Warrior Beat

After some thought, Inoke Funaki is not ready to make the change. Funaki would like to keep jersey No. 11, the number he has worn during his entire UH career. Nickelback Richard Torres, another Kahuku alum, requested Funaki’s No. 11. In the spring prospectus, released yesterday, Funaki is listed as No. 2 and Torres as No. 11. They can’t wear the same number because both might be on the field at the same time on special teams. “I would like […]

UH today released this depth chart for spring ball: Offense LWO—Greg Salas; Joe Avery/Rodney Bradley. LSB—Jon Medeiros; Ryan Henry LT—Aaron Kia; Clayton Laurel/Brett Leonard LG—Ray Hisatake/Matagisila Lefiti;  Austin Hansen C—John Estes; Lefiti/Bronson Tiawanak RG—Brysen Ginlack/Raphael Ieru; Drew  Uperesa RT—Laupepa Letuli; Adrian Thomas. RSB—Kealoha Pilares; Dustin Blount RWO—Malcolm Lane/Royce Pollard; Jovonte Taylor QB—Greg Alexander; Brent Rausch; Shane Austin. RB—Leon Wright-Jackson; Inoke Funaki; Jayson Rego. Defense LE—Elliott Purcell/Victor Clore LT—Tuika Tufaga/Rocky Savaiigaea RT—Vaughn Meatoga; David Hafoka RE—John Fonoti; Alasi Toilolo SLB—Blaze Soares; […]

Today’s guest is offensive lineman Ray Hisatake. Today’s co-host will be Esme Infante-Nii, head of the hawaiimoms.com. Show starts at noon. Please join us. * * * Word on the street is that Nate Ilaoa will be assisting in some capacity this spring.  

In what essentially became a swap of centers, a deal was finalized in which Samson Satele was traded from the Miami Dolphins to the Oakland Raiders for an undisclosed draft pick. The trade actually was finalized the past Friday, but was not announced until last night. “I’m happy,” Satele told the Warrior Beat. “It’s close to home. It’s just a hop over the ocean.” Negotiations between the teams initiated shortly after center Jake Grove, the Raiders’ starting center last year, […]

“Bulldog?” Inoke Funaki said. “I thought they were talking about Kaimuki.” Bulldog actually is the hybrid running back/slotback position that Funaki is expected to play during spring training. With Greg Alexander set as the No. 1 quarterback, it was decided that a new role needed to be crafted to take advantage of Funaki’s athletic ability and knowledge of the run-and-shoot offense. Funaki has played quarterback in his first four years at UH. For Funaki, the key will be his ability […]

At the end of yesterday’s shambattle game, defensive end Alema Tachibana grabbed a volleyball and soared for a dunk. The scene proved two things: • Tachibana, a freshman from Kahuku High, is very athletic. • He also is very thin. “I eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, proteins,” Tachibana said. “It’s not working.” Tachibana, who is 6 feet 2, said he weighs 200 pounds — his playing weight as a Kahuku senior. “I want to get up to 220,” said Tachibana, who […]

The Warriors finished their offseason conditioning program with shambattle games in Gym I this morning. Strength coordinator Tommy Heffernan arranged the games. Volleyballs were used. And a team’s prisoners were freed if a throw dislodged an exercise ball placed atop the rim of a basketball net. The defense won two of three games. “This helps a little,” said defensive tackle Rocky Savaiigaea, whose team finished second in the Super Games competition that ended Wednesday. * * * Defensive lineman Haku […]

 A grand jury today indicted cornerback JoPierre Davis on six felony counts. He remains on suspension from the team, and is not on the Warriors’ roster. He still is on scholarship and is permitted to attend classes, but he is not allowed to train with the team or use the athletic department facilities. http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090319/BREAKING01/90319080 * * * Defensive tackle Vaughn Meatoga and offensive lineman Tui Tuiasosopo each squat-lifted 550 pounds during this morning’s testing. Meatoga Tuiasosopo Laupepa Letuli, who is […]