently scared Owens off was a potential work stoppage in the NFL."
Happy that they were able to sign Chad to an extension, Toronto head coach Jim Barker said:
"We felt Chad was a key piece to our team's future moving forward and I want to thank our player personnel director Mike Hagen for his work on this contract through the negotiation process. Chad was the outstanding special teams player in the league last year and we expect him to continue at that level of play. With a full season in our system under his belt and being a part of our training camp this year, we also expect Chad's contributions and productivity on offence to increase this year. As a player, Chad exhibits toughness and tenacity, with a superior work ethic. He is a true warrior and epitomizes the way we coach Toronto Argonauts to play the game." (TS)
http://www.torontosun.com/sports/football/2011/02/08/17194186.html
About signing an extension with Toronto that will take him through 2013, Chad Owens said:
"I'm excited to continue to be an Argonaut. My pro career has seen a lot of ups and downs over the years. Last year in Toronto was a huge up and, as a pro, you look for those types of seasons. When looking at the whole situation, I realized that in coach Jim Barker I had a coach and GM who not only cared about me but also cared about my family. This contract helps take care of my family but more than that, I get to re-join a special group of players who I feel are my team in a city I feel is my home. This team has become my extended family and I'm honoured to be a part of this group who love me unconditionally. I'm glad this process is over so I can focus on what needs to be done to bring the Grey Cup to Toronto." (TS)
About how he could have made more money if he had gone to the NFL, Owens said:
"Definitely. There's a potential of a whole lot more money when you are talking about the NFL and the potential to make more. But if they paid players the same money in the CFL as they did in the NFL, I would be back in Toronto anyway." (TS)
TS Note: "Owens reportedly will make upward of $125,000 a season with Toronto. The process, as Owens called it, involved a contract offer from the New York Jets, his agent, Richard Burnoski, told the Toronto Sun a couple of weeks ago. Part of what apparently scared Owens off was a potential work stoppage in the NFL."
Happy that they were able to sign Chad to an extension, Toronto head coach Jim Barker said:
"We felt Chad was a key piece to our team's future moving forward and I want to thank our player personnel director Mike Hagen for his work on this contract through the negotiation process. Chad was the outstanding special teams player in the league last year and we expect him to continue at that level of play. With a full season in our system under his belt and being a part of our training camp this year, we also expect Chad's contributions and productivity on offence to increase this year. As a player, Chad exhibits toughness and tenacity, with a superior work ethic. He is a true warrior and epitomizes the way we coach Toronto Argonauts to play the game." (TS)
http://www.torontosun.com/sports/football/2011/02/08/17194186.html
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Feature article on Ijumaa Armstrong
CCP = Culver City Patch
About Ijumaa Armstrong being the first member from his 2011 seniors to get a football scholarship, Culver City head football coach Jahmal Wright said:
"First and foremost, he was blessed with God-given athletic ability, so as a coach it's just pointing him in the right direction and getting out of his way." (CCP)
About how he chose to go to UH because of their coaching staff and their school's relaxed atmosphere, Armstrong said:
"It started with the coaches, and how honest they were. They were telling me the truth about coming and playing in the program. Their environment is real relaxing and peaceful, not all corporal like most places are." (CCP)
About how having a cousin working as a firefighter on Oahu help make UH his top choice, Armstrong said:
"Family is very important to me." (CCP)
About how Armstrong's strength sets him apart from other players, Wright said:
"He was just born with a lot of physical attributes and physical talent. He's very athletic and very strong. To bench press 300 pounds and squat almost 400 pounds is exceptional for a high school athlete. When he hit people, he always won the battle." (CCP)
About how coach Wright (who played CB in college) was a big reason he's going to get to play in college, Armstrong said:
"I think he provides the toughness. He doesn't let up on his players and he's an excellent coach. He was successful at the college level and now he's teaching it to us." (CCP)
About how Armstrong is the 16th DB to get a football scholarship since he's been head coach at Culver City, Armstrong said
"That number says something about our coaching staff and says something about the young men who come here. [Armstrong] is a testament to that." (CCP)
http://culvercity.patch.com/articles/armstrong-is-warrior-at-heart
About Ijumaa Armstrong being the first member from his 2011 seniors to get a football scholarship, Culver City head football coach Jahmal Wright said:
"First and foremost, he was blessed with God-given athletic ability, so as a coach it's just pointing him in the right direction and getting out of his way." (CCP)
About how he chose to go to UH because of their coaching staff and their school's relaxed atmosphere, Armstrong said:
"It started with the coaches, and how honest they were. They were telling me the truth about coming and playing in the program. Their environment is real relaxing and peaceful, not all corporal like most places are." (CCP)
About how having a cousin working as a firefighter on Oahu help make UH his top choice, Armstrong said:
"Family is very important to me." (CCP)
About how Armstrong's strength sets him apart from other players, Wright said:
"He was just born with a lot of physical attributes and physical talent. He's very athletic and very strong. To bench press 300 pounds and squat almost 400 pounds is exceptional for a high school athlete. When he hit people, he always won the battle." (CCP)
About how coach Wright (who played CB in college) was a big reason he's going to get to play in college, Armstrong said:
"I think he provides the toughness. He doesn't let up on his players and he's an excellent coach. He was successful at the college level and now he's teaching it to us." (CCP)
About how Armstrong is the 16th DB to get a football scholarship since he's been head coach at Culver City, Armstrong said
"That number says something about our coaching staff and says something about the young men who come here. [Armstrong] is a testament to that." (CCP)
http://culvercity.patch.com/articles/armstrong-is-warrior-at-heart
Friday, February 4, 2011
Feature on Mike Edwards getting a second chance at UH
About how his 2 years of probation was shortened, Mike Edwards said:
"I'm done. I was doing so well it was dismissed early." (HSA)
About how his record is now considered clean again by the courts, Edwards said:
"It was the only trouble ever in my life, first time in my life, any situation. I didn't even have a speeding ticket before." (HSA)
About how he's met Bess because he is friends with Ted Ginn Jr. (whose Dad was his high school coach), Edwards said:
"He told me he'd been through some things, and we talked about my situation. We talked about my situation and how to approach life. I'm not sure he knows I'm going to Hawaii yet; I think he'll be happy." (HSA)
Minimizing what Edwards did, Mack said:
"He and three of his buddies got into sort of a prank situation. The guy pulled a BB gun. He (Edwards) tried to stop him." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Being part of a group pointing a gun and demanding money isn't a prank, even if it is with a pellet gun and not a .45, even if the victims have empty wallets and only a cheeseburger to surrender."
HSA Note: "Every report I've seen or heard about this incident said it was a pellet gun — and pellet guns are significantly more dangerous than BB guns. According to the Consumer Warning Network, the projectiles from pellet guns "can be as deadly as a bullet" because of their velocity."
About how Edwards' highlight video impressed him, Mack said:
"He reminds me of Shawn Springs." (HSA)
About how he was impressed with Edwards as a person, Mack said:
"Mike came here and made a big impression." (HSA)
About his recruiting this year, Edwards said that he was offered by:
"Kansas State, Cincinnati, Troy and a bunch of MAC schools. Ole Miss, but I didn't visit. I knew I wanted Hawaii." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/furtherreview/20110204_Recruit_will_get_second_chance_at_UH__its_what_we_do.html
"I'm done. I was doing so well it was dismissed early." (HSA)
About how his record is now considered clean again by the courts, Edwards said:
"It was the only trouble ever in my life, first time in my life, any situation. I didn't even have a speeding ticket before." (HSA)
About how he's met Bess because he is friends with Ted Ginn Jr. (whose Dad was his high school coach), Edwards said:
"He told me he'd been through some things, and we talked about my situation. We talked about my situation and how to approach life. I'm not sure he knows I'm going to Hawaii yet; I think he'll be happy." (HSA)
Minimizing what Edwards did, Mack said:
"He and three of his buddies got into sort of a prank situation. The guy pulled a BB gun. He (Edwards) tried to stop him." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Being part of a group pointing a gun and demanding money isn't a prank, even if it is with a pellet gun and not a .45, even if the victims have empty wallets and only a cheeseburger to surrender."
HSA Note: "Every report I've seen or heard about this incident said it was a pellet gun — and pellet guns are significantly more dangerous than BB guns. According to the Consumer Warning Network, the projectiles from pellet guns "can be as deadly as a bullet" because of their velocity."
About how Edwards' highlight video impressed him, Mack said:
"He reminds me of Shawn Springs." (HSA)
About how he was impressed with Edwards as a person, Mack said:
"Mike came here and made a big impression." (HSA)
About his recruiting this year, Edwards said that he was offered by:
"Kansas State, Cincinnati, Troy and a bunch of MAC schools. Ole Miss, but I didn't visit. I knew I wanted Hawaii." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/furtherreview/20110204_Recruit_will_get_second_chance_at_UH__its_what_we_do.html
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Recap of UH's 25-man recruiting class
About choosing UH over Cincinnati, CB Mike Edwards said:
"Paradise is my next stop. I'm going to be a Warrior." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Edwards and three Volunteers teammates were arrested in November 2009 and charged for their alleged involvement in an armed robbery. They were dismissed from the team. The charges were eventually dropped when it was discovered that the incident was a prank that went wrong, and that the alleged weapon was a BB gun."
About why he picked UH over Cincinnati, Toledo and Mississippi, Edwards said:
"I picked Hawaii because I had a great visit. The coaches were great, especially coach Tony (Tuioti). Just being in that setting is the best situation for me now." (HSA)
About his choosing UH, Edwards said that his family in Ohio are:
"fired up about it." (HSA)
Edwards said that for his family Hawaii:
"will be a great vacation spot for them. For me, it'll be my workplace." (HSA)
About how it was a dream of his to earn a football scholarship, SB Promise Amadi said:
"I'm excited about going to Hawaii." (HSA)
About the ceremony where Tigi Hill and he signed their UH letters, Ben Mamea said of teammate Keoni "Deedee" Tafuna (who died in November):
"I still miss our boy Deedee. He was a great inspiration to all of us, especially me." (HSA)
"I know he's up there smiling down on us." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Kahuku coach Reggie Torres said Tafuna probably would have played college football."
About how he needs to work hard in school to make it to UH, Mamea said:
"I have to finish strong in school if I want to play for UH in the fall." (HSA)
About how Mamea and Hill need to improve their study habits, Torres said:
"They have to work on their organizational skills and their study skills. They're going to the next level. In college, they're on their own. The university has tutors and good academic support. But mom is not up there. You have other influences. It's not easy for young men to stay the course. They have to be mature early. If they don't, they end up back here, looking for a job and struggling. The university has given them a great opportunity. They have to take advantage of it." (HSA)
About 6'3", 245-pound DL Junior Alexis, Tony Tuioti said:
"He has great upside. He's built like an ox. He blocked for one of the best running backs in the country, DeAnthony Thomas. ... He's going to grow, and he has a frame that will get him to 280. He has a great physique. He's athletic enough to be a great 3-technique when he fills out. He also has the motor to be tough and physical inside." (HSA)
About 6'2", 185-pound QB Justin Alo, Rolo said:
"I was more impressed with Alo in person. He's athletic. He feels connection to the islands. He sees (Bryant) Moniz doing it. He'll compete when he gets here." (HSA)
About 5'10", 185-pound Promise Amadi, Rolo said:
"His name means 'God's Guide.' He catches everything very well with his hands. He has great body control. And that's on top of being a very top student." (HSA)
About 5'11", 180-pound DB Ijumaa Armstrong, Rich Miano said:
"He has the ability to play corner and safety. He's smart, fast and tough. And he has a great offseason work ethic." (HSA)
About 6'1", 185-pound CB Brian Clay, Miano said:
"I think Clay is a lot like John Hardy(-Tuliau), but possibly taller. He's well-coached. He has really good athleticism. He'll hit you." (HSA)
About 6'5", 250-pound DE Craig Cofer, Tuioti said:
"Craig has a great motor. He's great against the run. He's three (years) for three (seasons), so that's like getting another young player. Anytime you can get a motor guy who's constantly after the football, you can't go wrong with that." (HSA)
About 6'4", 255-pound LB Brenden Daley, Brian Smith said:
"The one thing we didn't have was a true middle backer, a guy who can play physical in the box. He was a great leader on his team. He should bring a lot of intensity to the field. He runs to the ball hard. For a big guy, he covers a lot of ground." (HSA)
About 6'1", 165-pound WR Trevor Davis, Rolo said:
"With Trevor Davis, I see a young Royce Pollard. Except what Trevor has is an elusiveness you don't always get with outside receivers." (HSA)
About 6'4", 300-pound OL Ben Dew, Gordy Shaw said:
"He's an outstanding athlete. He has great lateral movement, and he's tremendously strong. He's opening people's eyes with what he can do in the weight room." (HSA)
About 6'4", 210-pound WR Cecil Doe, Shaw said:
"He ran 10.68 (in the 100 meters) his junior year in high school. He's fast, and he's got great hands. We feel fortunate to get him." (HSA)
About 5'10", 185-pound CB Mike Edwards, Miano said:
"He's like Ryan Mouton. He can return punts, and he could be starting for us at corner. We expect great things out of him. He's as talented as we've recruited in 12 years. He has speed, quickness, athleticism and ability." (HSA)
About 6'1", 220-pound LB Penitito Faalologo, Tuioti said:
"He's a hard-nose football player. He's going to grow and fill out. He's the best defensive player, all-around athlete down there in American Samoa. ... He's definitely strong enough to take on the physical aspect of the game." (HSA)
About 6'1", 185-pound WR Chris Gant, Smith said:
"Chris is a dynamic receiver at the JC level. He broke all of their school records and, I believe, led the state in just about every (receiving) category. He's strong with his hands. He has good speed and quickness, and he's very versatile. He could end up being an inside or outside (receiver) for us." (HSA)
About 6'3", 215-pound LB Tyler Gray, Dave Aranda said:
"For a big man, he's very light on his feet. I see him being 6-3, 245 pounds, being an outside guy who can play in space and rush the passer. I like the fact he's played running back. He's played athletic positions, as well as playing linebacker." (HSA)
About 6'0", 200-pound RB Will Gregory, Smith said:
"He's an explosive player. He's got a little Alex Green in him in the sense when he makes a cut, he gets vertical. He has a good burst to him, along with good size. ... We liked him a lot as a safety as well, because of how physical he is." (HSA)
About 6'1", 180-pound WR Ellis Henderson, Rolo said:
"Ellis is a playmaker with great speed. He's a great athlete. We project him at slot. He's effective in the return game. I think he could play slot for us, but he has the speed to stretch the field on the outside." (HSA)
About 6'3", 215-pound S Tigi Hill, Miano said:
"Tigi Hill is probably the best athlete in Hawaii in terms of size, speed, athleticism and versatility. He's a big-time player, and a good kid." (HSA)
About 6'2", 230-pound RB Jared Leaf, Smith said:
"I think he fits our offense well. He's big and physical. We know he can handle the protection. He's got good lateral movements. He can make people miss. He plays with good pad level. He runs hard. He's going to be able to break tackles, and get you some extra yards." (HSA)
About 6'1", 228-pound LB Ben Mamea, Miano said:
"Mamea is the best linebacker in Hawaii. People made comparisons, his sophomore year, to Manti Te'o. And obviously, Manti is one of the best linebackers in the country. But Ben has potential to be a big-time linebacker for us." (HSA)
About 6'5", 285-pound OL Blake Buir, Shaw said:
"He has all of the ingredients to become a tremendous lineman. He has athletic ability, exceptional strength. And he's a very good student." (HSA)
About 6'4", 275-pound OL Thomas Olds, Shaw said:
"He can play center or tackle. He's very athletic. He has great hips, excellent flexibility. He's a very aggressive football player. You can do a lot of things with him." (HSA)
About 6'1", 185-pound CB Mike Sellers, Miano said:
"Mike Sellers is kind of a hidden gem. So far the reviews are this kid is tough, smart, fast and talented." (HSA)
About 6'1", 205-pound LB Kendrick Van Ackeren, Miano said:
"Kendrick is a versatile kid who can play linebacker or safety. He also played offense, at quarterback. He's a football player. He's kind of like an Aaron Brown." (HSA)
About 6'1", 235-pound LB Justin Vele, Tuioti said:
"He's athletic. I think he's similar to Penitito (Faalologo) in that he's very physical. He can play the middle for us at linebacker. He also can be an outside linebacker. He's athletic against the pass and physical against the run." (HSA)
About 6'4", 250-pound DE Tavita Woodard, Tuioti said:
"He's big-time, man." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110203_Becoming_Warriors.html
"Paradise is my next stop. I'm going to be a Warrior." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Edwards and three Volunteers teammates were arrested in November 2009 and charged for their alleged involvement in an armed robbery. They were dismissed from the team. The charges were eventually dropped when it was discovered that the incident was a prank that went wrong, and that the alleged weapon was a BB gun."
About why he picked UH over Cincinnati, Toledo and Mississippi, Edwards said:
"I picked Hawaii because I had a great visit. The coaches were great, especially coach Tony (Tuioti). Just being in that setting is the best situation for me now." (HSA)
About his choosing UH, Edwards said that his family in Ohio are:
"fired up about it." (HSA)
Edwards said that for his family Hawaii:
"will be a great vacation spot for them. For me, it'll be my workplace." (HSA)
About how it was a dream of his to earn a football scholarship, SB Promise Amadi said:
"I'm excited about going to Hawaii." (HSA)
About the ceremony where Tigi Hill and he signed their UH letters, Ben Mamea said of teammate Keoni "Deedee" Tafuna (who died in November):
"I still miss our boy Deedee. He was a great inspiration to all of us, especially me." (HSA)
"I know he's up there smiling down on us." (HSA)
HSA Note: "Kahuku coach Reggie Torres said Tafuna probably would have played college football."
About how he needs to work hard in school to make it to UH, Mamea said:
"I have to finish strong in school if I want to play for UH in the fall." (HSA)
About how Mamea and Hill need to improve their study habits, Torres said:
"They have to work on their organizational skills and their study skills. They're going to the next level. In college, they're on their own. The university has tutors and good academic support. But mom is not up there. You have other influences. It's not easy for young men to stay the course. They have to be mature early. If they don't, they end up back here, looking for a job and struggling. The university has given them a great opportunity. They have to take advantage of it." (HSA)
About 6'3", 245-pound DL Junior Alexis, Tony Tuioti said:
"He has great upside. He's built like an ox. He blocked for one of the best running backs in the country, DeAnthony Thomas. ... He's going to grow, and he has a frame that will get him to 280. He has a great physique. He's athletic enough to be a great 3-technique when he fills out. He also has the motor to be tough and physical inside." (HSA)
About 6'2", 185-pound QB Justin Alo, Rolo said:
"I was more impressed with Alo in person. He's athletic. He feels connection to the islands. He sees (Bryant) Moniz doing it. He'll compete when he gets here." (HSA)
About 5'10", 185-pound Promise Amadi, Rolo said:
"His name means 'God's Guide.' He catches everything very well with his hands. He has great body control. And that's on top of being a very top student." (HSA)
About 5'11", 180-pound DB Ijumaa Armstrong, Rich Miano said:
"He has the ability to play corner and safety. He's smart, fast and tough. And he has a great offseason work ethic." (HSA)
About 6'1", 185-pound CB Brian Clay, Miano said:
"I think Clay is a lot like John Hardy(-Tuliau), but possibly taller. He's well-coached. He has really good athleticism. He'll hit you." (HSA)
About 6'5", 250-pound DE Craig Cofer, Tuioti said:
"Craig has a great motor. He's great against the run. He's three (years) for three (seasons), so that's like getting another young player. Anytime you can get a motor guy who's constantly after the football, you can't go wrong with that." (HSA)
About 6'4", 255-pound LB Brenden Daley, Brian Smith said:
"The one thing we didn't have was a true middle backer, a guy who can play physical in the box. He was a great leader on his team. He should bring a lot of intensity to the field. He runs to the ball hard. For a big guy, he covers a lot of ground." (HSA)
About 6'1", 165-pound WR Trevor Davis, Rolo said:
"With Trevor Davis, I see a young Royce Pollard. Except what Trevor has is an elusiveness you don't always get with outside receivers." (HSA)
About 6'4", 300-pound OL Ben Dew, Gordy Shaw said:
"He's an outstanding athlete. He has great lateral movement, and he's tremendously strong. He's opening people's eyes with what he can do in the weight room." (HSA)
About 6'4", 210-pound WR Cecil Doe, Shaw said:
"He ran 10.68 (in the 100 meters) his junior year in high school. He's fast, and he's got great hands. We feel fortunate to get him." (HSA)
About 5'10", 185-pound CB Mike Edwards, Miano said:
"He's like Ryan Mouton. He can return punts, and he could be starting for us at corner. We expect great things out of him. He's as talented as we've recruited in 12 years. He has speed, quickness, athleticism and ability." (HSA)
About 6'1", 220-pound LB Penitito Faalologo, Tuioti said:
"He's a hard-nose football player. He's going to grow and fill out. He's the best defensive player, all-around athlete down there in American Samoa. ... He's definitely strong enough to take on the physical aspect of the game." (HSA)
About 6'1", 185-pound WR Chris Gant, Smith said:
"Chris is a dynamic receiver at the JC level. He broke all of their school records and, I believe, led the state in just about every (receiving) category. He's strong with his hands. He has good speed and quickness, and he's very versatile. He could end up being an inside or outside (receiver) for us." (HSA)
About 6'3", 215-pound LB Tyler Gray, Dave Aranda said:
"For a big man, he's very light on his feet. I see him being 6-3, 245 pounds, being an outside guy who can play in space and rush the passer. I like the fact he's played running back. He's played athletic positions, as well as playing linebacker." (HSA)
About 6'0", 200-pound RB Will Gregory, Smith said:
"He's an explosive player. He's got a little Alex Green in him in the sense when he makes a cut, he gets vertical. He has a good burst to him, along with good size. ... We liked him a lot as a safety as well, because of how physical he is." (HSA)
About 6'1", 180-pound WR Ellis Henderson, Rolo said:
"Ellis is a playmaker with great speed. He's a great athlete. We project him at slot. He's effective in the return game. I think he could play slot for us, but he has the speed to stretch the field on the outside." (HSA)
About 6'3", 215-pound S Tigi Hill, Miano said:
"Tigi Hill is probably the best athlete in Hawaii in terms of size, speed, athleticism and versatility. He's a big-time player, and a good kid." (HSA)
About 6'2", 230-pound RB Jared Leaf, Smith said:
"I think he fits our offense well. He's big and physical. We know he can handle the protection. He's got good lateral movements. He can make people miss. He plays with good pad level. He runs hard. He's going to be able to break tackles, and get you some extra yards." (HSA)
About 6'1", 228-pound LB Ben Mamea, Miano said:
"Mamea is the best linebacker in Hawaii. People made comparisons, his sophomore year, to Manti Te'o. And obviously, Manti is one of the best linebackers in the country. But Ben has potential to be a big-time linebacker for us." (HSA)
About 6'5", 285-pound OL Blake Buir, Shaw said:
"He has all of the ingredients to become a tremendous lineman. He has athletic ability, exceptional strength. And he's a very good student." (HSA)
About 6'4", 275-pound OL Thomas Olds, Shaw said:
"He can play center or tackle. He's very athletic. He has great hips, excellent flexibility. He's a very aggressive football player. You can do a lot of things with him." (HSA)
About 6'1", 185-pound CB Mike Sellers, Miano said:
"Mike Sellers is kind of a hidden gem. So far the reviews are this kid is tough, smart, fast and talented." (HSA)
About 6'1", 205-pound LB Kendrick Van Ackeren, Miano said:
"Kendrick is a versatile kid who can play linebacker or safety. He also played offense, at quarterback. He's a football player. He's kind of like an Aaron Brown." (HSA)
About 6'1", 235-pound LB Justin Vele, Tuioti said:
"He's athletic. I think he's similar to Penitito (Faalologo) in that he's very physical. He can play the middle for us at linebacker. He also can be an outside linebacker. He's athletic against the pass and physical against the run." (HSA)
About 6'4", 250-pound DE Tavita Woodard, Tuioti said:
"He's big-time, man." (HSA)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110203_Becoming_Warriors.html
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