Eight ball
In eight practices over 10 days, this is what we’ve learned from the Warriors’ training camp:
> Line is fine: Sure, there were concerns about the o-line with the departure of six blockers because of graduation, ailments and other circumstances. And this camp has featured a nagging injury and what might have been a stomach flu. But line coach Chris Naeole has done a good job cross-training his unit, and giving meaningful reps to newcomers Emil Graves, Micah Vanterpool and Brandon Kipper. It’s also nice to see utility player Chris Posa take some No. 1 reps at right guard. It’ll take a couple weeks to sort out who plays where but there are more options after the first two weeks of training camp.
> Passing lane: From the first drill, it was clear there was an order to the quarterbacks. Dru Brown, of course, is No. 1. The two Coles — Cole McDonald and Cole Brownholtz — get equal No. 2 reps, although McDonald always goes ahead in the rotation. This week, Larry Tuileta has eased into the rotation as the No. 4 QB. Kyle Gallup is set to undergo a procedure and will not be ready for the opener. Hunter Hughes, a member of the leadership council, and freshmen Justin Uahinui and Karson Greeley have yet to take a snap in team drills.
> An A for the D: Defensive coordinator Legi Suiaunoa used the spring to emphasize the basics of his defense. This camp, he has added sub-packages. Suiaunoa has the 360-degree ground vision where he appears to be able to watch all groups simultaneously. He also is skilled in mid-stream adjustments, especially when Nick Rolovich veers from the script in practices.
> Meet the press: This camp, the corners have been effective with their jams. The Warriors have enough capable corners — Ro Farris, Zach Wilson, Manu Hudson-Rasmussen, Cam Hayes, Eugene Ford, Mykal Tolliver — that they might even be able to use a rotation system in games.
Ekahi Uno Ichi One
ST: How is the kicking game looking? Who’s leading in the following:
Place kicking
Punting
Kick-offs
Is there a depth chart at this stage? It’s going to be a challenge to replace last year’s kicker & he made a difference in a lot of games.
Any thoughts on putting Tiletta at slot? I think he could do well at slot…
Errr…Tuileta…
UH at UCLA football game on Sept 9 and big UH tailgate
at the famous Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA.
LAST CALL!
Come join our group of almost 400 UH fans on the Hawaii side line in Sections 6H, 7H & 8L; 10-54 rows up around the 5 to 20 yard line. these sections are closer to the field as this stadium curves in & this is where visiting fans sit. Text me at 415-324-0585. Prices are $69 or $89 (Sect 6H). These seats have backs (not benches).
http://uclafootball.io-media.com/web/index.html
Since Cole McDonald is a great runner, how about we utilize Cole in an option offense for goal-line situations (like JJ did with Shawn Withy-Allen)–since the passing is limited in these situations, we need to use the QB as an extra weapon here! This will also be a surprise element to opponents! IT WOULD BE SO COOL TO HAVE THE ENTIRE 2ND UNIT COME IN AND RUN THIS OPTION OFFENSE, I am sure this would jack up the entire team’s spirit, as well as us FANS!
Is Arona Amosa joining in on the 1st day of school or is he not on the team anymore?
Bowwar…..
Tuileta is insurance at QB. Got a nice release and throws a nice ball.
Depth at SB is fine with Tullis & Timoteo. Both are sure-handed bigger targets at SB……to fill the void left without Camanse-Stevens.
Do we know if Josiah maama and Blessman taala are arriving late to camp or grayshirting this year?
Glad to hear the o-line is fine but it’s the d-line that concerns me, especially given the lack of experienced depth among the DTs. Hopefully the freshmen DT recruits (Mermea and Russell) are ready to play because I think they’ll be needed in the rotation.
The good news is that the increased talent and speed in the secondary should enable the LBs to focus more on helping the d-line shut down the run.
So fah so guud! Keep up the great work, Warriors!
Keep up the great posteseses, Mr. Tsai!
Took in the practice scrimmage yesterday morning. Good energy on both sides of the ball. Observations only based on yesterday’s practice. 1st team OL from left to right stayed the same throughout the entire practice and scrimmage, 50, 51, 65, 60, 64. I’m guessing that RG or RT are the only variables here as 65 and 64 should be in the starting lineup. Offense was running mostly 11 personnel throughout with 7 lining up all over the place. 12, 5, and 80 lined up with the 1s, but there’s a lot of rotation with the receivers. 5 sometimes lined up outside with 23 going into the slot. 5 and 23 are our best receivers, need to find a way to have them both in the game. 30 was an impressive playmaker and made the most of all his chances. Really need one of the outside guys to step up as a consistent threat.
We are really fortunate to have 2 returning at QB. He looks very comfortable, very confident. The backup battle looks like it will continue, but 13 had extended reps as the coaches seemed intent on giving him every opportunity possible. 13 can run, there’s no doubt about that. Would like to see him stay in the pocket and make more plays with his arm. 17 has improved from last year and threw some nice balls. Both had their moments and it seems like it will come down to who can make the best decisions.
22 sat out the scrimmage portion of practice and 21 took his place with the 1s. 25 and 26 also got reps. They all looked good running the ball. 48 looked really good in the big back role. 44 looks huge and looked ok in his limited reps. He may take some time to get back into football form.
Defense looked good flying to the ball. 18 and 20 running at CB with the 1s. There was a lot of rotation throughout the entire D. Lot of guys getting meaningful reps. I was looking forward to seeing 92 play, but he was limited in shorts just doing some running on the side with a few others. 92 has the first guy off the bus look. Really looking forward to seeing what he can do on the field. For a week and a half into training camp, the team seems to be in a good place.
Someday, it would be nice if the 2nd, 3rd, and so on looked
worthy to be the first one off the bus…
A guy like 96, you’d never guess that he’s playing DE on a Div I team. But he’s there running with the 2s and just making play after play. Brings attitude and serious passion to the field. I’d take him on my team any day.
What happen to the jeezy fall practice report?
Arona Amosa is not on the team
Thank you Mr. Tsai
Can we get next few weeks to fly by!!! GoWarriors
Send a search party for jeezy–where jeezy stay????
Looks to be in the 70’s for game time. Anybody know what kind of crowd expected for the opener? GO BOWS!
Getting excited….Cheee!
Umass stadium capacity only 17,000
Friend just texted me from Vegas and says the line for U Mass game is even. Should be a heck of a game for an opener.
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