Warrior Beat

Expanded coverage of UH football, including practice notes, game analysis, recruiting info and observations on the Mountain West Conference.

About the blog host

Stephen Tsai covers University of Hawaii football for the Star-Advertiser. Follow him on Twitter @StephenTsai and sign up for the Hawaii football newsletter here: http://www.hawaiiwarriorworld.com/email-signup/

Latest news

UH football: Leilehua DB mulling options

By Stephen Tsai on May 22, 2016

If Leilehua High defensive back Charles “Moku” Watson had to make a college choice right here and right now, he said: “It would be UH.” “I built a real strong bond,” Watson added. “For the most part, staying home and rebuilding the process is something I want to do.” But Watson, who lives with relatives in Wahiawa, said he won’t make a decision until after he returns from a three-week trip to California on June 28. “I know I’m always […]

“UH is getting a steal”

By Stephen Tsai on May 21, 2016

What was announced in January has become official: Mililani High’s Kaimana “Mana” Padello is joining the Warriors as a preferred walk-on. “He’s my guy,” Mililani head coach Rod York said, “but anybody would say: ‘UH is getting a steal.’ He’s walking on because he wants to stay home and he wants to play for the home team.” Padello is a pass-rush specialist who played the 5 and 7 techniques in Mililani’s four-man front. He amassed 24 sacks in each of […]

Condolences

By Stephen Tsai on May 21, 2016

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Cancer sucks. It doesn’t discriminate. It takes our young and our elderly; the tough and the innocent. Last night, it took one of the bravest and most honorable. Deepest sympathy to Robert Kekaula on the loss of his father.

Kaiser’s Nic Tom set to join Warriors

By Stephen Tsai on May 20, 2016

One of Hawaii’s most versatile high school athletes — Nic Tom of Kaiser High — will be joining the Warriors as a walk-on this summer. “I felt like UH was the better option,” said Tom, who also received offers from Air Force and two Division II schools. Richard Torres, Kaiser’s defensive coordinator and a former UH co-captain, praised Tom as “one of the hardest workers I know.” “The kid trains seven days a week,” Torres said of Tom, who is 5 […]

UH football: Talent search

By Stephen Tsai on May 19, 2016

This recruiting period, the Warriors have tried to make a good first — and final — impression. This is the NCAA’s evaluation period (April 15-May 31) during which an FBS team’s assistant coaches may visit high schools, chatting with coaches, counselors and teachers. On the first day, April 15, the nine UH assistant coaches and coordinators visited all but one of the 30 Oahu football teams. (An appointment with a school dealing with a tragedy was rescheduled.) The Warriors then […]

UH football: Joas, Gener get pro shots

By Stephen Tsai on May 18, 2016

Former UH running back Pereese Joas and linebacker Julian Gener are getting opportunities to possibly continue their football careers. The Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League reportedly invited Joas to their training camp. Joas performed well at UH’s pro day in March. Listed at 5 feet 5 1/8 and 173 pounds, Joas produced these results: > 4.54 seconds in the 40-yard dash — > 4.16 seconds in the pro-agility drill > 6.95 seconds in the L-drill > 33 1/2 […]

High school freshman receives UH offer

By Stephen Tsai on May 17, 2016

Saint Louis School freshman Faatuiolemotu “Tui” Tuitele has yet to play in a varsity football game. His resume is limited because the Crusaders’ JV team plays a four-game regular season. But Tuitele is 6 feet 3, 270 pounds, strong, agile and smart — combined assets that caught the attention of Craig Stutzmann, UH’s pass-game coordinator/quarterbacks coach, and linebacker coach Sean Duggan. Stutzmann knows talent and he knows Saint Louis (as an alumnus and former Crusader JV coach). UH coach Nick […]

UH, Michigan to co-host football camp

By Stephen Tsai on May 16, 2016

The UH and Michigan football teams will be opponents on Sept. 3 in Ann Arbor. But next month, they will be partners, serving as co-hosts to a June 26 football camp on the Saint Louis School campus. The Warrior and Wolverine coaching staffs will serve as instructors. The Saint Louis coaches also will be involved in the one-day program. Registration fees and itinerary will be announced later. The camp is open to high-school-eligible players. This leg is part of Michigan’s […]