Warrior Beat: Day 1 of Hawaii football training camp
The first day of the Warriors’ training camp is in the book. Of note:
> During passing drills, the Warriors ran two sections: Cole McDonald was leading one group, Chevan Cordeiro was guiding the other. McDonald, as expected, is — at this very second — the No. 1 QB. No surprise, of course, given his breakout 2018 season and his selection representing UH at the recent Mountain West Media Days. Cordeiro worked mostly with the younger receivers. Sometimes they did well, sometimes they struggled. But it was a key session because it enabled Cordeiro to develop a connection as well as advance his vocal leadership.
>> 2019 FALL CAMP DAY 1 PHOTO GALLERY
> As we learned last year, the Warriors are not afraid to play freshmen — well, at least up to four games (thus preserving their redshirt year). Head coach Nick Rolovich said he was impressed with true freshman receivers Lincoln Victor, Mekel Ealy and Chance Beyer. Rolovich also expects wideouts Nick Mardner and Jonah Panoke to contribute.
> The folks who pay the most attention — that’s you, Kapakahi — note that Ernest Moore is really coming on as a left tackle. He’s noticeable for his agility, length and 6-8 frame. The bright yellow shoes also are noteworthy. Guys who grew up with basketball as their primary sport have to make a full commitment to play football. Moore did that, buying in, as they say. Keep an eye on him.
> Penei Pavihi and Jeremiah Pritchard. Jeremiah Pritchard and Penei Pavihi. Both are making impacts at mike linebacker. They’re deceptively fast and evidently strong. Pritchard redshirted last season but was allowed to practice. For the coaches, that was like having a gift they couldn’t use. Now Pritchard is unwrapped.
> Because there are four weeks of practices before the opener, there’s no sense rushing safeties Kalen Hicks and Khoury Bethley back in. But both should be good to go soon. By his own choice, Bethley opted to not redshirt as a true freshman in 2018. That year of experience helped Bethley, who has emerged as free safety with power and range. Power ranger?
> Freshman quarterbacks Boone Abbott and Zach Daniel were described as “swimming” during their UH debut today. But they also displayed strong arms and a willingness to pick up the offense. They should be much improved in the next two weeks.
> Defensive lineman Djuan Matthews has arrived and should be good to go.
Macadang hapon Tsaikos
djuan matthews should be good to go sounds like something is holding him up.
Our season (pre) has started; GO WARRIORS!
Come join our Road Warrior group at games at UW, RENO and UNLV; and sit with other UH fans and families of our current players at the 50 yard line right behind our beloved Warriors!
Our group is 400+ at UW and 500+ at UNLV; and come join our tailgates and meet your fellow diehard fans!
Email me: tomkitaguchi@yahoo.com
Jahlani Tavai impressing!
https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/07/lions-rookie-lb-jahlani-tavai-standing-out-early-as-versatile-grinder.html
What I saw at practice was a very athletic group over all. I thought they looked sharp and well conditioned. Exciting to see Hekili Li’iliki running the ball, he is a big guy with nice moves. Furuta looks strong too. It’s early yet, but Cole and the first team receivers are going to be something to behold. Cole is much bigger and in my eyes is the most impressive QB I’ve seen at UH in recent years.
Having all the coaches back is great – there is a tightness and cohesion which shows in the players.
These Warriors are going to surprise some people. That first game against ASU should be a great one. Let’s fill the stadium!
Warriors all! All Warriors! GO WARRIORS!!!
Nice. How’s your tree DPK?
bs – Tree? What tree?
All I saw were Warriors looking good and one well known, lyin’, rabble rousing sports writer. He did mention something about a tree, he seems obsessed about it. Oh yeah and he did say something about getting my nails done with my wife, maybe even my toe nails too. Sad that such a gifted writer should so confused.
It is worthy to also note that Cordeiro is putting on good weight. Coach Uahinui and I agreed that he could develop into one those Doug Flutie types, only a little bit bigger.
The way Corderio played last year reminded me of McKenzie Milton in his freshman year. Both possess “uncanny” abilities to make plays (kinda Doug Fluttie like) in key situations. It took some time for Milton to gain trust from his teammates (seemed coaching staff had no problem trusting him though). He was all over the “map” with fumbles, interceptions, and scrambling into sacks, but he changed the complexion of the UCF offense (which was already pretty efficient before McKenzie took over via injury) by making big play after big play. Corderio has that same ability. Special. You could see and feel it last season. Different from Cole. Not better but different. But you have to be “all in” trust wise on Chevan through it’s course because the “big play” WILL happen from him when you might not expect it. Nice to have the “next generation” receivers group develop with him as understudies. Will have easy transition into future seasons. Unbelievable now.
sackabooya –
Exactly. I’m reminded of Cordeiro’s heroics in the Wyoming game. Yes, he and Cole are very different, but it’s good to know that we’ll them as one and two.
Uahinui gets little recognition, but I feel his mechanics are the best among the three returning QBs. He just hasn’t had game time PT to demonstrate and develop his game management skills. Maybe this year.
New post: https://www.hawaiiwarriorworld.com/?p=50377