Warrior Beat

The first week of spring practice is in the books, and there was plenty of hitting and pad-popping. Unfortunately, because I’m a peon, the site says my videos can’t be directly uploaded to the blog. So I have to post them on Youtube, and then post a link. My apologies. > Freddie Holly: Holly video > Defense: Defense video > Genta Ito: Ito video * * * * * The Warriors made scholarship offers to 119 prospects the past week. […]

It was cloudy. And it was hot. Cloudy hot? For the first day in full pads, the Warriors opened with Oklahoma drills and closed with a 30-play, scrimmage-like session. The offense had its moments — Diocemy Saint Juste burst his way for a 45-yard touchdown, and Dru Brown and Marcus Armstrong-Brown connected on a 30-yard completion. But the defense had the most ooh moments. They picked off four passes and made several big hits. At the end of the practice, […]

The Warriors still were without pads, but there still was contact, particularly in the trenches, for today’s second of 15 practices. Of note: > Quarterbacks Dru Brown, Cole McDonald and Cole Brownholtz — in that order — each had two four-play series in modified scrimmage-like setting. Brown was 3-of-4, McDonald was 5-of-6, and Brownholtz was 2-of-2. > Running backs Diocemy Saint Juste, Freddie Holly, Ryan Tuiasoa, Elijah Dale and Genta Ito all seemed fresh. Ito made a quick-cut move that […]

The Warrior coaches have spent the past three days watching what can be termed the Hawaii Football Film Festival. From morning through night, they have analyzed videos of the top local prospects who will be seniors in the fall. They also have had separate sessions to watch videos of linemen and non-lineman players. And they have been sending out offers — lot of offers – to 2018 recruits. Spring training resumes with tomorrow’s 6 a.m. practice. Saturday’s practice will begin […]

Nick Rolovich was facing a unique dilemma. The final spring practice usually is on a Friday or Saturday to accommodate a spring game and festivities. This spring ball will end on Thursday, March 23, because the UH students won’t be around campus the following evening. Spring break officially starts that weekend. So Rolovich decided to expand the fun. There will be a scrimmage on March 23, as planned. But he also is working on details for a blowout bash on […]

In Nick Rolovich’s rating system, new assistant coach Jacob Yoro received the highest compliment when he was deemed “another Simba walking on the door.” Yoro fits the Warriors’ workmanlike criteria. He grinded his way through the coaching circuit, fueled by his passion for football and “a lot of ramen and a lot of ham sandwiches.” He said he received financial and emotional support from his parents. It also helped that there were periods when he did not own a car […]

Football always goes by its own calendar. Fall camp starts in August, June Jones was born in February and, yes, the Warriors’ spring training begins today. At today’s practice (which begins at 10 a.m. and is open to the public), watch these developments: > When the NFL sends out invitations to next year’s scouting combine, expect an e-mail to go to tight end Tui Unga. He’s tall, strong, fast and tenacious. This year, coach Nick Rolovich has opened a leadership […]

Reflection on the ‘Bows’ first two baseball games: > For the first two games, at least, the starting pitching was impressive. Brendan Hornung struck out nine, matching a career high, in seven innings in the opener. He threw first-pitch strikes to 22 of the 28 batters he faced. Dominic DeMiero, in his UH debut, followed with Saturday’s victory, allowing one earned run in seven innings. Of note, both had command of their out pitches — Hornung’s split-fingered fastball and DeMiero’s […]