Skills Camp, Stutz, Bud, Tuioti, Colt (w/UPDATE - Corey Nielsen)

UPDATE: Stephen Tsai updated his Warrior Beat post with news that QB Corey Nielsen will become a Warrior.

Corey Nielsen, who led California High School quarterbacks in passing last season, today accepted a scholarship offer from UH.

Nielsen, of Gahr High School, threw for 4,363 yards and 35 touchcdowns last season.

UH is hoping to sign two quarterbacks for the 2009 recruiting class.

Congrats to Corey, who coincidentally is quoted in Tsai's article about the skills camp below.

UPDATE 2: Here's Corey's 2007 highlight video.



Actually, that's just part 1 of 4. Here's Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.

And here's a profile of Nielsen from last year. Thanks to Fuzzylogic for finding it.

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Stephen Tsai has a report from the first day of the UH football skills camp.

This camp — for quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, linebackers and defensive backs — runs through Friday. There were about 350 participants, including many of the state's top prospects, for yesterday's two-hour session.

Some players came from the Mainland, such as quarterback Corey Nielsen, a lifelong Warrior fan.

"I love Hawai'i," Nielsen said. "I can't get enough of it. My mom went to Punahou, so I've got some local ties. To be here, it feels like home already."

Billy Ray Stutzmann was in attendance yesterday, and he talks to Jason Kaneshiro about committing to UH.

Stutzmann, who is participating in the UH Football Skills Camp this week, said not having to worry about what's next will help him savor his senior year at Saint Louis.

"It feels great to get that load off my shoulders. I feel a lot more comfortable now," he said.

"(It wasn't) a tough decision, UH had everything I wanted. The coaches, they're getting new facilities here soon, the offense, the atmosphere."

Stephen Tsai has some photos from the camp.

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Next time you've had too much to drink and puke all over the inside of your friend's car after he was so nice to give you a ride back home, and you feel so guilty and alone lying in your own vomit as he curses you out, just know that it's all for a good cause.

From July 16 to Nov. 30, sales from Anheuser-Busch will help fund improvements to UH athletic facilities.

Anheuser-Busch Sales of Hawai'i will donate 25 cents from every case of Budweiser, Bud Light, and Bud Select products sold across the state, in an amount up to $100,000.

"We truly appreciate Anheuser-Busch Sales of Hawai'i generating funds for UH athletics facilities improvements," said UH athletic director Jim Donovan.

"They are already a top-level member of our corporate partner program and now they are stepping up to support this worthwhile cause as well. This is just another clear indication of the dedication and loyalty they have for UH athletics."

Of course, please don't do that to your friends. Make sure to puke outside the car. Or drink responsibly.

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Here's a press release from the UH Athletics Department announcing the hiring of Tony Tuioti.

"Tony is the perfect person for this position," McMackin said. "He's coached in Hawai`i, California, and Las Vegas and has a lot of ties with Samoa and Hawai`i. He was on that 1999 team and he and (former UH linebacker) Jeff Ulbrich were the leaders of the defense. I have so much respect and admiration for him like I do the rest of my staff. He's a class act. Recruiting is the lifeblood of what we do here and his leadership and direction will help us in that area."

Jason Kaneshiro talks to Tuioti about his new job.

By accepting the administrative position, Tuioti knows he'll have to get used to being around the game without coaching players on the field.

"That was one of (McMackin's) biggest concerns, because he knows as a coach it's kind of hard to not be so hands-on now," Tuioti said. "I understand what my role is in this program. I've always been a team player, and just to have the opportunity to work with Coach Mack and work with all the other coaches is a blessing.

"I'm just excited to be back. I'd come back to do anything, even if it's to water the grass."

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And finally, Colt Brennan talks to Ferd Lewis about having no regrets staying for his senior season at UH.

But once the rookie that Redskin veterans have come to nickname "McGarrett" got a look at the check and had an opportunity to compare pay days, rides and portfolios with other players, you wondered if there would be second thoughts?

After all in the NFL, unlike many other pro leagues, the signing bonus is one of the few things that is guaranteed. For all the gloss of a reported $1.8 million, four-year contract and prospects of a first-year salary of $295,000 and escalation to $555,00 on the fourth year, only the signing bonus is assured. Everything else depends on performance, perception and health. The employment agency can be a ligament — or free agent signing— away.

But the beyond-remarkable season of 2007 was worth whatever the tradeoff, Brennan said. "What (that season) meant to me, the team and for the state was something. We got to do something tremendous. We were one game away from living the (unbeaten season) fantasy. The team, the love and respect of the fans, meant more to me."