About how the practice was run differently than previous years, Mack said:
"We needed to set the tone. We run a business-like practice. Everybody is treated the same here. It doesn't matter if you're an All-American quarterback or an All-American linebacker or the last-string kicker or last-string receiver, you'll be treated the same." (HA)
About Blaze being punished after practice, Mack said:
"We have no stars. We just have a bunch of guys who are going to represent Hawaii and the University of Hawaii the right way." (HSB)
HA Note: "At the end of the first practice of training camp yesterday, Soares, the No. 1 left-side linebacker, was ordered to roll the length of the field — twice — as punishment for failing to meet a team requirement."
Happy to be back on the field, Mack said:
"It's really great to get in the football aspect. I have a different demeanor when I'm out here, obviously this is business. I had a great time visiting with a lot of people the last five or six months, but this is business. We're getting ready to go to battle. We have a lot of work to do." (HSB)
About their scheduled 2-hour practice that started 30 minutes early and finished 30 minutes late, LWJ said:
"This is going to help us." (HA)
About how their practice was run at a faster pace than last year, Mouton said:
"It's a little more uptempo. We're moving around all of the time. It's going to be good for the team. We're going to be conditioned and ready to go when we go down to Florida (for the Aug. 30 season opener)." (HA)
HA Note: "Unlike the previous nine training camps under June Jones, now head coach of Southern Methodist, yesterday's practice was a vision of perpetual motion. The rapid-fire reps were a rude awakening for day dreamers."
About the faster tempo in practice, Mack said:
"If you go on the field, you're learning. They're all getting repetitions. They're not standing around listening to someone orate." (HA)
HA Note: "McMackin, to be sure, was mindful of the heat during the late-morning practice. The players were required to take water breaks — hydration periods, in the new UH parlance — every 15 minutes. But McMackin also maintained a hurry-up practice. At the midway point, he called for "sudden change." During games, a sudden change is the result of a turnover, when a team has to adjust quickly to the new situation and mentality. In McMackin's practices, a sudden change requires players to go from workout drills to sprints of 10, 20, 30 and 40 yards."
About Mack, Cal Lee said:
"He is a nice guy. But this is time to get down and get to business. We need to do the things we need to do and discipline is very important." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Make that discipline and adaptability. The concept of sudden change was a point of emphasis yesterday, and will be throughout camp and the season. It means at anytime during practice the entire team may be assembled for, as Monty Python used to say, something completely different. Like basketball-style suicide sprints, which McMackin believes are of more value than the 220-yard conditioning test Jones preferred. To Mack, furlongs are for horses."
About the sudden change drill, Rocky Savaiigaea said:
"You don't know when that horn's going to go off. You've got to be ready to go run those sprints, come back and do drills again." (HSB)
About the sudden changes in a game, Cal Lee said:
"Different situations in the game. All of a sudden, turnovers. Fumble, interception, boom, be ready to go." (HSB)
About their practices, Mack said:
"We're doing a lot of things we did last year and a lot of different things. The main thing is to get these guys ready to play." (HA)
"Balls were thrown good, guys were catching the football. I think we're ahead of where we thought we'd be." (HSB)
About their plans for the QB competition with Tyler not being in camp, Mack said:
"I'm going to keep the same plan that we had. We're looking at the JC guys, we'll make a decision in two weeks and all three of them are going to get reps. It's just cut down by one so they're going to get more reps." (HSB)
About how they won't be doing the 220 test and will instead be running at every practice, Inoke said:
"It was very effective running. From what I heard it seems like we're going to be running like that throughout camp, not just the 220 test and then kind of ease off. It's good, even though I complained during the running. I know it's good for us." (HSB)
HA Note: "McMackin and quarterbacks coach Nick Rolovich implemented the "mental-ab" session. While the quarterbacks are doing sit-up crunches, they are peppered with questions about strategies."
About their "mental-ab" sessions, Inoke said:
"Oh, man, it's tough. They've got us doing crunches while (Rolovich) is asking us about our reads. You're trying to think about the play. But what you've got in your mind is how painful it is, and how you want to put your leg down." (HA)
"I've never been in the military, but it reminds me of those movies when someone has to do pushups while being yelled at. We're trying to do abs, and (Rolovich is) asking: 'You've got 80-Z, what are your blitz breaks? They're coming. What have you got?' You have to be mentally tough when you're exhausted and tired and your mind is not all there. As they say, 'It's mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.' " (HA)
About how the drill serves two purposes, Rolo said:
"I think abs are important in throwing motion." (HA)
HA Note: "He said giving a pop quiz mirrors game conditions, in which quarterbacks need to be alert despite fatigue and physical discomfort."
About the "mental-ab" sessions, Rausch said:
"It's pretty hard." (HA)
About how he lost 20 pounds since moving to Hawaii in late May and weighs 225, Greg Alexander added with a smile:
"Maybe I'm 215 after this practice." (HA)
About how he lost 6 pounds because he was sick last weeks (he now weighs 187), Rausch said:
"I want to get up to 195, 200 pounds." (HA)
HA Note: "Alexander and Rausch said they are adjusting to the accelerated pace of Division I-A football, particularly in deciphering defensive coverages."
About adjusting to the offense, Alexander said:
"It's just the nuances of the offense, knowing what the receivers' splits have to be, just being exactly on the same page with everybody. It's a half-second difference between throwing it behind a guy or throwing it for a touchdown." (HSB)
About how the JC QBs benefited greatly by working out all summer with the team, Rolo said:
"Both of the new guys really put in a lot of hard work in the summer along with Inoke. So they're further ahead than they would be just coming out blindly. They both do some nice things." (HSB)
Praising the 6'4" Alexander and the 6'3" Rausch, Inoke said:
"They have really strong arms and they have what you can't teach, height. They're both really cool humble guys, very teachable, always willing to learn." (HSB)
About being a late addition to their camp, Steele Jantz said:
"We didn't know (if he would be in camp). It was going to depend on if they had room. I was home for three weeks, but I wanted to come back early and talk to Coach and see if I could get into camp." (HSB)
About being the #1 QB in camp, Inoke said:
"It was definitely different. I looked around and it was kind of, 'oh, it is me. I'm the first guy up.' " (HA)
"Since I've been here I was always looking to Colt or looking to Tyler. Now I'm the most experienced here, so definitely I have more responsibility now." (HSB)
"I feel a lot better than I ever have coming into fall camp. I was told it looked like I was more energized. I wasn't thinking about it, but I feel like it's because coaches have shown confidence in me. I'm the one (the offense is) looking at and how do you think they'll feel if they look at me and my knees are shaking and super scared. So it's contagious." (HSB)
About how Inoke is a different player now, Rolo said:
"He is very mild-mannered; there are a lot of the local boy traits in him. For the first few years he was here he didn't want to step on anybody's toes. But out here, now, at this position he knows what is expected of him. And he has a fire within him." (HA)
Praising Inoke, Adam Leonard said
"He's prepared himself for this and we have full confidence in his abilities to get the job done." (HA)
Asked about Tyler, Mack said:
"I hope he takes care of what he has to take care of. But until he's here, we're moving on." (HSB)
About how Kia, Letuli, and Hisatake are competing at the LT spot, OL coach Brian Smith said:
"That's one spot that was unsettled from spring. I thought Kia did a good job (during spring) but that's the one spot where we really want competition. That's one spot where there's the least experience so that's where we want to create the most competition. As someone really earns that spot we'll spread the other two out." (HA)
HA Note: "The position was vacated after 2007 starter Keith AhSoon was moved to left guard. Kia received the most reps during spring ball while Letuli recovered from a hamstring injury, which he said was up to 95 percent healed."
About the first day of practice, Letuli (who gained 20 pounds over the summer to get to 318 ) said:
"As far as practice today, I was a little rusty because I missed all of spring." (HA)
About their first day of practice, Kia (who worked on upper-body strength at Fudge's gym over the summer to help with his "punch") said:
"I think I did all right. It was more mental than I thought it would be, because of the heat. The heat makes the helmet an oven, so it made it tough to remember your plays and assignments. Other than that, I think I did pretty good today. This is how it's going to be in Florida, but worse." (HA)
About how Kia is currently their #1 LT, Smith said that in spring practice Kia:
"separated himself from the other two." (HA)
About having Letuli practice with the second team OL and Hisatake with the 3rd team OL, Smith said:
"Laupepa is smart and Ray is smart and they'll learn fast. They are all three going to get a lot of reps in the first couple of weeks before we make a decision and start seeing if we have to move guys to other spots." (HA)
About how he's improving since being switched to the OL last year, Hisatake said:
"I think coming from where I have, I progressed a lot. There's definitely a lot more room for improvement, but it's something I'm going to work on during the season and during camp. Competition is really thick. Aaron is a utility guy; he knows all the positions. 'Pepa' is a utility guy, he knows all the positions. They are both great technicians and great athletes." (HA)
About how he lost 17 pounds over the summer to get to 311, Hisatake said:
"Like last summer, I decided to stay in Hawai'i instead of go home. I went to all the morning workouts and morning running. And I went on a diet to lose weight. Nothing right now is set in stone, but I did all right. I knew my plays. The running could have been better, but I'm not going to make any excuses." (HA)
About how the OL is "a little out of shape" but he's not concerned, Smith said:
"I think we can get them in shape and get them ready." (HA)
About how the RT and LT are important in their offense, instead of how the LT position is normally the most important because the LT protects the blind side of a QB, Smith said that:
"both tackles are important because we're a half roll team, so if they are rolling right they are rolling away from the left tackle and he's got a little more time to work, so I think both tackles here are equally important." (HA)
About how competition is good because it will push them to be better, Letuli said:
"It doesn't matter if you're first, second, third, we're all going to improve. It's great, I think we're the best players to play that spot because we're mobile and athletic and technique-wise we're all legit." (HA)
About how his playing career is over after the NCAA denied his request for a 6th year, Maka (who will work this season as a student-assistant) said:
"I'm glad I can still be around the guys." (HA)
HA Note: "The announcement was made during an emotional team meeting Sunday night. Maka received a standing ovation."
About Maka, Mack said:
"I'm proud of him. I'm glad he can help us, and I'm glad he will graduate." (HA)
HA Note: "Maka is a math major who is on track to earn a bachelor's degree in December."
About being moved from safety back to RB, Peoples said:
"They need some speed guys over there, and I'm speedy. Might as well put me over there." (HA)
About his new haircut, Mouton said:
"The sun made me do the hair. It's going to be pretty hot out here." (HA)
About how he decided to cut his hair during his one-week visit to his family home in Katy, Texas, Mouton said:
"One day it was 101 degrees. I tried to work out in that. It was like, 'yeah, this hair is going to have to be cut.' " (HA)
About returning kickoffs and playing some offense in addition to being a key to their 6 defensive schemes, Mouton said:
"I'm up for the challenge. Anything I can do to help the team out, I'm willing to do. Hopefully good things will come out of it." (AH)
About how Mana Silva was the top SS at the end of spring training, Rich Miano said:
"I like that he's 6-1, 210 pounds, runs 4.5 (seconds over 40 yards) and will hit you. Like everything else, you've got to start somewhere. After spring, he was the guy." (HA)
Expecting Erik Robinson to push for the starting spot, Miano said:
"That's a competitive battle that's probably going to go down to the wire." (HA)
HA Note: "Silva displayed his quickness during yesterday's ladder drill in which players had to run sprints of 10, 20, 30 and 40 yards. Silva finished first."
About how he played golf, surfed, and fished to relax this summer, Silva said:
"I played the back nine. I was 44 over. It's fun." (HA)
About his reputation as a hard hitter, despite how he played as a QB at Kamehameha-Hawaii, Silva said:
"My friend used to call me 'Detour' because I used to always run out of bounds — detour to the sidelines." (HA)
About being a walk-on after transferring from Oregon State before last season, Silva said:
"I'm still a walk-on. It's up to the coaches if I'm worthy of a scholarship." (HA)
After their first practice of camp, Silva said:
"It was tough. I've got to get back in shape." (HSB)
HSB Note: "After spending a year in Corvallis, Ore., the 6-foot-1, 205-pound Silva returned home to be closer to family. He sat out the entire '07 season, but had a strong spring despite the long layoff."
About being listed as first team to start camp, Silva said:
"It was kind of humbling when I saw my name on the depth chart at No. 1. Coming out of spring I was the first, but I wasn't sure if they would still have me (there). Shows that the coaches got trust in me." (HSB)
About how the running in their practice was different than how things were at Oregon State, Silva said:
"We don't run at Oregon (State). Coach had a philosophy where we get ready at practice by going full speed." (HSB)
Not complaining about the running, Silva said:
"Over here, we're fighting Goliath. When we go to Florida, we've got to be ready." (HSB)
About how he isn't looking past their first 2 games with Oregon State as their 3rd game, Silva said:
"We got Florida first, the big SEC. I always get up for everything." (HSB)
Looking forward to playing in his first real game since high school when they begin their season, Silva said:
"I'm just excited to get to play again." (HSB)
Looking forward to his scholarship starting when classes start later this month, Bain said:
"It's a good feeling. It's like I worked this hard and it's paid off, but I just have to keep working. I don't want to be satisfied with what I've got." (HSB)
About how his hamstring is healed not and he's excited to return to Hawaii, Grasso said:
"I just like being part of the team again more than anything. I battled through it, I got it all fixed up and I'm excited to be back. It's my first practice in eight months." (HSB)
After signing a contract with Buffalo, Hawthorne said:
"I feel if you're going to play outside you have to be fast and that's something I definitely feel I can bring to this team is speed. I feel confident about that." (HSB)
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
Staying in the dance studios bonds the team
Mack said that staying in the dance studios during camp:
"started as a way to save money. Now it's about the experience." (HA)
About staying in the dance studios, Jon Medeiros said:
"The studios are for team bonding. The dorms are more cozy, comfortable, (a place where) everybody gets more rest. But you miss out on a lot of team bonding (in the dorms), a lot of activities that we do during the dead periods. Overall, it's fun (in the studios)." (HA)
About how they plan several non-violent activities for the newcomers, Blaze said:
"We're going to treat them like grown men. We can't be babying these kids who come from (junior) colleges and ... senior-prom schools." (HA)
About what their camp will do for their newcomers, Fale Laeli said:
"We want to show what kind of man we can make out of you. This is what camp is for: to separate a man from a boy. I've been through it." (HA)
HA Note: "The players spent yesterday afternoon setting up their sleeping areas. Laeli claimed the Doritos-shaped covered lanai between the two studios. Soares reserved a spot near the open doorway."
About his sleeping location in the dance studios, Laeli said:
"If you're a vet, you get to do what you want to do." (HA)
About his location in the studios, Blaze said:
"It's all about ranking, baby." (HA)
About the pecking order for the dance studios, Laeli said:
"If not, your (cot) stays inside." (HA)
HA Note: "A group of newcomers — cornerback Lewis Walker, wideout Mike Tinoco, and quarterbacks Greg Alexander, Brent Rausch and Steele Jantz — set up cots in the corner. They hooked up a video console to a wide-screen television. Running back Leon Wright-Jackson brought the most video equipment and luggage. But as if he were a stranded survivor, his teammates were quick to use his things. Offensive lineman Brysen Ginlack brought an electronic keyboard. Slotback Aaron Bain packed lightly, bringing a power strip and borrowing linebacker Brashton Satele's football."
About taking on his cell with his girlfriend while tossing a football to himself and conducting an interview, Bain said:
"I never lose touch with the rock. I'm multi-tasking." (HA)
HA Note: "There was a dinner last night, followed by a team meeting. The players will meet with academic advisers and compliance officials this week, which is why the practices will be at different times."
HA Note: "Jantz, a freshman quarterback from California, is on the training-camp roster. It appears that defensive end Alema Tachibana will grayshirt, joining the team in January."
Looking forward to camp, Blaze said:
"I'm ready to run." (HA)
Blaze said that every day is:
"one day closer to Florida. That's the way I see it." (HA)
Excited about camp, Laeli said:
"For me, as a senior, I'm very excited. This is my last camp. I can't wait to go out there and do what we do." (HA)
"started as a way to save money. Now it's about the experience." (HA)
About staying in the dance studios, Jon Medeiros said:
"The studios are for team bonding. The dorms are more cozy, comfortable, (a place where) everybody gets more rest. But you miss out on a lot of team bonding (in the dorms), a lot of activities that we do during the dead periods. Overall, it's fun (in the studios)." (HA)
About how they plan several non-violent activities for the newcomers, Blaze said:
"We're going to treat them like grown men. We can't be babying these kids who come from (junior) colleges and ... senior-prom schools." (HA)
About what their camp will do for their newcomers, Fale Laeli said:
"We want to show what kind of man we can make out of you. This is what camp is for: to separate a man from a boy. I've been through it." (HA)
HA Note: "The players spent yesterday afternoon setting up their sleeping areas. Laeli claimed the Doritos-shaped covered lanai between the two studios. Soares reserved a spot near the open doorway."
About his sleeping location in the dance studios, Laeli said:
"If you're a vet, you get to do what you want to do." (HA)
About his location in the studios, Blaze said:
"It's all about ranking, baby." (HA)
About the pecking order for the dance studios, Laeli said:
"If not, your (cot) stays inside." (HA)
HA Note: "A group of newcomers — cornerback Lewis Walker, wideout Mike Tinoco, and quarterbacks Greg Alexander, Brent Rausch and Steele Jantz — set up cots in the corner. They hooked up a video console to a wide-screen television. Running back Leon Wright-Jackson brought the most video equipment and luggage. But as if he were a stranded survivor, his teammates were quick to use his things. Offensive lineman Brysen Ginlack brought an electronic keyboard. Slotback Aaron Bain packed lightly, bringing a power strip and borrowing linebacker Brashton Satele's football."
About taking on his cell with his girlfriend while tossing a football to himself and conducting an interview, Bain said:
"I never lose touch with the rock. I'm multi-tasking." (HA)
HA Note: "There was a dinner last night, followed by a team meeting. The players will meet with academic advisers and compliance officials this week, which is why the practices will be at different times."
HA Note: "Jantz, a freshman quarterback from California, is on the training-camp roster. It appears that defensive end Alema Tachibana will grayshirt, joining the team in January."
Looking forward to camp, Blaze said:
"I'm ready to run." (HA)
Blaze said that every day is:
"one day closer to Florida. That's the way I see it." (HA)
Excited about camp, Laeli said:
"For me, as a senior, I'm very excited. This is my last camp. I can't wait to go out there and do what we do." (HA)
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Quotes from the local papers
About how camp is about to begin, Mack said:
"It's all business now." (HA)
About their available QBs, Mack said:
"They've been working out all summer. Inoke has played for three years. We'll have them ready for the (Florida) game." (HA)
About having Dana LeDuc (St. Louis Rams' strength and conditioning coach) teach seminars on training techniques, Mack said:
"Dana is the best in the game. He helped us a lot and he gave us some really good ideas." (HA)
About doing football-specific running drills instead of the 220s (10 sprints of 220 yards within a set time limit) at the end of the first practice, Mack said:
"We're all going to condition as a team." (HA)
About how they will spend the early part of training camp preparing to cope with the heat in Gaineville on August 30 (one Web site forecasts 97% humidity), Mack said:
"Because of the experience I've had in Miami, I know the humidity will be a factor we have to deal with. We're going to work in that direction. We're going to start over-hydrating our guys on the first day of camp. We'll teach them how to battle the humidity." (HA)
HA Note: "McMackin said all of the offensive and defensive concepts will be implemented in the next two weeks. Starting Aug. 18, the Warriors will work specifically on plays that will be used against Florida."
HA Note: "Funaki excelled in spring training, and is regarded as a threat on rollouts. He assumed a leadership role during unsupervised workouts, mentoring Alexander and Rausch. The three are adjusting to taking snaps under center, a technique UH will use about 50 percent of the time this season. It was in the shotgun most of the previous nine years. Alexander and Rausch also came from shotgun offenses. Taking direct snaps keeps defensive ends from "jetting" — no-pause pass rushes without regard for the run — and gives the quarterback a better view of the defensive formations. The key is to read while retreating. The three spent the summer working on their footwork."
HA Note: "Wright-Jackson's yards-per-carry average of 6.6 was fourth-best among Division I-A running backs last season. He spent the summer improving his strength (he gained eight pounds and now weighs 218), and reviewing the old highlight tapes. He wants to run with "explosion," as he did as an All-America high school back. He worked on running "lower," a form that should help him break more attempted ankle tackles. It has been well documented that Libre's emergence as a speed back coincided with LASIK surgery for his deteriorating vision. Libre's grandparents founded Aloha Laser Vision. Libre led Division I-A running backs with a 8.3 yards-per-rush average; he also averaged 1.3 broken tackles per carry."
About how he deferred to Samson in 2006 and Colt in 2007 but will lead the offense now, John Estes said:
"I know I can ease into that role. If I see something wrong, I'm not going to keep it to myself." (HA)
About a play he remembers Pisa making, Cal Lee said:
"I saw him rush the quarterback, almost getting him before he threw the ball. Guess who made the play downfield? I'm not talking about a little screen. Pisa ran down and made the tackle. That was amazing." (HA)
Cal Lee said that Veikune and Fonoti have type of "motor that doesn't stop running":
"They keep going and going. It's not a matter of 'one, two, oops, I'm blocked.' These two have a great motor that never stops until the play is over." (HA)
HA Note: "Veikune was listed as a reserve last season, but he actually tallied the most plays of all of the defensive ends. He was named to the All-WAC first team."
About Fonoti, Cal Lee compared him to Al and Falaniko Noga:
"He's a Noga-type guy. He'll make big plays because he's athletic." (HA)
About Sol, Cal Lee said:
"He's another coach out there." (HA)
About Blaze, considered to be their hardest hitter, Cal Lee said:
"He hits like a bull." (HA)
HA Note: "For a change of scenery, Kelly worked out at San Francisco State's soccer stadium. There are six staircases on each sideline stands. He raced up and down each one, then sprinted to the other side, and sprinted and down those stairs. He started by doing five cycles each day. By the end of the month, he was up to seven cycles. He also participated in weight sessions designed to improve his lower-body strength. The 6-foot-3 Kelly now weighs 225. (He was 180 at the end of the 2005 training camp.) At the Snap-Hold-Kick competition in Fontana, Calif., Kelly won the long-drive award with a 59-yard field goal and was second in the kicking contest, making 9 of 10 field-goal attempts."
About how they are excited that the season is about to start, Ron Lee said:
"I know all the coaches are excited to get on the field and get started. I looked at our calendar and we've leaving on the 26th of this month. It's just like, oh my gosh, we've got to start going. It's going to be so fast." (HSB)
About how he's looking to fill their open spots in camp, Ron Lee said:
"I felt pretty good after spring. I'm anxious to see where we're at when we start on Monday. We have a lot of spots open and that's what I'm anxious to start looking at." (HSB)
Asked if he has any secrets about how he appears fit and relaxed and continue to be personable and friendly despite a hectic schedule, Mack said:
"These past six months have been fast and fun. I've really enjoyed meeting the people, speaking at things, getting to know everybody. I've enjoyed meeting with the coaches, spring ball, everything we've done. We've done a lot of things in the past six months. I'm really proud of my staff and our players. I've been meeting a lot of people of Hawaii." (HSB)
Asked if he had any time to take a breather and get away from everything, Mack said:
"Not really. It's been good to get the family here. Shannon, my daughter, is coming in August because the animals are still in quarantine. The horse is here, another animal is finishing up quarantine. They have three dogs and one cat. We have one cat. And they have a horse. We found a really nice place for them, so everything's really set that way. We haven't really been able to get away or anything, but that will happen later on. There's too much to do to get away now." (HSB)
Asked if he's ever been more excited heading into a season, Mack said:
"You know, I'm excited about it. But, to me, I'm doing the same thing I've done for a lot of my career. There are just more kids involved. We've got a good system, I've got a great athletic director. It's been a pretty good transition. I've wanted to be a head coach at the Division I level. It's a blessing because not only do I get to live in the best place, but I've got good coaches, I've got a lot of respect for the players. We've got great fans and the administration's been very supportive. Summer school for the players. Getting video equipment that's up to date. The money is there for the (practice) field." (HSB)
Asked about his philosophy regarding contract heading into camp, Mack said:
"I've always believed in practicing pro style. I believe you have to practice full-speed. You'll remember in spring we were in full pads often. You need to practice full-speed because you practice how you play. I still want to protect them. We lost Karl Noa last year with a shoulder injury when we went out with just helmets. It's important we save their legs, too. As far as practice goes, everything's going to be full-speed, no tackle.
I feel we're a good tackling team. We'll always work on tackling, fundamentals, offensive blocking. It's all not-to-the-ground. When you go to the ground that's when you have guys falling on each other and hurting each other, knees. Even our one-on-ones. We'll go full-speed in pads or shells, but we don't go to the ground. That's the key. In the games you go to the ground. I believe in a lot of reps. We're going to get a lot of reps. Everything we do is a system, so we need to get a lot of reps. The more reps we get the better we're going to be.
We're an attacking package, offensively we're attacking. We're going to be a big-play offense. And on defense we're looking to make plays. Make big plays offensively and defensively. It's what you've heard me say before defensively. The big things are tackles for loss, interceptions, sacks. I'm not as concerned about yardage. It depends how much somebody has the ball. Scoring and keeping the (opponents') score down. But I'm not a big yards guy." (HSB)
Asked what he learned from spring practice and the summer that he can apply now, Mack said:
"Obviously our veterans are back on defense. We lost some good players, but we really have all of our starters back on defense even though we lost some good players. Offensively we lost some quality players. I think the strength of our offense is the offensive line. I think John Estes is one of the top centers in the country. He makes us so much better because he sees things and calls things. Guard is more of a natural position for Keith AhSoon. (Keoni) Steinhoff was excellent last year. He's a solid, good player. We want to get more players in the game, as we did on defense last year. We want to get eight or more offensive linemen who play in a ballgame.
We want to always play our best players, not just because a guy's a nice kid.
We want to play more receivers in a game because their legs will go if they're running full-speed the whole game.
If a guy can help us win the game, we're going to get him in the game at a certain point, and in the fourth quarter we're a lot better." (HSB)
Asked about the WRs, Mack said:
"Our slots, I really feel good about. They've been there three years, and adding (Kealoha) Pilares to them. Aaron Bain made catches all over the place against us (in practice). These guys aren't bad. They know the offense and can make plays.
(Ryan) Henry will be special, and (Dustin) Blount and (Jovonte) Taylor can flat out run." (HSB)
Asked if there is a different feeling with the team after last year, Mack said:
"Every team has its own personality. That's why after (last Thursday) I'm not wearing this (2007 WAC championship) ring. That was last year's team. This year's team, our saying is be humble and be hungry. That's what this year's team has to do. What people don't realize, they don't think much of us, there's a coaching change, we lost a lot of players, is that we've still got a large portion of our team is defending champions. I think there's a great confidence. The other thing is it's a large senior class. A lot of leaders.
Three goals. Graduate 100 percent. Win the WAC every year. Go to a bowl game. That's what (the players) say. They're going to win the WAC." (HSB)
Asked if he can talk about how he approaches the season strategically, Mack said:
"I look at us as a team really getting better the first three games and then we have a bye. It's really important that we get better, make decisions and then go into the WAC.
I look at us really getting better every week.
We've already in the spring worked on Weber State and Oregon State.
It doesn't matter who we're playing. When we get our base packages in, then we'll start working on Florida. We worked on them a little bit in the spring, we're practicing to get our packages in on all three phases of our game. Then we start game-planning after that." (HSB)
Asked if he's much more confident with taking snaps under center with John Estes back, as they had problems when he was hurt in the spring, Mack said:
"We played six quarterbacks under center, and John wasn't there. That's regular football. The offense really moved the ball and played well the last two weeks of spring. I have complete confidence in our coaches and personnel. We're going to be an attacking offense and a big-play offense." (HSB)
Asked to talk about the key position battles, Mack said:
"I think our special teams are really solid. We've got the best snapper in the country, we've got one of the best kickers, Dan Kelly, a punter that's very good and a bunch of returners.
The offensive line, we have three starters back. The other two positions are wide open. Three guys going for left tackle. Two for guard.
Quarterback's wide open. Running back, really everything's open. When guys show they can play the game, competition is what makes you better. Even at middle linebacker. We've got to find a way to get Brashton Satele on the field. Outside backer. Just like we did with Brad (Kalilimoku) last year and I did with those guys in San Francisco. Rest Solly (Elimimian), play him outside and rest Adam (Leonard).
It's more finding the two best at each position and then playing the best player." (HSB)
Asked how he saw their secondary, especially with how they are very deep at safety, Mack said:
"I think we're really sitting good. We've got Keao (Monteilh) and Desmond (Thomas), E-Rob (Erik Robinson), and the guy, Silva. Mana Silva. I was really impressed. Kenny Estes. He had a good spring and he's a smart kid. And Vili. He's in the mix.
Dane Porlas, too.
Since I've been here, it's the most talented group of corners we've had. (Ryan) Mouton and Jameel (Dowling), a 6-3 corner who can run. He's quick, smart. J.P. (JoPierre Davis) and Calvin Roberts. I feel like we have depth at corner for the first time." (HSB)
Asked if the players will be living in the dorms or in the dance studios like recent years for fall camp, Mack said:
"I was thinking of the dorm, but the players bond by staying together. We're going to stay in the dance studio. At first way back, it was a financial thing. This puts them all on the same level." (HSB)
Asked if LWJ is ready to live up to his potential, Mack said:
"I think he's an outstanding player. Every time I'm making adjustments (in practice) he's getting a big gain. I think he'll be one of the top backs in the WAC. He, and (Daniel) Libre's a changeup, then we got a couple of power backs.
I'd like to have one or two guys be the guys. I don't want to be predictable, and I don't want to play a bunch of guys to play a bunch of guys." (HSB)
Asked to describe his in-game demeanor, Mack said:
"You have to stay calm. I've found if you're a crazy guy on the sideline you don't know what's going on. If you lose it arguing with the refs you don't call the game as well.
Of course, it's different when I'm talking to the team (before the game or at halftime).
That's my responsibility. Get the team ready. The whole team ready." (HSB)
"It's all business now." (HA)
About their available QBs, Mack said:
"They've been working out all summer. Inoke has played for three years. We'll have them ready for the (Florida) game." (HA)
About having Dana LeDuc (St. Louis Rams' strength and conditioning coach) teach seminars on training techniques, Mack said:
"Dana is the best in the game. He helped us a lot and he gave us some really good ideas." (HA)
About doing football-specific running drills instead of the 220s (10 sprints of 220 yards within a set time limit) at the end of the first practice, Mack said:
"We're all going to condition as a team." (HA)
About how they will spend the early part of training camp preparing to cope with the heat in Gaineville on August 30 (one Web site forecasts 97% humidity), Mack said:
"Because of the experience I've had in Miami, I know the humidity will be a factor we have to deal with. We're going to work in that direction. We're going to start over-hydrating our guys on the first day of camp. We'll teach them how to battle the humidity." (HA)
HA Note: "McMackin said all of the offensive and defensive concepts will be implemented in the next two weeks. Starting Aug. 18, the Warriors will work specifically on plays that will be used against Florida."
HA Note: "Funaki excelled in spring training, and is regarded as a threat on rollouts. He assumed a leadership role during unsupervised workouts, mentoring Alexander and Rausch. The three are adjusting to taking snaps under center, a technique UH will use about 50 percent of the time this season. It was in the shotgun most of the previous nine years. Alexander and Rausch also came from shotgun offenses. Taking direct snaps keeps defensive ends from "jetting" — no-pause pass rushes without regard for the run — and gives the quarterback a better view of the defensive formations. The key is to read while retreating. The three spent the summer working on their footwork."
HA Note: "Wright-Jackson's yards-per-carry average of 6.6 was fourth-best among Division I-A running backs last season. He spent the summer improving his strength (he gained eight pounds and now weighs 218), and reviewing the old highlight tapes. He wants to run with "explosion," as he did as an All-America high school back. He worked on running "lower," a form that should help him break more attempted ankle tackles. It has been well documented that Libre's emergence as a speed back coincided with LASIK surgery for his deteriorating vision. Libre's grandparents founded Aloha Laser Vision. Libre led Division I-A running backs with a 8.3 yards-per-rush average; he also averaged 1.3 broken tackles per carry."
About how he deferred to Samson in 2006 and Colt in 2007 but will lead the offense now, John Estes said:
"I know I can ease into that role. If I see something wrong, I'm not going to keep it to myself." (HA)
About a play he remembers Pisa making, Cal Lee said:
"I saw him rush the quarterback, almost getting him before he threw the ball. Guess who made the play downfield? I'm not talking about a little screen. Pisa ran down and made the tackle. That was amazing." (HA)
Cal Lee said that Veikune and Fonoti have type of "motor that doesn't stop running":
"They keep going and going. It's not a matter of 'one, two, oops, I'm blocked.' These two have a great motor that never stops until the play is over." (HA)
HA Note: "Veikune was listed as a reserve last season, but he actually tallied the most plays of all of the defensive ends. He was named to the All-WAC first team."
About Fonoti, Cal Lee compared him to Al and Falaniko Noga:
"He's a Noga-type guy. He'll make big plays because he's athletic." (HA)
About Sol, Cal Lee said:
"He's another coach out there." (HA)
About Blaze, considered to be their hardest hitter, Cal Lee said:
"He hits like a bull." (HA)
HA Note: "For a change of scenery, Kelly worked out at San Francisco State's soccer stadium. There are six staircases on each sideline stands. He raced up and down each one, then sprinted to the other side, and sprinted and down those stairs. He started by doing five cycles each day. By the end of the month, he was up to seven cycles. He also participated in weight sessions designed to improve his lower-body strength. The 6-foot-3 Kelly now weighs 225. (He was 180 at the end of the 2005 training camp.) At the Snap-Hold-Kick competition in Fontana, Calif., Kelly won the long-drive award with a 59-yard field goal and was second in the kicking contest, making 9 of 10 field-goal attempts."
About how they are excited that the season is about to start, Ron Lee said:
"I know all the coaches are excited to get on the field and get started. I looked at our calendar and we've leaving on the 26th of this month. It's just like, oh my gosh, we've got to start going. It's going to be so fast." (HSB)
About how he's looking to fill their open spots in camp, Ron Lee said:
"I felt pretty good after spring. I'm anxious to see where we're at when we start on Monday. We have a lot of spots open and that's what I'm anxious to start looking at." (HSB)
Asked if he has any secrets about how he appears fit and relaxed and continue to be personable and friendly despite a hectic schedule, Mack said:
"These past six months have been fast and fun. I've really enjoyed meeting the people, speaking at things, getting to know everybody. I've enjoyed meeting with the coaches, spring ball, everything we've done. We've done a lot of things in the past six months. I'm really proud of my staff and our players. I've been meeting a lot of people of Hawaii." (HSB)
Asked if he had any time to take a breather and get away from everything, Mack said:
"Not really. It's been good to get the family here. Shannon, my daughter, is coming in August because the animals are still in quarantine. The horse is here, another animal is finishing up quarantine. They have three dogs and one cat. We have one cat. And they have a horse. We found a really nice place for them, so everything's really set that way. We haven't really been able to get away or anything, but that will happen later on. There's too much to do to get away now." (HSB)
Asked if he's ever been more excited heading into a season, Mack said:
"You know, I'm excited about it. But, to me, I'm doing the same thing I've done for a lot of my career. There are just more kids involved. We've got a good system, I've got a great athletic director. It's been a pretty good transition. I've wanted to be a head coach at the Division I level. It's a blessing because not only do I get to live in the best place, but I've got good coaches, I've got a lot of respect for the players. We've got great fans and the administration's been very supportive. Summer school for the players. Getting video equipment that's up to date. The money is there for the (practice) field." (HSB)
Asked about his philosophy regarding contract heading into camp, Mack said:
"I've always believed in practicing pro style. I believe you have to practice full-speed. You'll remember in spring we were in full pads often. You need to practice full-speed because you practice how you play. I still want to protect them. We lost Karl Noa last year with a shoulder injury when we went out with just helmets. It's important we save their legs, too. As far as practice goes, everything's going to be full-speed, no tackle.
I feel we're a good tackling team. We'll always work on tackling, fundamentals, offensive blocking. It's all not-to-the-ground. When you go to the ground that's when you have guys falling on each other and hurting each other, knees. Even our one-on-ones. We'll go full-speed in pads or shells, but we don't go to the ground. That's the key. In the games you go to the ground. I believe in a lot of reps. We're going to get a lot of reps. Everything we do is a system, so we need to get a lot of reps. The more reps we get the better we're going to be.
We're an attacking package, offensively we're attacking. We're going to be a big-play offense. And on defense we're looking to make plays. Make big plays offensively and defensively. It's what you've heard me say before defensively. The big things are tackles for loss, interceptions, sacks. I'm not as concerned about yardage. It depends how much somebody has the ball. Scoring and keeping the (opponents') score down. But I'm not a big yards guy." (HSB)
Asked what he learned from spring practice and the summer that he can apply now, Mack said:
"Obviously our veterans are back on defense. We lost some good players, but we really have all of our starters back on defense even though we lost some good players. Offensively we lost some quality players. I think the strength of our offense is the offensive line. I think John Estes is one of the top centers in the country. He makes us so much better because he sees things and calls things. Guard is more of a natural position for Keith AhSoon. (Keoni) Steinhoff was excellent last year. He's a solid, good player. We want to get more players in the game, as we did on defense last year. We want to get eight or more offensive linemen who play in a ballgame.
We want to always play our best players, not just because a guy's a nice kid.
We want to play more receivers in a game because their legs will go if they're running full-speed the whole game.
If a guy can help us win the game, we're going to get him in the game at a certain point, and in the fourth quarter we're a lot better." (HSB)
Asked about the WRs, Mack said:
"Our slots, I really feel good about. They've been there three years, and adding (Kealoha) Pilares to them. Aaron Bain made catches all over the place against us (in practice). These guys aren't bad. They know the offense and can make plays.
(Ryan) Henry will be special, and (Dustin) Blount and (Jovonte) Taylor can flat out run." (HSB)
Asked if there is a different feeling with the team after last year, Mack said:
"Every team has its own personality. That's why after (last Thursday) I'm not wearing this (2007 WAC championship) ring. That was last year's team. This year's team, our saying is be humble and be hungry. That's what this year's team has to do. What people don't realize, they don't think much of us, there's a coaching change, we lost a lot of players, is that we've still got a large portion of our team is defending champions. I think there's a great confidence. The other thing is it's a large senior class. A lot of leaders.
Three goals. Graduate 100 percent. Win the WAC every year. Go to a bowl game. That's what (the players) say. They're going to win the WAC." (HSB)
Asked if he can talk about how he approaches the season strategically, Mack said:
"I look at us as a team really getting better the first three games and then we have a bye. It's really important that we get better, make decisions and then go into the WAC.
I look at us really getting better every week.
We've already in the spring worked on Weber State and Oregon State.
It doesn't matter who we're playing. When we get our base packages in, then we'll start working on Florida. We worked on them a little bit in the spring, we're practicing to get our packages in on all three phases of our game. Then we start game-planning after that." (HSB)
Asked if he's much more confident with taking snaps under center with John Estes back, as they had problems when he was hurt in the spring, Mack said:
"We played six quarterbacks under center, and John wasn't there. That's regular football. The offense really moved the ball and played well the last two weeks of spring. I have complete confidence in our coaches and personnel. We're going to be an attacking offense and a big-play offense." (HSB)
Asked to talk about the key position battles, Mack said:
"I think our special teams are really solid. We've got the best snapper in the country, we've got one of the best kickers, Dan Kelly, a punter that's very good and a bunch of returners.
The offensive line, we have three starters back. The other two positions are wide open. Three guys going for left tackle. Two for guard.
Quarterback's wide open. Running back, really everything's open. When guys show they can play the game, competition is what makes you better. Even at middle linebacker. We've got to find a way to get Brashton Satele on the field. Outside backer. Just like we did with Brad (Kalilimoku) last year and I did with those guys in San Francisco. Rest Solly (Elimimian), play him outside and rest Adam (Leonard).
It's more finding the two best at each position and then playing the best player." (HSB)
Asked how he saw their secondary, especially with how they are very deep at safety, Mack said:
"I think we're really sitting good. We've got Keao (Monteilh) and Desmond (Thomas), E-Rob (Erik Robinson), and the guy, Silva. Mana Silva. I was really impressed. Kenny Estes. He had a good spring and he's a smart kid. And Vili. He's in the mix.
Dane Porlas, too.
Since I've been here, it's the most talented group of corners we've had. (Ryan) Mouton and Jameel (Dowling), a 6-3 corner who can run. He's quick, smart. J.P. (JoPierre Davis) and Calvin Roberts. I feel like we have depth at corner for the first time." (HSB)
Asked if the players will be living in the dorms or in the dance studios like recent years for fall camp, Mack said:
"I was thinking of the dorm, but the players bond by staying together. We're going to stay in the dance studio. At first way back, it was a financial thing. This puts them all on the same level." (HSB)
Asked if LWJ is ready to live up to his potential, Mack said:
"I think he's an outstanding player. Every time I'm making adjustments (in practice) he's getting a big gain. I think he'll be one of the top backs in the WAC. He, and (Daniel) Libre's a changeup, then we got a couple of power backs.
I'd like to have one or two guys be the guys. I don't want to be predictable, and I don't want to play a bunch of guys to play a bunch of guys." (HSB)
Asked to describe his in-game demeanor, Mack said:
"You have to stay calm. I've found if you're a crazy guy on the sideline you don't know what's going on. If you lose it arguing with the refs you don't call the game as well.
Of course, it's different when I'm talking to the team (before the game or at halftime).
That's my responsibility. Get the team ready. The whole team ready." (HSB)
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Tyler will miss the start of UH's camp!
About not getting to participate in camp, Tyler said:
"I'm working on this." (HA)
About Tyler being held out of camp, Mack said in a press release:
"Tyler has things he has to work on. At this point, he will not practice with the team. Because of privacy laws, I can't comment any further." (HSB)
HA Note: "McMackin emphasized that Graunke is not suspended, and that he will be allowed to rejoin the team when his situation is resolved. Citing privacy laws, McMackin declined to give specific details about Graunke's situation."
HA Note: "Graunke, who was expected to be Brennan's successor, violated an undisclosed team policy earlier this year and was suspended for a month. He was reinstated in time for spring training."
About how the other QB candidates will be competing for the starting spot in camp, Tyler said:
"I can't afford to miss time." (HA)
HA Note: "Shane Austin, a second-year freshman, and fifth-year senior Jake Santos also are on the training-camp roster. But they are expected to work mostly with the scout-team offense this week."
"I'm working on this." (HA)
About Tyler being held out of camp, Mack said in a press release:
"Tyler has things he has to work on. At this point, he will not practice with the team. Because of privacy laws, I can't comment any further." (HSB)
HA Note: "McMackin emphasized that Graunke is not suspended, and that he will be allowed to rejoin the team when his situation is resolved. Citing privacy laws, McMackin declined to give specific details about Graunke's situation."
HA Note: "Graunke, who was expected to be Brennan's successor, violated an undisclosed team policy earlier this year and was suspended for a month. He was reinstated in time for spring training."
About how the other QB candidates will be competing for the starting spot in camp, Tyler said:
"I can't afford to miss time." (HA)
HA Note: "Shane Austin, a second-year freshman, and fifth-year senior Jake Santos also are on the training-camp roster. But they are expected to work mostly with the scout-team offense this week."
UH moving into the dance studios again for camp
About how he's prepared for the dance studios this year, Adam Leonard said:
"Thankfully I got an air mattress this year because I definitely haven't been comfortable sleeping on the fold-out beds." (HA)
HSB Note: "The influx of players begins today when freshmen and transfers report for camp. The veterans join them tomorrow with the first of 29 practices leading up to the opener at Florida set for 10 a.m. Monday."
About how he decided they should stay with the dance studios instead of the dorms after talking with the team's vets, Mack said:
"We could have gone into the dorms, but really the seniors are the ones who really wanted to stay together to get to know the new players. It's a good bonding experience." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The team is split into two studios, one for seniors and freshman with sophomores and juniors in the other."
About why the vets like staying at the dance studios for camp, Keao Monteilh said:
"You get to interact with everybody. Everybody's in one big room, you don't have to go door to door to get to know some of the guys. You get less privacy and you hear people snore. We always try to pick out who's the loudest snorers." (HSB)
About staying together at the dance studios, Adam Leonard said:
"You get to see more people's personalities and see how they are. I think it's real good for the new guys to get the personality of the team." (HSB)
About how they will have limited free time during camp except for Sunday, Monteilh talked about his Sunday plans:
"I'll go to church, spend time with my family and be back by curfew." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The team will practice once per day next week and have six sets of two-a-days scheduled, the first on Aug. 11. McMackin said he plans on holding one scrimmage during camp. Offensive lineman Kainoa LaCount and defensive back Chris Black, both junior college transfers, are finishing summer courses and are expected to report later in the week."
About the rankings of Florida and other opponents, Adam Leonard said:
"It doesn't really matter to me, .I'm just ready to go out and play against anybody." (HSB)
"Thankfully I got an air mattress this year because I definitely haven't been comfortable sleeping on the fold-out beds." (HA)
HSB Note: "The influx of players begins today when freshmen and transfers report for camp. The veterans join them tomorrow with the first of 29 practices leading up to the opener at Florida set for 10 a.m. Monday."
About how he decided they should stay with the dance studios instead of the dorms after talking with the team's vets, Mack said:
"We could have gone into the dorms, but really the seniors are the ones who really wanted to stay together to get to know the new players. It's a good bonding experience." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The team is split into two studios, one for seniors and freshman with sophomores and juniors in the other."
About why the vets like staying at the dance studios for camp, Keao Monteilh said:
"You get to interact with everybody. Everybody's in one big room, you don't have to go door to door to get to know some of the guys. You get less privacy and you hear people snore. We always try to pick out who's the loudest snorers." (HSB)
About staying together at the dance studios, Adam Leonard said:
"You get to see more people's personalities and see how they are. I think it's real good for the new guys to get the personality of the team." (HSB)
About how they will have limited free time during camp except for Sunday, Monteilh talked about his Sunday plans:
"I'll go to church, spend time with my family and be back by curfew." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The team will practice once per day next week and have six sets of two-a-days scheduled, the first on Aug. 11. McMackin said he plans on holding one scrimmage during camp. Offensive lineman Kainoa LaCount and defensive back Chris Black, both junior college transfers, are finishing summer courses and are expected to report later in the week."
About the rankings of Florida and other opponents, Adam Leonard said:
"It doesn't really matter to me, .I'm just ready to go out and play against anybody." (HSB)
JJ will pay UH an estimated $200k
About how a settlement with JJ is close to being completed, Carolyn Tanaka, UH associate VP for external affairs and university relations, said:
"We're hopeful that a settlement will be reached in the near future. When and if a settlement is reached, the university believes that it should be made public, as state law requires." (HA)
HA Note: "Former University of Hawai'i football coach June Jones is expected to pay the school approximately $200,000 to settle a five-month-old dispute resulting from his departure to Southern Methodist University."
HA Note: "Speculation has been that Jones wanted the money to be earmarked for the athletic department or the football program. That may be among the details to be resolved."
"We're hopeful that a settlement will be reached in the near future. When and if a settlement is reached, the university believes that it should be made public, as state law requires." (HA)
HA Note: "Former University of Hawai'i football coach June Jones is expected to pay the school approximately $200,000 to settle a five-month-old dispute resulting from his departure to Southern Methodist University."
HA Note: "Speculation has been that Jones wanted the money to be earmarked for the athletic department or the football program. That may be among the details to be resolved."
Friday, August 1, 2008
Feature on Colt
WP = Washington Post
About how criticism and obstacles to success never scare him, Colt said:
"I think I learned more than anything how to battle adversity. I'm the kind of guy where I have a chip on my shoulder and have tough skin. A lot of times, that's what you need in the fourth quarter to win games, and I think I have that. I have so much experience having to battle through adversity. I'm never nervous. I'm never scared." (WP)
WP Note: "His professional dreams began as a junior in high school. During Mater Dei, Calif., High's spring game, Brennan led a team of reserves against the top unit, which featured Matt Leinart. Brennan snatched the spotlight, outperforming his more decorated teammate with precision passing to lead the reserves to a stunning victory. Later that day, Brennan's father, Terry, came home and greeted his son with an eager embrace."
Colt said that his father said to him:
"Man, if you can keep doing this, you can play in the pros someday." (WP)
About how he wasn't recruited after his Colorado incident, Colt said:
"There were so many negative times for me, and it was really unfair. I was fighting through a lot of adversity. My main goal at that moment was to play football. I didn't care if I was (going to be) in the NFL. I just wanted to play somewhere, whether it was for a D-I college, a D-II college or in Canada." (WP)
WP Note: "Weight and hip issues also were a concern. Brennan weighed 185 pounds during Senior Bowl workouts in January, approximately 40 pounds lighter than the prototypical size for the position. In April, Brennan underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right hip, and some predicted he would go unselected in the draft."
About the criticism of him before the draft, Colt said:
"This is something I've experienced my whole life. I've had to fight things since junior high into high school and well into college. Now, I'm at the next level, and it has never held me back from succeeding. You have to turn it into good motivation." (WP)
About how he likes Colt's attitude, Jim Zorn said:
"Those are things that you can't coach into a guy, and he's got that a little bit about himself. He's getting himself ready to play, not just run plays. It's a good attitude to have." (WP)
WP Note: "His attitude has given teammates pause. Brennan quickly has gained a reputation as an antithesis to the stiff, all-business field-general prototype. He wears tights on the practice field. He cracks jokes with veterans. He plays the ukulele."
About how Colt is different than the standard rookie QB, Campbell said:
"He's probably one of the most interesting rookie quarterbacks I've ever been around. He just walks around and talks about everything. ... He has these different styles that he dresses when he comes to practice. He has tights on. He has wristbands. I'm like, 'Colt, what's all this stuff you have on?' " (WP)
About Colt, WR Horace Gant said:
"He's cool, calm and collected. I think the Hawaii lifestyle rubbed off on him. ... He puts me in the mind of a Brett Favre-type guy. It's not the conventional, drop-back quarterback style. He gets the job done." (WP)
WP Note: "Brennan has embraced his new life but is cognizant of his past. At the end of a recent morning practice, fans leaned over a burgundy rail near the practice fields. They held pens, footballs, caps, stadium seats, anything to lure the subject of their attention. Moments later, Brennan walked toward their outstretched arms and flashed a faint smile before signing autographs."
About bouncing back from Adversity, Colt said:
"In football, you set a game plan, and you get out there, and it all goes to shambles sometimes. You have to be able to bounce back. You'll throw an interception or you'll get sacked. As a quarterback, you have to be able to fight through the adversity more than anyone." (WP)
************ below is an excerpt from the article ******************
"I want to go to the University of Hawaii!" a boy in the crowd said.
"I don't blame you," said Brennan, scribbling his signature.
"Is it a good school?"
"If you like the beach," Brennan said.
About how criticism and obstacles to success never scare him, Colt said:
"I think I learned more than anything how to battle adversity. I'm the kind of guy where I have a chip on my shoulder and have tough skin. A lot of times, that's what you need in the fourth quarter to win games, and I think I have that. I have so much experience having to battle through adversity. I'm never nervous. I'm never scared." (WP)
WP Note: "His professional dreams began as a junior in high school. During Mater Dei, Calif., High's spring game, Brennan led a team of reserves against the top unit, which featured Matt Leinart. Brennan snatched the spotlight, outperforming his more decorated teammate with precision passing to lead the reserves to a stunning victory. Later that day, Brennan's father, Terry, came home and greeted his son with an eager embrace."
Colt said that his father said to him:
"Man, if you can keep doing this, you can play in the pros someday." (WP)
About how he wasn't recruited after his Colorado incident, Colt said:
"There were so many negative times for me, and it was really unfair. I was fighting through a lot of adversity. My main goal at that moment was to play football. I didn't care if I was (going to be) in the NFL. I just wanted to play somewhere, whether it was for a D-I college, a D-II college or in Canada." (WP)
WP Note: "Weight and hip issues also were a concern. Brennan weighed 185 pounds during Senior Bowl workouts in January, approximately 40 pounds lighter than the prototypical size for the position. In April, Brennan underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right hip, and some predicted he would go unselected in the draft."
About the criticism of him before the draft, Colt said:
"This is something I've experienced my whole life. I've had to fight things since junior high into high school and well into college. Now, I'm at the next level, and it has never held me back from succeeding. You have to turn it into good motivation." (WP)
About how he likes Colt's attitude, Jim Zorn said:
"Those are things that you can't coach into a guy, and he's got that a little bit about himself. He's getting himself ready to play, not just run plays. It's a good attitude to have." (WP)
WP Note: "His attitude has given teammates pause. Brennan quickly has gained a reputation as an antithesis to the stiff, all-business field-general prototype. He wears tights on the practice field. He cracks jokes with veterans. He plays the ukulele."
About how Colt is different than the standard rookie QB, Campbell said:
"He's probably one of the most interesting rookie quarterbacks I've ever been around. He just walks around and talks about everything. ... He has these different styles that he dresses when he comes to practice. He has tights on. He has wristbands. I'm like, 'Colt, what's all this stuff you have on?' " (WP)
About Colt, WR Horace Gant said:
"He's cool, calm and collected. I think the Hawaii lifestyle rubbed off on him. ... He puts me in the mind of a Brett Favre-type guy. It's not the conventional, drop-back quarterback style. He gets the job done." (WP)
WP Note: "Brennan has embraced his new life but is cognizant of his past. At the end of a recent morning practice, fans leaned over a burgundy rail near the practice fields. They held pens, footballs, caps, stadium seats, anything to lure the subject of their attention. Moments later, Brennan walked toward their outstretched arms and flashed a faint smile before signing autographs."
About bouncing back from Adversity, Colt said:
"In football, you set a game plan, and you get out there, and it all goes to shambles sometimes. You have to be able to bounce back. You'll throw an interception or you'll get sacked. As a quarterback, you have to be able to fight through the adversity more than anyone." (WP)
************ below is an excerpt from the article ******************
"I want to go to the University of Hawaii!" a boy in the crowd said.
"I don't blame you," said Brennan, scribbling his signature.
"Is it a good school?"
"If you like the beach," Brennan said.
T.J. Alofipo commits to the Warriors!
About committing to UH, Alofipo said:
"Hawai'i is the best place for me. I didn't worry about anybody else." (HA)
HA Note: "Scout.com rates Alofipo as Nevada's No. 1 linebacker and the state's fourth-best player overall."
About Alofipo, Brandon Huffman (a regional director for scout.com) said:
"I have him as a top-five middle linebacker on the West Coast. I have him as the top pure linebacker in Nevada." (HA)
"(Alofipo) plays well in space. He moves well sideline to sideline. (Silverado has) the best defense in Nevada. They've got a big-time defensive end. (Alofipo) is really the anchor of that defense." (HA)
HA Note: "Alofipo has drawn comparisons to Pisa Tinoisamoa, a former UH linebacker now with the St. Louis Rams."
HA Note: "Alofipo, who is 6 feet 2 and 235 pounds, can run 40 yards in 4.7 seconds."
About how Alofipo can dunk a basketball, Silverado head football coach Andy Ostolaza said:
"On a basketball court, he shows what a great all-around athlete he is." (HA)
HA Note: "Alofipo received scholarship offers from Arizona, Fresno State, Brigham Young, Colorado State and Nevada-Las Vegas."
About how Alofipo came to UH largely because of Tony Tuioti, Ostolaza said:
"He sat down and talked to me about it. I don't think there was any doubt about what he was going to do. It's easy. Two words: Tony Tuioti." (HA)
HA Note: "Tuioti was Silverado's defensive coordinator last season. Tuioti now is the Warriors' director of player personnel, a non-coaching job that coordinates academics and recruiting."
About how Tuioti was important to Alofipo said:
"Tony made T.J. into the player he is. He put him in that position. He's almost a father figure to him. Losing Tony was harder than losing any player. He had a great impact with some of our kids." (HA)
About Tuioti, Alofipo said:
"He's a great coach. He's there for his players." (HA)
HA Note: "Alofipo, who was born in American Samoa, also said he wanted to return to the island lifestyle. He was 7 when he and his family moved to the Mainland. His parents recently moved to Utah, but he was allowed to live with an aunt and uncle for his senior year."
About how Alofipo will do well at UH, Ostolaza said:
"T.J. is going to be a good fit for Hawai'i. With his size, he's going to project as a player they can put in different spots. There's a lot he can do when he gets fully grown. He has tremendous athleticism for a guy that size. You don't see kids with that kind of frame and that type of athleticism; the way he moves his hips. He has a natural feel for the game. The way he can move, I think he's a great fit for a 4-3 defense that's aggressive." (HA)
About Alofipo's versatility, Ostolaza said:
"He has great instincts, he understands how to play the game, understands the nuances. He has the ability to play multiple positions. His size and footwork, he's got footwork of a linebacker, but it's easy to project him as a defensive end because he's probably still growing. We also play him at tight end because he has such good hands." (HSB)
HA Note: "Last season, Silverado led Nevada with 56 sacks. Alofipo had 11.5 sacks, a figure that should increase now that he is starting an intensive weight-training program."
About how Alofipo has started an intensive weight-training program, Ostolaza said:
"He's going to get a lot bigger. He can be a 250-pound linebacker or a defensive end." (HA)
HA Note: "Alofipo is UH's fourth early commitment for the 2009 recruiting class. Earlier, the Warriors received commitments from wide receiver Billy Ray Stutzmann of Saint Louis School, defensive end Kimo Makaula of Punahou School, and quarterback Corey Nielsen of Gahr High School in California. Linebacker Waylon Lolotai, who signed with UH two years ago, returns from a church mission next year. He is expected to play for the Warriors in 2009."
About how Hawaii appeals to him, Alofipo said:
"It's a perfect situation for me. They tell me it's beautiful there." (HSB)
About how UH is recruiting two of Alofipo's teammates on defense, Ostolaza said:
"I know they have talked about going to play together. They're all real good friends and they're our team captains." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Warriors have also put out offers to two other Silverado defensive stalwarts: end Keenan Graham and cornerback Michael Wadsworth. Both are considered among the state's best players, as is Alofipo. All are scheduled for a December visit to Manoa. Graham (6-4, 215) is considered by many Nevada's top prospect. Ostolaza said he has offers from 35 schools, including USC, Ohio State, Michigan, Colorado and UCLA. Wadsworth (6-2, 190) has drawn interest from several Pac-10 schools."
Crediting Tuioti for the development of all 3 of their top defensive recruits, Ostolaza said:
"He was a big influence on them and has a great relationship with them." (HSB)
"Hawai'i is the best place for me. I didn't worry about anybody else." (HA)
HA Note: "Scout.com rates Alofipo as Nevada's No. 1 linebacker and the state's fourth-best player overall."
About Alofipo, Brandon Huffman (a regional director for scout.com) said:
"I have him as a top-five middle linebacker on the West Coast. I have him as the top pure linebacker in Nevada." (HA)
"(Alofipo) plays well in space. He moves well sideline to sideline. (Silverado has) the best defense in Nevada. They've got a big-time defensive end. (Alofipo) is really the anchor of that defense." (HA)
HA Note: "Alofipo has drawn comparisons to Pisa Tinoisamoa, a former UH linebacker now with the St. Louis Rams."
HA Note: "Alofipo, who is 6 feet 2 and 235 pounds, can run 40 yards in 4.7 seconds."
About how Alofipo can dunk a basketball, Silverado head football coach Andy Ostolaza said:
"On a basketball court, he shows what a great all-around athlete he is." (HA)
HA Note: "Alofipo received scholarship offers from Arizona, Fresno State, Brigham Young, Colorado State and Nevada-Las Vegas."
About how Alofipo came to UH largely because of Tony Tuioti, Ostolaza said:
"He sat down and talked to me about it. I don't think there was any doubt about what he was going to do. It's easy. Two words: Tony Tuioti." (HA)
HA Note: "Tuioti was Silverado's defensive coordinator last season. Tuioti now is the Warriors' director of player personnel, a non-coaching job that coordinates academics and recruiting."
About how Tuioti was important to Alofipo said:
"Tony made T.J. into the player he is. He put him in that position. He's almost a father figure to him. Losing Tony was harder than losing any player. He had a great impact with some of our kids." (HA)
About Tuioti, Alofipo said:
"He's a great coach. He's there for his players." (HA)
HA Note: "Alofipo, who was born in American Samoa, also said he wanted to return to the island lifestyle. He was 7 when he and his family moved to the Mainland. His parents recently moved to Utah, but he was allowed to live with an aunt and uncle for his senior year."
About how Alofipo will do well at UH, Ostolaza said:
"T.J. is going to be a good fit for Hawai'i. With his size, he's going to project as a player they can put in different spots. There's a lot he can do when he gets fully grown. He has tremendous athleticism for a guy that size. You don't see kids with that kind of frame and that type of athleticism; the way he moves his hips. He has a natural feel for the game. The way he can move, I think he's a great fit for a 4-3 defense that's aggressive." (HA)
About Alofipo's versatility, Ostolaza said:
"He has great instincts, he understands how to play the game, understands the nuances. He has the ability to play multiple positions. His size and footwork, he's got footwork of a linebacker, but it's easy to project him as a defensive end because he's probably still growing. We also play him at tight end because he has such good hands." (HSB)
HA Note: "Last season, Silverado led Nevada with 56 sacks. Alofipo had 11.5 sacks, a figure that should increase now that he is starting an intensive weight-training program."
About how Alofipo has started an intensive weight-training program, Ostolaza said:
"He's going to get a lot bigger. He can be a 250-pound linebacker or a defensive end." (HA)
HA Note: "Alofipo is UH's fourth early commitment for the 2009 recruiting class. Earlier, the Warriors received commitments from wide receiver Billy Ray Stutzmann of Saint Louis School, defensive end Kimo Makaula of Punahou School, and quarterback Corey Nielsen of Gahr High School in California. Linebacker Waylon Lolotai, who signed with UH two years ago, returns from a church mission next year. He is expected to play for the Warriors in 2009."
About how Hawaii appeals to him, Alofipo said:
"It's a perfect situation for me. They tell me it's beautiful there." (HSB)
About how UH is recruiting two of Alofipo's teammates on defense, Ostolaza said:
"I know they have talked about going to play together. They're all real good friends and they're our team captains." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Warriors have also put out offers to two other Silverado defensive stalwarts: end Keenan Graham and cornerback Michael Wadsworth. Both are considered among the state's best players, as is Alofipo. All are scheduled for a December visit to Manoa. Graham (6-4, 215) is considered by many Nevada's top prospect. Ostolaza said he has offers from 35 schools, including USC, Ohio State, Michigan, Colorado and UCLA. Wadsworth (6-2, 190) has drawn interest from several Pac-10 schools."
Crediting Tuioti for the development of all 3 of their top defensive recruits, Ostolaza said:
"He was a big influence on them and has a great relationship with them." (HSB)
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Feature on Aaron Bain
About how Bain lifted weights at 6am with Pilares and Libre and was playing 1-on-1 soccer with her at 3:30pm, Kristen Oshiro (Bain's girlfriend and a member of the Rainbow Wahine soccer team) said:
"He's very humble. Even though he's supposed to start (at right slotback), he's out here by himself, trying to get better." (HA)
About being the backup to RGM for the past 3 years without complaining, Bain said:
"If you love the team, you're not going to be selfish. Everybody wants to play. But if you really care about the team, you want to win, and you don't play for yourself. If you think only about yourself, it doesn't help the team." (HA)
Even though JJ's offense rarely substituted for the starting WRs so he got limited game experience, Bain said:
"it was good to practice with Ryan (Grice-Mullins) and Davone (Bess), and to learn. That was a good experience." (HA)
HA Note: "Bain, a 2005 Saint Louis School graduate, was not on scholarship during his first three UH seasons. His first year, he worked for his brother. Last year, he worked at Macy's folding clothes, proving that he knows how to find the crease. This summer, he worked with youths in the Alder Street juvenile detention center."
About working at different jobs to help pay for school, Bain said:
"I'm majoring in sociology, so it was cool to see all of the different people. It was a good learning experience. I got to meet people from all over the island, and to hear a lot of different stories." (HA)
About walking on to the team (Mack plans to award him a scholarship next week), Bain said:
"I liked (joining as a walk-on), having to prove yourself. Once you accomplish that, that's half the battle. Some people like to take things for granted. Everything is spoon-fed for them. I don't like that. I want to earn everything." (HA)
About how she and Bain ended up together, Oshiro said:
"We were good friends before we went out. He's a very nice guy. He's my best friend. ... He didn't really ask me out. We started hanging out and he never left." (HA)
HA Note: "The Warriors have crafted a training-camp roster of 104 players, one player below the NCAA limit. McMackin said he wants to save a spot in case a prospect becomes available. The roster includes 21 defensive backs, 19 offensive linemen and 19 receivers. The freshmen and junior-college transfers report Saturday. The veterans must report Sunday."
"He's very humble. Even though he's supposed to start (at right slotback), he's out here by himself, trying to get better." (HA)
About being the backup to RGM for the past 3 years without complaining, Bain said:
"If you love the team, you're not going to be selfish. Everybody wants to play. But if you really care about the team, you want to win, and you don't play for yourself. If you think only about yourself, it doesn't help the team." (HA)
Even though JJ's offense rarely substituted for the starting WRs so he got limited game experience, Bain said:
"it was good to practice with Ryan (Grice-Mullins) and Davone (Bess), and to learn. That was a good experience." (HA)
HA Note: "Bain, a 2005 Saint Louis School graduate, was not on scholarship during his first three UH seasons. His first year, he worked for his brother. Last year, he worked at Macy's folding clothes, proving that he knows how to find the crease. This summer, he worked with youths in the Alder Street juvenile detention center."
About working at different jobs to help pay for school, Bain said:
"I'm majoring in sociology, so it was cool to see all of the different people. It was a good learning experience. I got to meet people from all over the island, and to hear a lot of different stories." (HA)
About walking on to the team (Mack plans to award him a scholarship next week), Bain said:
"I liked (joining as a walk-on), having to prove yourself. Once you accomplish that, that's half the battle. Some people like to take things for granted. Everything is spoon-fed for them. I don't like that. I want to earn everything." (HA)
About how she and Bain ended up together, Oshiro said:
"We were good friends before we went out. He's a very nice guy. He's my best friend. ... He didn't really ask me out. We started hanging out and he never left." (HA)
HA Note: "The Warriors have crafted a training-camp roster of 104 players, one player below the NCAA limit. McMackin said he wants to save a spot in case a prospect becomes available. The roster includes 21 defensive backs, 19 offensive linemen and 19 receivers. The freshmen and junior-college transfers report Saturday. The veterans must report Sunday."
Warrior Quotes from the Star-Bulletin
About cutting their QB candidates for the starting job down to 4 and reducing that number quickly in camp, Mack said:
"The four who will get the reps are Inoke (Funaki), Tyler (Graunke), Greg Alexander and Brent Rausch. And then within a week and a half we're going to cut it to three quarterbacks. At a certain point before the ballgame (Aug. 30 opener at Florida) we're going to cut it down to two and one's going to get three-fourths of the reps and one's going to get a fourth of the reps. It's only going to be those four. Some guys will service the defense." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Funaki, a junior, had an outstanding spring camp, taking an unofficial lead in the bid to be the new starter. But McMackin said Graunke has had a great summer of workouts, and the senior who was Brennan's backup for three seasons is right there at the top, too. McMackin also intends to live up to the promise he made to junior college transfers Alexander and Rausch that they would get a shot at the No. 1 spot. Both have been here since May working out with their new teammates."
About how they could have starters on offense and defense in kickoff and punt coverage roles as well as blocking on returns, Mack said that his rule is the NFL standard that a starter can play in 1 or 2 special teams:
"if he's the best player for the position." (HSB)
Asked if All-WAC LB Adam Leonard could end up on the kickoff return team, Mack said:
"If he's the best guy. If there's no one close to him, absolutely. Obviously, we've got to be smart how we use them. A defensive guy, I don't want him to run down on the kickoff and have to be right in there." (HSB)
About how Sol cannot play on special teams because he makes the defensive play calls, Mack said:
"That's just for communication sake." (HSB)
About how they will be more aggressive in blocking kicks this season, Mack said:
"Here's what I told our staff. There's six or seven plays that's key to a ballgame. They're on offense, defense and special teams. The rest of the game's pretty even. But those big plays, are the game winners. So special teams is a lot of those snaps. We're going to use our best." (HSB)
About the coaches that will be upstairs in the booth during games, Mack said:
"The guys upstairs are playing chess, and they have to think that way." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Ron Lee (offensive coordinator), George Lumpkin (defense), Dave Aranda (defensive line) Alex Gerke (running backs), Craig Stutzmann (receivers) and David Gilmore (defensive backs) will be upstairs."
About being on the sidelines during games, Mack said:
"I want to look in the players' eyes, I want to know what their emotions are." (HSB)
About how they have 2 scholarships in reserve, with the plan to award one to a vet walk-on during camp and the other to a new player, Mack said:
"It's good to have one in your pocket. You never know who's going to come your way late. At Miami one year our last one went to Ray Lewis." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The coach said he prefers smaller travel squads, and the Warriors will take between 60 and 65 players to Florida. The other side of that, though, is that he wants to allow all players who practice to suit up and be on the sideline for home games."
"The four who will get the reps are Inoke (Funaki), Tyler (Graunke), Greg Alexander and Brent Rausch. And then within a week and a half we're going to cut it to three quarterbacks. At a certain point before the ballgame (Aug. 30 opener at Florida) we're going to cut it down to two and one's going to get three-fourths of the reps and one's going to get a fourth of the reps. It's only going to be those four. Some guys will service the defense." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Funaki, a junior, had an outstanding spring camp, taking an unofficial lead in the bid to be the new starter. But McMackin said Graunke has had a great summer of workouts, and the senior who was Brennan's backup for three seasons is right there at the top, too. McMackin also intends to live up to the promise he made to junior college transfers Alexander and Rausch that they would get a shot at the No. 1 spot. Both have been here since May working out with their new teammates."
About how they could have starters on offense and defense in kickoff and punt coverage roles as well as blocking on returns, Mack said that his rule is the NFL standard that a starter can play in 1 or 2 special teams:
"if he's the best player for the position." (HSB)
Asked if All-WAC LB Adam Leonard could end up on the kickoff return team, Mack said:
"If he's the best guy. If there's no one close to him, absolutely. Obviously, we've got to be smart how we use them. A defensive guy, I don't want him to run down on the kickoff and have to be right in there." (HSB)
About how Sol cannot play on special teams because he makes the defensive play calls, Mack said:
"That's just for communication sake." (HSB)
About how they will be more aggressive in blocking kicks this season, Mack said:
"Here's what I told our staff. There's six or seven plays that's key to a ballgame. They're on offense, defense and special teams. The rest of the game's pretty even. But those big plays, are the game winners. So special teams is a lot of those snaps. We're going to use our best." (HSB)
About the coaches that will be upstairs in the booth during games, Mack said:
"The guys upstairs are playing chess, and they have to think that way." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Ron Lee (offensive coordinator), George Lumpkin (defense), Dave Aranda (defensive line) Alex Gerke (running backs), Craig Stutzmann (receivers) and David Gilmore (defensive backs) will be upstairs."
About being on the sidelines during games, Mack said:
"I want to look in the players' eyes, I want to know what their emotions are." (HSB)
About how they have 2 scholarships in reserve, with the plan to award one to a vet walk-on during camp and the other to a new player, Mack said:
"It's good to have one in your pocket. You never know who's going to come your way late. At Miami one year our last one went to Ray Lewis." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The coach said he prefers smaller travel squads, and the Warriors will take between 60 and 65 players to Florida. The other side of that, though, is that he wants to allow all players who practice to suit up and be on the sideline for home games."
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Feature interview with Mack
About how he and JJ have different styles, Mack said:
"June (Jones) are I are two different people. We're good friends, and we really like each other. But he coaches a certain way, and I coach a certain way." (HA)
HA Note: "For this training camp, McMackin has scrapped the dreaded 220s — 10 sprints of 220 yards in a specified time period. There will be a brief quarterback competition from among senior Tyler Graunke, junior Inoke Funaki, and junior-college transfers Greg Alexander and Brent Rausch. By the end of the second week of training camp, McMackin will have decided on a successor to Colt Brennan."
About Pilares, Mack said:
"Pilares has to be on the field. I want our playmakers on the field." (HA)
HA Note: "McMackin is focused on training camp and the season-opener against Florida. On Monday, the coaches had two meetings totaling six hours. They met twice yesterday. But McMackin took a short break to meet with reporters yesterday at Jack's Restaurant in 'Aina Haina."
About reducing his speaking schedule, Mack said:
"I really enjoyed the last time to get to know people, and having camps, and the communication, but it's time to go to battle. We're meeting and getting ready for practice. We've been meeting all of the time, anyway. It's business time now." (HA)
About eliminating the 220s from the start of camp, Mack said:
"I don't want anyone to pull anything. We're not giving endurance tests, which is a change. We're going to practice and work on conditioning. Conditioning is a big factor, obviously. We're going to have sudden changes during practices. We'll practice, then blow a whistle, and the offense and defense will run. Then they'll go back to their drills. It's realistic conditioning." (HA)
About his practice philosophy, Mack said:
"We're going to start hydrating early because of the humidity problem in Florida, and do as many things as we can that way. We're going to practice pro style. June and I believe in the same things. I believe in saving guys' legs more. Like on Fridays, we'll have special teams and 10 plays on offense and 10 plays on defense, and get off the field. (Jones) likes the reps (for the offense on Fridays). Different coaches feel different things. I didn't take (the defense off the field on Fridays) without asking him. I told him I wanted to save the defense's legs, and he was fine with that. June was great to work with. But I believe we need that for the whole team, too. We've got to have fresh legs." (HA)
About their QBs, Mack said:
"Tyler (Graunke) has handled everything he needs to do. He's eligible. Inoke (Funaki) had the best spring of anybody. Greg Alexander is a real talent, and so is Brent (Rausch). But Brent has three years (to play three seasons). I told all of the quarterbacks we're going to take a look at the JC guys in the first part of camp, and then we'll make a decision." (HA)
About how Santos and Austin will be QBs for the scout team, Mack said:
"I've already talked with all of them. I told everyone exactly what their role is going to be, so there aren't any surprises. Jake is a senior, and it's unfortunate he didn't get his (extra) year back, because he's a great kid. But you can't get that many quarterbacks ready for ball games." (HA)
About putting their QB under center, Mack said:
"I like the shotgun. But as a defensive guy, whenever anybody's in the shotgun, we give a jet call: 'We're coming.' There's no running game. Percentage-wise we'll be more gun. But we're going to be under center so we can do some things. Those two new (quarterbacks) run 4.6 (seconds over 40 yards). And Tyler can run and Inoke can run. I think Inoke is a great runner. Inoke runs with aggressiveness. He'll run over guys." (HA)
About moving AhSoon from LT to LG, Mack said:
"Keith is going to be great there. I think (the offensive line is) going to be the strength of our offense. We have three starters back. (Center) John Estes is outstanding. When he was in there in the spring, he was playing a little hurt (because of a pulled hamstring). He feels so much better. He's just a leader. We're going to stress fundamentals up front. I'm more into fundamentals, techniques and getting better as the season goes on. I think we're going to be better and better offensively. We're going to be an attacking offense. That's our philosophy." (HA)
About their running game, Mack said:
"We're sitting great at running back. Leon (Wright-Jackson) is outstanding. Every time I saw him, he was running down the field for touchdowns. (Daniel) Libre is a change-up — good speed, good hard runner. And Jake (Heun) and David (Farmer) are powerful guys." (HA)
About playing Florida at noon in their opener, Mack said:
"I think it's a great opportunity. We're playing the Heisman Trophy winner. We're playing in the Swamp. We're playing the No. 1-ranked team in the country. You've got to get ready for that. My biggest concern, because I coached in Miami, is the humidity. I'm not worried about the travel. We're going to Atlanta, and work out at Georgia Tech (for two days). We're going to be fine travel-wise. But the humidity? Anybody who plays in Florida, that's a problem. I'm concerned and we have to be ready for the humidity. We have to have people who know how to give IVs. We have to identify people in practice who perspire a lot and lose their body weight, and maybe get them early IVs. At Miami, it was like a M*A*S*H unit. We (won) 68 home games in a row. Most of it was in the fourth quarter. (That is when) you cramp up, and you can't play." (HA)
About trying to block kicks, Mack said:
"I'm not a big fake-it guy, unless we have something. I'm smart that way. But, sure, we're going to go for blocks. We want to let them know we're coming." (HA)
About rescinding the team rule that prevented redshirts and scout players from suiting up for home games, Mack said:
"I would like to. We haven't made that decision yet. But if a person is on our team and helping us get ready to win, he should be there on the sideline at home games. I know that gets (the sideline) crowded, but we have to handle the discipline in that. If a guy is on scout team and helps the offense get better or helps the defense get better, then he should be a part of that. To be on the field is a great experience. It's a little demeaning to sit in the stands when you're on the team." (HA)
About being UH's head coach, Mack said:
"I'm enjoying it. We had such a great season. And the people have been unbelievable. We had more than a thousand kids at our camp. Everywhere we go, people are so positive and happy. That's where I feel responsible to do a good job. We play for the people of Hawai'i. Everybody is with it. It's the greatest time in the world, and you feel great responsibility." (A)
"June (Jones) are I are two different people. We're good friends, and we really like each other. But he coaches a certain way, and I coach a certain way." (HA)
HA Note: "For this training camp, McMackin has scrapped the dreaded 220s — 10 sprints of 220 yards in a specified time period. There will be a brief quarterback competition from among senior Tyler Graunke, junior Inoke Funaki, and junior-college transfers Greg Alexander and Brent Rausch. By the end of the second week of training camp, McMackin will have decided on a successor to Colt Brennan."
About Pilares, Mack said:
"Pilares has to be on the field. I want our playmakers on the field." (HA)
HA Note: "McMackin is focused on training camp and the season-opener against Florida. On Monday, the coaches had two meetings totaling six hours. They met twice yesterday. But McMackin took a short break to meet with reporters yesterday at Jack's Restaurant in 'Aina Haina."
About reducing his speaking schedule, Mack said:
"I really enjoyed the last time to get to know people, and having camps, and the communication, but it's time to go to battle. We're meeting and getting ready for practice. We've been meeting all of the time, anyway. It's business time now." (HA)
About eliminating the 220s from the start of camp, Mack said:
"I don't want anyone to pull anything. We're not giving endurance tests, which is a change. We're going to practice and work on conditioning. Conditioning is a big factor, obviously. We're going to have sudden changes during practices. We'll practice, then blow a whistle, and the offense and defense will run. Then they'll go back to their drills. It's realistic conditioning." (HA)
About his practice philosophy, Mack said:
"We're going to start hydrating early because of the humidity problem in Florida, and do as many things as we can that way. We're going to practice pro style. June and I believe in the same things. I believe in saving guys' legs more. Like on Fridays, we'll have special teams and 10 plays on offense and 10 plays on defense, and get off the field. (Jones) likes the reps (for the offense on Fridays). Different coaches feel different things. I didn't take (the defense off the field on Fridays) without asking him. I told him I wanted to save the defense's legs, and he was fine with that. June was great to work with. But I believe we need that for the whole team, too. We've got to have fresh legs." (HA)
About their QBs, Mack said:
"Tyler (Graunke) has handled everything he needs to do. He's eligible. Inoke (Funaki) had the best spring of anybody. Greg Alexander is a real talent, and so is Brent (Rausch). But Brent has three years (to play three seasons). I told all of the quarterbacks we're going to take a look at the JC guys in the first part of camp, and then we'll make a decision." (HA)
About how Santos and Austin will be QBs for the scout team, Mack said:
"I've already talked with all of them. I told everyone exactly what their role is going to be, so there aren't any surprises. Jake is a senior, and it's unfortunate he didn't get his (extra) year back, because he's a great kid. But you can't get that many quarterbacks ready for ball games." (HA)
About putting their QB under center, Mack said:
"I like the shotgun. But as a defensive guy, whenever anybody's in the shotgun, we give a jet call: 'We're coming.' There's no running game. Percentage-wise we'll be more gun. But we're going to be under center so we can do some things. Those two new (quarterbacks) run 4.6 (seconds over 40 yards). And Tyler can run and Inoke can run. I think Inoke is a great runner. Inoke runs with aggressiveness. He'll run over guys." (HA)
About moving AhSoon from LT to LG, Mack said:
"Keith is going to be great there. I think (the offensive line is) going to be the strength of our offense. We have three starters back. (Center) John Estes is outstanding. When he was in there in the spring, he was playing a little hurt (because of a pulled hamstring). He feels so much better. He's just a leader. We're going to stress fundamentals up front. I'm more into fundamentals, techniques and getting better as the season goes on. I think we're going to be better and better offensively. We're going to be an attacking offense. That's our philosophy." (HA)
About their running game, Mack said:
"We're sitting great at running back. Leon (Wright-Jackson) is outstanding. Every time I saw him, he was running down the field for touchdowns. (Daniel) Libre is a change-up — good speed, good hard runner. And Jake (Heun) and David (Farmer) are powerful guys." (HA)
About playing Florida at noon in their opener, Mack said:
"I think it's a great opportunity. We're playing the Heisman Trophy winner. We're playing in the Swamp. We're playing the No. 1-ranked team in the country. You've got to get ready for that. My biggest concern, because I coached in Miami, is the humidity. I'm not worried about the travel. We're going to Atlanta, and work out at Georgia Tech (for two days). We're going to be fine travel-wise. But the humidity? Anybody who plays in Florida, that's a problem. I'm concerned and we have to be ready for the humidity. We have to have people who know how to give IVs. We have to identify people in practice who perspire a lot and lose their body weight, and maybe get them early IVs. At Miami, it was like a M*A*S*H unit. We (won) 68 home games in a row. Most of it was in the fourth quarter. (That is when) you cramp up, and you can't play." (HA)
About trying to block kicks, Mack said:
"I'm not a big fake-it guy, unless we have something. I'm smart that way. But, sure, we're going to go for blocks. We want to let them know we're coming." (HA)
About rescinding the team rule that prevented redshirts and scout players from suiting up for home games, Mack said:
"I would like to. We haven't made that decision yet. But if a person is on our team and helping us get ready to win, he should be there on the sideline at home games. I know that gets (the sideline) crowded, but we have to handle the discipline in that. If a guy is on scout team and helps the offense get better or helps the defense get better, then he should be a part of that. To be on the field is a great experience. It's a little demeaning to sit in the stands when you're on the team." (HA)
About being UH's head coach, Mack said:
"I'm enjoying it. We had such a great season. And the people have been unbelievable. We had more than a thousand kids at our camp. Everywhere we go, people are so positive and happy. That's where I feel responsible to do a good job. We play for the people of Hawai'i. Everybody is with it. It's the greatest time in the world, and you feel great responsibility." (A)
Warrior Quotes from the Herald Journal
HJ = Herald Journal (Logan, UT)
About the upcoming season and their fans, Mack said:
“There is no doubt we are facing some challenges. But I’m really excited to be at Hawaii. We have the greatest fans.” (HJ)
About how their team will rely on their D this season, Sol Elimimian said:
“We have more guys back on defense than offense, so we understand what we have to do ... It’s always been about the offense at Hawaii. They will be under some pressure this year, that is where the defense must come in and help.” (HJ)
About their D, Mack said:
“I am really excited about our defense. We have two 300-plus (pound) mothers in the middle who also have speed. Speed is really important.” (HJ)
Praising Sol and Adam, Mack said:
“Leonard has been unbelievable. I’ve coached a lot of guys, but with the way he can drop back and cover the pass, he is better than any linebacker. ... Then there is Solomon, who can flat out run from sideline to sideline. Those two are excellent together.” (HJ)
About how he believes in the run-and-shoot, Mack said:
“I’ve been fortunate to be with some of the best coaches during my career ... I really believe the run-and-shoot scheme is as good as there is in football. It seems like everybody uses a part of it.” (HJ)
HJ Note: "When asked about the possibility of running more, since three starters return along the line, as do a trio of ball carriers with experience. McMackin pointed to how well the Warriors moved the ball on the ground two years ago."
About how they will run the ball, just as how UH was able to run in 2006, Mack said:
“We are going to mix it up ... We are going to throw the football to set up the run. I really believe this team will get better as the season goes on. We just need to continue to get better.” (HJ)
Looking forward to the Florida game, Sol said:
“I think about that game every day. We are going to have to be at our best.” (HJ)
About the upcoming season and their fans, Mack said:
“There is no doubt we are facing some challenges. But I’m really excited to be at Hawaii. We have the greatest fans.” (HJ)
About how their team will rely on their D this season, Sol Elimimian said:
“We have more guys back on defense than offense, so we understand what we have to do ... It’s always been about the offense at Hawaii. They will be under some pressure this year, that is where the defense must come in and help.” (HJ)
About their D, Mack said:
“I am really excited about our defense. We have two 300-plus (pound) mothers in the middle who also have speed. Speed is really important.” (HJ)
Praising Sol and Adam, Mack said:
“Leonard has been unbelievable. I’ve coached a lot of guys, but with the way he can drop back and cover the pass, he is better than any linebacker. ... Then there is Solomon, who can flat out run from sideline to sideline. Those two are excellent together.” (HJ)
About how he believes in the run-and-shoot, Mack said:
“I’ve been fortunate to be with some of the best coaches during my career ... I really believe the run-and-shoot scheme is as good as there is in football. It seems like everybody uses a part of it.” (HJ)
HJ Note: "When asked about the possibility of running more, since three starters return along the line, as do a trio of ball carriers with experience. McMackin pointed to how well the Warriors moved the ball on the ground two years ago."
About how they will run the ball, just as how UH was able to run in 2006, Mack said:
“We are going to mix it up ... We are going to throw the football to set up the run. I really believe this team will get better as the season goes on. We just need to continue to get better.” (HJ)
Looking forward to the Florida game, Sol said:
“I think about that game every day. We are going to have to be at our best.” (HJ)
Random Warrior Notes from the Star-Bulletin
Not optimistic about Maka's situation, Mack said:
"I don't think the NCAA is going to give him another year. We haven't got any reports and his is one of those things that's very difficult to document. He's not on our roster right now. He tried. He's a great person, and I feel bad about it." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Meanwhile, Kainoa LaCount's status is still pending. The highly regarded offensive tackle won't be able to report to camp until at least a few days into it because his last final at College of the Canyons (Calif.) is Aug. 7. UH will likely keep a camp spot open for him, but LaCount could end up redshirting if he doesn't get up to speed quickly."
About how he might have to redshirt, 6'7", 290-pound Kainoa LaCount said:
"I don't mind if I have to. It's another year to get bigger, faster and stronger. It might be the best thing." (HSB)
About how season-ticket sales have passed last year's mark (as of July 18 they were at 24,164), John McNamara said:
"We're definitely exceeding last year's figure." (HSB)
HSB Note: "UH sold 22,975 season-ticket packages last year, ending five consecutive years of declining sales. Fans have until Friday to take advantage of a promotion that includes a $99 price for all five pay-per-view road game telecasts with the purchase of a season-ticket package. The road games would be $280 if bought separately. UH also expects to sell more than 1,000 tickets to students. They can buy them online for the first time via the Hawaiiathletics.com Website."
About being one of the 3 finalists for UC Santa Barbara's AD spot, Carl Clapp said:
"It's my alma mater and Santa Barbara is my hometown. I have a fondness for it and I'm flattered they're interested in me. On the other hand I really enjoy my job here." (HSB)
"I don't think the NCAA is going to give him another year. We haven't got any reports and his is one of those things that's very difficult to document. He's not on our roster right now. He tried. He's a great person, and I feel bad about it." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Meanwhile, Kainoa LaCount's status is still pending. The highly regarded offensive tackle won't be able to report to camp until at least a few days into it because his last final at College of the Canyons (Calif.) is Aug. 7. UH will likely keep a camp spot open for him, but LaCount could end up redshirting if he doesn't get up to speed quickly."
About how he might have to redshirt, 6'7", 290-pound Kainoa LaCount said:
"I don't mind if I have to. It's another year to get bigger, faster and stronger. It might be the best thing." (HSB)
About how season-ticket sales have passed last year's mark (as of July 18 they were at 24,164), John McNamara said:
"We're definitely exceeding last year's figure." (HSB)
HSB Note: "UH sold 22,975 season-ticket packages last year, ending five consecutive years of declining sales. Fans have until Friday to take advantage of a promotion that includes a $99 price for all five pay-per-view road game telecasts with the purchase of a season-ticket package. The road games would be $280 if bought separately. UH also expects to sell more than 1,000 tickets to students. They can buy them online for the first time via the Hawaiiathletics.com Website."
About being one of the 3 finalists for UC Santa Barbara's AD spot, Carl Clapp said:
"It's my alma mater and Santa Barbara is my hometown. I have a fondness for it and I'm flattered they're interested in me. On the other hand I really enjoy my job here." (HSB)
JD's Contract is Signed!
About how the 5-year, $240k contract that JD and Hinshaw signed was in the pre-approved salary range, UH spokesman Gregg Takayama said:
"It doesn't need to go to the Board of Regents. It's pau." (HSB)
About how he wasn't concerned about his contract, JD said:
"I'm happy to be back at the university and I was never concerned about the contract situation. We're working toward progress in both the budget and on the playing fields and in the arenas." (HA)
After confirming that his contract was done, JD said:
"I'm happy to be back at UH." (HSB)
About JD, Chancellor Hinshaw said when he was selected for the AD spot:
"Jim's vision, experience and ability, combined with his passion for UH Manoa and bond with Hawaii, make him a great match for ensuring the future success of our athletic programs." (HSB)
HA Note: "Donovan's contract allows him to reopen negotiations on his base salary in 2010 and 2012, subject to a "satisfactory performance evaluation" and "availability of funds." Frazier had a similar clause. Donovan's other bonus opportunities mirror Frazier's and are capped at a maximum of three months' salary ($60,000). He may collect one month's bonus if the football team wins its conference; $7,500 if the football team appears in a bowl; one month's bonus if the men's basketball team is selected for the NCAA tournament; two weeks' bonus if it plays in the NIT, a bonus equal to one half of that of the men's basketball coach if the team appears in the Sweet 16; a bonus equal to one half of the coach's if the men's or women's volleyball teams participate in the championship tournament; a bonus of two weeks' salary if the baseball team plays in an (NCAA) regional; $10,000 if the baseball team goes to the College World Series; a bonus of two weeks' salary if any other UH team (beyond volleyball, football, baseball or men's basketball) wins a national championship; $5,000 for "exemplary performance of duties.""
"It doesn't need to go to the Board of Regents. It's pau." (HSB)
About how he wasn't concerned about his contract, JD said:
"I'm happy to be back at the university and I was never concerned about the contract situation. We're working toward progress in both the budget and on the playing fields and in the arenas." (HA)
After confirming that his contract was done, JD said:
"I'm happy to be back at UH." (HSB)
About JD, Chancellor Hinshaw said when he was selected for the AD spot:
"Jim's vision, experience and ability, combined with his passion for UH Manoa and bond with Hawaii, make him a great match for ensuring the future success of our athletic programs." (HSB)
HA Note: "Donovan's contract allows him to reopen negotiations on his base salary in 2010 and 2012, subject to a "satisfactory performance evaluation" and "availability of funds." Frazier had a similar clause. Donovan's other bonus opportunities mirror Frazier's and are capped at a maximum of three months' salary ($60,000). He may collect one month's bonus if the football team wins its conference; $7,500 if the football team appears in a bowl; one month's bonus if the men's basketball team is selected for the NCAA tournament; two weeks' bonus if it plays in the NIT, a bonus equal to one half of that of the men's basketball coach if the team appears in the Sweet 16; a bonus equal to one half of the coach's if the men's or women's volleyball teams participate in the championship tournament; a bonus of two weeks' salary if the baseball team plays in an (NCAA) regional; $10,000 if the baseball team goes to the College World Series; a bonus of two weeks' salary if any other UH team (beyond volleyball, football, baseball or men's basketball) wins a national championship; $5,000 for "exemplary performance of duties.""
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Warrior News from the Advertiser
About how he has received a medical hardship that will allow him to return as a "super senior" in 2009, Daniel Otineru said:
"I'll keep working out and see what happens." (HA)
HA Note: "But while he recovers from surgery for sleep apnea, he will miss the University of Hawai'i' football team's 2008 season."
HA Note: "As a Kapolei High senior in 2004, he was diagnosed with sleep apnea, a disorder in which external breathing is suspended for brief periods. For the next few years, he slept with a specially designed mask that increased air flow."
About the designed mask that he slept with, Otineru said:
"It constantly pushed air through me, keeping my airway open." (HA)
HA Note: "As his condition worsened, it was decided he needed jaw surgery. First, he was fitted for braces. In May, he underwent a two-part surgery. The roof of his mouth was repositioned, and his jaw was broken, then reset forward a quarter inch. Then came the difficult part: his mouth was wired shut for six weeks. During that time, he consumed protein shakes."
About having his jaw wired shut for 6 weeks, Otineru said:
"That was hard — not being able to talk and eat. It was pretty depressing every time I opened up the fridge." (HA)
HA Note: "He lost 30 pounds, going from 295 to 265."
About how he's resumed eating solid foods and is up to 275 pounds now, Otineru said:
"Everything is much better. But my jaw doesn't seem the same. I don't feel I have as much room in my mouth anymore." (HA)
HA Note: "It has been a difficult past year for Otineru. Last October, he suffered a tear to his right biceps. He was required to wear a metal brace; some jokingly referred to him as "Edward Scissorhands." "
About how hi situation is good now, Otineru (who was expected to compete at RG) said:
"It's cool now. I'm going to play again. I'll use this season to work out and get my strength and conditioning back." (HA)
HA Note: "Brett Symonds, a graduate of Chaparral High School, is set to report to training camp Aug. 4, making him the third kicker from the southwest California town to play for the Warriors. Eric Hannum and Dan "The Iceman" Kelly were raised in Temecula. Symonds turned down scholarship offers from Weber State and Idaho State to enroll at UH as a walk-on. He said he welcomes the opportunity to serve as an apprentice during Kelly's senior season."
About spending a year learning from Dan Kelly, Symonds said:
"It's really nice to have a guy like Dan Kelly around. I grew up with him in Temecula. He'll help show me the ropes, get acclimated." (HA)
HA Note: "Symonds, who is 5 feet 11 and 150 pounds, converted a 43-yarder in game last year. During warmups, he converted from 55 yards off a 1-inch block and 57 yards off the ground."
About Symonds, Kelly said:
"I've never seen a guy that small in stature kick a ball as far and hard as he does. He's already light years ahead of where I was coming into my freshman year." (HA)
About how Symonds worked in a grocery store in Temecula last summer but found time to work out with him, Kelly said:
"During his hour lunch break, he would go to my old (high) school, change in the car, kick with me for 45 minutes, then go back to work. He used his lunch break to work out." (HA)
HA Note: "Kelly and Symonds are the only placekickers on the training-camp roster. Tim Grasso, who spent the spring semester in Utah, is the only punter."
"I'll keep working out and see what happens." (HA)
HA Note: "But while he recovers from surgery for sleep apnea, he will miss the University of Hawai'i' football team's 2008 season."
HA Note: "As a Kapolei High senior in 2004, he was diagnosed with sleep apnea, a disorder in which external breathing is suspended for brief periods. For the next few years, he slept with a specially designed mask that increased air flow."
About the designed mask that he slept with, Otineru said:
"It constantly pushed air through me, keeping my airway open." (HA)
HA Note: "As his condition worsened, it was decided he needed jaw surgery. First, he was fitted for braces. In May, he underwent a two-part surgery. The roof of his mouth was repositioned, and his jaw was broken, then reset forward a quarter inch. Then came the difficult part: his mouth was wired shut for six weeks. During that time, he consumed protein shakes."
About having his jaw wired shut for 6 weeks, Otineru said:
"That was hard — not being able to talk and eat. It was pretty depressing every time I opened up the fridge." (HA)
HA Note: "He lost 30 pounds, going from 295 to 265."
About how he's resumed eating solid foods and is up to 275 pounds now, Otineru said:
"Everything is much better. But my jaw doesn't seem the same. I don't feel I have as much room in my mouth anymore." (HA)
HA Note: "It has been a difficult past year for Otineru. Last October, he suffered a tear to his right biceps. He was required to wear a metal brace; some jokingly referred to him as "Edward Scissorhands." "
About how hi situation is good now, Otineru (who was expected to compete at RG) said:
"It's cool now. I'm going to play again. I'll use this season to work out and get my strength and conditioning back." (HA)
HA Note: "Brett Symonds, a graduate of Chaparral High School, is set to report to training camp Aug. 4, making him the third kicker from the southwest California town to play for the Warriors. Eric Hannum and Dan "The Iceman" Kelly were raised in Temecula. Symonds turned down scholarship offers from Weber State and Idaho State to enroll at UH as a walk-on. He said he welcomes the opportunity to serve as an apprentice during Kelly's senior season."
About spending a year learning from Dan Kelly, Symonds said:
"It's really nice to have a guy like Dan Kelly around. I grew up with him in Temecula. He'll help show me the ropes, get acclimated." (HA)
HA Note: "Symonds, who is 5 feet 11 and 150 pounds, converted a 43-yarder in game last year. During warmups, he converted from 55 yards off a 1-inch block and 57 yards off the ground."
About Symonds, Kelly said:
"I've never seen a guy that small in stature kick a ball as far and hard as he does. He's already light years ahead of where I was coming into my freshman year." (HA)
About how Symonds worked in a grocery store in Temecula last summer but found time to work out with him, Kelly said:
"During his hour lunch break, he would go to my old (high) school, change in the car, kick with me for 45 minutes, then go back to work. He used his lunch break to work out." (HA)
HA Note: "Kelly and Symonds are the only placekickers on the training-camp roster. Tim Grasso, who spent the spring semester in Utah, is the only punter."
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Q&A with Colt
WT = Washington Times
About his hip injury, Colt said:
"It was the first day in [Senior Bowl] practice. I dropped back and felt this pop in my hip. The whole week it was like I had a dead leg, but I knew it was the Senior Bowl so I just pushed through it. I still had these little ailments there the next few weeks, but I knew I had to get ready for the combine. After the combine it wasn’t getting any better so I saw a doctor and he said I’d torn my labrum. I waited until after my pro day to have the surgery and now I’ve been rehabbing it for three months, four months. It feels good to be cleared 100 percent. It is not so much the injury as it is just getting back to running and using my legs." (WT)
Asked if he has any regrets for coming back for his senior year, Colt said:
"Absolutely not – it is amazing how one game will allow one game to take done or discredit everything you’d done. Look at what Peyton Manning and what he did in his last game – he played Nebraska in the Orange Bowl and got destroyed 42-17. No one got mad at him. He was still the No. 1 pick in the draft.
The cool thing is it is all about where you land. I was never suppose to go to Hawaii, but it was because people were really being negative toward me and not giving me a chance that I ended up in Hawaii. I can relate it to that. People were being real negative about me and not really giving me a chance, and then the Redskins jumped up and grabbed me. Now I’m in a great situation surrounding by a great franchise and a great football team.
My last five or six years of my life have been a lot of ups and a lot of downs. The crazy thing is no matter how low the lows get, when the highs come they’re every bit worth it. It is about climbing that mountain, and the harder it is the sweeter the other side is." (WT)
About having plenty of options for a mentor, Colt said:
"I’m in great shape. When it comes to just getting myself acclimated, coach Zorn is the guy I go to. He’s the one who coaches me up and I appreciate that he has invested some time in me. When he is out there coaching everyone and I need help, I can always go to Jason or Todd. They’ve been both been awesome toward me. It is always competitive, but here everyone has been great about making sure I have everything down." (WT)
Asked about the cold weather, Colt said:
"I’m used to the cold weather. When I’m on the Playstation, the game I like to play the most is when the snow is pouring – those were the games that I always wanted to play in as a kid but never could growing up in California. When I got a chance in Boston, I loved it." (WT)
About having less media attention now that he's out of Hawaii, Colt said:
"I kind of got ran ragged out there in Hawaii. I remember having media call for like 45 minutes or an hour and it would just be crazy. It is kind of nice to be able to get in and I definitely don’t mind it." (WT)
Asked about his crazy hair at Hawaii, Colt said:
"At Hawaii we had like 20 different hairstyles on our team. I remember when we showed up for the first day of camp and about four or five of the linebackers had bleached hair with these designs in it. In the summer I said, ‘Well I’ll try to grow my hair out and see if dreds look good.’ We’re in Hawaii and I’m at the beach every day, so I let my receivers do it to me because you only live once. They were able to get a girl to braid it up for me and I had the dreds for a while, but it just wasn’t really working out. I just wanted to have fun my senior year." (WT)
Asked about his situation at Colorado, Colt said:
"I feel like a lot of the success I’ve had has been in a sense like karma. What happened to me was so wrong and in so many ways I had to take responsibility for what I did and I did that. That’s also why I was able to get taken advantage of. In the end, every dream I had as a kid came true. I went off to Hawaii, a Division I college and not only that I was a Heisman Trophy candidate for two years. I had a great career and my teammates and I took a program and a school to another level. A lot of the stuff that happened after Hawaii with the draft was almost like déjà vu. At the same time I landed in a great spot in a great situation and I am hoping the same type of thing can happen here." (WT)
About JJ giving him a second chance, Colt said:
"That was Coach Jones. I wasn’t the first kid he did that for. Pisa Tinoisamoa, the Rams linebacker, he got him right out of jail. Davone Bess, my receiver, he got him right out of jail. It almost felt good to go to a guy like Coach Jones who saw past the media articles and saw past the perception to give guys a chance. He knew Hawaii was a great place to give guys a second chance, and he had a great track record with giving players a second chance and them going off and having a lot of success." (WT)
About his hip injury, Colt said:
"It was the first day in [Senior Bowl] practice. I dropped back and felt this pop in my hip. The whole week it was like I had a dead leg, but I knew it was the Senior Bowl so I just pushed through it. I still had these little ailments there the next few weeks, but I knew I had to get ready for the combine. After the combine it wasn’t getting any better so I saw a doctor and he said I’d torn my labrum. I waited until after my pro day to have the surgery and now I’ve been rehabbing it for three months, four months. It feels good to be cleared 100 percent. It is not so much the injury as it is just getting back to running and using my legs." (WT)
Asked if he has any regrets for coming back for his senior year, Colt said:
"Absolutely not – it is amazing how one game will allow one game to take done or discredit everything you’d done. Look at what Peyton Manning and what he did in his last game – he played Nebraska in the Orange Bowl and got destroyed 42-17. No one got mad at him. He was still the No. 1 pick in the draft.
The cool thing is it is all about where you land. I was never suppose to go to Hawaii, but it was because people were really being negative toward me and not giving me a chance that I ended up in Hawaii. I can relate it to that. People were being real negative about me and not really giving me a chance, and then the Redskins jumped up and grabbed me. Now I’m in a great situation surrounding by a great franchise and a great football team.
My last five or six years of my life have been a lot of ups and a lot of downs. The crazy thing is no matter how low the lows get, when the highs come they’re every bit worth it. It is about climbing that mountain, and the harder it is the sweeter the other side is." (WT)
About having plenty of options for a mentor, Colt said:
"I’m in great shape. When it comes to just getting myself acclimated, coach Zorn is the guy I go to. He’s the one who coaches me up and I appreciate that he has invested some time in me. When he is out there coaching everyone and I need help, I can always go to Jason or Todd. They’ve been both been awesome toward me. It is always competitive, but here everyone has been great about making sure I have everything down." (WT)
Asked about the cold weather, Colt said:
"I’m used to the cold weather. When I’m on the Playstation, the game I like to play the most is when the snow is pouring – those were the games that I always wanted to play in as a kid but never could growing up in California. When I got a chance in Boston, I loved it." (WT)
About having less media attention now that he's out of Hawaii, Colt said:
"I kind of got ran ragged out there in Hawaii. I remember having media call for like 45 minutes or an hour and it would just be crazy. It is kind of nice to be able to get in and I definitely don’t mind it." (WT)
Asked about his crazy hair at Hawaii, Colt said:
"At Hawaii we had like 20 different hairstyles on our team. I remember when we showed up for the first day of camp and about four or five of the linebackers had bleached hair with these designs in it. In the summer I said, ‘Well I’ll try to grow my hair out and see if dreds look good.’ We’re in Hawaii and I’m at the beach every day, so I let my receivers do it to me because you only live once. They were able to get a girl to braid it up for me and I had the dreds for a while, but it just wasn’t really working out. I just wanted to have fun my senior year." (WT)
Asked about his situation at Colorado, Colt said:
"I feel like a lot of the success I’ve had has been in a sense like karma. What happened to me was so wrong and in so many ways I had to take responsibility for what I did and I did that. That’s also why I was able to get taken advantage of. In the end, every dream I had as a kid came true. I went off to Hawaii, a Division I college and not only that I was a Heisman Trophy candidate for two years. I had a great career and my teammates and I took a program and a school to another level. A lot of the stuff that happened after Hawaii with the draft was almost like déjà vu. At the same time I landed in a great spot in a great situation and I am hoping the same type of thing can happen here." (WT)
About JJ giving him a second chance, Colt said:
"That was Coach Jones. I wasn’t the first kid he did that for. Pisa Tinoisamoa, the Rams linebacker, he got him right out of jail. Davone Bess, my receiver, he got him right out of jail. It almost felt good to go to a guy like Coach Jones who saw past the media articles and saw past the perception to give guys a chance. He knew Hawaii was a great place to give guys a second chance, and he had a great track record with giving players a second chance and them going off and having a lot of success." (WT)
Feature on Keao Monteilh
About marrying his long-time girlfriend, Jessilee, yesterday, Monteilh said:
"My dad said you got two kids and you've got to be a good example and get married and settle down. It's time to put my life into order." (HSB)
About their defense this season, Monteilh said it is:
"one of the best defenses UH has ever had." (HSB)
About being injured and not being able to play in their final games of last season, Monteilh said:
"It was so depressing to see everyone out there. I can't just watch. I have to play. I couldn't do anything about it." (HSB)
HSB Note: "An integral part of UH's first eight wins as the starting free safety, Monteilh missed the rest of the 2007 season after suffering a broken scapula against New Mexico State."
About suffering a broken scapula, Monteilh said:
"I had never heard of it. I was like you mean a spatula? The doctor's laughing, 'No, you got a broken scapula.' I still don't know what it is. I thought it was just a stinger." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The shoulder injury came at a time Hawaii was heading into its stretch run of games against the league's top teams. Every week as Hawaii got closer to an undefeated regular season, Monteilh would itch more and more to get back on the field, even if his shoulder was still hurt."
About Monteilh having to miss their big games to end the season, Fale Laeli said:
"It was tough for him, he always was telling me he like play. You can tell he was hurt. He wanted to be playing in the Sugar Bowl." (HSB)
About how he and Monteilh were teammates at Saint Louis before becoming Warriors, Laeli said:
"(At Saint Louis) me and Keao, we always told each other we were going to leave (Hawaii). Things just turned different and we came to UH." (HSB)
About how former UH player Eddie Klaneski (a coach at Saint Louis then) encouraged then to go to UH where he said they could play right away, Monteilh said:
"(Klaneski) always said I had a good chance to play next year and I always took that strong and thought maybe I could play. At first I was like 'Ah whatever, that's what he's going to tell me.' But he kept telling me that after the season and during basketball season and during track season and I started to believe." (HSB)
HSB Note: "From a scrawny walk-on to a leader on a defense that could be one of UH's greatest ever, Monteilh battled his way to the top of the depth chart, first at cornerback, and now at safety. Once almost too skinny to play Pop Warner football at age 11, Monteilh says he's close to 200 pounds after arriving at UH at around 170."
About their confidence on defense, Monteilh said:
"Defense-wise, our attitude is we're going to line up and we're going to beat you. No matter what you throw at us, that is how we think. We've got the attitude that we're going to take you 1-on-1." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Monteilh and senior Desmond Thomas are the top two safeties entering camp, but have plenty of competition behind them. Dane Porlas returns as one of the top backups and senior Erik Robinson, junior Viliami Nauahi and Le'Marcus Gibson also will contend for playing time. Sophomore's Kenny Estes and Spencer Smith are also in the mix, as well as Oregon State transfer Mana Silva."
About how their depth will make them a great team, Monteilh said:
"We're going to have a great team because we have so many guys. Some people kind of say, you know, I'm battling positions with you, I'm not going to help you out. Over here is nothing like that. Everyone helps everyone out and may the best man win. A battle is a battle and we just push each other harder." (HSB)
About Monteilh being married, Laeli said:
"I'm telling you man, he's going to be wearing the smallest handcuffs in the world." (HSB)
"My dad said you got two kids and you've got to be a good example and get married and settle down. It's time to put my life into order." (HSB)
About their defense this season, Monteilh said it is:
"one of the best defenses UH has ever had." (HSB)
About being injured and not being able to play in their final games of last season, Monteilh said:
"It was so depressing to see everyone out there. I can't just watch. I have to play. I couldn't do anything about it." (HSB)
HSB Note: "An integral part of UH's first eight wins as the starting free safety, Monteilh missed the rest of the 2007 season after suffering a broken scapula against New Mexico State."
About suffering a broken scapula, Monteilh said:
"I had never heard of it. I was like you mean a spatula? The doctor's laughing, 'No, you got a broken scapula.' I still don't know what it is. I thought it was just a stinger." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The shoulder injury came at a time Hawaii was heading into its stretch run of games against the league's top teams. Every week as Hawaii got closer to an undefeated regular season, Monteilh would itch more and more to get back on the field, even if his shoulder was still hurt."
About Monteilh having to miss their big games to end the season, Fale Laeli said:
"It was tough for him, he always was telling me he like play. You can tell he was hurt. He wanted to be playing in the Sugar Bowl." (HSB)
About how he and Monteilh were teammates at Saint Louis before becoming Warriors, Laeli said:
"(At Saint Louis) me and Keao, we always told each other we were going to leave (Hawaii). Things just turned different and we came to UH." (HSB)
About how former UH player Eddie Klaneski (a coach at Saint Louis then) encouraged then to go to UH where he said they could play right away, Monteilh said:
"(Klaneski) always said I had a good chance to play next year and I always took that strong and thought maybe I could play. At first I was like 'Ah whatever, that's what he's going to tell me.' But he kept telling me that after the season and during basketball season and during track season and I started to believe." (HSB)
HSB Note: "From a scrawny walk-on to a leader on a defense that could be one of UH's greatest ever, Monteilh battled his way to the top of the depth chart, first at cornerback, and now at safety. Once almost too skinny to play Pop Warner football at age 11, Monteilh says he's close to 200 pounds after arriving at UH at around 170."
About their confidence on defense, Monteilh said:
"Defense-wise, our attitude is we're going to line up and we're going to beat you. No matter what you throw at us, that is how we think. We've got the attitude that we're going to take you 1-on-1." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Monteilh and senior Desmond Thomas are the top two safeties entering camp, but have plenty of competition behind them. Dane Porlas returns as one of the top backups and senior Erik Robinson, junior Viliami Nauahi and Le'Marcus Gibson also will contend for playing time. Sophomore's Kenny Estes and Spencer Smith are also in the mix, as well as Oregon State transfer Mana Silva."
About how their depth will make them a great team, Monteilh said:
"We're going to have a great team because we have so many guys. Some people kind of say, you know, I'm battling positions with you, I'm not going to help you out. Over here is nothing like that. Everyone helps everyone out and may the best man win. A battle is a battle and we just push each other harder." (HSB)
About Monteilh being married, Laeli said:
"I'm telling you man, he's going to be wearing the smallest handcuffs in the world." (HSB)
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Cooke Field bids opened
About the importance of getting Cooke field renovated, Tim Grasso said:
"It would be a huge thing if we could actually get on this field. Right now, it's not really used that much. The track's great but to actually have a practice out on this field would be great. It's right next to the locker room." (KHNL)
KHNL Note: "The university is moving forward to renovate Cooke Field. It finalized the bidding process Friday afternoon and the difference between the two lowest bids? A mere $20,000. But the difference between the lowest and the highest bid is almost $400 thousand."
About the importance of competition to keep the bids down, Logan Hamocon (who owns Sports Turf Hawaii and had the lowest bid at $862,381) said:
"For me that just goes to show, the need for competition, fair competition." (KHNL)
KHNL Note: "Applied Surface Technology had the next lowest bid at $883,863. Two other bids were $1.05 million and $.125 million. Hamocon has a C-27 landscape contractor license, and his main competitor Dennis Sadowski, with Applied Surface Technology, has a C-68FF license. Sadowski, who is on the contractors board, complained, and then was assigned the task of reworking the rules, according to the Contractors License Board's meeting minutes from October 2007. The contractors board is looking into which license is necessary to actually do the job."
KHNL Note: "Hamocon did the work on Murakami Stadium, winning praise from the baseball team. The football team looks forward to a similar type of synthetic turf."
About how it is better to have turf on their practice field, Grasso said:
"Practicing on turf is a lot better than on grass. If your opponent is playing on turf, you should be practicing on turf. It's tough for us because Aloha Stadium is so far away. We can't practice there but it would be huge to practice on Cooke Field." (KHNL)
Looking forward to getting Cooke Field ready as soon as possible, Hamocon said:
"My team, my company, myself, we're ready to go. So just give us the work." (KHNL)
About renovating Cooke Field, Grasso said:
"We'd be stepping it up like other colleges and universities, and just seeing a program moving forward." (KHNL)
When KHNL asked if they would win back to back championships, Grasso said:
"Absolutely." (KHNL)
"It would be a huge thing if we could actually get on this field. Right now, it's not really used that much. The track's great but to actually have a practice out on this field would be great. It's right next to the locker room." (KHNL)
KHNL Note: "The university is moving forward to renovate Cooke Field. It finalized the bidding process Friday afternoon and the difference between the two lowest bids? A mere $20,000. But the difference between the lowest and the highest bid is almost $400 thousand."
About the importance of competition to keep the bids down, Logan Hamocon (who owns Sports Turf Hawaii and had the lowest bid at $862,381) said:
"For me that just goes to show, the need for competition, fair competition." (KHNL)
KHNL Note: "Applied Surface Technology had the next lowest bid at $883,863. Two other bids were $1.05 million and $.125 million. Hamocon has a C-27 landscape contractor license, and his main competitor Dennis Sadowski, with Applied Surface Technology, has a C-68FF license. Sadowski, who is on the contractors board, complained, and then was assigned the task of reworking the rules, according to the Contractors License Board's meeting minutes from October 2007. The contractors board is looking into which license is necessary to actually do the job."
KHNL Note: "Hamocon did the work on Murakami Stadium, winning praise from the baseball team. The football team looks forward to a similar type of synthetic turf."
About how it is better to have turf on their practice field, Grasso said:
"Practicing on turf is a lot better than on grass. If your opponent is playing on turf, you should be practicing on turf. It's tough for us because Aloha Stadium is so far away. We can't practice there but it would be huge to practice on Cooke Field." (KHNL)
Looking forward to getting Cooke Field ready as soon as possible, Hamocon said:
"My team, my company, myself, we're ready to go. So just give us the work." (KHNL)
About renovating Cooke Field, Grasso said:
"We'd be stepping it up like other colleges and universities, and just seeing a program moving forward." (KHNL)
When KHNL asked if they would win back to back championships, Grasso said:
"Absolutely." (KHNL)
Friday, July 25, 2008
Feature on the Hawaii Speed and Quickness Camps
SC = scout.com
SC Note: "This is the last day of the Hawaii Speed and Quickness' Big Man's Camp, so the island's top linemen take center stage. The Big Man's Camp is the last in a series of camps HSQ put together this summer to include over 1000 football players - something unprecedented in the history of Hawaii prep athletics. The plan for this vision began after June Jones' inaugural season on the islands."
About how their Speed and Quickness Camps started last year, Rich Miano said:
"Nobody really knew how to deal with it or wanted to deal with doing it. Since we took over last year and it was successful, it gets easier the more you do it." (SC)
SC Note: "Hawai'i Speed and Quickness (http://www.hawaiispeedandquickness.com/ was founded by Miano and UH Strength and Conditioning Coach Mel deLaura. Their mission? They are committed to improving athleticism and integrity of Hawaii's youth through all sports."
About their camps, Miano said:
"We're trying to make things affordable for everyone in Hawai'i and we're trying to be as inclusive as we can." (SC)
About how the Just Win! camp on Maui and the Education First camp laid the groundwork for their camps, Miano said:
"We encourage kids to go to all of them. But at the same time, the University of Hawai'i needed to have a camp." (SC)
SC Note: "Just based on the turnout, it appears these camps were a bombshell waiting to go off. It doesn't hurt that the Warriors went to a BCS bowl game for the first time in history and put UH footballl back on the national radar."
About how last season attracted a lot of new fans to UH, Miano said:
"Even people who don't like footballl were following it,." (SC)
SC Note: "And with it has come record highs in season ticket sales, as well as donations to Na Koa, the booster club that supports the UH football program."
About how their success on the field made it possible for them to get what they needed for their program, Miano said:
"With the success of the program, we've been able to get the things we need. Most programs have recruiting coordinators and secretaries in the front of the office. The locker room is embarrassing. The field turf has been condemned. But now, we've had people step up for the new surface and the coaches' offices. It's not just going to be artist renderings anymore." (SC)
About how Mack has reached out to the community, Miano said:
"Since he (McMackin) took the job, he's reached out to the community to make sure they know that they are very important to the support of the team. This is Hawai'i's team. He brought back green in the uniform, signed a big Under Armour deal and put Hawai'i on the front of the jerseys." (SC)
About how UH has the attention of the entire state, Tony Tuioti said:
"USC and UCLA still have to battle the Lakers. There's nothing like that here. It gives the young kids growing up here a unique opportunity, unlike any other program." (SC)
About how the success of last year's camp will help them expand their camp offerings in the future, Miano said:
"The success of last year's camp, knowing we had a camp, means that we'll be doing things a lot earlier next year. We'll probably do a team camp, maybe some pads for the big guys...just expanding what we have." (SC)
Happy with how their camps are growing, Tuioti said:
"I'm just ecstatic about the number we've had and to see how much it's grown. I think it's just the tip of the iceberg for what we can do in the Coach Mack era." (SC)
SC Note: "By having these camps, the UH football program is moving in a direction unparalleled in the history of the program. In the past, they took their legacy and their distance from major college football for granted. No more. Former UH greats like Jesse Sapolu, Dane Uperesa, Ma'a Tanuvasa and others have been waiting for the time when they could come back and give back to the program that gave them so much."
About his love for UH, Tanuvasa said:
"I will always be a Warrior at heart. I've always wanted to come back to my roots and help any way I could. With Coach McMackin, a lot of the NFL scouts call. With those type of connections, it's a great deal to stay here, as opposed to having to go away to play." (SC)
SC Note: "And while the primary mission of serving the island youth is taken very seriously, the ability to evaluate and recruit talent at these camps is something the UH staff uses to their advantage. And while every college football program in America strives to keep their top talent within their boundaries, that hasn't always been the case in Hawai'i."
About how UH will try to keep the top local talent in Hawaii, Tuioti said:
"There's some great talent that's gotten away, like Olin Kreutz to Washington and Chris Ma'afala to Utah. Coach McMackin has a vision to keep the top players home." (SC)
SC Note: "And while there was only one player to be offered after last year's camps - Damien's Christian Vasconcellos - the breadth and depth of McMackin's local recruiting efforts to date are already paying off big dividends. Corey Nielsen (Gahr, Calif.) and Billy Ray Stutzmann (St. Louis) were offered after the HSQ Skills camp, and all accepted. Cayman Shutter (Punahou) and Conrad Scheidt (Kamehameha-Kapalama) were also offered after the skills camp. Kimo Makaula (Punahou) committed when he found out he had been offered after the first day of the Big Man's camp. Benson Ma'afala (Damien) and Chauncey Makainai (Kailua) are two other 2009 island prospects that were offered scholarships after the camps. The coaches are already delving into the 2010 talent pool, offering Taz Stevenson (Mililani), Micah Hatchie (Waialua) and V.J. Fehoko from Farrington after the camps."
About how Mack is as a recruiter, Tuioti said:
"Coach McMackin has an eye for talent." (SC)
About the talent in Hawaii high schools, Dane Uperesa said:
"We have a lot of great talent here, and they've picked up on that. It's late in coming, but it's great for the college and the community. A lot of the things they are doing are things I learned in college. For the University of Hawai'i to bring back these camps, it's a great opportunity for them to learn from D1 coaches." (SC)
SC Note: "This is the last day of the Hawaii Speed and Quickness' Big Man's Camp, so the island's top linemen take center stage. The Big Man's Camp is the last in a series of camps HSQ put together this summer to include over 1000 football players - something unprecedented in the history of Hawaii prep athletics. The plan for this vision began after June Jones' inaugural season on the islands."
About how their Speed and Quickness Camps started last year, Rich Miano said:
"Nobody really knew how to deal with it or wanted to deal with doing it. Since we took over last year and it was successful, it gets easier the more you do it." (SC)
SC Note: "Hawai'i Speed and Quickness (http://www.hawaiispeedandquickness.com/ was founded by Miano and UH Strength and Conditioning Coach Mel deLaura. Their mission? They are committed to improving athleticism and integrity of Hawaii's youth through all sports."
About their camps, Miano said:
"We're trying to make things affordable for everyone in Hawai'i and we're trying to be as inclusive as we can." (SC)
About how the Just Win! camp on Maui and the Education First camp laid the groundwork for their camps, Miano said:
"We encourage kids to go to all of them. But at the same time, the University of Hawai'i needed to have a camp." (SC)
SC Note: "Just based on the turnout, it appears these camps were a bombshell waiting to go off. It doesn't hurt that the Warriors went to a BCS bowl game for the first time in history and put UH footballl back on the national radar."
About how last season attracted a lot of new fans to UH, Miano said:
"Even people who don't like footballl were following it,." (SC)
SC Note: "And with it has come record highs in season ticket sales, as well as donations to Na Koa, the booster club that supports the UH football program."
About how their success on the field made it possible for them to get what they needed for their program, Miano said:
"With the success of the program, we've been able to get the things we need. Most programs have recruiting coordinators and secretaries in the front of the office. The locker room is embarrassing. The field turf has been condemned. But now, we've had people step up for the new surface and the coaches' offices. It's not just going to be artist renderings anymore." (SC)
About how Mack has reached out to the community, Miano said:
"Since he (McMackin) took the job, he's reached out to the community to make sure they know that they are very important to the support of the team. This is Hawai'i's team. He brought back green in the uniform, signed a big Under Armour deal and put Hawai'i on the front of the jerseys." (SC)
About how UH has the attention of the entire state, Tony Tuioti said:
"USC and UCLA still have to battle the Lakers. There's nothing like that here. It gives the young kids growing up here a unique opportunity, unlike any other program." (SC)
About how the success of last year's camp will help them expand their camp offerings in the future, Miano said:
"The success of last year's camp, knowing we had a camp, means that we'll be doing things a lot earlier next year. We'll probably do a team camp, maybe some pads for the big guys...just expanding what we have." (SC)
Happy with how their camps are growing, Tuioti said:
"I'm just ecstatic about the number we've had and to see how much it's grown. I think it's just the tip of the iceberg for what we can do in the Coach Mack era." (SC)
SC Note: "By having these camps, the UH football program is moving in a direction unparalleled in the history of the program. In the past, they took their legacy and their distance from major college football for granted. No more. Former UH greats like Jesse Sapolu, Dane Uperesa, Ma'a Tanuvasa and others have been waiting for the time when they could come back and give back to the program that gave them so much."
About his love for UH, Tanuvasa said:
"I will always be a Warrior at heart. I've always wanted to come back to my roots and help any way I could. With Coach McMackin, a lot of the NFL scouts call. With those type of connections, it's a great deal to stay here, as opposed to having to go away to play." (SC)
SC Note: "And while the primary mission of serving the island youth is taken very seriously, the ability to evaluate and recruit talent at these camps is something the UH staff uses to their advantage. And while every college football program in America strives to keep their top talent within their boundaries, that hasn't always been the case in Hawai'i."
About how UH will try to keep the top local talent in Hawaii, Tuioti said:
"There's some great talent that's gotten away, like Olin Kreutz to Washington and Chris Ma'afala to Utah. Coach McMackin has a vision to keep the top players home." (SC)
SC Note: "And while there was only one player to be offered after last year's camps - Damien's Christian Vasconcellos - the breadth and depth of McMackin's local recruiting efforts to date are already paying off big dividends. Corey Nielsen (Gahr, Calif.) and Billy Ray Stutzmann (St. Louis) were offered after the HSQ Skills camp, and all accepted. Cayman Shutter (Punahou) and Conrad Scheidt (Kamehameha-Kapalama) were also offered after the skills camp. Kimo Makaula (Punahou) committed when he found out he had been offered after the first day of the Big Man's camp. Benson Ma'afala (Damien) and Chauncey Makainai (Kailua) are two other 2009 island prospects that were offered scholarships after the camps. The coaches are already delving into the 2010 talent pool, offering Taz Stevenson (Mililani), Micah Hatchie (Waialua) and V.J. Fehoko from Farrington after the camps."
About how Mack is as a recruiter, Tuioti said:
"Coach McMackin has an eye for talent." (SC)
About the talent in Hawaii high schools, Dane Uperesa said:
"We have a lot of great talent here, and they've picked up on that. It's late in coming, but it's great for the college and the community. A lot of the things they are doing are things I learned in college. For the University of Hawai'i to bring back these camps, it's a great opportunity for them to learn from D1 coaches." (SC)
Q&A with Mack
Asked if he's sticking with the run-and-shoot, Mack said:
"I believe in the run-and-shoot. The players there know the run-and-shoot. I think it's the best offense in the game. The pros are using it. They pretend they don't. It's a read offense, so it's a coaching man's offense. Repetitions, teaching it over and over again, that's what I believe football is all about. Defensive football, fundamentals, techniques -- its a coaching man's offense." (ESPN)
Asked if he felt like staying with their offense would be easier considering the success they have had the last couple years, Mack said:
"People don't realize this, but 85 percent of the people we have back are wearing these rings. We lost some guys on offense that really made it happen. We have our defense back and our offensive line is pretty intact. And because of the teaching it takes some time, but in the spring game we were moving the ball up and down the field. We're moving along. They're throwing by themselves every day." (ESPN)
Asked if he felt they were a little predictable last year, Mack said:
"I don't think we're predictable because we never do the same thing. It's all about reads. It's just like the option. It's the passing man's option." (ESPN)
About how they will be under the center a little more, Mack said:
"The run-and-shoot was all under center with [former Hawaii coach] Mouse Davis and June started out that way in '99 when I was there. Then he went more to the gun, and I think that was good with Colt and the veterans that we had. We're going to do a little bit of both. Not that it's a big deal. It's not a big change; it's part of the run-and-shoot. You can throw your screens. You can throw your quick stuff. I just, as a defensive guy, feel that if you're in the gun all the time, you can widen your ends and just get after it. You saw us play Georgia and that's exactly what they did." (ESPN)
Asked if they will move under center more also because their RBs are a little more seasoned than the bulk of their offense, Mack said:
"You need to run the football. Like Florida, I don't want that to be a long game. I don't want to throw on every snap. Some games you might want to shorten especially early in the season when we're getting acquainted and stuff. And if you throw a ball that's incomplete, the clock stops. We're not going to be a running team. Our run is set up by us throwing the ball." (ESPN)
Asked how much a learning curve their WRs and QBs have, Mack said:
"They've been doing the same things, they just haven't had their reps in the games. [Tyler] Graunke's had 24 games and he's got enough experience, but Inoke [Funaki] really hasn't. He's finished up some games. And then the JC guys, which I like because, you know, Greg Alexander he's played 42 college games. Maybe not in front of 90,000 people, but he's played a lot of games and I've always liked that about JC guys. And he's pretty good. He set the national record for touchdowns with, like, 71, and he can run. He's a big guy that can run. I thought at 240 he'd be this big, fat guy, but he came on his visit during the Pro Bowl week and I thought he was one of the Pro Bowl guys." (ESPN)
Asked about playing Mouton on offense, Mack said:
"He's so quick. He's got God-given quickness. He's a big playmaker. I just really like him. He's a big-play guy. He ran a kickoff back, he ran a touchdown back on defense, and we can just throw out a screen and let him do his thing." (ESPN)
Asked if Mouton is in the Devin Hester-type mold, Mack said:
"Who?" (ESPN)
Asked if Mouton is like Deion Sanders, Mack said:
"Oh, yeah, like Deion Sanders. He's a guy who's a football player. He's got great hands. He's a playmaker. And why not? He's going to be a defensive guy in the future, at the next level, but we'll send him on simple stuff. He doesn't have to know the offense. We'll just get a little package for him." (ESPN)
Asked if a "Go" route would be an example of how they would use Mouton, Mack said:
"Exactly." (ESPN)
"I believe in the run-and-shoot. The players there know the run-and-shoot. I think it's the best offense in the game. The pros are using it. They pretend they don't. It's a read offense, so it's a coaching man's offense. Repetitions, teaching it over and over again, that's what I believe football is all about. Defensive football, fundamentals, techniques -- its a coaching man's offense." (ESPN)
Asked if he felt like staying with their offense would be easier considering the success they have had the last couple years, Mack said:
"People don't realize this, but 85 percent of the people we have back are wearing these rings. We lost some guys on offense that really made it happen. We have our defense back and our offensive line is pretty intact. And because of the teaching it takes some time, but in the spring game we were moving the ball up and down the field. We're moving along. They're throwing by themselves every day." (ESPN)
Asked if he felt they were a little predictable last year, Mack said:
"I don't think we're predictable because we never do the same thing. It's all about reads. It's just like the option. It's the passing man's option." (ESPN)
About how they will be under the center a little more, Mack said:
"The run-and-shoot was all under center with [former Hawaii coach] Mouse Davis and June started out that way in '99 when I was there. Then he went more to the gun, and I think that was good with Colt and the veterans that we had. We're going to do a little bit of both. Not that it's a big deal. It's not a big change; it's part of the run-and-shoot. You can throw your screens. You can throw your quick stuff. I just, as a defensive guy, feel that if you're in the gun all the time, you can widen your ends and just get after it. You saw us play Georgia and that's exactly what they did." (ESPN)
Asked if they will move under center more also because their RBs are a little more seasoned than the bulk of their offense, Mack said:
"You need to run the football. Like Florida, I don't want that to be a long game. I don't want to throw on every snap. Some games you might want to shorten especially early in the season when we're getting acquainted and stuff. And if you throw a ball that's incomplete, the clock stops. We're not going to be a running team. Our run is set up by us throwing the ball." (ESPN)
Asked how much a learning curve their WRs and QBs have, Mack said:
"They've been doing the same things, they just haven't had their reps in the games. [Tyler] Graunke's had 24 games and he's got enough experience, but Inoke [Funaki] really hasn't. He's finished up some games. And then the JC guys, which I like because, you know, Greg Alexander he's played 42 college games. Maybe not in front of 90,000 people, but he's played a lot of games and I've always liked that about JC guys. And he's pretty good. He set the national record for touchdowns with, like, 71, and he can run. He's a big guy that can run. I thought at 240 he'd be this big, fat guy, but he came on his visit during the Pro Bowl week and I thought he was one of the Pro Bowl guys." (ESPN)
Asked about playing Mouton on offense, Mack said:
"He's so quick. He's got God-given quickness. He's a big playmaker. I just really like him. He's a big-play guy. He ran a kickoff back, he ran a touchdown back on defense, and we can just throw out a screen and let him do his thing." (ESPN)
Asked if Mouton is in the Devin Hester-type mold, Mack said:
"Who?" (ESPN)
Asked if Mouton is like Deion Sanders, Mack said:
"Oh, yeah, like Deion Sanders. He's a guy who's a football player. He's got great hands. He's a playmaker. And why not? He's going to be a defensive guy in the future, at the next level, but we'll send him on simple stuff. He doesn't have to know the offense. We'll just get a little package for him." (ESPN)
Asked if a "Go" route would be an example of how they would use Mouton, Mack said:
"Exactly." (ESPN)
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