First Fall Camp Practice Wrap-Ups

Lots of news from the first day of camp.

In Dave Reardon's article, quarterback Colt Brennan and new center John Estes talk about building a connection.

Despite his familiarity with the position, Estes said it will take some time to develop timing with Brennan, as well as proficiency with the line calls -- which is just as important as the snap relationship.

"With every center and every quarterback it's different. Sam snaps the ball different than I do. We've just got to get used to each other," Estes said. "(Brennan's) voice, too. I'm somewhat used to it from playing guard last year."

Stephen Tsai writes about the 220s and talks to strength coach Mel deLaura, who helped devise the test.

Mel deLaura, who coordinated the summer conditioning program, said he was pleased with the completion rate. "This showed the guys who took things seriously," deLaura said.

DeLaura noted that more than a dozen who failed to meet the requirements were in their first UH training camp.

"A lot of them thought this was like high school, and they didn't really do what they needed to do," deLaura said.

74 out of about 100 completed the test. Some players, like Adam Leonard and Leon Wright-Jackson were held out of it, but they seem to be okay.

"Everything is good," Leonard said. "I can run. My knee is fine."

Running back Leon Wright-Jackson also had to postpone his 220s while he awaits results from his physical examination.

Tsai also writes of Keoni Steinhoff's move from right tackle to left tackle.

In another article, Stephen Tsai talks to the three Warrior walk-ons who received scholarships, Steinhoff, Jake Ingram and Rustin Saole. Also in the article: LWJ will run the 220s when he's cleared, Ryan Grice-Mullins practiced punt returns, punter Tim Grasso talks about improving over the summer, John Estes has more about becoming center, strong safety B.J. Fruean talks about coming back from an academic redshirt, Jason Ferguson discusses his transition from player to student assistant, and Paul Harmon is the new video guy. All that in one article.

Billy Hull of the Star-Bulletin writes about the offensive line, and how they formed a bond over the summer.

Three days a week during the summer, senior Hercules Satele got everyone together for morning workouts before spending the afternoon in the ocean looking for fish.

"All the new guys coming from the mainland were like 'Damn, dudes, you guys are crazy," Ah-Soon said. "Me, from Samoa, I never seen those spear guns before. I was excited to go out there and shoot some fish."

The SB's Brian McInnis talks to defensive coordinator Greg McMackin.

"The players will trust us because they know we work really hard to play the best players," McMackin said. "If a guy can help us win, then we want to get him on the field."

McMackin talks about the strength and depth of the linebacking corps. New safety Erik Robinson is also mentioned.

The SB's UH Football Notebook has a short interview with o-lineman Ray Hisatake, who completed his 220s and is in great shape.

Hisatake is competing at left tackle and checked in for camp at 313 pounds after playing at 338 in the spring.

"I feel healthier, I can move better," he said. "I feel great."

June Jones had this to say:

"A lot of the big guys, more than ever before (did well)," Jones said.

The Notebook also mentions LWJ and Adam Leonard being held out of 220s, Steinhoff talking about getting a scholie, Blaze Soares and Victor Clore doing crazy stuff with their hair, and punter Tim Grasso not minding that he might not punt much this season.

"I'd rather be on a great team and not punt very much than be on a losing team and punt every game," the JC transfer from Saddleback (Calif.) said.

Amen.

But it's not over. Ferd Lewis has a great column about the unselfishness of the Phoenix out of (Tucson) Arizona, Tyler Graunke.

Graunke could have bolted to a I-AA or Division II team and played right away. Nobody would have blamed him. Not when plenty of others from UH have already traveled that path.

Instead, Graunke is the poster spokesman for team unity. A point-to model of unselfishness and doing what it takes even if it doesn't smack of career enhancement. "I wish I could play for two years, but, hey, what happens happens," Graunke said. "It is cool. I like being a member of this team. I like being here and being part of all this. It isn't about me."

UH is a much better team because of Graunke. He's gonna tear it up in 2008.

And finally (!) Kalani Simpson writes about the giddiness and hard work, the hype and the 220s that come with the opening of fall camp.

And so there it was, yesterday. That's what it's about. Training camp is never glamorous, not even now. But it is exciting. It's always exciting, or at least it is on the very first day.

"It's like cracking a shell," Grice-Mullins said. "Now finally it's here, it's like, hey, now it's time to go to work, time to cook, time to eat."

Amen.

UPDATE: Woops, not so fast. Forgot to include Jaymes Song's AP article covering the first day. A quote from Rich Miano:

"This is definitely the most anticipated season since I've been here and I've been around here for 30 years," said Rich Miano, Hawaii's secondary coach and former star safety. "People expect us to go 12-0, but we're going to take them one at a time. We're very excited and we can't wait to get started."

And fan reports from Isleboy and Krans on Sportshawaii.com. From Jason on the Warrior Beat (spread out over several comments). I'm sure I've missed some, but thanks to all of them for the reports.