Full gear
For the first time this spring, the Warriors put on full pads during today’s rough-and-tumble (but no fumble) practice on the grass field.
The Warriors wasted little time, staging an Oklahoma-styled 5-on-3 session, with a running back trying to navigate against a three-man front. On one series, it was slotback Dylan Collie aligned as the lone back. On his third carry, he zigged and zagged for a touchdown, then absorbed a late hit in the “end zone.”
The Warriors had two team drills in which they were able to work their new hybrid offense against the reshaped 4-3 defense. Aaron Zwahlen, Ikaika Woolsey and Beau Reilly received equal reps at quarterback.
Diocemy Saint Juste continues to impress among the group of running backs, showing no ill effects from last year’s hamstring injury.
Jahlani Tavai also has emerged as a playmaker at middle linebacker. Tavai drew praise from Solomon Elimimian, UH’s career leader in tackles who also played middle linebacker. Elimimian was among several former Warriors who attended the 2-hour practice.
Oklahoma drill: sat7
Oklahoma drill: Diocemy Saint Juste video
It was a good practice to watch. Lots of enthusiasm and there seems to be a calmness at camp. The offense seemed to be ahead of the defense,, unlike most years when its the other way around.
Thanks for the updates, Tsai.
Rolo uses Lion King and Pride Rock nicely… But Lilo taught Stitch about Ohana and it is nice to see Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, from past to present, stick together to make this team better. We may not have the billionaire alumni who can donate a lot to the university but former players, other than the coaches, are taking the time to not only attend practices… But they have helped with coaching as well!!! That’s ohana!!
Was that Ulu-Perry going against Kennedy in the first video?
ST:
How long is Solomon E staying in Hawaii?
GREAT PRACTICE, GREAT ENERGY!
The coaching staff is as fired up as the players are! Showing enthusiasm, professionalism and aloha.
I was just standing around on the sidelines, just watching, and Naeole, Lempa and Rolo came up to me at different times to thank me for coming out to see the team practice. Makes you feel like you’re wanted, respected and part of Pride Rock.
The team was jacked up! I don’t care what the naysayers say. To bring this team back from the doldrums and funk it was in just a few short months ago speaks volumes for Rolo and his staff and their leadership. IMUA!
LIVE ALOHA, PLAY WARRIOR!
Here is my prerequisite football comment: Max Wittek is rated as a quarterback prospect by WalterFootball.
What I’m really excited about is Breland Almadova’s prospects of reaching the big leagues. The starting Diamondback centerfielder is probably out for the year. Almadova steals bases, fields his position well, and has some power. He just strikes out way, way, way too much.
Stephen Wright is slated to be the Red Sox’s fifth starter.
I’m surprised that Matt Cooper wasn’t brought up by the White Sox as a non-roster invitee.
Great reporting ST and all bloggers–this sounds like a completely new team in the making! Hoping to hear more good news each day!
GO WARRIORS!!!
WE BELIEVE!!!
I saw only one match up between Kennedy and Ulu-Perry. Kennedy blew right by and may not have even been touched. But Ulu-Perry was dominant against everyone else he went up against. He was just stone walling guys. If he does get ahold of Kennedy he would probably have the advantage. Kennedy looks very light but his quickness is off the charts. Noga like. Which is the first time I have ever compared anybody to those legends. But Fred Ulu-Perry is just so big and still so very quick and is blessed with such great feet. Even though he is redshirting he still gets a ton of reps working with the second unit. And the QB battle isn’t really a battle to me. Zwahlen while he isn’t the dominant performer he certainly shows the highest ceiling and Ikaika just wasn’t accurate today. Zwahlen put some long passes right on the money.
Some additional observations from an untrained eye at today’s practice (thinking of the mainland guys who can’t just drive over to check out a practice like some of us):
– I thought that the defense was waaayyy ahead of the offense. D was playing fast…really fast. O looked like timing and execution is still work in progress. Coach Rolo complimented the D, telling them that the O’s pads was looking a little heavy them.
– Gonna use numbers cuz just easier to type. 96 made noticeable plays during 11s. Got a “sack” and batted down a pass as he closed in on the QB. Seems like guys on roster will really fit the DE position in the 4-3.
– I know it’s only the 3rd day of spring practice, and nothing is set, but FYI the OL 1s from left to right were 50, 78, 51, 65, 74. The OTs running with the 2s looking monstrous…72 has bulked up some and 73 has slimmed down some. 64 was the 2nd C and does have talent that just stands out…once he locks into his guy, it’s game over.
– 15 took the first reps during drills, 7s, and 11s. Looked ok, but to me, none of the 3 QBs stood out. Work in progress…mostly timing. Again, I know it’s only the 3rd day of spring practice with a different offense and different coaches. The talent definitely looks to be there and I’m confident that progress will be made with time.
– Some noticeable guys that were only in jerseys and not suited up (injuries?): 4, 33, 39, 75.
– Saw a lot of the fun-living Coach Rolo at practice, and then also got a glimpse of the tough-love Coach Rolo. He started absolutely ripping into a D player on the sidelines during 11s. Was like a flashback to tongue lashings of the last couple of years. I kind of wondered if Coach Rolo was just like a cool coach that always just got along with the players. It was actually kind of good to see that Coach can totally put his foot down when needed.
– 29 and 22 looked really good on the ground game.
– After the late hit Stephen mentioned above, 23 went right after the perpetrator, got him on the ground and got a few words and shoves in. Feisty.
– The entire defense definitely rallies around 90. There is no doubt that 90 will be a captain and a leader for this year’s team.
#96 also had a good practice today.
Great reports from those at practice. Know it takes time and effort but sure would be nice if heights and weights were updated on the roster. Only helps visualize how some of these folks have changed in the offseason. Any info on Clement? I know Coach Naole wanted this guy as a late addition and appears to have the ability to develop into something. Norman appears according to report to have added some good weight. 260 or so was still too light to play OT…..only think you can compete there if you are 280 or more unless you run option type offense—wishing these guys the best-Go Warriors
Maddog50, my take on some visible weight changes. Matt Norman is heavier; maybe closer to 275/280 and looks good. Austin Webb has lost weight and needs another year to put on more muscle. Sam Akoteu has shed weight. Looks like 300 now and he’s got some quickness and speed. He’ll be pushing to start. And it was shocking to see Kennedy so thin. He doesn’t even look 260. Maybe he has heavy bones, but he looks around 245/250. The guy with the 6-pack is Russell Williams and he’s got quickness.
New post: http://hawaiiwarriorworld.com/?p=36646