Warrior Beat

• After acing two physical examinations — the 1-mile run yesterday and agility drills today — running back Daniel Libre was cleared to practice. Libre, who did not play last week because of a high-ankle sprain, will play against Oregon State. • Running back Leon Wright-Jackson worked out on the sideline today. He has a strained arch. He is expected to play against Oregon State. • Aaron Kia, who did not play against Weber State because of tendinitis in his […]

• Running back Jake Heun was out t here, helmet in hand. But Greg McMackin said it is unlikely that Heun will play this weekend. • Looks like the Allen-Jones brothers — C.J. and Cameron — are the No. 2 defensive ends. The No. 2 defensive tackles are Vaughn Meatoga and Tuika Tufaga. • And Desmond Thomas has emerged as a No. 1 safety in the Okie defense (3-3-5). Thomas comes in for Erik “E-Rob” Robinson. • Brysen Ginlack was […]

The weekend’s surprise hero, Tyler Graunke, is no surprise as the WAC’s Offensive Player of the Week. He went 13 of 20 for 218 yards in his second-half appearance in leading the Warriors to a 36-17 victory over Weber State. Graunke said his last WAC award was for a one-half performance, too. * * * Graunke said his last name is pronounced Gron-kee, like Ron, and NOT Grun-kee, like run. * * * The Warriors had a light workout this […]

Indeed, it was a chicken-skin comeback for Tyler Graunke, whose experience (more than four years in this system) meant more than his practice time (three full workouts this season). It also was the breakout game — actually, 30 minutes — for Aaron Bain, Mike Washington, Greg Salas and Malcolm Lane. While the Warriors have eight new starters on offense, this is an experienced unit. As the understudies to Ryan Grice-Mullins and Davone Bess, Bain and Washington never redshirted. They are […]

• Left tackle Laupepa Letuli did not ;make the hotel list, and will not play tonight. About 65 players stay in a Waikiki hotel before home games. • Winner of the guess-the-score contest gets volleyball tickets. * * * Showing team pride, these shoes are worn by today’s UH starting quarterback: * * * The mohawk is so passe. Here’s Raphael Ieru’s half-hawk: * * * Clarence “Lafu” Tuioti-Mariner, flanked by his cousin and his mother. * * * Gahr […]

 Courtesy of Mark Platte, we are in possession of four tickets to tomorrow’s UH football game. Two are going to Al, who won the volleyball contest but cannot attend the matches. The other two are going to post No. 400. And, by the way, these sideline tickets are in the Mauka Orange, fifth row. * * * One of Inoke Funaki’s early fans is tomorrow’s opposing quarterback, Weber State’s Cameron Higgins. “I looked up to Inoke when he was in […]

The Weber State football team arrived this afternoon, and after a meal, practiced at Aloha Stadium. Here’s the other Coach Mac — Ron McBride: Chris Fuamatu-Ma‘afal, who played for McBride at Utah, stopped by. Mr. and Mrs. Bulla provided the food — 90 Zip-Pacs. * * * • Keith AhSoon will be the starting left tackle against Weber State. AhSoon moves from left guard. Brysen Ginlack will open at left guard. Laupepa Letuli, who won’t practice until Monday, will reclaim […]

The NFL life goes on for five former Warriors. Running back Reagan Mauia today signed a two-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. Mauia was cut the past weekend by the Miami Dolphins. He returned to the Bay Area, but then was invited to try out for the Bengals. Fullback Jeremi Johnson is out for the season, and the Bengals were in need of a blocking back. For the season opener, the Bengals will move a tight end to the backfield. […]