The newly hired UH coaching staff faced this mathematical equation in December: > The NCAA permits each FBS team to sign a maximum 25 players per recruiting class. > Wideout Isaiah Bernard, cornerback Cameron Hayes and kickers Rigo Sanchez and Mauro Bondi were blueshirts who received scholarships for the 2015 season but counted toward the 2016 recruiting class. > There was an understanding from the previous staff that receiver Makoa Camanse-Stevens and long-snapper Noah Borden would earn 2016 scholarships. Because […]

The Warriors practiced the same way they did on Saturday — in full pads. Defensive end David Manoa had a breakout performance in team drills, making two stops for no gain on running plays and recording a sack — all in the same series. Outside linebacker Malachi Mageo had interceptions on consecutive plays. Defensive coordinator Kevin Lempa joked that he needs to hide Mageo from the offensive coaches. Mageo probably would make an ideal tight end. Some scenes from the […]

During Saturday’s team drills, wideout Don’Yeh Patterson dropped a sure touchdown pass at the end of a go route. As Patterson jogged to the end of the line of X receivers, he was ordered to line up for another rep. This time Patterson caught a pass on a crossing pattern. “They gave me a chance to make up for (the drop) right away,” Patterson said. Patterson is making the most of second opportunities. He redshirted as a freshman in 2014, […]

It started as another thought scribbled in coach Nick Rolovich’s book of ideas. April Fool’s Day prank? How about a wet-and-wild one? Rolovich concocted an elaborate water-balloon fight between the coaching staff and players. The key was the element of surprise. “It took a lot of planning,” said Rolovich, who summoned the coaches, graduate assistants, interns, video staff and facility managers to a 10 a.m. meeting on April 1. Defensive coordinator Kevin Lempa was absent — he was being interviewed […]

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 […]

It’s early, and the Warriors won’t don pads until tomorrow — they’re in “pajamas,” in Rolo-speak — but a few have gained notice. > John Ursua has dazzled as a slot receiver, punt returner and kickoff returner. He hasn’t played in a game in four years after working for a year, serving a two-year church mission, and redshirting. But he appears to be as quick as advertised. > Dany Mulanga has drawn comparisons to Anthony Smith, who made the successful […]

The Warriors expanded their spring roster, adding quarterbacks Toagamalu Brown and Hunter Hughes, and kickers Keoki Kaiahua and Kainoa McDonald. They joined following tryouts on Monday. Hughes and McDonald were on past UH rosters but did did not compete in 2015. Brown, 26, is a Waianae High graduate. Kaiahua is a graduate of Kaimuki High and Antelope Valley College.

Spring was in the air … … and a drone, which shot video as part of the Warriors’ social-media program … … and footballs throw by coach Nick Rolovich, who dusted off the magic touch that set passing records more than a decade ago … … And rat-a-tat passes from the quarterbacks who fired off five in a row, much like a basketball player during jump-shot drills. Rolo Era has started.