Warrior Beat

In eight practices over 10 days, this is what we’ve learned from the Warriors’ training camp: > Line is fine: Sure, there were concerns about the o-line with the departure of six blockers because of graduation, ailments and other circumstances. And this camp has featured a nagging injury and what might have been a stomach flu. But line coach Chris Naeole has done a good job cross-training his unit, and giving meaningful reps to newcomers Emil Graves, Micah Vanterpool and […]

Nick Rolovich did two cool things. First, he excused the players from practice on Friday morning. Instead, they had a walk-through session that afternoon. The players were able to go through the scripted plays while getting somewhat of a break from what has been intensive practices. The benefit was shown today when the Warriors went through several scrimmage-like sessions. And, two, Rolovich paid for the rental of a shave-ice truck. Players, coaches, and young fans who attended today’s practice were […]

It appears former Saint Louis School defensive lineman Tristan Nichols is heading to the Manoa campus next year. Nichols, a sophomore at Arizona Western (junior) College, made a verbal commitment to the Warriors this week. Tre Nichols said his son is 6 feet 5 and 255 pounds. “He’s getting bigger and bigger every day,” Tre Nichols said. Nichols was raised on Maui but transferred to Saint Louis in 2015, where he played as a 16-year-old senior. “He’s a good player,” […]

Defensive end Fanupo Peapealalo is set to join the Warriors on Aug. 19, the final day of the training camp. Peapealalo played the past two seasons at Graceland University, an NAIA school in Lamoni, Iowa. Peapealalo is 6 feet 3 and 252 pounds. He is a 2015 graduate of Oceanside (Calif.) High near San Diego. His uncle, Carson Peapealalo, is a former Warrior running back.

For a family vacation to Hawaii, Jeremy Moussa toured the island, snorkeled, ate local food and … came away with a scholarship from the Warriors. Moussa, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound quarterback from Roosevelt High in Corona, Calif., told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser he made a verbal commitment to play for the Warriors in 2018. Moussa made his decision on Monday, but wanted to wait until after his family finished their week-long stay before making the official announcement. “I love the coaching staff,” […]

Larry “Tui” Tuileta has joined the Warriors as a quarterback. Tuileta returned from an international volleyball tournament yesterday, and was scheduled to meet with coach Nick Rolovich in the evening. Tuileta will attend today’s football practice, the fifth of spring training. Tuileta has been placed on a football scholarship. He will have two years of eligibility remaining in both sports. Tuileta, who was the volleyball Warriors starting libero this past season, was a state player of the year in both […]

Today is the final day of the “quiet period” during which prospects may visit the Manoa campus. Several prospects made unofficial visits today, observing this morning’s practice. UH football practices are open to the public through this week. * * * * * The Warriors are on a roll with their fourth solid practice of training camp. Much credit goes to strength/conditioning coordinator Bubba Reynolds, who delivered a fit squad from the offseason conditioning program. The defense also played well […]

Of all the Packers — Billy Packer, Aaron Rodgers, Trevor Davis — one of our favorites is Damien Packer. We first met him during unsupervised football workouts several years ago. I think it was Ne’Quan Phillips who said Packer was going to be a special player. Back then, Packer was a walk-on from the Big Island whose family endured hurricane flybys. He also admittedly lived on tuna. He worked hard, earned a scholarship and eventually a starting job at safety. […]