Return to Pride Rock
In review:
> Nick Rolovich will oversee the program, and assign play-calling duties to the yet-to-be-hired coordinators.
> “I want to be aggressive, but I also want to be smart,” Rolovich said of the offensive preference. “I want to get a good, clear evaluation of our talent level and where our skill may be best used. I think the quarterback-read game is here to stay in college football. We were kind of going in that direction in ’11 with (Bryant) Moniz and (David) Graves. It gives defenses a headache. I can see us airing it out a little bit more.”
> In 2010, two years before Rolovich joined Nevada, he implemented the pistol formation at UH. It still was the four-wide attack, but aligning the lone back directly behind the quarterback disguised the play’s intent. “For a long time, people would blitz the back because of where we would align him (on the side of the quarterback),” said Rolovich, noting he liked the “symmetry” of the pistol. That season, Alex Green rushed for 1,199 while the UH quarterbacks combined for 5,520 passing yards.
> Rolovich said he prefers an “attacking” defense, noting “they’re better players that way.”
> The number of available scholarships for the 2016 recruiting class has not been finalized. But right now, a working estimate is about 21.
> The wish list: 1) Recruit locally. 2) Recruit offensive and defensive linemen. 3) Add a quarterback or two. (There are only three quarterbacks on the 2016 roster.)
> Bonus wish: Add a couple junior-college transfers who can enroll in January.
Live Aloha, play Warrior!
We need 2-3 Qbs this class. Don’t make the same mistake as the previous staff did by abandoning the position then going all in on 1 transfer
Was Rolo nervous or did he really mean to say play warrior? I would think play like a warrior sounds a lot more natural
will Rolo tweet some type of hashtag when he gets a verbal from a recruit?
3.
Every time they mentioned that motto, I cringed. Grammar rules don’t apply in Hawaii though.
Nick is playing to the local sentiment. Reality is the best will continue to leave the islands. Emphasis has to be the West Coast. And Nick also said Utah. Again, good luck with that now that Utah State is doing so well, along with perennial power BYU and now Utah.
Still anxious to see who Rolo hires as his coordinators.
Jeezy:
He meant “play Warrior.”
He actually coined the phrase in 2011.
He had a lot of witty sayings.
6. California, Texas, and Florida…
So far, Rolo is saying all the right things. He definitely has the enthusiasm of a hungry 1st time HC. That’s probably what won him the job (along with accepting $400k, which is under budget, which maybe allows UH to offer a little higher for the assistants.
He has dodged the question of what type of offense he will be running… He’s only mentioned that he wants to open it up more than he was allowed to at Nevada. This tells me he’s going to adjust his offensive philosophy based on the skillset of the returning players.
Overall, that’s probably the right way to approach it, but being a 1st time HC and “leader” of the program, he needs to remain the “leader”. I think career assistants getting their first HC job have a tendency to be too open to suggestions and their ways of doing things may change too much. It can send mixed messages to the rest of the team. It makes people second guess the HC’s ability to lead.
Nothing’s worse than a wishy-washy leader, boss, manager, supervisor that can’t make up their mind.
are you calling Rolo a career assistant? haha
Guud Morning Tsaikos…bootiful day.
Sun is out really bright this morn. New Day, New Culture, New Energy, New Direction.
Hope to see an all out effort to get our 808 D1 kids to play here. Renew commitment to our verbal commits. Reassure them a Change is Coming!
Won’t get all or the ones we really want but need to make the all out effort and show our 808 commitment to the kids. Show the Aloha and they will come.
IMUA WARRIORS!
Coach Rolo probably won’t be able to be specific about his offense but with his exposure to all the different philosophies I hope we see a “little bit of this, a little bit of that” and end up with one monster offensive scheme, something “Chop Suey”, misdirect and confuse the enemy.
I keep thinking of Air Force and how they excel with under size personnel. Quick, precise, disciplined execution.
“Nothing’s worse than a wishy-washy leader, boss, manager, supervisor that can’t make up their mind.”
There a square building on Punchbowl St. with plenty this kind….lol
6. I honestly hate when coaches make that excuse of the best want to go away. It’s part true that we won’t get the Fred Ulu Perrys or Michael Eletise type kids but there is a tier below that Hawaii simply hasn’t gone after that is mind boggling.
Hercules Mataafa from what I heard was really interested in Hawaii. He was not offered a scholarship. Peni Vea was interested, but by the time Hawaii offered, signing day was a week away and he already was set on UNLV. Maybe it was grades but Hawaii didn’t go after BIF player of the year Isi Holani out of Hilo his senior year in which he dominated. Micah Kapoi was asked to grey shirt while Wisconsin came in with a late offer. DT Alema Kapoi has yet to get a offer from Hawaii while receiving a offer from Navy and Air Force recently.
There are a lot more but just a few examples on how we can’t let these type of recruits leave the island and make excuses for it.
My 2 sleepers this year based on games I saw are Ace Faumui from Radford who I think will be a really good Strong Safety in college and Alema Kapoi who will be a solid 4-3 defensive tackle.
Coach Rolovich knew and knows exactly what he said and is saying. He did not dodge a thing he just did not answer a question that needs no answer now. This guy will prove out to be exactly what we need when we needed it. The defense is a mess and he will fix that-plus they will be growing hair!!! Play Warrior!!!!
16. lol. That u Rolo?
Can you imagine 30 to 40k in the stadium with a scoreboard Arrow signaling one side yelling -Play alternate to other side Warrrior back and forth. Jump around won’t have nuthin on us. Better get the engineers out there now!!!!
Nope just. Guy that knows what he’s talkin bout Jeezy my man
I like that…PLAY-WARRIOR vs rain-bows
And keep the uptempo video of the players between 3rd and 4th qtr
Hoping the car issued to Rolo makes it out to the North Shore
haha come on guys… If any other coach in the nation came up with a saying like play spartan, play bronco, none of you guys would be thinking it sounded great.
Play like a Warrior!!
Stephen yesterday you mentioned someone from a traditionally good program possibly joining the staff can you elaborate as to if they are from a power 5 school?
Will Rolo let the boys play with their long hair? or will he make them cut it off like the old regime did…
Warrior Fan:
Let’s see, Bryant Moniz (who was at the news conference) played under Rolo, and Ikaika Woolsey was recruited by him, so I’m guessing there won’t be any restrictions on hair length.
Rolo giving some nice, specific answers about recruiting. nice to hear him layout the timeline for fans about dead period.
http://khon2.com/2015/12/01/new-uh-head-football-coach-nick-rolovich-talks-about-teams-future/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
Should get a sign that says Play Warrior for the players to smack before taking the field
20.
That does not roll off the tongue.
#playlikeawarrior
If Rolo wants to recruit only Hawaii now, how does that impact getting mid year JC transfers?
#15
Totally agree, UH needs to do a better job of getting the 2nd tier local players out there. As the team gets better, hope the top kids will start considering staying home.
Must recruit speed at the skill positions. Gonna take couple classes as Chow stocked the team with big body CBs and possession receivers, decent talent but when put on the field with P5 players struggled big time.
Play warrior… eh got let it grow on me. GO BOWS!!!
Fangupo and Tanielu Have any interest in returning now that there’s a regime change?
15.
This year from the MIL it would be La’akea Kahoohanohano-Davis. He has track speed. Runs a 11 for the 100. Plays all over the field from (KR, PR, SB, DB). I think he deserves a look.
Rolo stated the importance of recruiting the 808 boyz. He also mention getting some JC guys in. We got some big physical guys. Need to transform into the kind of players we envisioned them to be.
PLAY!
#23 Guess “Boston Strong” didn’t relate to you either then huh?
#10. I think you’re under estimating Rolo. He said he didn’t want to put a name to the type of offense that he plans to run. You’re smart enough to read the smoke signals he’s been putting out. He can’t say for certain what he intends to run until his play caller(OC) is in place and until they can evaluate the returning and incoming talent. We know he has first hand knowledge of JJ’s and Ault’s offenses. What we don’t know is how much he’s learned by observing/breaking down what other offenses are doing. He’s indicated that a QB who is a threat to run makes the offense a little harder to defend.
32. Tanieulu is going to UTah so I don’t think Hawaii can make a late push against a top 25 type team.
Just a thought: How about mounting a slab of granite or rock on a pedestal and putting it by Ching Field or locker room, so that every time the Warriors enter or leave practice, they rub the “Pride Rock” to commit/dedicate themselves to giving their best on and off the field? If the pedestal is movable, it could be taken to Aloha Stadium on game day.
32.
Fangupo is committed to Utah.
http://www.sltrib.com/home/2672439-155/utes-pick-up-commitment-from-62
Recruiting a QB for the Pistol Read Zone offense, the O Line and especially the D line will be crucial. The team speed needs overall improvement our CB/Safeties are getting beat and the WR are burning nobody!
But, I do remember Hawaii running the Pistol Zone Read 4 wide/10 personnel (1 RB, No tight end) package in 2010/2011. Hopefully Rolo can get the WR’s up to FBS speed running the right routes, making the right blocks and catching passes.
I also remember Bailey offense using a similar Zone Read 11 personnel/3 wide, 1 RB, 1 Tight End package. But the WR’s couldn’t catch a pass and Chow wouldn’t let the QB run.
Just FYI, here is the rundown of personnel packages:
11: 1 RB, 1 TE
12: 1 RB, 2 TE’s
21: 2 RB’s, 1 TE
22: 2 RB’s, 2 TE’s
10: 1 RB, 0 TE’s
00: 0 RB’s, 0 TE’s
I like that Rolo said about recruits that if you don’t want to get on a plane, then Hawaii isn’t the place for you. He also said something about going to places like Australia (seeing a live kangaroo or koola in their enviroment) and Michigan and playing in their house to take in their life experiences after they graduate.
11. Up until 10am yesterday, he was a career assistant. Do you have proof otherwise?
Chow and Mack spent decades as assistants. Rolo is still young, but technically was a career assistant until now.
I also like that Rolo will try to use an offense that suits his type of players. The previous coach kind of forced his system on the team (my way or the highway) even though he didn’t have the kind of players suited for such.
Whats up arm chair coaches! Let’s go Warriors!
Any ideas on if Rolo will be earning extra income, such as media appearances and the like… or is that already included with his $400k total?
I would hope the bonus structure is Rolo friendly, at least to justify being the lowest paid HC in the MWC by a pretty wide margin. Shoot, Tony Sanchez is making $560k base salary at UNLV.
Looking at the 2015 NCAA FB Coaches salary list by USAToday, Rolo’s $400k base salary would have been the 5th lowest salary in the FBS. There are 7 schools that didn’t disclose salary, but all would presumably be much higher than UH.
I guess my point is that if UH doesn’t eventually raise their pay back to the $800k+ range in the future, UH will only be a stepping stone job. We all want Rolo to do well, but unless there’s a major change, UH won’t be able to afford to keep him if he is successful.
42. The problem with prior staff wasn’t that he forced a system. Problem was he didn’t have an identity and there wasn’t continuity at any point in the 4 years. Chow’s background is a pro style offense. It didn’t work and he panicked too soon IMO. He tried to get Aaron Price in year 2 to make changes. Didn’t work out. Progress was made with Schroeder, then he tried to come up with a more spread/zone read offense which isn’t what he knows. Add that with a GA like Jordan Wynn and you have another set back in year 3. Year 4, you scrap that and bring in Don Bailey to learn another offense.
Things were just set up to fail from the beginning and it had everything to do with not having an identity and continuity. Remember now, our offense was clicking in year 2. So lets not blame the pro set.
I think Rolo even mentioned in his press conference that it isn’t the system that is going to be the reason this team has success or not. It is the players buying in and play for one another. He had a good example how nothing worked in his 1st season as a QB at Hawaii. Nothing changed with system. The players just bought in and played for each other the next year.
my definition of a career assistant is someone who spent decades, the bulk of their career as an assistant.
basically what youre saying is every new HC has a tendency to be too open to suggestions? and wishy washy? since every first time HC was probably a career assistant up until that point.
I was hoping Rolo would have said “Run and Shoot” will return to Aloha Stadium where this offensive scheme once lighted up Aloha Stadium scoreboard.
It seems a lot of Warrior football fans are second guessing Rolo as to who will be his Offensive Coordinator that will be calling the plays. Most is hoping that Rolo will ask Coach June Jones to take that rein. Its a long shot, but still fans are hoping.
45.Jeezy…..your comment is right on. NC is just not a people person and did not seem able to assemble a staff with any coherence. If his sideline behavior with his assistants was any glimpse of the tone of his relationship with them it underscores a problem. Contrast with JJ who stated he wanted his assistant coaches to have the best jobs of their careers at UH. Whether JJ accomplished this or not I don’t know but the results were very different than those of NC. Chris Naeole came into the the head job under pretty awful circumstances but he also seemed to be rather harshly critical and quick to kick butts out the door. The teams performance did not improve and if anything got worse. I hope Rolo assembles a like minded group of young and inspired coaches with a few older guys for seasoning and they collectively want to rebuild something here. This will be fundamental to the team’s success.
4. … i think coaches can’t say anything about verbal commits. Only after they sign a letter of intent.
Jeezy33 – you’re amazing – “Remember now, our offense was clicking in year 2. So lets not blame the pro set.” yea right – record year 2 – 1 win 11 losses.
we averaged 27.4 points in 2013. granted, a bunch of that was scored late in the game trying to catch up. but still, that was the most points we scored on a per game basis in Chow’s tenure.
NR offense will have an identity. It will be called the Roloffense.
Ron Lee for OC!!!!!!
Vaevae Tata for DC!!!!
Play Warrior!!!!
51. Where did I say anything about our record??? I said our offense made progress. You know ?? Offense is where you score points??? There is a thing called defense which was atrocious that season. If you are a true fan and watched the Wyoming and navy game, you would see what I’m talking about. I also went to the unlv game. The one where the defense blew it. So unless you have something intelligent to say, you might want to research your facts before hitting “submit”
Okay, I know most of you wanted Jones or Miano as HC, but that didn’t happen. So give Rolo a chance.
What’s funny is everyone complains when UH don’t recruit top local players, but as soon as UH say they try to recruit top local players, people start complaining and saying that the top local players will go away or they should go away to school. So, what do you folks want?
It’s the same when Ganot got hired. Geez, UH football is in a new era (again). Let’s see what happens. But the one thing I noticed, Rolo seems that type of person that will be personable.
GO WARRIORS! And I can’t wait to see what happens leading up to spring practice.
I did want June Jones or Dino Babers as Hawaii head coach but that didn’t happen… Dino Babers was a pipe dream, but I had a dream. I think June Jones would have done the job for so dirt cheap it would have been practically free, giving more room in the budget for assistant coaches.
But Rolovich is the head coach and $400,000 is the fair price for a assistant coach that hasn’t really established his name nationally in college football like June Jones. Which is going to make recruiting the mainland kids tougher. Rolo and his staff are going to have to be great evaluators of recruits and find diamonds in the rough that other programs missed on. Tony Tuioti would be a great fit for his recruiting and Miano had a way of finding great walk-on talent.
Let’s hope Rolo will go the Greg McMackin/Dave Arranda route as far as defense scheme goes, this defense is proven to work good and hand-in-hand with high powered type of offenses. Miano as special teams coach to keep the local recruiting going. Also like to see him retain Abe Eliminian as DB coach and hire Nate Ilaoa as RB coach.
Just read the SA article, “Warrior finds his way back,” by Ferd Lewis. Rolo has so much passion for Hawaii and the Warrior program, while admirable, I fear for him if he fails to deliver the goods. Really wishing Rolo a lot of good fortune for the Warrior program, but more importantly, for himself and his family.
Hmmmmm guess you not comprehend very well. A “clicking offense” to me AND MOST AVERAGE thinking person would manifest it itself to mean wins. and scoring more then the other fellas.
But I guess I am not “intelligent” enough to know that ?
Please PRAY TELL “most intelligent one”, what does attending games, or being a true fan has to do with the team scoring points, or “defense blowing” it in Vegas ?
Maybe you are to “intelligent” for me ?
Oops made another mistake, I clicked the “submit”.
Forgive me most annointed one.
#56
The gripe isn’t that UH doesn’t try to recruit top talent. They DO, they’ve thrown their name in there with the laundry list of Power 5 schools and failed almost every time. What they haven’t done is pursue and secure the next tier of players that actually want to stay home, would fit the team needs, and maybe even excel.
Kennedy named All-MWC 1st team:
http://www.themw.com/news/mwfb-15-allmw
Agree with 56. All Rolo has done so far is accept the job. What has gone on in the past has nothing to do with him. At least give him a chance. He is trying to bring a positive mindset.
60? Are you SERIOUS!!???? Do you know what progress means??? Look it up in the dictionary. There was “progress” from year 1 to year 2 in Chows pro set offense. There was regression in year 3 and 4.
2012 – 21.2 points per game 2013- 27.4 points per game
If 1 TD per game is not progression to you, then I don’t know what to say.
Since when does Winning games means your offense is going good? Tulsa averages 36 points a game and is only 6-6. UCONN averages 18 a game and is 6-6. Your logic makes 0 sense.
And you’re right. I am “too” intelligent for you. By the way, its “more than” not more then. Some basic high school grammar for you.
Congrats to Kennedy!!
Thankyou seniors for choosing to play for the home team!!!
Rolo did say that defense will be a priority. Just hope he can find the right DC.
Congratulations Kennedy! You deserve it.
180. 11/30
I know he is a trainwreck.
There is a life to save.
Could he do something in a voluntary capacity?
I hope the Rolo gets Matlin to get the losing Rainbow nickname out of Hawaii Football! Leave that Rainbow with Ben Jay and Norm Chow. Hawaii can always have a retro night for those that need some rainbow nostalgia.
I sure didn’t hear him say Rainbow Warriors but I heard him say Warrior many times during his presser and in interviews. Rolo is not a Rainbow Warrior, he is a Hawaii Warrior.
Play Warrior!
Top recruits will always get away
We just have to keep 2nd tier players
a secert and not have the Boise,Nevada
San Diego st and Utah schools aware that
we are after them.
It’ll be hard to pin lack of wins and production just off the offensive scheme itself, when there are a variety of other factors like players, strength of schedule, and so on. Norm chow’s lack of ability to groom a quarterback or receivers that weren’t someone else’s recruits. etc.
one thing i do know though is that norm chow’s version of a pro-style offense (stop using “pro-set”) was pretty boring every year.
but jesus christ, jeezy. i know you’re getting hired soon as UH’s new scout, director of player personnel, and offensive coordinator, but calm down. you’re getting all apoplectic over this. i can feel your spittle through my monitor.
I dunno with this schedule next year
I think we are in for the same hurt as
this season!!
#72. Usually the expected progression for a new coach is this:
Year 1: Lose big.
Year 2: Lose close.
Year 3: Start winning.
Next year’s schedule seems to be pretty rough, but what’ll be more important is the progression the team makes between year 1 and year 2.
I also think that rolo will have a lot of pressure to show progress and wins. He’s on a 4 year contract, which really means that by year three, he’s either gonna be extended or he’ll be fired, and the buyout for the final year is pretty low. So the turnaround will have to happen pretty quickly.
So people didn’t like Chow hiring assistants with little or no experience yet now want assistants like Ilaoa who have little or no experience? I think the difference is that people are forgiving with familiar names than the ones that Chow hired. It comes back to this point – Rolovich should and will go with assistants who he is familiar with or whom someone trusted can vouch for. There may be some hires that the average fan will not know, and I’m willing to bet that those are the ones that will be questioned .
Awesome recognition for Kennedy. Well deserved. Congrats big guy and keep on working. Your play is inspiring.
“So people didn’t like Chow hiring assistants with little or no experience yet now want assistants like Ilaoa who have little or no experience? I think the difference is that people are forgiving with familiar names than the ones that Chow hired. ”
yep. once again, this demonstrates that we really don’t know what we’re talking about, even if we yell loudly and sound like we do.
Pride Rock!
Dr. BK has some mean talent.
You can play like a warrior or you can be warrior. Being like a warrior is one thing but being warrior is a whole different level. If you use your heart instead of your head you will understand.
PLAY WARRIOR!!!
FUHA. In your view just about every HC was a career assistant. Hearing Rolo speak has me convinced Rolo’s got IT. Don’t ask me what IT is cause I can’t explain it. As far as head coaching goes I don’t think Chow or Mack had IT. You have to have IT to be a successful head coach not just expertise in one area of football. Tomey was a defensive minded guy JJ was a offensive minded guy both had IT when it came to running a program.
UH should look into the neighbor islands for recruits that are under the radar. Get plenty.
Congratulation to Kennedy Tulimasealii!
KEEP NAEOLE!!!
He took over the team that had its worst beating in school history, injury plaqued, no moral, there was no chance to turn it around. What he did do was taken an injury ridden O-line and get our RB a thousand yard season before he got hurt. The o-line men on the team like him, respect him, and want to play for him. He has earned his right to come back and coach.
Congrats Kennedy!!! Got the recognition he deserved.
Former UH Athlete December 1, 2015 at 8:38 am:
Good points. Yet Rolo also said this: “‘If I ever get the chance that’s how I’m gonna do it.” “That” was Chris Ault, in the context of the pride, passion, respect & discipline Rolo admired about his mentor. Which isn’t to say Rolo’s about to put on an Ault suit. But I do think we shouldn’t read too much into the kumbaya vibe conveyed in his initial pressers. Some of his best ppl skills, I suspect, include crediting everyone for good decisions, taking all the heat when bad; also getting his way without leaving footprints on anyone’s back, i.e., convincing them to step aside.
YES me agree with you, PROGRESS is gong from 3 WIN AND 9 LOSS SEASON – TO 1 WIN AND 11 LOSS season, when as you say they were “clicking”.
Oops, sorry for that grammar error, hard to type one hand when laughing so hard with your definition of “PROGRESS”. You have some snake oil to sell today ?
Just think for a moment, if all UH coaches had your talent and mentality.
Gosh we be National Champs every year.
Hope this coach be “clicking” in the win column, and running on 9 or 10 cylinders in the win column soon, and not on one cylinder. and the other 11 not “clicking”.
86. In that case, lets ask LSU for the secret formula to that offense. Lol. Since Wins is the ultimate measuring stick by your standards of what offense is.
What do you guys think of Laakea Look from Punahou, the ILH defensive player of the year. Could he be a Brian Suite type of player if he moved to safety? Suite was another second tier player that ended up at USU and had quite a career and shot at the NFL.
71. again Come on Man… You always fail to understand the main point of any post. Pro set, pro style, I don’t care what you want to call Chows offense. My point is it wasn’t his system that failed. So call it what you want. It was his lack of coaching, continuity, identity, and ability to recruit that failed him. Is that broken down simple enough? My example on how our offense improved by a TD in year 2 was just to show that the system made progress. Then he went out of his element completely by trying to do something he had no idea how in year 3. Then changing everything again in year 4 with Bailey.
88. Hawaii LBs are the hardest position to evaluate and project in my opinion.
Why? Because there is no speed in the state?
91. Part of it but no idea. I honestly thought Fonua and Vele were going to be big time LBs in college. And yeah I think the speed of the game matters. Who would have guessed Corey Parades would just walk on and be one of our best lbs in the past 10 years?
I agree our homegrown LBs are really hard to pin down at the D1 level. So, while I would certainly agree that speed plays a part, the bigger item, imo (Im not too humble) is the ability read the offense and fully understand the defensive schematic. Its the reason why a guy like Ola Gouveia had a 10plus year career in the NFL. If you have the ability to play without any hesitation or pause, you can make-up a step or two……
I think maybe you have a reading comprehension problem. Your idea of progress was scoring one more touchdown a game. And going from 3 wins a season to only one win a season. Is that what LSU did ?
Whatever happened then, the Chow era is over. PLAY WARRIOR!!!!
If Kahuku was to lose their head coach to UH, would that be keeping the pipeline open or would they be mad he left and shut it down?
It’s hard to figure sometimes to project a player from HS to College. But, I thought in HS that Blaze Soares and Paredes would be good LBs in college because they moved so well and hit very hard. I thought Vele would be a perfect LB, but somehow he never got a real shot to make plays and they moved him to fullback. He might have been misused. I thought Benny would be good too, but I didn’t see him play as much as I did Soares and Paredes in HS. Gouveia went from safety to LB. Hope Solomon Matautia can do the same at HS from Campbell. The question isn’t talent. The question is desire, and smarts. I hope Matsutia is very smart. I also think Maa Tanuvasa Jr. looks to be a very good LB, even a DL if he grows and gets bigger. Which comes to Maa Sr. He might be a good defensive line coach at UH. He’s helping with Rod York at Mililani, but maybe he wants to do it at the college level.
On another note, please, please change Kekaula as the play by play TV announcer. I’m trying to be nice here. How can I say this, his voice is hard to pick up the words, and a lot of the times, he pronounces the words, very slowly, one by one and then in the next sentence he goes so fast you can hardly understand what the hell he is saying. Very, very irritating. Kanoa and Dashefsky are a lot better and more pleasing to the voice. Come On, Man, OC 16, get a grip. I’m going to complain to the Manager of Business Operations at Oceanic TW Cable.
While we are at it, Bobby Curran is starting to irritate me too in the morning. I used to listen to him every day for years, but now I only tune in occasionally. I think his humble beginnings is changing to be a more arrogant son of a bitch. Hey, I’m talking to myself, a senior citizen. Hello!!!!! But, I do like the Sports Animals everyday in the afternooons. They keep it light and they keep it funny too!!!! Hart and Dickman are like Abbott and Costello.
92. What killed me is when he took Vele and made him a fullback/tightend. Then hardly use him. We really needed help on defense.
I’ll be happy if we get Santiago. Waianae has a dlineman worth watching.
Another good safety that became a very good linebacker was Michael Beasley. Then there’s another Waianae terrific linebacker who’s name excapes me who wants to go to UH but didn’t join the program, probably because he couldn’t get eligible. Heck, what was his name? It’s at the tips my tongue, but somebody will get it.
The difference too is that Gouveia and Beasley also played QB. Matautia didn’t play QB as far as I know. Gaison went from QB to Safety, Walter Briggs went from QB to Safety. Maybe Woolsey should move to safety since his accuracy is so terrible. Just a thought. You can always play Woolsey on offense for special plays. In that event, Rolo needs to look for at least 2, maybe 3 QBs.
I remember Solomon Matuatia because in high school he was always around the ball. Wonder if he will be growing out his hair.
“71. again Come on Man… You always fail to understand the main point of any post. Pro set, pro style, I don’t care what you want to call Chows offense. My point is it wasn’t his system that failed. So call it what you want. It was his lack of coaching, ”
Obviously it’s YOU who failed to understand the point of MY post.
I was actually agreeing with you.
Derek: Chris Paogofie?
also, just a minor quibble: terminology actually does matter, if you’re honestly interested in a technical discussion of football offense. calling norm chow’s offense “the pro-set offense” is the equivalent to calling june jones offense “the shotgun offense.”
and just to reiterate, i was actually agreeing with you in that post that you’re referring to. please stop being so defensive all the time. the world isn’t out to contradict and belittle The Great Jeezy.
Abbott & Costello – they were coaches ?
Or was that Mutt & Jeff ?
For the readers in the group some related material on topics mentioned in the past few weeks:
The Economic Impact of College Football Games on Local Economies (PDF) http://college.holycross.edu/RePEc/spe/BaadeBaumannMatheson_CollegeFootball.pdf
Our analysis from 1970-2004 of 63 metropolitan areas that play host to big-time college football programs finds that neither the number of home games played, the winning percentage of the local team, nor winning a national championship has a discernable impact on either employment or personal income in the cities where the teams play. While successful college football teams may bring fame to their alma mater, fortune appears to be a bit more elusive
The Bleak Future of College Football
The sport is becoming an enterprise where underprivileged young men risk their health for the financial benefit of the wealthy. http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/11/football-risks/416862/
“The Price of Poverty in Big Time College Sport” (PDF) http://www.ncpanow.org/research/body/The-Price-of-Poverty-in-Big-Time-College-Sport.pdf
Regarding the Governor’ statement about Syrian refugees:
Forget Syria. Most dangerous religious extremists are migrants from North and South Carolina.
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2015/11/robert_lewis_dear_is_one_of_many_religious_extremists_bred_in_north_carolina.html
By http://twitter.com/saletan
Apparently, two of Stephen’s three “guesses” have come true. Any confirmation?
Naeole and Eliminian to be retained:
http://khon2.com/2015/12/01/naeole-elimimian-to-stay-on-uh-football-coaching-staff-under-rolovich/
# 71 agree. And over the years (4) the empty seats could have made millions.
I kinda hope Rolo sees something in Samuseva that’s worth keeping him. I will admit I’m in no position to say which of the assistants did or good job or not. Some are just more visible than others. I can’t remember Lance appearing on TV or in print interviews. Lance probably needs the job more than anyone else. Young family man with probably no chance to land a job on the mainland.
#107 Yeah. Norm Chow really did drive the program off a cliff and then dropped a bomb on it. I don’t envy rolo’s job. He’s a first year head coach getting paid peanuts, is on a four year contract with a very minimal buyout (which actually means he only has three years to turn the team around to whatever Matlin’s definition of ‘success’ or ‘progress’ is) in a state with a very fair weather fan base. The job will be extremely difficult for one of the lowest wages in the NCAA, especially when factoring in cost of living.
Best of luck to him. If he does turn UH around, I hope he has a bunch of P-5 schools with large contracts willing to take him, and i hope he takes their offers.
Duane akuna maybe the 3rd. Naeole and Abe are confirmed
Clyde:
My “guess”‘is Brian Smith is next.
The peanuts is really bad on his incentive portion also.
Should be at least 150k for Div championship.
And 200k for MW championship.
Then at least he has money to share with his coaches for a job well done.
Because, if they are playing that good, the seats will be filled and end of season go bowling. So the money will be there. Just being manini about it.
Just heard on sports animal radio show that Naeole & Abe were retained. I’m still not sold on Naeole. O line has had a very hard time protecting QB against blitzes.
Brian Smith…OC.
How do you come up with the accurate guesses ? Inside info from a birdie ?
Al,
Brian smith as OC? Future not looking too good for Hawaii.
Okay…Brian smith…rbs
Brian Smith…a natural for oline. But…
Stephen: Smith as OC, OC/RB or RB? Selfishly, I was quite impressed with the story on Stutz.
Any word on who he’s looking at for DC?
“Any word on who he’s looking at for DC?”
lol probably jeezy.
Clyde, thanks. Chris Paogofie. A name from the past. Man, I thought he was the best player in the State his senior year. As it was, I think he was defensive player of the year. What a head hunter. I thought he was a sure All WAC type player. Such sad stories, great players who couldn’t make it academically to get into college. Another one, was Mulivai Pula the RB from Kahuku.
The offensive line definitely needs improvement, both run blocking and pass blocking. However, it’s not always the OL’s fault. Sometimes, the QB holds on to the ball too long and they get sacked. Other times, the OB doesn’t know how to throw the ball away to avoid the sack and loss of yards. Sometimes, the play calling on down and distance situations leave the offense in dire straights. Either way, improvements all around is critical to do better. Better coaching, Mr. Naeole!!!!!!
#23,”Roll Tide” or “Roll like the tide”? Find something else to whine about.
Confirmed by UH…..
http://hawaiiathletics.com/news/2015/12/1/FB_1201150337.aspx
130. Someone’s clearly obsessed
I bet naeole wish he didn’t stop recruiting for a month… Smh
Smith coached rb’s the last time around and that’s where we could use the most improvement blocking so it would make sense for him to possibly fill 2 roles on staff..OC/RB Coach
Can someone shed some light on why Brian Smith would make a good OC? I haven’t kept up with his progress. It didn’t seem like he made an impact while he was on staff here. I hope Rolo’s not hiring him just because he’s a good friend.
Believe that Brian Smith coached UH’s last 1,000 yard rusher, Alex Green. Green went on to play a couple of years with the Packers. Hope he can find ways to capitalize on Paul Harris’ ability (1100 yards) in 2016.
USU’s Matt Wells is being interviewed for the Missouri job. Oregon OC Scott Frost is UCF’s new HC.
Getting a couple coaches on board now is a nice change compared to the last coach who didn’t begin the process until January. Like what I’m seeing from Rolo so far.
On Mack’s first staff Smith was brought in as OL coach. The 2nd year he was reassigned to RB coach. Shaw came in to coach the OL. You read between the lines for yourselves.
94. Talk about comprehension problem. I never once said the team made progress in wins. I said he offense made progress. Scoring 1 TD more a game is called progress. Look up the term progress in the dictionary if you don’t get it. Kinda hard to teach someone how to comprehend though when he doesn’t know basic grammar.
I know now that ST had “insider” information rather than “I/my guess” that Naeole and Abe would be retained and will presume it came direct from Rolo
IMHO, their respective players did not perform well the past 2 years so why retain them? will it make a huge difference with a new DC and OC? did they NOT have their say on who and how players would be used and determine their standing on the team ( 1st or 2nd or 3rd team )?
good to hear Coach say start at the local level with recruiting, but don’t all coaches say that regardless where they are?
also, the emphasis on OL and DL recruits — any recommendations for Coach???
Now that Naeole has been retained will he still be associate HC or will his title just be online coach?
me likey the illustration by Dr Kajiyama – sure to appear on many a t-shirt soon as will “live Aloha, play Warrior”
What’s funny is Stephen didn’t respond to my question about wether the Ex UH coach is from a power 5 school…hmm I guess he likes to keep us guessing…lol
Abe Elimimian was hired this year.
131… You mean it is why Mack was swept away?
Brian smith played under Cav and was his GA at OSU.
Huh?
somewhere this early am, this popped into me brain — something from my yongun days:
“I’m a cream puff, I’m a cream puff”
“I’m a cream puff through and through”
“I’ would rather be a cream puff”
“Than a jackass like you”.
wah lah!!!
#134 “A-House” … that T-shirt … it has to have the “H” logo on it … heck I’ll buy a “few” and give ’em away to my buddies on the mainland …
Al. My read was Smith was too inexperienced to coach that position. Mack brought in a veteran to do the job. Thought Mck showed compassion by not cutting Smith loose.
http://www.oxyathletics.com/sports/fball/2013-14/briansmith
Brian was Rolo’s roommate.
And Mack’s replacement was an epic fail.
Check out the new Navy helmets for the Navy-Army game next week. So cool. Different ships for different positions.
Smith was also Rolo’s center, and didn’t Stephen once report on how those two would practice snaps and talk football in their dorm room. I also thought one might have been the other’s best man. I don’t know how qualified Smith is to be an OC, but if Rolo is going to have input into the offense, I’m sure he’d want someone whom he could trust implicitly to call the plays and be welcoming if Rolo offers “suggestions” during the game.
A-House: Let’s just say Stephen’s “guesses” are “educated guesses.”
Got a funny feeling the OC will be one of these three … Brian Smith (Occidental), Craig Stutzmann (Emory & Henry), or Tim Chang (Jackson State)
I emailed Stutz yesterday to see if he would even be interested in the OC job here as he’s experiencing such great success there.
He emailed back to say his heart has always been in Hawaii and with the University of Hawaii Football program and their student athletes development. And also that he would jump at the chance of bringing Hawaii Football back to where it’s supposed to be. Among the best teams in the MW.
I then emailed Rolo to ask if he would consider Stutz as a candidate for the OC job here. I don’t know either of them but I thought “what the heck” might as well try.
Stutz runs a hybrid of the Run n Shoot the locals there call the Spread and Shred. They average 33 ppg and 466 ypg.
I hope it works out well for all of us.
Go cheap on the offensive side and have more to spend on the defensive side…
Al. I wouldn’t call Shaw an epic failure. Thought he was one of the better coaches on staff. He’s was continuously employed before he got here and since he’s left here.
Too bad the blog isn’t archived any more. At the end of the 2008 season Smith and Ron Lee received the most criticism by bloggers. Again, all I’m saying in my opinion Brian Smith was too inexperienced to get his message across. Not saying he hasn’t grown since.
I hope the talk of Craig Stutzmann and Brian Smith as possible candidates to be our OC is false. If its true, we are headed in the wrong direction. Just food for thought, Stutzmann has never been a positional coach at the FBS level. He has had a vagabond-type of coaching career so far. That is typical of college coaches (see Dino Babers). But the progression (or regression) of his coaching career, has gone from GA at UH, to receiver coach @ Portland State (FCS), to receiver coach @ Weber State (FCS), to receiver coach @ D3 in Memphis, to OC @ D3 in Virginia. Not quite the coaching path you want to see in an OC candidate for your FBS school. Smith’s coaching career has taken a similar path (going from GA @ OSU, to OL coach @ Portland State, to OL/RB coach @ UH, to OL coach at D3 Cal Lutheran, to OC at D3 Occidental). Also, Occidental is a member of SCIAC conference. The SCIAC conference has historically been one of the weaker conferences in D3. Like an equivalent to the Sun Belt of FBS.
Both these resumes aren’t the type of “ascension” you wish to see in a candidate.
Hopefully Gouveia will get closely considered to be retained.
73.
Hawaii is going to lose big every year if they don’t start playing a reasonable non-conference schedule.
Since probably a longshot to land Auwae and the others (Eletise & Herbig – both apparently firmly committed to Pac-12 programs), hoping that Naeole will actively pursue Kailua HS OT Nilsson Gaisoa.
149. Why Gouveia? We need coaches that can recruit and have connections. This prior staff was an issue minus Abe.
I don’t think Auwae is that much a long shot. I think there is a chance if we try hard enough. Other than that, I don’t think there are many quality OL prospects this year besides the blue chippers who committed. Maybe The Mililani kid but I haven’t watched him closely enough to have an opinion.
Might need to hit JC route again for OL because we whiffed again last year.
ILB definitely a recruiting priority since losing top 3 ILBs (Gener, Fonua, Poti)…..returning only JGW & Russell Williams with any playing time from this past season……and Solomon Matautia the only other remaining ILB on the current roster ready to see any playing time next season.
Hopefully SMU bounceback (and current Moorpark College ILB) Inoke Ngalo still being actively recruited by UH…..and still committed to UH…..as a mid-year transfer with 3 to play 3……to re-join his Trinity HS teammate Dany Mulanga…..even though Mason now gone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXFJMi3opR8
Love and unity.
It will serve us well on every level.
Aloha, Lokahi.
I hope Rolo will attract more than a great staff and players and fans in the seats.
I hope the power recruiters and international supporters will jump on the Rainbow Warrior Bandwagon and malama na opio.
I still think college football with professional hopes is not worth the sacrifice of brains, brawn and ptsd but if Hawaii is going to play, let it be with the best foot forward.
Live Aloha.
Play Warrior!
From all accounts, Gouveia’s signee Roe Farris will likely compete to be in the CB rotation next season.
155. That’s one guy. And none of us truly know if he’s going to be good. I mean, Trayvon Henderson and Nick Nelson played a lot as true FR. So I don’t wanna get ahead of myself and say Farris is legit when he redshirted. He also brought in his son and Trey Linton.
Following recruiting for over a decade, the lack of recruiting is horrible compared to prior years.
I was hoping Rolo would bring in a good quarterback coach.
153. I have confidence in Mageo and Matautia ready to step in at LB. But Ngalo would be key to add to the mix.
We need help on the dline. I like Tupai’s brother.
JMHO that OT Gaisoa is right behind the big 3 (Eletise, Auwae & Herbig) among the local HS OL prospects…..with more upside potential than OG Tovu……more athletic and taller (legit 6-5) with longer frame to bulk up.
Since otherwise slim pickings among the local HS OL prospects, Naeole probably gonna target a couple of HS OL prospects from American Samoa…..including
Moananu’s former Tafuna HS teammate.
With Naeole & Abe now being retained by Rolo, will be interesting to see if Pierce JC transfer prospect Antonio Flowers will be pursued by UH.
http://www.scout.com/college/hawaii/story/1593126-antonio-flowers-update
159. No chance. He’s PAC 12
160. I don’t think we’ll be going after Flowers. I prefer jovann letuli if we’re going the JC route. He’s a mauler and can get to 2nd level on his blocks. And of course, has a good last name. http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2668639/highlights
Okay, I am all in with Rolo. Have been for a long time. I think he will do great. Call it a gut feeling, but I do.
But let’s forget the football talk for a minute and talk about this new slogan.
I can’t be the only one that thinks this whole “pride rock” and “be Simba” nonsense is childish, can I?
Honestly, I am pretty surprised at how many people are latching on to that. I know it doesn’t matter, and it is a metaphoric message, but I find it pretty lame. Sorry to be a downer to the “pride rock” party.
Couldn’t Rolo find a tougher comparison from another movie? I don’t know, like Remember the Titans or something?
I see potential upside in gaisoa but might be a gray shirt type prospect as he is a project that could be good 2-3 years down the road. Rolo really gotta get things rolling soon and fill so,e immediate needs so we can be competitive next year.
Jeezy … do you know if OL Agasiva will be coming back? Wasn’t he a signee that didn’t make grade?
Agreed that Mageo seems better suited to play ILB…..where he practiced during his redshirt frosh season……instead of at OLB……where he played this season.
Hopefully UH will actively pursue Kamehameha-Kapalama ILB prospect Tainoa Foster…..instead of let him get away to Fresno State, Utah State or Washington State.
http://www.hawaiiprepworld.com/football/kamehamehas-foster-lines-up-college-visits/
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2849104/highlights/303514387/v2
163. Pretty cheesy but oh well. I’m only concerned on what kind of recruits he can get and what kind of coaches he can hire right now. If he wins, he can be as cheesy as he wants… I won’t be saying play warrior anytime soon but if fans want to sound cheesy and say it, go for it.
165. I hope so but he’s got another year at JC. Needs to get his AA
166. Honestly haven’t seen Foster play much. I focused more on Aleki the 2017 prospect and Kapoi when I saw Kamehameha play. Those 2 stood out the most for me. Like I mentioned earlier, I’ve given up trying to look at local ILBs. Too hard to project. Easier to watch a safety like Matautia and Hirkley Latu run and make plays and figure they can convert to lb in college. We need to make a push at Latu
167 … yeah, I don’t really care. I was just laughing at how many people seem to be biting so hard on it and decided to rant a bit. Wins for sure is what counts. Just ribbing the crowd a bit.
167 .. and btw, I just noticed your avatar. HAHA. I wasn’t taking a dig at you personally. Good one though.
What Rolo needs to do is offer QB Johnny Stanton from Saddleback and let him battle with Zwahlen to be the QB next year.
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/584270/johnny-stanton
This kid is everything Rolo needs in his offense in which he said the QB run will be key
171. My avatars have always been sarcastic
Latu is probably a longshot for UH.
http://www.scout.com/college/football/recruiting/story/1616416-three-stand-out-for-hirkley-latu
Stanton would be a good get for UH……but only 2 to play 2 left.
Like Max Wittek, was All-CIF SS in the OC for Santa Margarita HS……then the top-ranked California CIF team (beating De La Salle)…..before blowing out his knee in his senior season…..but still signed with Nebraska Cornhuskers…..before transferring back to the OC at Saddleback College (Colt Brennan’s JC).
JMHO that it should a no-brainer for UH to recruit Jahlani Tavai’s younger brother DE/OLB Justus ’16……
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2239679/highlights/300097376/v2
…….and eventually his youngest brother NG/DT Jonah ’18……already a starter this past season……and already getting interest from Pac-12 programs…..
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4292571/highlights/301921393/v2
Jonah not even the youngest Tavai brother…..
http://tbrnews.com/sports/mustangs-tavai-brothers-follow-a-football-family-legacy/article_33cd10e4-4d03-11e5-bf31-a763b52df071.html
As far as recruiting it is not over till the day they sign the LOI. I do not agree in wasting time but needs are number 1. Do not currently know the status of some guys who might ask for release which happens every year. I suspect we will be at the 25 limit as we are at 21 right now. I am in favor of going after long shots because I think part of the reason they were long shots was due to prior coaching regime. So I think we may have some interesting inquiry regarding coming back and also think we may get in the ring on a serious with some that had no interest before. It is going to be interesting. Regarding some of the players mentioned in this post…..we have an awful lot of very lean guys-need to bulk up. I like LBs at least 6-2 and 230 with athleticism.
Ever hear the catch phrase “Live Aloha”?– OK. Rolo wants his team to do that– to live Aloha– make it part of the lifestyle of the team, but he wants them to play like Warriors. So he wants a two word phrase like “Live Aloha” for describing how the warriors play, but in the two word style of “Live Aloha” to set up a contrast. So “Play Warrior” does it and additional words like “like a”, or a hyphenated “Warrior-Like” are IMPLIED, just like the phrase “Live Aloha” implies a lot of other words. So “Live Aloha, Play Warrior” is fine and implies a whole paragraph of words for economy of expression and a parallel in phrasing using the words Aloha and Warrior with live and play.
Because of his late hiring, Bob Nash should have gone the JC route, but he recruited freshman who evidently no Division I school wanted. We were stuck with them for four seasons.
Bill Ames(three-year starter) was the outlier.
He could play.
(I am still made at Jeff Portnoy for making me believe that Ames’ game-winning last second shot was good in a Big West Tournament game during Gib Arnold’s first year. He’s supposed to have better eyesight than Jim “No, it’s a two” Leahey.)
Rolovich’s early hiring means he can recruit reasonably talented high school players. He doesn’t have to go exclusively to the JC route.
I think Hawaii is in better shape than the Los Angeles Lakers.
My god. That was so pitiful, losing to the 76ers at home.
Hawaii will win before L.A.
play warrior is fine to me. i don’t see anything cheesy or weird about it. people who are vehemently against it need to find a new hobby.
I don’t really understand the pride rock reference though. in and of itself, especially as a lion king reference, it doesn’t make sense. is it trying to say that rolo is Simba, who left hawaii and has come back home to take pride rock away from the grips of Scar (Norm Chow), who ran the kingdom straight into the ground?
So therefore, rolo must come back, with the team that he’s leading, to retake pride rock and restore peace, order, and prosperity to the kingdom after years of mismanagement and corruption?
“I think Hawaii is in better shape than the Los Angeles Lakers.
My god. That was so pitiful, losing to the 76ers at home.
Hawaii will win before L.A.”
cappie, i’m not a lakers fan, but i believe in Swaggy P.
#believe
181. Always with his ridiculous statements. Need a new hobby? It’s called having an opinion. Just because not everyone’s opinion is on board with the majority doesn’t mean people need to get a new hobby. Glad to see you spending your time figuring out the Lion King puzzle though. Good luck.
I hope Rolo requests to change the teams name back to Warriors.
I wonder if opposing teams would tease the about being rainbow men.
BeWarrior.
I can’t wait to see Aaron Zwahlen get out there and play..I believe he will help turn this program around BIG time..He was voted by some ESPN analyst to be the next Jhonny Football. I hope his talent is not wasted.
Did Rolo have ties to Mike Smith who just got let go from Texas Tech? Maybe he’ll be added to the staff…
Smith was a GA while Rolo was coaching here.
I’ll change my avatar if Fred comes home!!
I need to see Lion King now so I know what everyone is talking about.
New post: http://hawaiiwarriorworld.com/?p=34671