Spring Practice #13

I work with Stephen Tsai. I know Stephen Tsai. I am no Stephen Tsai.

Nevertheless, here are some notes from the Rainbow Warrior football team’s practice this morning while Stephen makes his way back from pro day.

>> Nick Rolovich was a late arrival at the grass practice fields after catching an early-morning flight back from pro day in Azusa, Calif. The Warriors were into position drills when he arrived and devoted much of the practice to 7-on-7 and team periods in their first session of the final week of spring practice.

“Good practice, got into some situational stuff, did some red zone, some 2-minute, situational awareness. That’s kind of what this week is going to be about,” Rolovich said.

Rolovich also shared some feedback he received from scouts who attend UH’s pro day on Monday.

“I just told our guys, scouts came up to me (and said) ‘whatever you guys did over there, you guys are acting much better compared to the last pro day,’ ” Rolovich said. “Guys went there to work, they followed directions, no complaining, no whining, no selfishness. I think we improved our reputation in the eyes of the scouts and that’s good for the future.”

>> The offense capped the first round of a 7-on-7 2-minute drill with a short touchdown pass from Dru Brown to Dylan Collie. Sophomore cornerback Cameron Hayes answered for the defense on the next drive with an interception to continue a strong push late in the spring.

“The last week, Cam has played better than probably anybody as far as the corners go,” UH defensive backs coach Abe Elimimian said. “He’s had three interceptions for touchdowns in camp and he got one today. He’s just been on a tear and been doing great.”

Hayes is part of a competition for the cornerback spot opposite sophomore Roe Farris.

>> Linebackers Russell Williams Jr. and Solomon Matautia also had interceptions in 11-on-11 periods.

>> Running back Diocemy Saint Juste burst through the middle of the line for a long touchdown run on the first play of a 2-minute drill and broke loose again later in practice.

>> Although Rolovich was a bit late, there was no shortage of coaches on the sideline at the start of practice. Former UH coach Dick Tomey was on hand as well as former defensive coordinator Thom Kaumeyer, who brought along coaches from Japan to watch practice.

>> The Warriors have a closed practice on Wednesday and finish off the spring schedule with the Warrior Bowl scrimmage on Thursday. The scrimmage is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Ching Complex and is open to the public. Rolovich said the scrimmage will be similar to Saturday’s session at the Football Family Festivus, which included a little over 80 plays … although the head coach will probably not be in a tuxedo this time.