During his five-year Warrior career, offensive lineman John Wa‘a was as reliable as a sunrise — which was fitting, because that’s the time he would be in full practice gear each weekday of the season. He played in 50 of a possible 52 UH games, including 26 starts in a row through his senior-walk game. But the final whistle at 7:25 p.m. on Nov. 25, 2017 also marked the end of an ironman career. Wa‘a appears to have decided not […]
Former UH defensive back Dejaun Butler has received — and accepted — an invitation to compete in the NFL’s veterans combine on March 24-25 in Tampa. About 100 players with pro experience will participate in the invitation-only event. “I’ve been grinding, trying to stay focused, keep my foot on the gas,” Butler told the Warrior Beat. Butler was not selected in the 2017 draft. And then things got hectic. He signed with the New Orleans Saints after a successful tryout, […]
Quarterback Kolney Cassel, who played at Sacramento State the past three seasons, is seeking to join the Warriors as a walk-on. Because he would be a graduate transfer, Cassel would be eligible to compete this season, if the NCAA grants his request for a sixth season. He was sidelined most of the past three seasons while recovering from a shoulder injury. But when healthy, Cassel possesses a powerful arm and knowledge of the run-and-shoot offense, a scheme the Warriors will […]
Back in the early days of the blog, Hawaiian Bod was a regular poster who attended functions and shared his passion for UH football. He was a good guy who maintained a good attitude despite medical challenges. He demonstrated grace and grit. Most of all, he inspired. I received a message the other day that we lost him. But we’ll always remember his courage, optimism and fellowship. Deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.
A few coaches really know the run-and-shoot offense. Even fewer really, really know the intricacies of UH’s run-and-shoot offense. One of those gurus is Dan Morrison, a guiding light to run-and-shoot quarterbacks. Morrison helped transform Dan Robinson from a pinata into a bowl-winning passer, and mentored record-setting quarterbacks Nick Rolovich, Tim Chang and Colt Brennan. Morrison, who is Hamilton’s QB coach, is in town. His presence has two-fold value. Morrison has provided tips for Bryant Moniz, a former UH quarterback […]
It was 1992, and the Warriors had one last football scholarship to offer. Head coach Bob Wagner and recruiting coordinator Kanani Souza wanted to award the scholarship to someone who would “pay it forward” following his UH career. Wagner and Souza consulted with several high school coaches. Skippa Diaz, the legendary Farrington High coach, made a compelling case for an undersized running back whose family was living in public housing at the time. “Skippa saw a lot of kids come […]
Four years and one surgery ago, Jacob McEnroe was one of the top basketball players in the state. As a Farrington senior, he led the Governors to the championship game of the 2014 Division I state championship game. He was named to the all-tournament team. But McEnroe, who appeared headed to Baylor as a basketball/football player, had dual setbacks: 1) he did not meet the NCAA requirements to play as a freshman, and 2) he suffered a torn patella. McEnroe […]
After a moderately successful — but injury-filled — career in the NFL, Kealoha Pilares is back in school and working toward completing a degree. In the meantime, Pilares is helping to train football players and teach holistic methods to prevent injuries. Each morning, Pilares helps former UH wideout Keelan Ewaliko prepare for UH’s pro day. * * * * * Tomorrow UH is holding walk-on tryouts. Keep an eye on this speedy slotback — Trey Larsen, an HBA graduate who […]