Sunday musings

The past four spring practices, the Warriors have been in full pads. Under the previous three head coaches, the Warriors would practice “like the pros,” having some workouts in just shells (shoulder pads) or no pads at all.

But head coach Nick Rolovoch said just because the Warriors are in full pads does not mean there is whistle-to-whistle hitting. “There are periods when we’re not very physical,” Rolovich said. “It’s spring ball. That’s part of the reason we spread it out over five weeks.”

The NCAA allots each team 15 spring practices. The Warriors practice three times each week, and not on consecutive days.

“They have a day to recover,” Rolovich said. “I think it’s a nice pace.”

Defensive tackle Kennedy Tulimasealii embraces the full-pad dress code.

“You wake up, and you automatically know you’re going to work,” Tulimasealii said.

Quarterback Ikaika Woolsey said: “It’s setting the foundation, that blue-collar work. We’re bringing our hard hat.”

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The quarterbacks also are getting a lot of work, with Woolsey, Beau Reilly and Aaron Zwahlen each averaging about 80 throws per practice.

“The thing is, we’re only practicing three times a week,” quarterbacks coach Craig Stutzmann said. “It’s not like we’re throwing their arms out or anything. There should be time to recover.”

The quarterbacks are preparing in game-like conditions. Instead of, say, using bags as obstacles, they’re working on footwork, dropbacks and so-called pocket-presence techniques. The goal is to quickly scan progressions, identify a target area, and get the proper foot placement and hip movement to make accurate throws, even while on the run.

“We’re trying to tie our eyes and feet to throws,” Stutzmann said.

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With the departures of corners Nick Nelson (transferring) and Ne’Quan Phillips (graduation) and Dany Mulanga’s move from safety to strong-side linebacker, there had been concern about the secondary’s depth.

But senior corners Jamal Mayo and Jalen Rogers — both are entering their third UH season — have emerged as vocal and physical leaders. UH’s fast-forward defense often requires leaving Mayo, Rogers and a free safety on a proverbial island. So far, Mayo and Rogers have responded.

Zach Wilson, a mid-year signee, Cameron Hayes and Roe Farris also have earned reps at corner. Dejaun Butler has moved to free safety. He’s a possible candidate for nickelback, too. And safety Trayvon Henderson is expected to be fully healed for training camp.

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Former Warrior Daniel Tautofi, who never forgot his roots, is the architect of the Ka‘au Crater Bulldogs, a Palolo-based youth team comprised of sixth- and seventh-graders. Tautofi and assistant coach Matt Faga, also a former UH and Kaimuki High defensive lineman, brought the Bulldogs to Saturday’s practice.

They also presented Rolovich with a specially made shirt that reads, “That’s how we Rolo” on the back.

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Aaron Zwahlen slo-mo video:
Aaron Zwahlen video