Spring Training Previews

Stephen Tsai previews spring practice. Here are some excerpts:

Moniz has gained 17 pounds since the end of the season, and now weighs 202. "Weight training, proteins," he said, "... more pizza."

"I feel quick," he added. "We'll see."

Right wideout Malcolm Lane said he is on suspension because of poor grades during the fall semester.

The Warriors believe a pressing concern — pass rush — will be successfully addressed. Falemalu, a converted linebacker, showed promise as the rush end in passing situations. This spring, Falemalu will move over to the right side. "Paipai has developed into a marque player," Aranda said. "He's very athletic. As physical as he is, his footwork and athleticism make a good combination." Umu is expected to be the front-runner at the other end position. Umu redshirted in 2009 after transferring from Charleston Southern. "He did a lot of good things for us on scout team last year," Aranda said. "He is very light on his feet. He's very explosive with his hands." Umu will have only one season of UH eligibility.

Here's Jason Kaneshiro's spring preview.

"We've got to come out of there healthy," McMackin said. "I've seen teams come out of spring just beat to heck and they never survive. I'm very sensitive to that, but I know for our first three ballgames we have to be physical.

"We can't be learning how to play the run and be playing 7-on-7 in spring ball. People are going to see a lot more contact."

Among the purposes for implementing more full-speed tackling will be to sort out the linebacker unit. Brashton Satele missed all of last season due to shoulder surgery and is appealing for another year. His return would stabilize the middle. Lolotai started four games, while Heun had two starts while shifting between middle linebacker and defensive end. Paredes led UH with four sacks last season from an outside spot. Aaron Brown displayed his play-making ability before redshirting due to a hamstring injury. Iosefa, a grayshirt, was a quarterback in high school and will be given at look at linebacker early on.

To keep up with all the new names on the spring roster, check out BigWave's 2010 SportsHawaii Online Media Guide. He's adding a new name to the roster every day, starting with these first-year/tryout players. Be there!