On to the next phase

Last night, Nick Rolovich was asked about his thoughts exiting spring practice. The question was intended to get his evaluation of his team. Instead, Rolovich mistook the question, and expressed sadness that spring training had ended. Or, maybe, the expression of sadness was his evaluation.

“I like practicing with these guys,” Rolovich said. “I’d rather stay. They were a fun group to be around.”

In the 15 spring practices spread over 31 days, the Warriors built depth, particularly on the offensive line and secondary, made a seamless transition to Legi Suiaunoa’s defense and intensity, and helped the transition of mid-year additions. Safety Jay Dominique, who was playing under Canadian rules the past several years, and cornerback Manu Hudson-Rasmussen found their way into the rotation. Kingjames Taylor, Matt Norman, Chris Posa, JR Hensley and Austin Webb logged meaningful reps on the offensive line. That’s a nice head-start, considering Elijah Tupai and Eperone Moananu will be back this summer and three o-linemen will join.

Here’s what we learned from last night’s practice:

> There is no need to wait for the post-spring depth chart. Dru Brown is the established No. 1 quarterback. He had a solid spring, cementing his role as a leader on and off the field, and killed it in the 2-minute drill last night. On fourth-and-3, he fired to wideout Keelan Ewaliko, who broke away for a 30-yard gain. On the next play, Brown found slotback John Ursua in the end zone for a 35-yard TD.

> This spring, Ursua and Dylan Collie received in-person tips from three of the best slotbacks in UH history — Chad Owens, Greg Salas and Kealoha Pilares. Collie, who gained 15 pounds of muscle, and Ursua have demonstrated toughness in crossing patterns.

> After every practice, there already is a line of receivers when Kefense Hynson activates the JUGS machine. Hynson has done a good job reinforcing techniques. Ewaliko and Ammon Barker are poised for strong senior seasons.

> As dominant as tight end Tui Unga will be on offense, defensive end Meffy Koloamatangi has the same potential on defense. He’s filled out his tall frame, improved his leverage, and is skilled in bracketing formations, pass-rushing, and attacking the run.

> Alex Trifonovitch was able to get his first live kicks in scrimmage-like sessions last night. He converted both short attempts. Shawn McCarthy, son of former UH punter Tom McCarthy, was perfect on both snaps. Noah Borden was not available to snap because of an ailment.