Power is back
As noted previously, one of the more interesting elements of the transition to a pure run-and-shoot is the resurgence of the power back. It’s key position for a scheme that will no longer employ a full-time tight end.
UH’s lineage of power backs includes West Keliikipi, Reagan Mauia, Jason Laumoli, Nate Ilaoa and, even for a spell, Kiko Faalologo.
The latest is Kaiwi Chung, who moves from H-back/tight end/fullback to running back.
As a Kamehameha senior in 2013, Chung was an under-sized center with an over-sized heart.
This offseason, Chung participates in both UH’s strength/conditioning program as well as his father Dean’s workouts. One of the disciplines is the box squat, in which the back-squat lifter lowers onto a box, then explodes upwards. Chung does this, back-squatting 500 pounds for 10 sets of three reps each. Translation: If you need help blocking a ‘backer or moving furniture, call Kaiwi Chung.
Been waiting for Kaiwi to get some carries!
ST:
hopefully, we will see the 6′ 4″ running back in the power back mode and the speedy RBs in different “sets” to confuse the defense
UH all and slender TEs can always align in the slot or wideout — be interesting how the DC adjusts his schemes to counter UH attack
Foist! Power up da RnS!
Toid is good too!
wet and dreary in the valley with more rain to come today and tomorrow — that’s OK — better than Maddog50’s cold and snow — sorry, Maddog!!
hopefully, more of those who have stayed away from this blog will return with hopes of renewed vigor and for the team — McTruck and 99 Club in Texas, our Pacific Northwest pals, on the East Coast would be Committed Road Warrior and alanbama and those in New York area, SoCal friends, and one in LV
BTW, whatever happened to the large Tsaiko signage we used at the Sugar Bowl for our tailgate? I wouldn’t mind taking it to West Point.
Imagine Kaiwi as a blocker too!
al, sorry to hear about your status from SteveM — get well!!
so not dismiss UH speedy RBs just because Rolo has decided to use the “run-n’shoot” scheme — can always integrate them into an offensive shceme
stack 3 behind the QB and have them shift into the slot position or do a reverse, lateral, and pass to the QB or an open receiver down field — ala the Eagles!!
The leading rushers on the 2007 team were Pilares, Wright-Jackson and Libre
For 2010, Green and Dimude. Moniz gained yards but they were offset, must be the sacks.
Not sure how successful Rolo will have with the RnS. Defense may have to carry the season. So still hoping for a 7-6 winning season and a spot in the Hawaii Bowl.
If you are going to talk power backs, you have to include in the conversation Nuu Faaloa and Reggie Young.
Kaiwi is a beast, give him some carries.
The future “Could” be Jonah “Monstah” Tavai
Remember what “One Bad Maafala” did in the RNS at St Louis. He was 6’0″, 250lbs
“Non power” backs have thrived in this offense. Look at guys like Mike Bass and Michael Brewster. jJJ had Barry Sander in this offense while at Detroit so I doubt you will see a guy like Kaiwi in there full time. He will be a situational blocker when there is an obvious passing down.
Sheer size and strength does not equal being a good blocker. A guy like St Juste would have excelled in this offense cause he is fast, strong and can block. I can see Mile Reed in the same boat. If you watch his HS tape, the guy can be a punishing runner and is physical. A guy like him in the backfield presents a more dangerous offensive threat cause he can fake block and then slip out of the backfield or run draws .
Those big backs of the past never carried much and I don’t expect any difference because of ball security. It take years of learning how to secure a football and taking that kind of hits. Linemen learn to engage with their hands near chest level and punch. They don’t learn to tuck balls in.
There will definitely be room for vicious blockers but I think on a whole, guys like Holly, Reed and Keliiliki will be the mainstays in the backfield.
The running back has to be able to block. He has to be able to stand up (contact with force then stay in front) an edge rusher or a blitzing defender consistently. Whichever back can block the best will quite possibly determine the order on the depth chart. Having to block for the majority of your snaps as a running back sucks, but the payoff is big, wide open expanses to run through on draws, power sweeps, quick screens, and shovel passes. The big backs took care of the blocking (especially Mauia) aspect, but all of our backs we have now should flourish as long as they can hold their block. Was “pitch and catch” football back then, the ball was thrown within about three seconds most of the time so the blocking back was integral (got to make the right blocking read though) to the run and shoot. Maybe get a one week crash course with the O line coaches. I think Coach Rolovich might vary his formations more than Coach Jones did based on the personnel he has through this transition period. I’m hoping we run multiple formations like Boise. And I hope we use everybody (our TE’s, H’s, FB’s) because they each bring useable assets. Should be interesting. We can be the next Boise.
Hoo boy, plenty coaches in the blog today
Sounds good but we also need a breakaway back that can take it the distance!
Got this email from Rolo:
Tom,
Received your email from my mom. Can’t tell you how thankful we are for what you have done throughout the years. I would like to pledge $500 to the account. Please put a $50 in the name of all the assistant coaches, I will let them know. Appreciate it.
—
Best Wishes and Aloha,
Nick Rolovich
Head Football Coach
University of Hawaii
#LiveAlohaPlayWarrior
http://www.hawaiiathletics.com/index.aspx
https://twitter.com/NickRolovich
Can you help me reach my goal by making a $25 donation to the UH Foundation Fund I created for UH Football recruiting–see below link.
If 2000 fans do this, we will raise $50,000. So far, I got 597 donors ($14,925), so only 1403 more donors to go–each donor spot represents $25.
After donating, text me your name to 415-324-0585 or email your receipt to: tomkitaguchi@yahoo.com so I can add it below (if you don’t mind):
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296. Lance McGee, WA
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Mahalo, and pls share this with all of your fellow fans.
Tom Kitaguchi, founder of Hawaii Football Warrior Nation Facebook group (over 3050 members)
https://www.uhfoundation.org/impact/students/warrior-nation
Great Afternoon All!
One game…
where there are no rushing attempts.
56 – 14
Akamai Okole
Michael Brewster is still one of my favorite UH backs. He was very underrated in my opinion. Speed, shiftyness, and blockimg ability.
Anybody’s power out yet ?
Of and on power now.
Stephen Tsai @StephenTsai ..1m
I’m not a meteorologist but I kinda sorta think they should cancel the game
For the Tsai-kos concerned about Al’s health, I just called him and his wife said he was not at home (out and about) but he is healthy enough with nothing life-threatening.
Thank goodness.
islandman,
Now dat is funny! 😆
Congrats to UH Athletics. They had a pretty good week. Men’s basketball won two on the road to even their conference record to 6-6; softball won their last four games after dropping the first two of the season; women’s swimming and diving are 2018 MPSF Champions; men second; baseball starts season 3-0 against Air Force.
SteveM Mahalo! al lives a blessed life and I’m hoping he stays on trac… same goes for all of us!
Power Back — Heikoti Fakava. Man was Tough as Nails.
When I was in intermediate school I remember seeing a bunch of little kids playing sandlot football with their hand drawn white tee shirts that had “Toloumu” on the back. He was a good power back and a fan favorite. He also was tough as nails.
New post: http://www.hawaiiwarriorworld.com/?p=45450