Warrior Beat

• Nice to see that former Warrior wideout Ashley Lelie has been re-classified as a UH student assistant, allowing him to coach on the field. As a student manager, he was allowed to serve as only an off-field mentor to player. Lelie received clearance from the NCAA, which allows schools to offer student assistant positions to players who returned to their schools to complete work on a bachelor’s degree. Jason Rivers also will be a student assistant. Not sure what […]

Brett Leonard, who was going to start at center, will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and miss the first three games.  Bronson Tiwanak will start at center now, completing UH’s starting offensive unit: LWO — Rodney Bradley LSB — Greg Salas LT — Austin Hansen  LG — Brysen “Bulla” Ginlack C — Bronson Tiwanak RG — Adrian Thomas  RT — Laupepa Letuli  RSB — Kealoha Pilares  RWO — Royce Pollard QB — Bryant Moniz RB — Alex Green […]

In voting by Warrior players, slotback Greg Salas, defensive tackle Vaughn Meatoga and linebacker Corey Paredes were named team captains for this year. A fourth captain will be named for each game, based on the number of votes received. Safety Spencer Smith will be a captain for the Sept. 2 USC game.  * * * * * Ramblings: • Know how the Olympic teams used to train in altitude to prepare for competition at sea level? Whether intended or not, […]

It is no coincidence that today’s practice at Aloha Stadium has the same 5 p.m. start time as next Thursday’s season-opening kickoff. Of course, for the game, the Warriors will arrive much earlier to the stadium. But today’s dress rehearsal will give the new Warriors a feel for playing on the Aloha Stadium’s fast turf, as well as getting used to the backdrops and setting. Remember the Warriors did not play their past spring game at Aloha Stadium. * * […]

Brett Leonard, who was poised to be named the starting center today, suffered what is being termed a “sprained” left knee during today’s practice. He was injured during a one-on-one drill. Leonard was wearing a knee brace at the time. Leonard underwent an MRI today. Early indication, we’re told, is while he might miss a few practices, he should be ready for  the USC game. * * * * * Mouse Davis: * * * * * It makes perfect […]

Line coach Gordy Shaw said the Warriors still are not set at two starting jobs on the offensive line. Left tackle Austin Hansen, right guard Adrian Thomas and right tackle Laupepa Letuli have secured starting jobs.  The coaches were prepared to announce left guard Brysen Ginlack and center Brett Leonard as starters. But Shaw said at least another day of evaluation is needed. The holdup, apparently, is the battle between Leonard and Bronson Tiwanak at center. Leonard and Ginlack had […]

Today is the first day of UH’s fall semester, which means the football roster is allowed to expand. None of the additions was allowed to participate  in today’s two-hour practice. There’s a waiting period while they attend orientation sessions and undergo physical examinations. From today’s practice: • It was announced that starting Wednesday, practices will be closed to everyone but the players’ immediate family members and local media. • The Warriors will have a closed practice Thursday at Aloha Stadium. […]

Looking ahead:  • Not exactly sure of the name, which is why  UH’s football clinic for male fans is a one-of-a-kind event. Can you imagine any other school taking fans, step by step, through the process of going through a game plan? And using lectures, “playbooks,” and on-field Q&A sessions with coaches and and players? All of this nine days before the season opener? The clinic starts at 7 p.m. Tuesday, with registration at 6 p.m. at the UH athletic […]