Spring Day 6 Wrap-Ups

Defensive coordinator Greg McMackin has some high praise for the Warrior linebackers, writes Stephen Tsai.

McMackin said he has never had a better unit of linebackers "anywhere I've been. Ray (Lewis) was outstanding. But these guys could have played there as a group. As a group, playing together, they're really talented."

And Blaze Soares has praise for the coaches.

"Coach McMackin is an excellent coach," strongside linebacker Blaze Soares said. "He explains everything into great detail. Then you have coach (Cal) Lee, who explains it even better. We've been picking it up pretty good."

Read the rest of the article for more details on what defensive packages are being implemented. Like this:

McMackin has installed about a third of the defensive plays, including the base scheme and regular blitz packages. Next week he will introduce the basic nickel package. In McMackin's schemes, a third cornerback is used as the nickelback.

"We want speed on the field," McMackin said.

All good things to hear. It'll be fun to watch the McMackin Attackin Defense in action.

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Jason Kaneshiro profiles Dane Porlas and the other safeties competing to fill Leonard Peters' shoes.

Porlas earned a start against Fresno State during his freshman year and had a game-clinching interception against San Jose State. He also filled in at safety during practice last season when Peters was nursing injuries, then spent the months following UH's Hawaii Bowl win preparing for his shot at the starting job.

In the team's first practice in pads on Monday, Porlas opened the seven-on-seven period with an interception over the middle.

"I've got enough experience to try to get ready for this year," Porlas said. "I was just in the weight room all the time, working hard, doing anything extra I could."

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And finally, at least we know the UH administration has been in contact with Mississippi State. Let's hope it pans out!

Larry Templeton expects to have the 2007 football schedule finalized by Monday.

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He declined to disclose the schools he talked with, although Hawaii has shown interest, but added MSU coach Sylvester Croom has had a lot of input.

"There are still a few teams out there that haven't completed their schedule," he said. "Finding a team is the easy part. Finding a team that can play on Sept. 22 is a different story."

Unfortunately, UH plays Charleston Southern on September 22nd, but the article does state that MSU is looking at November 3rd, which UH has open, as a "last resort." Come on Dawgs! Let's do this!