Spring Day 14 / New Corner / NFL Draft

Dave Reardon writes about the competition at running back. Coach Wes Suan talks about some of their best attributes:

Freshman Kealoha Pilares -- known as a shifty and explosive runner as a prep star -- has also made good progress as a blocker. Running backs coach Wes Suan said that improves the 5-foot-10, 187-pound Damien product's chances for meaningful playing time in the fall.

"He's a guy who shows a lot of intelligence," Suan said. "He's turning up all his learning senses. He's receptive and can decipher all the information and put it into the physical. It all makes sense to him."

...

Farmer, a junior, has always managed to find his way into the lineup the past two years despite the lack of blazing speed. It comes down again to the first priority at the position: blocking. He played in 13 games, carrying seven times for 30 yards and a touchdown.

The reason the 6-foot, 231-pound Farmer gets in the mix is simple. He rarely messes up.

"It's knowing what you're doing, and not so much having to demolish a guy, but just knowing what you're doing so you can protect the quarterback," Suan said. "With no doubt, Dave Farmer is doing that the best, technique and assignment-wise."

Wishbone! Wishbone! Wishbone! See, even if you have the #1 offense in all the land, breaking all kinds of records, the fans are never satisfied. And thankfully, neither is June Jones. Wishbone! Wishbone! Wishbone!

Stephen Tsai writes that Daniel Smith, a junior cornerback from Providence Senior High School in North Carolina, has already committed to UH and will become a Warrior in '08.

When that offer came yesterday afternoon, Smith said: "Hawai'i feels right."

Smith and his mother took an unofficial visit to UH two weeks ago.

"It felt like I was back home," Smith said. "The coaches were very nice. There was great chemistry among the players. The guys seemed like they were really close. It felt like a family."

Welcome to Daniel. Tsai also talks to Jason Rivers about coming back for his senior year.

"After being out so long and coming back and having something special with the guys, it's something you can't pass up another opportunity for," Rivers said of his decision to delay his NFL plans. "I gave it a thought, a brief thought. I didn't think long about it. More people were telling me they heard I was going out. But I knew I was coming back before the (2006) season ended."

Dave Reardon talks to a few of the Warriors who are anxiously awaiting the start of the NFL draft tomorrow.

Name a position. Chances are someone's told Alama-Francis he could play it in the NFL -- everything from outside linebacker to defensive tackle to tight end to offensive tackle.

"Hey, I'll punt if they want me to. The more you can do, the more valuable you are," Alama-Francis said. "I'm ready to do whatever they want me to do. I don't have a choice, anyway."

...

"The good thing is I'm hearing from a lot of teams," said Uperesa, who is projected as a late second-day pick by most. But if a run occurs on tackles, Uperesa -- as well as Warriors linemate Tala Esera -- could move up. Players who can protect the quarterback's flanks are a commodity.

"Some of it is agents trying to build up competition between teams," Uperesa said. "You can't get your hopes too high or too low. I've just got to take it as excitement and nothing else."

And Stephen Tsai talks to Samson Satele, who has some good quotes.

Unlike his cousins who also are pro prospects — running back Nate Ilaoa and defensive end Melila Purcell III — Satele avoids reading mock drafts or Internet reports.

"I took a peek once, and it got me kind of mad," Satele said of the critical comments. "All they do is talk, talk, talk."

...

"You know, I've been playing football for 15 years," he added. "The draft is hours away instead of 15 years away. It's amazing that I'm in this position. It brings tears to my eyes when I think about it."

Here's a link to a video interview with Samson, from the Advertiser. I'll be posting some draft updates tomorrow. Good luck Warriors!

Also, tomorrow is the last spring practice, and it's being held at Aloha Stadium with autograph signings and fun for the kids. Just keep them away from the sidelines! Be there!

UPDATE: Woops, forgot to post Kalani Simpson's excellent profile of defensive coordinator Greg McMackin.