Warrior Beat

Hey, we’re back. Thanks for the kind e-mails and phone calls of support. But now it’s back to football. * * * • Kealoha Pilares today practiced at running back today in what is being regarded as a stop-gap move. He will become a hybrid receiver/runner when running back Daniel Libre is cleared to resume practicing. Libre has a high sprain in his right ankle. • Aaron Kia was the No. 1 left tackle today in place of Laupepa Letuli […]

It is with much regret and sadness that I will be taking a break from blogging. Several non-bloggers — Mike Gordon, Dan Nakaso, Wayne Harada, Paul Kuromoto and Chris Neil — called for a temporary blog shutdown. I don’t usually pay attention to those who try to direct from the shadows. (I’m still waiting for someone to say “thanks” for my previous two blog shutdowns.) But my other co-workers are my family, and in support of the six unions representing […]

Today’s three-hour practice will be the final evaluation period as the coaches determine, 1) the now 66-player travel roster to Florida, and 2) which players will redshirt this season. The key redshirt candidates include slotbacks Ryan Henry and Dustin Blount, wideout Mike Tinoco and outside linebacker Paipai Falemalu. All four have played well in training camp. But there are four set players for the two slotback positions — seniors Aaron Bain and Michael Washington, and underclassmen Kealoha Pilares and Jon […]

No. 1 quarterback Brent Rausch was withheld from practice today because of a slight strain in the right forearm and biceps of his throwing arm. Head coach Greg McMackin said Rausch will not make any throws, not even in warmups, during tomorrow’s practice. The Warriors do not practice Sunday. McMackin said Rausch is expected to practice Monday. Greg Alexander took all of the snaps with the No. 1 offense today. But McMackin said that if Rausch “is 100 percent, he’s […]

Quarterback Tyler Graunke will be reinstated to the team, head coach Greg McMackin said today. He had been withheld from team activities since Aug. 4 because of “academic issues.” He resolved those issues this past weekend, according to his father, Jeff Graunke. Because Graunke must undergo medical examinations and attend NCAA-mandated orientation sessions, he will not travel to Florida for the Aug. 30 season opener. McMackin said he will take only three quarterbacks — Brent Rausch, Greg Alexander and Inoke […]

The Warriors practiced for two hours today, beginning at 7 a.m., their earliest start of training camp. Defensive end John Fonoti and defensive tackle Fale Laeli resumed practicing today. After practice, the Warriors broke training camp, officially moving out of the dance studios. Dan “The Iceman” Kelly packs up: * * * Quarterback Shane Austin folds his sheets before departing: * * * The best part of the end of camp? The training table is served in Stan Sheriff Center, […]

It sure was warm at the Warriors’ first practice at Aloha Stadium this year. Here’s Ryan Mouton cooling down: Because the JumboTron came with the package, the Warriors used it to announce the practice periods. Back at UH, the players jumped into the cold tub. * * * Another UH rule this year: When catching passes from the JUGS machine, helmets must be removed. That’s one way to assure that the receivers will be focused. Here are Greg Salas and […]

For the first time this training camp, the service teams (previously known as the scouts) ran Florida’s plays in practice. The original plan called for the Florida plays to be implemented Wednesday. But because the Warriors have progressed rapidly, the timetable was moved up. • Quarterback Greg Alexander, who had been bothered by an ingrown toenail and tender ankle, resumed practicing ttoday. He split reps with co-No. 2 quarterback Inoke Funaki. • Dylan LInkner, who moved to left wideout Saturday, […]