UH football: Hard knocks
The Warriors put on the full pads today for the first time in training camp. That meant, of course, scrimmage-like sessions.
There were 48 situational plays, and a 46-play controlled scrimmage. Ikaika Woolsey, Aaron Zwahlen, Beau Reilly, Dru Brown, Cole Brownholtz and Cole McDonald each took turns at quarterback.
After the practice, head coach Nick Rolovich said he would review videos and, with consultation with the offensive coaches, pare down the quarterback rotation. The consensus among TV and print reporters is Woolsey is ahead. But, heck, what do we know.
Of note:
> Running back Diocoemy Saint Juste is healthy, but he was held out of the scrimmage as the Warriors try to keep his legs fresh during training camp. Paul Harris moved to No. 1 in the rotation, and he produced some nice runs. Harris has gained 10 pounds since the end of 2015, and now weighs about 205.
> Ryan Tuiasoa, who is considered a short-yard runner, showed quickness on a 29-yard burst.
> Slotback John Ursua could not secure a pass off his fingertips on a potential touchdown play. But he came back in the next series to catch a pass off a slant pattern, eluded a tackle and raced the rest of the way for a 44-yard TD. Rolovich described Ursua as one of the team’s “playmakers.”
> Dejon Allen is having an impressive camp. He showed his grit when his jersey was ripped off during drills. He competed in the scrimmage-like sessions without a jersey, yet still provided blind-side protection. Allen has adjusted from the move from right guard to left tackle.
> Another practice, another interception for freshman safety Keala Santiago.
> Keep an eye on wideout Davine Tullis, who makes all the tough catches. During unsupervised workouts, he was flattened when he was inadvertently elbowed in the face while soaring for a catch. The next day, he appeared to be in good health. The guy is tough.
The scrimmage sessions were conducted during the no-video period. But the Warriors allowed reporters to shoot the Oklahoma drills. Here are some clips:
Enjoyed the clips.. mahalo!
ST, in your eyes How close is it between Woolsey and Zwahlen?
Hey, ST, I see you on “TV” all the time, so you are
one of “them”—also hear you a lot on radio.
Never turn you off when you are on.
Have the coaches had the qbs throw into garbage cans yet
ala June Jones? Colt Brennan couldn’t miss.
What’s up with D-linemen Makani Kema-Kaleiwahe and Kiko Faalologo? Kiko had a full-leg support or soft cast on his left leg and Makani Kema-Kaleiwahe did not practice. Hope both are ready for the Cal game. Also noticed OLB Jerrol Garcia-Williams was not at today’s practice, so Malachi Mageo was in his place. Looks like Pumba Williams is now a DE. And noticed that Davine Tullis looks ready to break into the rotation at WR and Ikaika looked more game ready than the other QBs. I thought he made good decisions, good throws and scrambled effectively.
4. Huh??? You thought Woolsey looked good? They didn’t even reach the end zone when Woolsey was at QB when I watched. Only QB that made some big plays were Dru Brown connecting with Ursua.
McDonald struggled a lot. Reilly missed a whole bunch of throws. Brownholtz has potential. Small sample size but Looks like he has some
Intangibles out of the group.
Some additional observations from today’s practice:
– Focused mostly on the O today. Order of QB rotation was 11, 15, 17, 13, 19, and 16. Hopefully they pare down the rotation soon because no one really has a chance to get into a rhythm with the limited reps in both 7s and 11s.
– Going live in the 11s seemed pretty tough for all the QBs. 11 definitely seems to be the most comfortable, but his upside is what it is. Was hoping for more development out of 15 since spring, but seems to be about the same.
– With additional reps, I can imagine some upside for both 17 and 19. There’s just something about both of them. 17 has the size and tools without a doubt. Strong arm and showed decent touch. Funky sidearm motion like Phillip Rivers. Has to process everything way more quickly. Coach Rolo: “You need to get rid of the ball 17!”. Maybe that will happen with additional time and reps. 19 just looks like a playmaker, as he didn’t seem overly rattled. He was actually the only one today that looked like he was able to make plays under pressure. Both of them seem to still be swimming with processing everything on O.
– The 1s at WR today were 14, 23, and 80. 45 is like 1a in the slot…and the guy has all the looks of being something really, really special. Had 2 TDs today, one long one on a ridiculous spin move in space. Should have had a 3rd TD from 17, but misjudged where he was at the back of the end zone. He went over to tell 17 that it was his bad. 11 personnel sets seem to be the base formation (86 running with the 1s), but saw couple snaps with 10 personnel sets…wouldn’t mind seeing more of that to get both 23 and 45 on the field at the same time.
– Apparent O starters sitting out were 22 and 7. 1st team OL was 50, 78, 65, 51 and 74. 2nd team OL today was 72, 57, 64, 66, and 73.
– Quite a few possible D starters sitting out today including 2, 3, 5, 8, and 19. I think 1s on D today were 97, 75, 99, 43 on DL; 44, 31, 38 at LB; 11 and 20 (or 28) at CB; and 15 and 39 at S. D was playing fast…really fast. They look good, and that’s without two of their best players in 3 and 5.
I’m starting to think Ikaika is a really good practice qb…
Thanks Darren, nice to know who’s ahead at each position.
Mr. Tsai, do you know if Rolo is taking a travel squad to Australia or if he can take all players?
Coincidence Brownholtz wears the same jersey number as Rivers then?
Anyway, I can deal with an unorthodox sidearm motion, ala Colt, as long as the young braddah is accurate. I’m sure even opposing D-lineman also get a little giddy when they go up against a side-armed gunslinger. God forbid they have to jump in order to block a pass!
Guud Afternoon Tsaikos…Bootiful Day!
Mahalo for the Tsaiko analysis of today’s scrimmage. Time is short, got to win your job. What you did today don’t count no more. Got to do it everyday, every play.
Some do practice well. We need it in the game. Bring it Warriors!
9. Nothing close to colt. He has a hop and a hitch in his throw. It’s like he bounces off his back foot instead of drives it with his leg. Brownholtz looked alright though given he’s just learning the offense. But not even close to the natural slinger colt was.
If colt is the yardstick by which fans measure the worth of new qbs, then UH will never become great.
Colt couldn’t make it in the nfl, the cfl, and arena football. Yet you all talk about him like he was a god.
No wonder UH continues to suck.
Impressions from the scrimmage today:
– To put it gently, we need a lot of work. Fans will need to show patience early on this year.
– Ursua, Holly, Santiago, Mageo showed something good today.
– No. of frontline returnees (#2, 5, 7, 8, 18) sitting out due to injury is concerning.
– No QB stood out today. There’s no one who’s head & shoulder above #11 and that’s a scary thought to me.
Keep working hard & keep the faith. Go Warriors!
Fei Jai
It’s what Colt did while he was at UH is why we talk about him like he was a god. I’m pretty sure when Colt was hear, u wasn’t so negative then.
*here
Shoko, I think you summarized it best. Yup, I too think the team needs to improve a lot and the days are clicking by very fast. And the QB situation remains a concern.
#11 has no upside and had his chance but couldn’t deliver. Rolo needs to make the right choice for the team and the fans. W’s brings the fans back. Which QB gives us the best chance for W’s? Which QB is going to seize this opportunity?
17. I don’t think any of the options are great. Woolsey looks the most comfortable but he’s still a game manager that won’t put up enough points.
I think Dru Brown gives Hawaii the best chance to create explosive plays on offense. He has a long ways to go as far as grasping the offense. But put him in zone read and he’ll make a play with his arm or legs. Looks like he type of player that will give pass rushers fits because he is elusive and can still make a play with his arm. The other qbs seemed too robotic for me. In college, I like a qb that can improve outside the playbook if a play breaks down.
Well, Waianae just beat Kamehameha in a thriller
but had to put the qb in shotgun mode to protect him
and finally get some passes. Is UH in shotgun sometimes
during practice???
How did timoteo look today? Very interested with his progression.
Is st juste a senior or junior this season?
I’m waiting for Kifi to give us an overview on how he thinks the o-line is progressing….
We have a long way to go!
Da Bears are way more talented.Cant see our d line
stopping anyone!
Imua warriors Lets get better!
Being good in practice is a lot different than being good in actual games. You never know when the lights go on. It’s all about being productive, being efficient, and scoring points. Rolo has to be prepared to play at least 3 QBs in the first game against Cal IMO.
ST: when is the team leaving for Australia? Heard Cal is leaving Aug 20 (means they arrive Aug 21 since Australia is one day ahead of us).
Mahalo everyone for the practice reports! Keep them coming!
Or arrive Aug 22 if they leave the late evening of Aug 20?
Similar to my many trips to the Philippines. One day I have to visit St Anthony Trojan in Manila, since we are both Maui boys.
Ikem Okeke – Kalen Hicks
Remember these names- it will be mentioned many times during games
If not this year..next for sure
Zhwalen is name the starter by a simba’s whisker with Woolsey as back up.
Fire your darts …make sure it don’t backfire
Davine Tullis is going to be special for the Warriors. He has that same consistent type of play as Davone Bess. Not afraid to go in the middle and make tough catches. He really stood out to me at practice. Surprising as he was a qb and db out of high school.
Getting pumped for the opener. Gonna try a vegemite sandwich no matter what people say! Heard Fosters aren’t the beer of choice down under. So what we gone drink den?
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