Warrior Beat

Brian Smith, a former UH center and assistant coach, will coach at California Lutheran in Thousand Oaks, Calif. He also will complete work on his master’s degree. Smith had coached the running backs and receivers at California Lutheran in 2005 before working as a graduate assistant at Oregon State in 2006 and offensive line coach at Portland State in 2007. He returned to UH as part of Greg McMackin’s first UH coaching staff in 2008. Smith recruited  and coached running […]

The bill for goodwill actually wasn’t that high. Eyebrows could be raised for sending the Warriors to Maui for an event drawing about 500 fans. But Hawaiian Airlines comped the airplane tickets and Maui County paid for the rental costs of War Memorial Stadium. The lunch was donated. That left UH with the expense of a bus. (The Warriors arrived and departed at staggered times.) The Warriors actually turned a profit. On Friday night, head coach Norm Chow was the […]

WAILUKU — It was an interesting practice although, because of the injuries and depth concerns, there were limitations on the length of the “scrimmage.” Among the highlights: • Cecil Doe made a leaping catch, eluded a defender and then raced the rest of the way to complete a 60-yard scoring play. • Jeremy Higgins continued his candidacy for the quarterback’s job by completing 5 of 9 passes for 135 yards (including that TD to Doe). • Miah Ostrowski had another […]

The Warriors yesterday had their second scrimmage of spring training. They ran 54 plays, with the offense doing well in the first half and the defense dominating in the second. The good: DC Thom Kaumeyer is meeting his goal of building depth in personnel and schemes. The wolf defense allows the Warriors to play four linebackers, including two on the line of scrimmage. The tactic created a pass rush and, often, hurried the offense out of rhythm. DE Beau Yap […]

Free safety Dante Johnson’s name appears to evoke question marks. When Johnson’s name was included among the interview requests, a UH official said: “Dante Johnson?” When the request list was being read off, Warrior football teammates responded with a collective: What? But Johnson has made an interception in each of the past two scrimmages. And he has been getting work in spring-training drills. Johnson said he still is adjusting to the newly implemented defense, and his interceptions are a way […]

There was yelling, no-pause action, and three players were ousted for “lollygagging.” In other words, it was a productive Tuesday practice. “We made it hard,” head coach Norm Chow said of the Warriors’ first practice in four days. “We wanted it hard. They hung in there. They sucked it up. It’s going to be hard. We’re raising the bar.” Chow had set two goals for yesterday’s practice: 1) Maintain the intensity and focus, and 2) Work on tackling. Chow noted […]

• The Warriors resume practicing this afternoon. You’ll know that, of course, because of the loud music and the pads popping. Head coach Norm Chow said he would like to see improved tackling, so several drills will be devoted to that skill. • Chow said the Warriors will have combo practice/scrimmages on Thursday and Saturday. • Running back Sterling Jackson, who underwent offseason shoulder surgery, will not be cleared for contact drills until July. • John Hardy-Tuliau will remain at […]

Need a football fix? Here’s what’s coming up (and note the change in the starting time for the Maui event): Tuesday • Chad Owens is the featured speaker at the Downtown Athletic Club Hawaii’s monthly luncheon at Hukilau Honolulu (Executive Centre, 1088 Bishop St.). The $20 fee includes a lunch buffet. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., event starts at about noon. • The Warriors’ 10th practice of spring training begins at 3:15 p.m. and runs until coach Norm Chow says […]