Spring Practice Starts Tomorrow

Dave Reardon has the first of a two-part interview that he, Jason Kaneshiro and Brian McInnis had with coach Greg McMackin. Here's an excerpt:

Q: Can you talk about the process you use to evaluate players?

A: Different people evaluate different ways. I try to be consistent. It's my job to get the best 11 players on the field. If a guy is good enough to win for us, he'll get chances to get into the ballgame so they can show what they can do. When the lights are on, that's when you truly know what the player is all about.

We will evaluate players daily. We will grade them daily, weekly, in the scrimmages. Every position coach will grade his players, just like in a game. Because, like I've said, this isn't P.E. football, you don't play a kid because you like him. I don't care who plays, it doesn't matter to me, as long as he's the player who should be out there.

Stephen Tsai has a spring preview and takes a look at each position. Here's an excerpt about Daniel Libre, who enters spring as co-first team running back:

Who could have envisioned that Libre, who was cut once from the team, would emerge as one of the top backs? Certainly not Libre, whose natural vision had deteriorated. At the urging of trainer Eric Okasaki, Libre underwent LASIK surgery last year. Libre's grandparents founded Aloha Laser Vision, previously known as Faulkner Eye Care. The treatment helped Libre find the running lanes. Last year, he averaged 8.3 yards per carry, as well as 1.3 broken tackles per rush.

Dave Reardon has a position-by-position breakdown. Here's an excerpt about the linebackers:

This has become the team's most high-profile unit, and Elimimian, Leonard and Soares will be very difficult to beat out for the starting spots. Elimimian and Leonard have combined for an incredible 449 tackles the past two years, and Leonard tied for the team lead with four interceptions in 2007. Soares is one of the hardest hitters in the WAC, if not the country. There is plenty of depth: Kafentzis started eight games in 2006, McMackin said Satele is ready to make a breakthrough, and Kiesel-Kauhane is also considered game-ready.

Jason Kaneshiro profiles brothers and coordinators Ron and Cal Lee.

"You could just tell they had something about them," Rich Miano recalled. "Cal was a hard-nosed, old-school type of guy and Ron was an innovator type of guy on offense. The brothers just fit perfectly together."

On his blog, Stephen Tsai has some numbers from team testing as well as some things to keep an eye on.

• During a practice for the 2004 high school all-star game, the UH coaches declared Rocky Savaiigaea as their top local priority. With defensive tackle Fale Laeli recuperating from knee surgery, there is an opening for Savaiigaea.

• If Brashton Satele can stay healthy, he should be a force at middle linebacker. “He’s dedicated himself in the weight room,” defensive coordinator Cal Lee said. “That’s what it takes. If you want to be good, don’t lie in bed and dream about it. You have to work for it.”

Paul Arnett takes a look at the challenges that lie ahead for the spring and the 2008 season.

Ferd Lewis writes about changes to officiating crews that may be taking place this season.

And finally, June Jones' SMU football team has a unique way of getting ready for their spring game.


Via 4uhfan on WSN.