While his favorite memories will be drilling an NFL-record-tying 63-yard field goal, winning two Super Bowls and scrambling to kick a game-winner in Buffalo as fans counted down the clock, his experiences off the field make those look like child's play.
He's dodged bullets in Gaza, grizzlies in Alaska and a gargantuan jewfish while diving off the coast of Florida.
This summer he'll even appear on ESPN2's "Browning Expeditions" with good friend and former neighbor Steve LeBlanc, showing a side of Elam many haven't seen.
There is the practical joker who flicked a 5-inch Golden Orb spider at his hunting partner, the competitive fisherman who once accidentally hooked himself in the lip and a guy so seriously afraid of snakes he showered by the light of a gas lamp held by LeBlanc.
"We were like two little school girls, holding the lantern for each other, trying to shower," said LeBlanc, a Denver-area sculptor and avid outdoorsman who has traveled the world with Elam.
HawaiiAthletics.com has a preview of today's Warrior Bowl, the last practice of the spring.
The University of Hawai‘i football team will host the “Warrior Bowl,” the team’s final spring scrimmage Friday, April 30, at the Clarence T.C. Ching Field. An autograph session will be held from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., with a practice and intrasquad scrimmage to follow at 7:00 p.m.
The format for the Warrior Bowl has changed this year. Beginning at 7:00 p.m., the Warriors will conduct warm-ups before playing in a controlled scrimmage which will include a set amount of plays and no clock. Teams will not be split, but instead the scrimmage will pit the offense versus the defense. The format will allow the coaches to work on situational plays and better assess the top units as spring practice comes to a close.
"There'll be some smack-talking," Austin said. "There's definitely guys who are competitive on both sides of the ball. It'll be fun, there'll be some sparks flying."
The Warriors have 116 players on the spring roster and will have to make room for about 25 newcomers to get to the fall-camp limit of 105.
"To these guys it's all competition and a lot of them are competing for jobs," UH head coach Greg McMackin said, "competing to make the 105 to go to fall, competing for their own positions. I think that's why we've had a good attitude out there, everyone's competing for their job."
Ferd Lewis writes the UH coaches have a "good" problem regarding receiver Darius Bright.
They'd like to redshirt Bright and start his two-year eligibility clock in 2011 when they will be without Kealoha Pilares and Greg Salas, among other receivers.
But Bright is 6 feet, 5 inches and blessed with good hands and speed, a package the Warriors haven't exactly had in abundance on the outside. "A lot of teams started playing us man on the outside and a guy like him out there makes it tough to do that," Lee said.
Said offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich, "the way he's played is going to force us to make some decisions."
The facility includes 12 new offices for coaches and staff, two conference rooms, one video room and reception area adorned with an “H” logo. The new offices will include state-of-the-art equipment, including SMART boards in both the offensive and defensive conference rooms. Each office, meanwhile, will be equipped with presentation boards and 40-inch flat-screen televisions. The football staff will begin its move into the new facility after the conclusion of spring practice on Friday, April 30.
“This is a great day for our football program,” McMackin said. “This new wing is going to provide a great environment for our coaches and players. It’s just first-class. This, along with the T.C. Ching Field is going to be a great place for coaching, teaching and learning and is going to be an outstanding recruiting tool. It shows that the University of Hawai‘i is serious about having a first-class football program. You can just see it by walking through here and the people of Hawai‘i have created this. We are just really excited.”
Ryan Mouton is one of the players I'm looking forward to watching most on Thursday when the Titans open practice to media for the first time this offseason.
The practice won’t be in pads, of course. And at this time of the year, things aren’t as lively as they are in training camp. But this is a huge offseason for Mouton, a third round draft pick last season.
There's plenty of competition for the starting spot opposite Cortland Finnegan, from veterans Rod Hood and Tye Hill to second-year pro Jason McCourty to rookie Alterraun Verner.
I believe Mouton has the best chance of them all to win the job.
And Jason Anderson of The Record talks to John Estes about signing with Jacksonville after not getting drafted.
"It's the same old story for me, just being underappreciated or overlooked," said Estes, who will fly to Jacksonville tonight and report Friday for this weekend's minicamp. "That's how I got to Hawaii, and I had a pretty good career there, so hopefully I can do the same thing in the NFL."
Estes was not invited to the NFL combine and pulled a hamstring during his pro-day workout, neither of which helped his draft stock. Still, Estes said several teams remained interested, and the Jaguars told him they think he can make the team as a backup to veteran starting center Brad Meester.
Both Jason Kaneshiro and Stephen Tsai write that Austin Hansen has the left tackle position pretty much locked down. Kaneshiro writes that the other spots along the offensive line are up for grabs.
Shaw said Brett Leonard and Andrew Faaumu remain close at left guard. The race at center could be a three-man battle between Sila Lefiti, Bronson Tiwanak and junior college transfer London Sapolu. Thomas and Brysen Ginlack are both proven at right guard. Letuli was granted a sixth year of eligibility and aims to shed about 20 pounds over the summer and will be pushed at right tackle by Kainoa LaCount, who missed about half of the spring with a knee injury.
"It's a photo finish at this point in those four spots," Shaw said. "That's not all bad because if a guy decides to take a day off in May, June or July and the other guy doesn't, that might be just enough to put the other guy ahead of him."
Tsai writes that Sila Lefiti and Laupepa Letuli are in the lead for their spots.
Matagisila Lefiti, who also will be a junior, has the edge at center over Bronson Tiwanak.
"I know my calls," said Lefiti, who was backup to John Estes last season. "I've had chemistry with the first unit."
Shaw said Lefiti is ahead physically, but both Lefiti and Tiwanak are relatively even in their knowledge of the offense.
Tsai also writes about the coaches having to cut 25 players at the end of spring practice.
"You don't want to take away someone's dream," Miano said. "Their dream is to play for the University of Hawai'i. They've worked so, so hard. The best part is that no matter what happens, they will always be part of our family. Just because you don't make it, you still have our respect and you'll always be in the Warrior ohana."
The secondary is running very thin late in the spring with three of the top four cornerbacks — Jeramy Bryant, Lewis Walker and Lametrius Davis — resting ailments today. Kawika Ornellas and Steve Stepter filled in for today’s practice.
"We have an attitude," said Smith, who has been one of the foremost keepers of the flame. "We're coming after people, we're going to hit you and we're going to play together. We keep doing all that, we're going to be a pretty good defense."
It amounts to a tectonic shift from a year ago at this time when there might as well have been a huge "under construction" sign hanging over a secondary that was hastily undergoing rebuilding. The Warriors had lost four starters and were feeling their way, looking for a cohesiveness and a personality.
This spring they seem to have found it.
Leila Wai interviews Rodney Bradley about his recovery from that broken leg.
And Wai previews tomorrow's Warrior Bowl by interviewing Greg McMackin, Greg Salas and Vaughn Meatoga:
Former UH defensive tackle Rocky Savaiigaea will participate in the San Francisco 49ers' mini camp this weekend in Santa Clara, Calif. If Savaiigaea is successful in his tryout, he hopes to earn a free-agent contract.
It was originally reported by the Honolulu Advertiser that Brashton Satele signed with the Raiders. Island Sports Media just spoke to Brashton, who informed us that he is now going to be leaving on Thursday for a tryout with the New York Jets instead of the Raiders. The Jets seems to be a better situation for him.
Satele probably faces a more favorable situation with the Jets than the Raiders. Mike Smith, who was a graduate assistant helping with the Warrior linebackers in 2009, is now an assistant with the Jets.
The Jets did not select a linebacker in the past week's draft. A few days ago, they announced that Vernon Gholston, a former No. 1 pick, would move from outside linebacker to defensive end.
"I see a big jump in David Graves," UH head coach Greg McMackin said. "The way he took that first unit down and scored, he showed he's really come a long way. He's going through his progressions better and he's always a weapon running the football. He's really helped himself this spring."
While his running ability can add another dimension to the offense, Graves knows his first priority is to deliver the ball to the Warriors receivers and running backs.
"I took off a little prematurely," Graves noted on one of his runs on Saturday. "I could have stayed in there and gotten it to one of our athletes. But it'll come with time. I'm still getting the system down and getting backside reads is part of the growing in the system."
Graves was a guest on the Warrior Beat Show yesterday. You can watch the looping replay here.
Stephen Tsai has some notes about Alex Green and Tommy Heffernan's emphasis on the power clean, and writes that Aaron Kia will get a tryout with the 49ers.
He is being asked to audition at guard. The 49ers also would like to see Kia work out as a center.
"They like his height and his arm reach and his athletic ability," said UH offensive line coach Gordy Shaw, who met with more than 50 pro scouts during UH's Pro Day earlier this month. "He plays tremendously hard. He's a very aggressive football player . All of those things were positive."
"I've got to shine and show this team what I can do," said Soares, who departs tomorrow.
Soares led the Warriors with 107 total tackles last season and hopes to make a Bears roster that includes former UH linebacker and NFL veteran Pisa Tinoisamoa.
"Growing up he was one of the guys who I tried to mimic," Soares said. "Since high school I tried to play like him, and getting to meet him, it's going to be awesome."
The trading of Jason Campbell seems to bode well for quarterback Colt Brennan. When the team acquired Donovan McNabb, Brennan looked to be the odd man out, but he's now the No. 3 quarterback on the depth chart. While last year's coaching staff seemed prepared to give up on Brennan, the turnover might have given him new life in Washington. It sounds like Mike Shanahan has seen something on film that intrigues him, and he'll likely be using the minicamps and OTAs to take a closer look. Still, it shouldn't surprise if Shanahan takes a flyer on another young quarterback for the No. 3 job.
"We threw Dave in there with the (first team) because we wanted to see how he responded," offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich said. "He has a great on-field personality. He's got some real good characteristics. He brings some life to the guys."
Tsai also has some news about Chizzy Dimude:
Being 100 percent has been an elusive goal for Dimude, who was limited last year because of a labrum tear in his left shoulder. He underwent surgery after the season.
This spring, he has been slowed by a groin injury.
"When the fall comes, I'll be all right," Dimude said.
McMackin is counting on Dimude to serve as the complement to running back Alex Green.
Jason Kaneshiro profiles Haku Correa, and highlights the battle between him and Kaniela Tuipulotu.
Correa, a sophomore, has maintained his spot at defensive tackle alongside Vaughn Meatoga so far this spring, though Arizona transfer Kaniela Tuipulotu is making a strong run for the job as well.
"It's still ongoing," defensive coordinator Dave Aranda said of the competition. "Every day they come out and battle for that thing. Haku's really consistent making plays. Kaniela's an explosive player. It's a contest and it's every day and that's the way you want it."
Said Correa: "Kani's always right there to push me. I want to get to the top and he wants to get to the top, so it's good competition."
In his practice notes, Kaneshiro writes that Aulola Tonga has moved from safety to linebacker.
On SportsHawaii.com, westsidewarrior has some practice notes.
Good turnout by fans. D dominated the scrimmage. Blount was the standout on O. Made a nice TD catch from Shutter in the back of the endzone in the 7 on 7s and then proceeded to get hit into the track and field storage locker. Scary at first but he was OK. Then in the OT period, he caught one over the middle from Rausch and took it into the endzone. Nice day for Dustin.
And Dave Reardon writes about the vindication of run-and-shoot guru Mouse Davis.
Now, though, the cult is the mainstream. Bowties are cool. The NFL is a pass first, ask questions later kind of league now.
"It's funny, because everybody is doing now what Mouse and June were doing 30 years ago," Steve Bartkowski said.
They're validated and vindicated.
With a little help from rules favoring receivers and quarterbacks, the passing game — including run-and-shoot-type four-wide formations — now dominates the highest level of football.
"Indianapolis and New England use them a lot," Davis said. "I haven't scouted New Orleans that much, but I'm told they do, too. Of course, they can do it because they have good quarterbacks."
From the mokes who brought you the now-defunct Freak Crazy blog and the excellent beer review site Two Beer Queers comes their new project, Mokesville Weekly.
Mokesville Weekly is a Honolulu based online magazine. It’s purpose? To brighten up the lives of people. We believe that there is way to much poopoo news. It’s time to make the news, funner. Yeah, we said it. Funner. Sign up as a member, and join the community. That would be instant awesome. We love coining phrases.
If it's anything like Freak Crazy was, they'll be covering UH sports in their own unique way. For example, they got the scoops on a possible trade involving UH and Colt Brennan.
Sources close to the situation has stated that McMackin has offered the Washington Redskins this years and next years UH football season tickets, an autograph copy of June Jones book “Hawaii Warrior Football: A Story of Faith, Hope, and Redemption”, and 2 boxes of Hawaiian Host Chocolate Macadamia nuts.
“I don’t see how this is even possible.” Says one source.
University of Hawai‘i Athletics Director Jim Donovan announced the addition of Lamar to complete the 2012 football schedule. The Warriors and Cardinals will meet Saturday Sept. 15, 2012 at Aloha Stadium.
Lamar will field its first football team in 21 years in 2010 and will compete in the Southland Conference of the Football Championship Subdivision. Hawai‘i and Lamar will play for the first time on the football field.
With the addition of Lamar in 2012, UH has completed schedules for the next two seasons and needs one more game for 2013 and two more each in 2014 and 2015. The game also follows Donovan’s philosophy of scheduling two BCS conference quality teams, two mid-major conference teams, and one FBS team each season.
Shaw said: "The biggest winner in all of this is the Warrior football program. We get a good player back for another year."
During UH's Pro Day, an event Letuli attended earlier this month in Carson, Calif., Shaw told National Football League scouts that Letuli was one of the best tackles he ever coached. Shaw repeated that claim yesterday.
"He has the rare combination of power and strength along with physical size, athleticism and quickness," Shaw said. "He has all of the skills, like no one else I've ever been associated with on the offensive line. He's a very smart football player. He understands the game very well. It's just an awesome tribute to the NCAA to give a guy like that another year on the field."
Tsai also writes that Rodney Bradley is at 90%, and has some news and notes:
Head coach Greg McMackin missed yesterday's practice to be with his wife, Heather, who suffered a fractured arm when she was struck by a car Sunday.
Cornerback Tank Hopkins, who is recovering from a pelvic injury, said he is contemplating redshirting this coming season. Hopkins, who will be a senior, has never used a redshirt year.
Letuli said his knee is back to 90-95 percent and has been participating in spring practice since being granted a waiver allowing him to work with the Warriors while his appeal was under consideration.
"He lends a lot of maturity to the group now and we've got another guy who can be a leader, knowing he'll be here in the fall," Shaw said. "It was hard for him to really take charge because he didn't know if he'd be here or not."
Estes said he also would like to assure prospective employers that he has recovered from a hamstring injury suffered while running the 40-yard dash during Pro Day.
"Everything is OK now," said Estes, who receives physical therapy at University of the Pacific, which is located in his hometown of Stockton, Calif. Estes also trains daily.
"I'm ready," Estes said.
It is not known where Estes will end up. The NFL's seven-round, three-day draft begins tomorrow.
Estes is projected anywhere from a late-round draft pick to a free agent.
In a decision that hurt so good, the NCAA yesterday approved Hawai'i offensive lineman Laupepa Letuli's request for a medical hardship that will allow him to play as a sixth-year senior in 2010.
The confirmation came four days after the NCAA denied UH linebacker Brashton Satele's similar request, and it ended Letuli's quest that began in September.
"I'm very happy to be coming back," said Letuli, who is listed as the Warriors' No. 1 right tackle. "I'm happy for my family, too."
The NCAA should be applauded for doing the right thing in granting a medical exemption that will allow UH offensive tackle Laupepa Letuli to play as a sixth-year senior in 2010.
Sure, it helped that Letuli's mother and UH trainer Eric Okazaki had ample proof — contemporaneous documentation, nitpickers call it — that Letuli suffered season ending injuries in 2005 (right shoulder) and 2009 (left knee). Heck, it would be tough to come up with documentation showing that the hard-luck Letuli was ever healthy during his UH career.
But documents or not, to know how much Letuli wanted to play and to know how talented he is, there is no way he would have sat out any games if he were not legitimately injured.
LaBoy, a University of Hawai'i alum, agreed to a one-year deal for $1.6 million, in part because he was eager to play closer to home. LaBoy was inducted into the Marin Catholic High School Hall of Fame over the weekend.
"He wanted to be a 49er, and he is excited to be playing for the hometown team," C.J. LaBoy told the Independent Journal. "He is very excited about the direction of this team. That was a big sell."
Stephen Tsai writes that Kealoha Pilares is on the move again, but in a different way.
Pilares, who has played three offensive positions at UH — sometimes all in the same calendar year — yesterday was given new duties as the Warriors' No. 1 right slotback. He aligned wide, in the slot, in the backfield and, a few times, in motion. It is part of the Warriors' renewed philosophy of helping playmakers make plays.
"We've been talking about it for years," Pilares said. "Finally, we're getting around to installing it."
Pollard has been working with the first unit on the right side (Z receiver) and is being pushed by redshirt freshman Billy Ray Stutzmann. The left side (X receiver) — where Bradley lined up last year before his injury — is led by Joe Avery, Mike Tinoco and newcomer Darius Bright.
Leila Wai has a video about the running game which includes interviews with Coach Brian Smith, Chizzy Dimude and Hogan Rosehill:
And following up on an earlier post by Stephen Tsai, The Oregonian has a story about former Oregon State linebacker David Pa’aluhi possibly transferring to UH.
Oregon State coach Mike Riley confirmed Monday that former Beavers’ middle linebacker David Pa’aluhi is contemplating a transfer to Hawaii, where conceivably he would be eligible to play in 2011 when the two teams face each other in Honolulu.
Pa’aluhi would have been a starter on OSU’s 2010 team and at 5-foot-11 and 233 pounds he was projected to be one of the top linebackers in the Pacific 10 Conference.
However, Pa’aluhi left school in February, telling Riley it was because of personal issues and his desire to join the military.
Apparently, playing closer to home- he is from Waianae, Hawaii – will allow Pa’aluhi to better handle a situation where he has a girlfriend and child but still wants to continue with football and make progress towards his political science degree.
Riley said after several conversations with Pa’aluhi’s father, who did not want his son to join the Army, he decided to grant Pa’aluhi his release to play for Hawaii.
From Stephen Tsai at the Advertiser, regarding the timetable for Moniz' return.
"He's going to work it out," head coach Greg McMackin said. "He's going to be back on our football team. It's between he and myself when he comes back."
He also has details from yesterday's scrimmage at Ching Field. Some excerpts of interest:
Meanwhile, the Warriors have established a two-tier order at quarterback, with Shane Austin, who will be a junior in the fall, and freshman David Graves 1-2 on the depth chart. Brent Rausch, Cayman Shutter and Corey Nielsen are in the second tier.
Now offensive tackle Laupepa Letuli, who also is seeking a sixth year, wants a decision — any decision — from the NCAA.
"I want (the NCAA) to give me something," said Letuli, who filed his appeal in January. "I don't care what the answer is. I want an answer so I know what to do."
Right tackle Kainoa LaCount will miss the rest of spring training because of a torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee. The injury does not require surgery.
"It's all right,"LaCount said. "As long as I'm coming back, that's the main thing."
Jason Kaneshiro from the Star Bulletin notes that Satele addressed the team before their scrimmage. He also has his views from the scrimmage.
"He told the whole team to take it a play at a time because you never know when it'll be your last," freshman George Daily-Lyles said of the emotional scene.
Daily-Lyles, coming off a redshirt season, has moved into a three-way competition with Mana Lolotai and Jake Heun for the middle spot in the Warriors' base 4-3 alignment.
Five-to-play-five is just that: College athletes get five years to play five seasons. That's it, no more redshirts, grayshirts, polkadotshirts or paisleyshirts. Just five-to-play-five. Easy, no fuss, no muss.
The average college student - and we're not talking just student-athletes - takes more than four years to graduate; so it's not a reach to allow five seasons of eligibility, it's actually appropriate.
If a true freshman is ready to play, he or she plays. No worries about "wasting" a year. No more injury redshirts.
It would mean fewer headaches and record-keeping hassles for coaches and administrators.
Hawaii linebacker Brashton Satele’s appeal for a sixth year of eligibility as been denied by the NCAA, according to a release from the school today. Satele will not appeal the decision and will become available for next week’s NFL Draft.
"I'm shocked," Satele said. "I thought I was coming back (to UH) for sure."
The NCAA ruled that Satele needed to prove he missed two seasons because of injuries. Satele had enough documentation for the 2009 season, but not enough for the 2005 season. Lee Ann Satele said the NCAA told them while they had documentation, it was postdated, and not actually from 2005. She said data was not collected at the time in 2005 because "nobody saw it would put us in this situation" several years later.
"We're all bummed," she said. "We gave it our best shot. But they wanted more information."
Sure, by the NCAA's judgment, Brashton Satele did not provide proper documentation to earn a medical hardship that would allow him to play as as sixth-year senior in 2010. He needed letters, written in 2005, showing that he was not healthy enough to play in 2005. The NCAA refused to accept affidavits — from doctors and coaches — because they were crafted after a deadline that was never publicized.
That's nit-picky, and just unfair.
First, requests for medical hardships are always submitted after the season. I mean, how do you know if it's a season-ending injury before the season is over?
JC transfer Bright has been the most impressive rookie. But he might still be redshirted if Rodney Bradley comes back 100 percent from his broken leg and is ready to play in the opener against USC.
"That's a decision that could come down to the day before the season starts," coach Greg McMackin said. "Rodney has a redshirt year available, too, and we don't want to waste either of them."
Beginning in 2011, diving into the end zone, high stepping into it, pointing the ball at an opponent and other forms of what is deemed taunting on the way to the goal line will be assessed from the spot of the foul.
Excessive celebration penalties, etc., in the end zone will remain dead-ball fouls with penalties applied on the ensuring kickoff.
So, woe be the player who performs, say, a dive or fist pump approaching the goal line, causing points to come off the board, especially if it costs his team the game.
I say if they really want to raise money, they should have a special bid item where the winner finds out what really happened with Bryant Moniz. So much frickin speculation.
So I caught up with Brennan after McNabb finished his photo shoot to see if it was weird for him. His short answer was no -- "I've seen Donovan McNabb wear 5 for a long time," he said, "so it really wasn't weird. Just the colors were different." -- but his longer answer was an interesting story about a guy who has now managed to lose his number, make a new number his own, lose that number all over again, all without any staggering cash payments or similar number-change gifts.
"To be honest with you," Brennan explains, "my number's always been 15. When I came into the league, though, I wasn't in a position to try to pay [then-backup QB] Todd Collins for the number, so I started off with 5. I thought it was a good number, I liked the number, so I took it."
Early Thursday morning, Bess' agent, Kenny Zuckerman, confirmed a foxsports.com report that Bess would not sell his No. 15 to incoming wide receiver Brandon Marshall at any price, even if the price was donating money to a charity of Bess' choosing. Bess gives generously of his time to several community events. But he's not giving up his No. 15, the number Marshall wore with Denver.
``No sale!'' Zuckerman said via e-mail when asked if Bess would do it for any cost, including charity. ``He loves that number and wants to keep it. Seriously, it's not about money. He sincerely won't sell it.''
But there's no animosity between them. Bess talks a little about it in an interview with WQAM. You might have to scroll down on the player to listen to it. Look for "Davone Bess w Big O 4-15".
Maybe it was Animal instincts, but there was a certainty that Hawai'i football player Aaron Brown would develop into a snarling linebacker.
"He's a beast," middle linebacker Jake "Animal" Heun said of the former strong safety. "He's jacked out of his mind (on the field). I think he's going to be good. He's going to kill some people this year. He runs around. He's like a heat-seeking missile out there."
Tsai also has notes about Adrian Thomas, Brysen Ginlack, Kainoa LaCount, Paipai Falemalu and Kamalu Umu.
Gomes walked on at a relatively slight 160 pounds in 2008, and still isn't the biggest safety around at 185. Yet he ranks among the strongest defensive backs in the program, pushing senior Spencer Smith for that distinction.
In team testing, Gomes bench pressed 405 pounds and pounded out 29 repetitions at 225 pounds. The top score among the safeties at last month's NFL Combine was 28 reps.
His 34-inch vertical leap is also second among the UH defensive backs.
"He works hard and sets a good example," strength coach Tommy Heffernan said.
Jason Kaneshiro has some news and notes about David Graves, Darius Bright and Brysen Ginlack.
"Sitting out last year, I had to dig deep, but it was what I had to do so I could come back this year."
With his school work in order, Ginlack returned to the competition on the offensive line this spring and had been backing up Thomas at right guard through the first seven practices. LaCount hurt his knee late in Monday's practice and attended yesterday's workout while Ginlack made his first appearance with the first unit.
After the fewest interceptions (12) and take-aways (22) by a UH defense in four years contributed to a 6-7 record and bowl-less season, the Warriors have put a premium on raising those numbers.
And the game at Nevada-Las Vegas that UH lost, 34-33, makes for a vivid reminder. The Rebels took the game, scoring with 36 seconds left, on a 67-yard drive during which the Warriors twice had opportunities to short-circuit with interceptions.
Instead, it became Exhibit "A" of a game and season that got away from the Warriors. Determined not to repeat the experience, producing turnovers has been an overriding topic for the Warriors in the spring, much more so than in recent years.
>> The quarterback rotation appeared unchanged from Monday with Shane Austin and David Graves running the first huddle and Brent Rausch and Cayman Shutter in the second.
Right tackle Kainoa LaCount sat out after hurting his knee in Monday’s practice. Adrian Thomas moved over a spot from guard to tackle and Brysen Ginlack, a starter two seasons ago, joined the first unit at right guard.
Because defensive right end Paipai Falemalu has a sore shoulder — nothing serious — he will rest during team drills. Kamalu Umu filled in at right end, moving over from left end. Liko Satele continues to work as the No. 1 left end.
“I redshirted last year so I didn’t really run the offense. So I’m a rookie this year, but I’m getting confidence.”
“We have a little quarterback clubhouse in Rolo’s (offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich) office. We have board games, Wi, XBox, well, until someone stole my XBox. Even in high school, my coach said, I heard playing Madden makes you better. We have contests where you play for reps, and you get to call your own play.”
Shutter said it was difficult last year to adjust to not playing.
“You can’t get down on yourself. A quarterback without confidence isn’t going to do anything.”
UPDATE: KHON, KITV, KGMB have reports from practice talking with Cayman Shutter, Aaron Brown, Darius Bright, Kainoa Lacount, Coach Mack, Rolo and Shaw
ESPN1420AM.com's Audio Vault has a podcast of Bobby Curran's recent interview with Colt Brennan. He talks about the QB situation in Washington, giving up his number 5, etc. Here are direct links to MP3s of the interview: Part 1, Part 2. Thanks to Patty G for the heads up.
All things being equal, LaBoy would love to play for the 49ers. He grew up in Marin County as a fan of the 49ers. But all things are not equal. LaBoy said the 49ers have better players at the outside linebacker position -- Parys Haralson, Manny Lawson and Ahmad Brooks -- so the opportunity might be better with the Dolphins.
But LaBoy said he is not afraid of competition, which is why he would prefer to sign with a club before the draft.
The biggest question about him is health. He missed the 2009 season after tearing tendons in his foot. The injury required surgery in May 2009 and the insertion of screws. LaBoy said he has fully recovered from the procedure. "I've probably been running full-go, no-restrictions for four months," he said. LaBoy also was suspended for four games last December for undisclosed reasons, but he said the suspension was served in 2009 and will not affect him this season. Still, LaBoy said he would appeal the ruling. "The suspension is done, the punishment has been handed out," he said. "Now we go to court to see if I was guilty or not."
"I'm itchin' to go, to get out there and do some more," Bradley said. But, glancing down at his left leg, he acknowledges, "I know I can't ... yet. I have to be patient."
In some ways the practice of patience might be almost as painful as the injury that resulted in him being taken by ambulance from the Kibbie Dome turf for surgery in a Moscow, Idaho hospital. "I want to jump in (on drills) out there, that's second nature. But I can't."
Not if he wants to keep his recovery on schedule and be ready for the opening of the Warriors' fall camp in August. "I'm about 85 percent now but it is gonna take a while to get back to 100 percent and getting the leg in condition again," Bradley said.
Shane Austin is today's guest on the Tsai & Wai Warrior Beat Show today at 11am HST. In the comments, Stephen Tsai notes that with the impending sale of the Advertiser, this just might be the last Warrior Beat Show. Show your support... Be there!
"It's still the middle of spring," said Austin, noting the Warriors have completed seven of the 15 practices of spring training. "We're at the halfway point. It's how you finish. We have to keep trucking through this spring. We've got the second half of the game, basically."
Tsai also has notes about Brashton Satele, Kainoa LaCount and Levi Legay.
Leila Wai has some interviews with Greg McMackin, Nick Rolovich and Shane Austin about the QB situation:
Jason Kaneshiro profiles Brent Rausch, who's had some bad luck the past couple seasons.
Dubbed the Warriors' starting quarterback early in his first fall camp coming out of junior college, Rausch instead spent his sophomore season as a backup. He emerged from another competition a year later with the No. 2 role only to have a hand injury sidetrack his season.
Now heading toward his senior year, Rausch continues working to climb up the depth chart, still hoping to make an impact with the Warriors in the time that remains.
This was supposed to be the year that things actually fell into place for the Warriors after consecutive seasons of improvisation and prayer. But that was before the stunner that cast a huge question mark over Moniz's availability.
Not for the first time since taking off the pads himself must Rolovich be a scrambler. Two years ago there was the assignment of getting JC transfers Greg Alexander and Brent Rausch ready for Florida in the wake of Colt Brennan's departure and heir-apparent Tyler Graunke's unavailability due to "personal" issues.
Then, last season, when Rausch and Alexander were injured in the space of a couple weeks, it was up to Rolovich to hurriedly prep Moniz and later, due to Moniz's injury, Shane Austin.
Now, cue the merry-go-round music again. "That's football, I guess. It is a game where the ball bounces funny," Rolovich said, sounding like someone who might have wished he'd taken up something more predictable like, say, putting out oilfield fires.
Lumpkin said he welcomed the opportunity to work with prospects and their families. He said the job allows him to guide a player from the recruiting process through graduation.
"Any time I can continuously work with people, that's my main objective," Lumpkin said. "I enjoy helping the young guys mature and grow. That's the best part: helping to mentor the young people, and deal with the challenges they have in life, and helping overcome those challenges."
UPDATE: KGMB talks to Coach Mack about the depth chart
As you might expect, the big interview subject after UH football practice this morning was the absence of returning No. 1 quarterback Bryant Moniz, who is on indefinite leave from the team to clear up what coach Greg McMackin calls “personal business.”
McMackin reiterated that there is no timeline on when or even if Moniz would return to the team.
McMackin on who the No. 1 quarterback is now: “We haven’t made any decisions yet. Shane (Austin) just happens to be the first to go in some of our drills.”
While Bryant Moniz remains on personal leave, the quarterback order, according to Nick Rolovich, was this: 1) Shane Austin. 2) David Graves. 3) Brent Rausch. 4) Cayman Shutter. 5) Corey Nielsen. Things could change Wednesday, but expect Austin to remain at No. 1.
The defense strung together several dazzling plays during 7-on-7s. Parker Paredes, now a linebacker, intercepted a pass and cornerback Kawika Ornellas followed with a leaping break-up of a deep pass. Cornerback Steve Stepter and safety Richard Torres also got their hands on the next two passes. Greg Salas later got one back for the offense with a leaping snag between defenders on a deep route.
“I’m happy to be back,” Tinoisamoa said Monday. “I wanted to get back healthy so that I could finish what I started.”
Given what transpired last season, it’s no surprise that avoiding injuries is Tinoisamoa’s No. 1 goal in 2010.
“I think as long as I can be healthy for the whole season, then I’ll be able to produce,” he said. “My health is first and foremost. The production will come along naturally with it.”
In returning to the Bears, Tinoisamoa is detemined to play the best football of his life.
“Hopefully I’m not the same player; hopefully I’m better,” Tinoisamoa said. “That’s my goal. I’m at a point in my career where I’m smarter, and physically I feel like I’m in some of the best shape I’ve been in a long time. So hopefully I can be better than I was before.”
Close to 1,000 fans filed in to the visitors bleachers to see the team practice, then go 11-on-11 in a scrimmage that featured some big hits. In just the sixth practice of the spring, the coaching staff has the Warriors going full-speed and holding nothing back in their tackling.
The aggressive and physical approach, which is slightly different than some recent spring practice seasons, is having a positive effect on the team, according to Jasper.
“The new hitting is making us a lot tougher,” he said.
The Hawai'i football team will be without its No. 1 quarterback for an indefinite period, head coach Greg McMackin confirmed yesterday.
Bryant Moniz, who started eight games in 2009 and was No. 1 during this spring training, has been placed on "personal leave," McMackin said.
Dave Reardon doesn't write what the reason is, but he writes what it isn't.
THE REASON for Moniz's absence is very personal. But the fact that he's not with the team has to be addressed, because he's the UH quarterback, and the reason could have long-term implications for the Warriors.
The "personal business" is not about grades, injury, illness or lawbreaking. It is, however, definitely not something McMackin and offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich or anyone on the team wanted to have to deal with while preparing for the 2010 season.
"And things were going so good," Rolo said, shaking his head.
"Very comfortable in there today," Austin said. "I went through my reads patiently, guys were getting open, both sides of the ball looked good. It was a good day."
Brent Rausch and Cayman Shutter both completed deep passes for touchdowns before a crowd of about 500. Rausch hit newcomer Darius Bright in stride down the left sideline for a 47-yard score. Shutter later connected with fellow freshman Billy Ray Stutzmann on a 40-yard touchdown.
"I threw a touchdown pass, but I felt I could have done better," said Rausch, who was 8-for-11 for 130 yards. "It definitely felt good to get that one (touchdown) in so clean like that."
But yesterday, they were able to produce seven sacks in 48 pass plays. Because most of the pressure came from the front four — led by left end Kamalu Umu and defensive tackles Vaughn Meatoga, Haku Correa and Kaniela Tuipulotu — the linebackers rarely blitzed.
"I was really impressed with the D-line as a unit," Aranda said. "I thought they were able to create a pass rush with four guys. That was a problem last year. I know that (defensive line coaches) Tony (Tuioti) and Cal Lee really worked hard on it. I'm glad to see those guys play well."
DeMello, KITV's weekend sports anchor since 2005, has accepted the same position at rival KHON, where he replaces John Veneri, who will focus entirely on being the station's marketing director.
Hawaii returning starting quarterback Bryant Moniz was not with the team when it practiced and scrimmaged at Vidinha Stadium in Lihue, Kauai, today.
"All I'm going to say is he is taking care of personal business," Warriors coach Greg McMackin said.
McMackin would not say when Moniz would return to the team.
Hope it's nothing serious.
HawaiiAthletics.com has a report from today's practice and scrimmage on Kauai.
“The fans here gave us such an outstanding welcome,” head coach Greg McMackin said. “And our players really enjoyed themselves. We fed off their energy on the field and it was great getting to meet and greet everybody during the autograph session. The entire team had an incredible time.”
After 45 minutes of warm-ups and drills, the Warriors used the second hour of their practice to entertain the crowd with an intrasquad scrimmage. The scrimmage was highlighted by three touchdowns. Brent Rausch hit Darius Bright on a long pass for the first score, while Cayman Shutter connected with a streaking Billy Ray Stutzmann on another long touchdown. Shane Austin found Ryan Henry in the back of the end zone for the final score of the day.
The University of Hawai‘i football team will hold a practice and scrimmage on the island of Kaua‘i, Saturday, April 10, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Vidinha Stadium. Admission is free and fans are encouraged to bring items for the autograph session to follow.
“When I found out, I was really excited,” said Meatoga, a defensive lineman from Kalaheo. “I haven’t played in that stadium since Pop Warner, so it’s going to be really fun playing there, having that grass under my feet.”
“I’m definitely excited, it’s great to come back to where I was born and raised,” said wide receiver Jasper, a 2006 Kaua‘i High School graduate and a redshirt junior at UH. “That’s my home stadium. That’s where I played Pop Warner, JV and varsity.”
SportsHawaii.com has lots of photos from spring practice in their photo gallery. Check it out.
And Island Sports Media has highlights from UH's Pro Day as well as interviews with Chad Ikei of Ikei Performance, former UH offensive lineman Aaron Kia, and some Utah guy.
Jett Jasper is running for ASUH President. KHON & KITV cover his campaign. ** And a bonus interview with all-star Wahine softball player Kelly Majam **
Iosefa made a strong first impression in his debut at running back during the Warriors' fifth practice of spring training. He made a few knock-back blocks and gained yards with tough runs.
"He's physical," offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich said. "He put in hard work in the weight room. He loves being here. He's a great teammate. We're happy to have him on the offensive side of the ball."
Just judging from one run he made in the Mainland/Polynesia All-Star game a couple years ago, this could be a good fit! Tsai also profiles running back John Lister and writes about Kamalu Umu's Kauai homecoming.
"I know it's a blocking system, so I had to put on more weight to block linebackers and defensive ends," the senior running back said. "Being at 210 wasn't really cutting it for me. Being 230 now, I'm feeling pretty good about it."
Green said he now feels faster with the added strength and having a season in the system also allows him to react with greater decisiveness both as a runner and in his blocking assignments.
"He's light years away from when he came in here," Smith said. "He's buying into playing a lot more physical, he's buying into the technique and he's seeing results."
Kaneshiro has news and notes about Iosefa, Brashton Satele and Laupepa Letuli still awaiting word from the NCAA, and Mike Wadsworth's upcoming mission.
With a basketball background and only three years of football — and just 14 junior college games — behind him, the player they call "Stilts" remains something of a project to be sure. But with size, 4.5 speed, good hands and a can-do attitude, one the Warriors relish seeing through to completion over the next two to three years.
Bright has, as offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich likes to put it, "a very high ceiling ... as high as he wants to take it." It has been a while since the Warriors have had a receiver who could even bump his noggin on a ceiling.
>> Umu worked with the first unit at right defensive end with Paipai Falemalu sitting out today. Mike Tinoco was first in the rotation at left wideout followed by Joe Avery and Darius Bright. >> Offensive lineman Laupepa Letuli and linebacker Brashton Satele are expected to join practice on Monday. The seniors are allowed to practice this spring while they await rulings on their appeals for another year of eligibility.
Joey Iosefa made a big impact today in his debut as a running back. He had some powerful knock-back blocks, as well as some tough running.
Iosefa, who was raised in American Samoa, was a quarterback in high school. As a grayshirt, he was a part-time student in the fall before joining the Warriors in January. He was projected to play linebacker. But Monday, he was told he would move to running back.
And from today's Star-Bulletin, Dave Reardon profiles receiver Jett Jasper. UPDATE: KITV & KHON talk with the Kaua'i boys about goin home to play in front of friends and family.
Stephen Tsai writes that although they haven't received word from the NCAA about their status, Brashton Satele and Laupepa Letuli will be able to practice.
Linebacker Brashton Satele and offensive tackle Laupepa Letuli have received exemptions that will allow them to participate in the University of Hawai'i's spring football practices.
Satele and Letuli had been held out while awaiting a ruling on their appeal for a medical exemption that will allow them to play as sixth-year seniors in 2010.
Tsai also profiles quarterback David Graves, and talks to Brysen Ginlack about getting his academics in order.
Tsai had some news and notes in yesterday's Warrior Beat post, including:
• Chizzy Dimude continues to impress at running back. Think Michael Brewster in terms of perimeter quickness and shifty moves.
Jason Kaneshiro profiles offensive lineman Brett Leonard.
The junior is now a leading contender for one of the starting spots on a revamped offensive line.
Leonard entered the program at tackle and was the backup on the left side for much of last season behind Aaron Kia. While he stayed ready to jump into the mix if needed, Leonard ended up redshirting and preserving his junior season.
After getting a look at guard on the scout team during the season, he's adjusting to the rugged life of an interior lineman while working with the first unit at left guard so far in spring practice.
"It's more nasty," Leonard said. "You can be a good tackle just having patience and good feet. At guard you have to be a brawler. You get to pull more, you get to hit more."
Kaneshiro has some news and notes about Letuli and Satele, "pride drills", and Kenny Estes aggravating a shoulder injury.
Safety Kenny Estes sat out yesterday's practice after aggravating a shoulder injury that hampered him last year.
While the Warriors went through their first hitting session last Saturday, Estes suffered the injury in a noncontact period. He said he felt the shoulder give while trying to jam a receiver during one-on-one drills and was to meet with team doctors yesterday.
Jason Kaneshiro talks to Rodney Bradley about recovering from the broken leg he suffered in last year's Idaho game.
"It's intense," Bradley said of the rehab process. "It's my senior year and I have to get back. Time is passing by fast, so I'm trying to work as hard as I can."
Bradley said he's started some jogging and striding while working with a physical therapist to rebuild the muscles in his leg that went unused during his recovery. He hopes to start running in another month and a half.
"My leg strength is probably about 85 percent," said Bradley, who is also playing catch-up in the classroom to make up for the time he missed following his injury. "So once I get that back to 100 percent, I can start running and build up to where I can run full speed.
"Through the summer I'm going to try to get back to where I was, cutting in and out, the explosiveness."
Kaneshiro also talks to Billy Ray Stutzmann and takes a quick look at the QB performances so far. UPDATE: From KHON, more hitting in Manoa
With the Washington Redskins acquiring Donovan McNabb in a trade yesterday, Colt Brennan has agreed to give up his #5 jersey. But he'll get his old familiar number back.
The Redskins tweeted this morning that McNabb will continue to wear No. 5, which backup quarterback Colt Brennan has agreed to give up.
PFT's Mike Florio noted Sunday night that it should be a simple arrangement in which Brennan, who wore No. 15 at Hawaii, takes his old college number. And the Redskins say that's exactly what will happen.
