Spring Day 6 Wrap-Ups, Yoda, Kia

UPDATE: Forgot to post Chawan's compilation of last night's news. KHON's Kanoa Leahey profiles Ryan Mouton. KITV's Rob DeMello interviews Yoda Bain. KGMB's Mike Cherry takes a look at the one-on-one battles between offensive and defensive linemen, and KHNL's Stephen Florino highlights the QB battle between Inoke Funaki and Tyler Graunke.



======

Dave Reardon writes about the great performance of the running backs during yesterday's practice.

But Heun was the talk of practice, blasting past defenders Cory Paredes and Khevin Peoples on the way to what would've been at least 30 yards on a good old-fashioned draw play.

"Leon is looking good. Libre, too," coach Greg McMackin said. "But the guy who really stood out today is Jake Heun. He had some powerful runs and ran over some people. He's a big powerful tough guy. Sort of a Csonka-type guy. He's strong, powerful.

"The other guy is my man, Cox, Mario. He's done some good things too."

In their Sports Notebook, Reardon and Brian McInnis have more on the running backs with quotes from Daniel Libre and Leon Wright-Jackson. There's also news about the defense's performance, who practiced on the first team offensive line, a walk-on slotback named Ben Noy, and injury reports on Malcolm Lane and Blaze Soares.

Starting junior linebacker Blaze Soares underwent an MRI test that showed no damage in his shoulder, and he will likely be cleared to practice next week, coach Greg McMackin said.

Junior wide receiver Malcolm Lane said yesterday he expects to return "early next week," after rolling an ankle during Wednesday's practice.

Brian McInnis profiles receiver Aaron Bain, otherwise known as Yoda.

On a play this week in team drills, Funaki fired a pass across the middle that appeared up for grabs. Bain leapt high among a crowd that included All-Western Athletic Conference linebacker Adam Leonard, managed to come down with the ball and earned whistles of appreciation (and "Yoda!" cries) from several teammates.

"Yoda definitely bailed me out on that one -- great catch," Funaki said. "Yoda knows his stuff. He's just been waiting for his opportunity."

Stephen Tsai writes about Aaron Kia, who has been practicing at first team left tackle.

After three years in the shadows, Hawai'i football player Aaron Kia has emerged on the front line.

"I'm happy to step up," said Kia, who has been the No. 1 left tackle during this week's spring-training practices. "I have to keep working hard and not give up."

Tsai also writes about redshirt freshman defensive end Alasi Toilolo, and has an injury report on Blaze, Lane and Keao Monteilh.

** I'm always forgotten - chawan.
I've got a new banner/signature pic for Tombo. Whatcha think?