McMackin / Sapolu / Lawrence Wilson

Stephen Tsai profiles defensive coordinator Greg McMackin, who has a mission:

...Greg McMackin bid farewell to Lubbock, Texas, and prepared for his mission of turning the University of Hawai'i football team into the "Miami Hurricanes of the Pacific."

Nooooo!

McMackin said Jones' original plan was for the Warriors to be created in the image of one of the most successful college football programs in the 1980s and 1990s.

"He wanted to make (the Warriors) the Miami Hurricanes of the Pacific," said McMackin, who was coordinator of the Hurricanes' top-ranked defense in 1995. "There's some real football tradition in Miami, with all of the NFL guys. Under June, (UH) really has become the whole Miami Hurricanes of a few years ago. June has really developed a football tradition, and I'm excited to be part of it."

So that's what he meant. Right on. Who will be our The Rock?



======

Dave Reardon talks to former UH football player and 49er Jesse Sapolu, who talks about the current UH team and gives some advice.

"I think they've put themselves in position to be respected. They have to work doubly as hard because it's hard to get there, but it's harder to stay there," Sapolu said. "That's just from my experience of winning back-to-back Super Bowls. I was one game away from a three-peat and I was so physically and mentally worn out and emotionally drained."

Does Sapolu think the Warriors can go unbeaten this year?

"If UH can keep their winning ways and realize they have to raise their level because they're no longer sleepers, they can get it done," the two-time Pro Bowl selection said. "They've got the quarterback that had a great year. He can surpass what he did last year, but he has to really focus, because the defenses will really be coming after him."

Wise words. Reardon also talks to Lawrence Wilson, who got invited back to Baltimore Ravens pre-season camp.

"They're working me at defensive tackle and nose guard," Wilson said. "They already had some cuts, so I'm thinking I have a good chance of at least making the practice squad."

Great news for Wilson.