Ron Lee, Rausch, '07 Season

Stephen Tsai writes that Ron Lee is officially the new UH offensive coordinator.

Lee is set to implement an offense that is similar in look (two wideouts, two slotbacks) and philosophy (throw first, run when needed) to the four-wide offense June Jones ran at UH before he resigned to take the head coaching job at Southern Methodist last month.

The difference is Lee's offense will rely more on power running plays — "we want to make the defense at least try to tackle," he said — and more variations on the pass routes.

Here's what he has to say about the current running backs.

There will be some experiments for spring practice. Running backs Daniel Libre and Kealoha Pilares will learn the slotback routes.

Lee said there are some plays in which the running back will run slotback routes. He also said this will give the Warriors more flexibility with the lineup.

"Pilares and Daniel sitting on the bench doesn't help at times," Lee said. "This might help. We want to get the best people on the field. It's a long season. It's going to be physical. We want to keep that speed, that quickness the whole game. If we run 80, 90 plays, we want to have more people ready to play."

Lee said Leon Wright-Jackson, who will be a junior in the fall, will remain at running back.

"He's going to have a big year," Lee said. "I'm confident he'll be better. He's got the ability. He needs more reps in practice, a little more of an opportunity in practice. That's why spring practice is going to be important. You can't emphasize enough how important it is for players to position themselves. It's all up to them."

Exciting times! From the Star-Bulletin:

"Ron has over 30 years of experience running the run-and-shoot offense," McMackin said in a press release yesterday. "He has done a great job with June (Jones) in our offense and I truly believe he will continue his successful career."

Also from Tsai's article is some news and notes about Guyton Galdeira leaving the team to become a Polynesian dancer, B.J. Fruen joining the military and Briton Forester being dismissed from the team.

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Stephen Tsai profiles new QB commit Brent Rausch.

Last season, he threw for more than 2,600 yards, with 28 touchdown throws against five interceptions. He was rarely sacked.

"He's got great movement in the pocket," College of the Desert coach Dean Dowty said. "He'll just slide from side to side. It's amazing to see. He has a great feel for pressure. And he doesn't panic. That's what makes him so effective."

Dowty said Rausch has a quick release and "he can make all of the throws. He can throw the sideline routes, and he can lay it over the top. I'll tell you this, he can throw on the move. He can swing to his left or to his right, and throw it. He's got a variety of tricks in his bag."

Rausch said: "I trust myself to make the throws."

Dave Reardon talks to Rausch about coming to UH.

Rausch has three seasons of eligibility. He said he thinks he can fit into UH's run-and-shoot offense, but admits he "has some big shoes to fill" following Colt Brennan, and competing for playing time with fifth-year senior Tyler Graunke and other returnees will be a challenge.

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And finally, Dave Reardon has an article reviewing the 2007 season and the craziness that followed, and takes a look towards the future.

And the fan base grew exponentially as the wins piled up, even on the mainland. Road games attracted legions of green-clad Warrior fans who traveled hundreds and thousands of miles to see UH play. They fooled everyone, including then-athletic director Herman Frazier -- who gave Georgia a share of the Hawaii allotment of Sugar Bowl tickets -- by showing up en masse in New Orleans.

Can UH maintain momentum, after the Sugar Bowl defeat and the losses of Jones and Brennan, as well as all four starting receivers and defensive captain Mike Lafaele?