Jazen Anderson

Dave Reardon profiles running back Jazen Anderson. He seems very eager to demonstrate what he can do on the field.

"I want to be a supreme blocker, and that's a lot of the reason why I came here," said Anderson, who played for Moorpark College, a JC in California. "I want to help Hawaii to a 13-win season and a BCS bowl bid, if that's possible. I would also like to be a 1,000-yard rusher, which Hawaii hasn't had in 11 years or so (Travis Sims was the last to do it, in 1992)."

Damn though, I hope he's third string this year, if only because I want Nate Ilaoa and Reagan Mauia to rip it up for their senior seasons. NCAA gods, please approve Nate's extra year, he's only been healthy for two seasons! Even two is arguable! The waiting for the yes or no on Nate, Leonard Peters, Ian Sample and Bryan Maneafaiga's eligibility is tough. But from what I hear, their cases are good, so we shouldn't worry. We shall see.

Anyway back to Jazen, I hope he's awesome. I'm sure he'll get some carries this year even if he is third string. And then his senior season, he'll be 1st string and carry the ball 1000 yards and lead the Warriors to an undefeated season and a BCS bid, like he dreams. Like we all dream. Amen.

Timmy Chang Week 2

Rhein Fire played Berlin today. Timmy only played the 2nd quarter again and was 7 of 15 for 71 yards.

Spring Day 4: So Far

There's speculation that Dennis McKnight might be sticking around in some capacity.

Dave Reardon has a recap of developments so far this spring. Some key points:

• Brad Kalilimoku is doing good in his tryout at safety.


• Kenny Patton is still learning the wide receiver position.


• Jason Rivers is working out in spring practice.

Mario Cox

In this story recapping the hiring of Jeff Reinebold, Stephen Tsai says that running back Mario Cox may be competing as a linebacker, as soon as he's academically cleared for practice. Well, maybe it's good for him to learn another position, since the RB hype this year is all on Nate Ilaoa, Reagan Mauia and Jazen Anderson.

Coach Jeff

It's official. Jeff Reinebold is the new d-line coach. He seems like a cool dude. We're lucky to have him. Or as June Jones says:

“Jeff’s overqualified for any position on our staff,” Jones said. “We’re lucky to have him.”

Is there an echo in here. Anyway, we are lucky to have him. Here's a statement by Jeff from the Star-Bulletin:

“This is a great opportunity to work with a position at a school that has produced great players going all the way back to Larry Cole, Tom Tuinei, the Noga brothers and all the way through to Isaac (Sopoaga) and Travis (LaBoy), among others,” Reinebold said. “It’s a privilege to play defensive line here and an honor to coach the great players we have here now.”

Spring Day 3: Rain and More Rain

It's still pouring out, so the UH football team practiced in Les Murakami Stadium, at the suggestion of former special teams coach Dennis McKnight, who is attending spring practice as an observer, and who has also formally applied for a coaching position.

But asked if McKnight has a chance to join UH in the near future, Jones said, "No."

Are you sure, June?

"His application came in, but he doesn't coach d-line, so he's not getting hired," Jones said.

Well then. As much as UH needs help on special teams, I still think Jeff Reinebold has earned the open coaching position. It would be cool to have McKnight as well, but there are only so many vacancies. Maybe McKnight can be the new grad assistant to replace Reinebold.

And Dave Reardon profiles the offensive line. We lost two starters from last year, but it looks like they'll be as solid as ever.

Spring Day 2: Lots of Sateles

Star-Bulletin's Jason Kaneshiro has a profile on linebacker Brashton Satele, cousin of Hercules and Samson Satele and Mel Purcell, as well as nephew of Joe Onosai. The coaches like.

"What really shows is his speed," UH linebackers coach Cal Lee said. "You never have enough guys who can run to the ball and you've got to like that. I'm real happy the way he's come along and his attitude has been excellent."

And wow, Ryan Grice-Mullen's real name is Ryan Grice-Mullins. There was a clerical error on his birth certificate and one thing led to another... Anyway, he's gonna try to change it back this summer to his real name.

In the same article, we find John Fonoti, special teams madman, is first team outside linebacker this spring. And Michael Washington is moving from wide receiver to slot.

Slotback Jason Ferguson is anxious to get back on the field after missing last season with injury. Samson Satele is taking a break from spring practice to catch up on his studies.

Spring Day 1

Yesterday was the first day of spring practice. It was raining manapua and adobo. Stephen Tsai has a recap. Some key points:

• Defensive lineman Renolds Fruean won't be participating in spring practice because he has to work to pay his tuition and other expenses. June Jones doesn't have a scholarship to offer him right now. Damn, where's the corrupt boosters when you need them? I'm just kidding, NCAA.


• Cornerback JoPierre Davis is also not participating in spring practice because of grades he needs to take care of.

Dave Reardon also has a spring practice article. He highlights Brad Kalilimoku's try-out at strong safety, which seems to be going well so far.

Rivers, Ilaoa, Mauia

After sitting out 2005 due to moped injury and academics, Jason Rivers is back, motivated and trying to regain his place in the UH wide receiver corps.

Running backs Nate Ilaoa and Reagan Mauia are fit and ready to rip it up come fall. Mauia weights 303 pounds and wants to get down to 265 before the start of the season. Even at 303 pounds, he can run a 4.89 40. That's pretty good for a 300 pounder, right? It don't matter because he'll bowl over anybody who tries to stop him anyway. He's the juggernaut, bitch!

Kenny Patton

Dave Reardon profiles the offense, and Kenny Patton in particular. Kenny may play both ways this season, though I hope he doesn't have to, i.e. lack of depth at corner.

"We'll give him a shot at receiver, and he'll probably also be able to help us out on defense at times," Jones said.

Spring Practice

Spring practice starts on Tuesday. Both the Advertiser and Star-Bulletin have overviews of the Warrior football team going into spring. Some key points from Stephen Tsai's article:

• June Jones is still waiting to hear if Nate Ilaoa, Leonard Peters, Ian Sample and Bryan Maneafaiga will be granted an extra medical hardship year by the NCAA.


• Looks like Jeff Reinebold is primed to replace Vantz Singletary as the new d-line coach. Hopefully.


• Reagan Mauia got a scholarship!


• Jordan Slye and BJ Freuan have been "benched" for spring practice, for unmentioned reasons.


• Colt Brennan is healthy and now knows the offense so well, that June Jones is adding more plays to the playbook -- 15% more than even Timmy Chang played with. Watch out for the 6000 yards passing season. That's right, I said it.


• Nate Ilaoa is in great physical condition!


• We got a crapload of receivers. This could lead to a platoon situation, which can help tire out defenses.
  

Dave Reardon's article focuses on Jerry Glanville, who has this encouraging comment:

"We're all so much better than a year ago," said Glanville, who joined the Warriors staff during last year's spring camp and immediately introduced his 3-4 base alignment. "We're coming down running. We wanted to get there a year ago, but I think we can now. I can tell already everybody is light years from where we were."

Be that as it may, the end of the article states that the secondary will be the big question mark, as it will be comprised of first-year players and players trying out new positions. Come back Kenny Patton, we need you!

Rhein Fire vs Frankfurt Galaxy LiveBlog (Sorta)

All times HST!

8:02am - The game will start in a few minutes. Timmy Chang has to share time with the Drew Henson, Rhein's starting QB. They'll be switching every quarter from what I hear. I'll post again when Timmy is under center.

8:10am - Rhein just scored a touchdown on a trick play. Even though Timmy wasn't involved, I saw #14 celebrating!

8:26am - New rule for NFL Europe this year: A field goal of 50 or more yards is worth 4 points! That's pretty cool. I can imagine late game situations where the QB takes a knee to get beyond the 50 yard mark!

8:35am - BTW, field conditions are horrible. They play soccer on the same field, and the field was torn up even before the game started.

8:43am - Start of 2nd quarter. Timmy will be in when Rhein gets the ball back.

8:49 - Timmy Chang completes his first pass! For about 7 yards.

8:51 - Wow, Timmy completes his second pass! For 16 yards.

8:52 - Timmy is 3 for 3 on a short dump pass for six yards!

8:53 - Timmy finally makes an incompletion. They have to punt now. But not bad. First time out, he's 3 of 4 for 29 yards.

9:00 - Rhein has the ball back. Timmy hands off for the first play. 2nd and 5.

9:00 - Timmy throws an incomplete pass. 3rd and 5.

9:01 - From the shotgun, Timmy converts on 3rd down! 7 yard gain.

9:02 - Whoa, Timmy lost the handle on the ball. Luckily it was an incomplete pass.

9:04 - Timmy converts on another third down! 10 yard gain.

9:05 - Yikes, Timmy gets sacked on 2nd and 10. That brings up 3rd and long.

9:06 - Timmy's pass is incomplete. And the 4 point field goal attempt is short!

9:09 - After a fumble recovery, Timmy's first pass is incomplete. Two minute warning.

9:13 - Timmy converts AGAIN on 3rd down! About a 12 yard pass.

9:14 - Timmy throws wide, which brings up 3rd and 8.

9:15 - Timmy nearly gets picked. They're trying for the field goal.

9:16 - End of 2nd quarter. Not too bad. Timmy was 6 of 13 for 59 yards. He won't play again until the 4th quarter to let Drew Henson, who was 0 for 2 in the first quarter, play some more.

10:10 - Hopefully Timmy comes back in the 4th quarter. We'll see when Rhein gets the ball back.

10:20 - Damn, Drew Henson is back in for the 4th quarter. Timmy's wearing a baseball cap on the sideline. Doesn't look good!

10:48 - End of game. Rhein wins 10 to 6. Drew and Tim performed about the same. Glad Timmy could do some things when was in there. Hope he has a good season!

Rhein Fire

Timmy Chang will play his first game for the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe this Saturday. It'll be broadcast live on NFL Network, so I will try to liveblog the game if I can. The schedule says it'll be broadcast at 1:00pm Eastern, which is 10:00am Pacific, which is 8:00am Hawaii time. Timmy will split playing time with Drew Henson. Should be fun.

Strong

Nose tackle Lawrence Wilson is strong. Actually, a lot of the UH football players are, thanks in large part to strength coach Mel deLaura, and not at all to steroids. No UH player has ever tested positive in June Jones' tenure.

In the same Advertiser article, Stephen Tsai writes that Kenny Patton, who was starting corner last year, will still try out at wide receiver despite the lack of corners available in the spring. By the way, Patton, who weighs 185 pounds, can bench 350 pounds. At least he'll be a good blocker. Nah, that interception return against SDSU(?) last year, he put on some frickin moves! So he might be awesome. Can't wait for the season to start.

The Purcell Brothers

Right on. Mel Purcell will get another year of eligibility because he did well in school and gained enough credits. Some good academic news for a change. Mel will get to play with his brother Amani, who transferred from Penn State. Maybe they can bring some healthy competition to the field. I feel better about the defense already.

Students

Keao Monteilh, Ryan Keomaka and Andre Taylor have bad grades, so they're not invited to spring practice. They're completely off the team if they don't improve their grades. Andre Taylor might have other issues. So, does this affect Hawaii's APR? Will we lose more scholarships? It can't help. And it looks like we'll have a pretty green secondary for Alabama, and I'm not talking about uniform color. I'm hoping even more now that Leonard Peters comes back.

Also, non-scholarship players Mikhail Kafentzis and Brandon Matano have left the team.

Bhonapha Leaves

Grad assistant Keith Bhonapha has accepted an administrative position with Boise State. Apparently he was a good recruiter for UH, so he'll be missed. Too bad he has to go to Boise though!

Rivers

Jason Rivers is back! We have a plethora of receivers, but if he can pick up where he left off, that would be excellent. The offense is gonna be awesome this year. Keep them away from the mopeds.

Samson

Samson Satele is on this year's Lombardi Award watch list. Last year he was on the Outland Trophy watch list, and he might be on this year as well. It's announced in June or so.

More on Eastern Illinois

This article has more on Eastern Illinois and their penchant for chop-blocking last time they were here. Or maybe it was an isolated incident. Anyway, all eyes will be on their defense this time around.

The same article also says that June Jones has offered a 2007 scholarship to high school junior Austin Tolliver, a wide receiver and son of Billy Joe Tolliver.

Eastern Illinois

Eastern Illinois, a Division I-AA school, has been added to the 2006 Hawaii football schedule. They'll play it on September 30th. Let's hope this ain't another Florida Atlantic situation!

Also, the bye after the Alabama game is the only one this season. After that, UH plays 12 straight games, no breaks. It's like playing the whole season without a bye. Let's hope the injury bug can be contained.

Timmy in Europe

Here's a profile on Timmy Chang, as he prepares for the upcoming season with the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe. Good luck Timmy!

Search for a New Coach

Hawaii's looking for a new coach to replace the departing Vantz Singletary. I really hope graduate assistant Jeff Reinebold gets it because he seems to be a positive influence on the players, he has tons of experience, June says he's done a good job, and he loves Hawaii so there's less danger of him leaving!

Farewell Vantz

Here's an article about Coach Singletary leaving UH and the effect he's had on the Hawaii players and coaching staff.

And Stephen Tsai has an article about the NCAA's stupid APR, which penalizes a team if a student decides to transfer, even if he's in good academic standing.

The NCAA created a formula — the Academic Progress Rate (APR) — that awards points for each semester a player remains at a school and in good academic standing during a two-year period. For instance, each semester a player remains at his school and remains eligible (or graduates), he earns two points. A player who is academically eligible but transfers or leaves early to pursue a professional career, receives one point. An ineligible player who leaves earns no points.

How is it the school's fault if a player decides to transfer or turn pro?

Seven of the 18 recruits who signed with UH in February 2004 are no longer with the team. UH signed three quarterbacks that year. One transferred because he wanted more playing time and another enrolled in a junior college to better assist him with a medical problem. Also, defensive lineman Abu Ma'afala transferred to California in the summer of 2004, and brothers Mike Bass and Ray Bass transferred at the end of the season.

"I recruit a lot of quarterbacks, and I recruit certain positions, and when guys get frustrated and they're not playing, I try to get them scholarships at other schools," Jones said. "I've called other coaches around the country. Like Michael Bass is at Montana (State). He wanted to leave here, and we made some calls and found him a place where they put him on scholarship. That's happened a bunch of times. Now those things are going to come back to haunt you. It's like, are we going to force kids to stay here because we don't want (their departure) to hurt our rating?"

Bad News

First we hear that Hawaii will lose 5 football scholarships due to academic underperformance. That really sucks. I guess we'll find out more about that later. And now we hear that assistant coach Vantz Singletary is leaving the football team to take a similar position at Tennessee-Chattanooga. I think it's Aloha Stadium's fault, making him faint and all that. Hate to lose a good coach. Oh well, let's hope that's the last of it.