Patek Chat Today / Columnists / Juggernaut

Don't forget, later today (3pm HST, 6pm PDT, 9pm EDT) is Jacob Patek's live chat on Stephen Tsai's Warrior Beat.

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In different columns about Colt Brennan speaking out about the facilities, Ferd Lewis lauds Colt for being a leader, while Kalani Simpson marvels over all the soap that got donated, and frets again about the national press picking up on the story.

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And here's another article on Reagan Mauia, this one from Hugo Guzman of Real Football 365.

Mauia is 6 feet, 270, but what's most impressive is the chiseled physique and athleticism he clearly possesses. The former University of Hawaii standout used to be a 350-pound nose tackle but converted to fullback in his junior season. He quickly made his presence felt both as a blocker and a ball carrier, rushing for 56 yards and a bruising touchdown on just 10 carries against San Diego State in his final game of the 2005 season. As Mauia himself described during an interview on Le Batard's show, he was "knocking fools out" during his touchdown jaunt.

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For Miami, Mauia will likely serve in an apprentice role at first, working behind 13-year veteran Cory Schlesinger. That's a good thing, because the gritty and experienced Schlesinger can help mold Mauia into the kind of fullback who will remind folks of another veritable juggernaut Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron utilized when he was with the San Diego Chargers .

And if Reagan Mauia can become half the fullback that perennial Pro Bowler Lorenzo Neal is, helping to pave running room for the already bruising Ronnie Brown, the Dolphins will likely possess one of the most intimidating power running games in recent memory.

Excellent.

UPDATE: Stephen Tsai writes that Adam Leonard will be undergoing knee surgery.

Linebacker Adam Leonard said he will undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.
He said he suffered the injury during the second week of spring training. He said the discomfort "did not go away," leading to further medical tests.
He said he will have the surgery in Seattle, where he will spend the summer, and resume training in four weeks.

Hope all goes well with the recovery. Godspeed, Manimal!

UPDATE 2: Athlon Sports has Hawaii ranked #19 in their preseason countdown, as well as a preview. Here's an excerpt:

Hawaii does return 15 starters, including the heart of an offense that averaged 46.9 points per game, but finding a replacement for Nate Ilaoa at running back will be another critical factor in determining the Warriors’ prospects. Ilaoa’s running and pass-catching skills gave Brennan and the Warriors a potent alternative last year when defenses locked in on the receiving corps.