Monday News - Washington, Reynolds, Rice, etc.

Stephen Tsai profiles talented junior receiver Michael Washington, who is the immediate backup to Davone Bess.

"I always get frustrated," Washington said of his lack of playing time. "But I keep hungry and humble. All I can do is work my butt off."

Washington, who is 5 feet 7 and 165 pounds, focused on improving his strength. He bench pressed 315 pounds six times.

"It shows that Mike worked hard during the summer," said Ron Lee, who coaches the UH receivers. "He's in great shape."

Tsai also profiles freshman defensive end Korey Reynolds.

Reynolds is a weight-lifting enthusiast who can bench a maximum 450 pounds. The first time he lifted 400 pounds, he recalled, "was like breaking down a brick wall."

You can check out a video of him at a weightlifting competition in this post from June.

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Brian McInnis profiles linebacker and Viking look-alike Joshua Rice.

"Some guys (on the team) think I look like a Viking or something," Rice said. "Yeah, I'm pretty into Vikings. I haven't cut it in two years, since I got here. I started growing it out in the summer of my senior year (of high school)."

Here's what coach Cal Lee has to say:

To Lee, Rice has distinguished himself by tirelessly looking to hone his ability.

"He knows what he's up against, and he just works hard at it," Lee said. "Trains hard" -- the coach paused -- "and you never know, you never know. If the time comes, you gotta be ready. And if it did come to Josh, he'd be ready."

Ready with his broadsword to fight Grendel and drink mead in the halls of Valhalla!

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Stephen Tsai has a lot of stuff in this Warrior Beat post, including news that Russell Yamanoha is leaving KFVE, corner AJ Martinez recovery is coming along slowly and he might miss a few games, and details about the Warrior receivers' blocking abilities:

Play after play, the receivers would create space for the running back. The secret is in the technique. Instead of trying to flatten defenders, the receiver will block an opponent's shoulder, screening an area for the running back. With their quickness, running backs Leon Wright-Jackson and Kealoha Pilares should have ample running space this season.
The most impressive thing about UH's blocking? The receivers do not practice it. Their education comes entirely from video sessions and the coaches' instructions.

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Dan Robinson has a new "Passing Time" column up at Warriors' Haka.

Colt, in particular, looks great in his new dreadlocks (not!) … it won’t be long before he’ll be able to afford a good weave to keep that look alive! Colt says he took Samoan to bond with the Polynesian guys, and did his hair in dreads to bond with his receivers. Let’s hope Colt and Coach McKnight don’t start bonding, or … you get the picture.

Saucy! Robinson also got a chance to speak to Bengals receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh, who is looking forward to watching the Warriors' receivers play this year.

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And if all goes according to plan, Dave Reardon should be liveblogging from UH practice today. Be there!