It’s spring cleaning, which means putting away the football charts that have been collecting on a dining table no longer used for dining. Among the notes: > The Rainbow Warriors were in formations involving three or more receivers on 71.1 percent of their offensive plays in 2013. > They were in five-receiver sets six times. > They played at a relatively fast pace, averaging a play every 20.3 seconds. > They are ranked 38th nationally in explosive drives at 15.8 […]

One of the tricks of controlled publicity is to announce transactions on Friday afternoon because that evening’s newscasts and the next day’s newspaper editions are the least watched and read, respectively. That’s why yesterday’s timing is curious, because Wayne Moses’ hiring as running back coach is good news that UH should have celebrated widely. With a small window — Chris Wiesehan resigned a little more than two weeks ago to coach Temple’s offensive lineman — UH was able to fill […]

Wayne Moses, who has coached at five Pac-12 schools, has been named the Rainbow Warriors’ new assistant coach in charge of running backs. Moses most recently was with Army. But he also was on the same staff with Norm Chow at UCLA and USC. He is expected to join the team in time for Tuesday’s opening of spring training. * * * * * When Scott Harding — UH’s punter, punt returner, slotback and backup holder — has extended free […]

Not even a state holiday could interrupt safety Damien Packer’s workout schedule. “I’m focused,” said Packer, who is completing his second year at UH. “I’m going to make this happen.” Spring training opens on Tuesday, and Packer hopes to earn an expanded role on defense and special teams. His ultimate wish? “Hopefully, I can get a scholarship after this spring,” Packer said. Packer, who was raised on the Big Island,  relies on financial aid, student loans and his mother’s generosity […]

Special teams coordinator Chris “Demo” Demarest knows how to evaluate — and  not just in football recruiting. Demarest, who is doing work on the East Coast this week, has managed to swing by the New York metropolitan area, where he was raised. “On the East Coast, there’s a deli, bagel joint and pizza shop on every corner,” Demarest said. “It would be unjust to name just one (as the best) because there are so many great places to eat.” When […]

Spring break means sun and … fun? For nearly 2 hours yesterday afternoon, slotback Quinton Pedroza and six teammates worked on drills at Ching field. “Some people are on spring break,” cornerback Damien Packer said, “and some people are on spring work.” Pedroza, who redshirted in 2013 after transferring from Utah, opted to spend UH’s spring break in Hawaii instead of visiting family in California. “While people are having spring break on the beaches, we’re putting in overtime on this […]

Whenever wideout Keith Kirkwood goes back to New Jersey, the first stop is to see his grandmother, Mildred Kirkwood. She celebrated her 90th birthday last month, grateful for good health, family and friends. “She’s still living the life,” Kirkwood said. Last season, Kirkwood wore No. 89, in tribute to her age. This season, he requested No. 9, for her ninth decade. Kirkwood also makes sure to stop by an oceanfront area in Hazlet, N.J.. He said he goes there during […]

Defensive lineman Siasau “Saui” Matagiese was ready for the real world. After completing his UH eligibility this past November, he earned his bachelor’s degree a month later. He then notified UH coaches he would not be participating in last week’s pro day. As it turned out, Matagiese was not ready to give up the Xs and Os — well, at least the X part. He signed to play for the Asahi Soft Drinks Challengers of the X-League, Japan’s professional football […]