Dearly departed
A long year became shorter for four more Warriors.
Quarterback Max Wittek, wideout/returner Keelan Ewaliko, tight end Dakota Torres and defensive back Dejaun Butler will miss the final two games because of injuries.
Add them to this list:
> Nose tackle Samiuela Akoteu — Suffered season-ending foot injury in training camp.
> Defensive tackle Mike Andrade — Medically retired.
> Slotback/running back Samson Anguay — Medically retired.
> Outside linebacker Jeremy Castro — Sidelined because of neck stinger.
> Defensive end Marquis Fairchild — Left team.
> Strong safety Trayvon Henderson — Suffered season-ending ACL injury in second game.
> Long-snapper Brian Hittner — Medically retired.
> Cornerback Jerrell Jackson — Transferred to Louisiana Tech.
> Tight end Josh Long — Early graduation.
> Wideout/returner Quinton Pedroza — Underwent surgery for season-ending knee injury.
> Cornerback Anthony Pierce — Medically retired.
> Running back D.J. Riggins — Transferred.
> Offensive lineman Kapua Sai — Medically retired.
> Running back Diocemy Saint Juste — Redshirting following hamstring injury suffered in training camp.
> Wideout Terrence Sayles — Seeking to rejoin team after leaving because of financial reasons.
> Defensive end Luke Shawley — Left team because of financial reasons.
> Outside linebacker Austin Slade-Matautia — Left team.
First. Good luck to the departed. Need a new coach yesterday!
wow that a lot !! best luck to all and thank you for playing UH FOOTBALL !!
ST is this one of the worst years for injuries?
Hitman:
It’s one of the worst years for injuries.
In the past, there would be a rash of injuries to shoulders or hamstrings. This year, the injuries have been spread out.
What’s interesting is that two top-of-the-chart players had broken hands during the summer. It was surprising how they could play, essentially, one-handed. They’re pretty much healed now.
So is Zwhalen suiting up for the last two games? Is there a emergency QB plan if Beau and Ikaika go down? Keelan played QB in HS but is out. Be a bummer to burn Zwahlen’s redshirt year with a season like this, but I think it’s highly unlikely two QBs get injured with two games to go.
I cannot see Naeole burning Zwahlen’s red shirt, so it looks like we may get to see Beau Reilly in a. game.
Wow! That is a lot. Didn’t realize Jerrell and Luke left the team. Thought they were injured as well. Either way, like the next HC, next man up eh? Best of luck to all of them moving forward and now back to lurking.
Wasn’t Luke Shawley on scholarship? How does one of the best players leave due to financial reasons? Are you sure?
I’m guessing Luke Shawley’s financial reasons had to do with parking tickets…as ST said the issue was with upper campus…
Thanks, Stephen, for posting this list. I did not realize the extent but did know some players were playing while hurt. Knowing a little something about knees, I respect Wittek’s desire to play through it but weekly drainings risk infection and worse things and I was surprised he was on the field after that game a few weeks ago. Much less being as mobile as he was.
The number of medical retirements makes the heart hurt — I hope they are healed/healing and do not have long-term health concerns. Also hoping that those with financial issues are doing better, too.
Pomai (from yesterday),
For the entire athletic department I do believe that the hiring of an Asst AD Marketing/Promotions is a #1 priority. I had a UHLWC meeting yesterday and say Matlin’s office door open. I knocked and said hello and told him the important hire is all the way at the end of the hall.
On another note for all booster club members.
Last night at the UHLWC meeting I saw a 5% charge for UHF fees in the fiscal report. I was told that UHF unilaterally changed from 3.5% to 5% when charging any and all donations for athletics. It doesn’t sound like much does it? How much did the Waterhouse Trust just donate? 1.5% increase could have helped recruiting budget, post game ‘snacks’, phone charges, need I go on?
It brought out several disparaging comments concerning UHF. I asked to be included in the next meeting with the foundation to pursue this.
Babers lost a big game at home, stock fell, might be able to get him for a reasonable price now.
Injuries were always big in Chows tenure, its the types of plays he runs, overworks them and doesn’t substitute right.
When a HC is chosen, how long will it take to sign a contract? Prior to signing, how long will it take to have the lawyers REVIEW contract for “PUKAS” that caused UH to get stuck with HUGE settlements? After signing how long will it take the new HC to select a staff and when will they start recruiting? If process doesn’t move along faster, we can expect a LONG empty Aloha Stadium in 2016!!!
Ouch. 🙁
Norm Chow is no longer our coach. Therefore, the excuses should have followed him out the door.
So why is everyone (well not “everyone”) is rushing to have a new HC named? If the AD names a HC and that HC does not work out (again), then everyone is going to complain that the AD did not take his time and select the right person.
Give the AD a chance to sort out the applicants and find the best fit for UH. It’s not that simple people. But like everyone, I too, want to know who it will be the next HC.
#12, there were years under Tomey, Wagner, and JJ when there were a lot of injuries to players. The same that is happening now. But in some of Tomey, Wagner, and JJ years, there was depth to offset the numbers and in some years, not enough bodies.
If depth is a problem, maybe do away with redshirting.
Let freshmen (emphasis on fresh) play.
🙂
Who’s going to the game this week or better put who’s not going. I have feeling this may be the smallest crowd of the year. The four ticket holders next to me said they’ve thrown in the towel for the season. Said they’ll try to give the tickets away. It’s really sad how this season has played out so far.
I say this because one of my co workers asked if I was going to the game implying why would you want to go. She and her husband left by half time saying it was because of the whether. Yeah, right. Last time I get tickets for her.
Is this list any worse than other MWC teams? They all made do.
Add to those who left
Scholie guys, DB Barry Higdon, WRs Darrian Josey & DonYeh Patterson, DT Calen Friel (graduation)
Walk on QB Eric Prater (Montana) & K Ryan Weese (Kansas)
Also season ending injuries
S Gaetano DeMattei
Well, it could be worse like having a few players suspended then kicked off the team for off-the-field issues like an arrest. We got well-behaved kids that are smart enough to stay out of trouble.
I would think Woolsey close to graduating.
In paper this morning ST wrote that DeMattei was cleared to practice.
From first hand experience… The UH Parking Nazis are real.
Issuing parking citations is actually one of the few things UH is really efficient at.
21. Problem with listing all these guys is majority aren’t even D1 caliber guys anyway. Most of these medically retired or transfers should be playing for Sacramento St or Northern Arizona. Hawaii football has a incompetent coaching problem and a recruiting problem. Every team we play and face goes through the same injuries as we do. Utah St had a winning season last year losing Kyler Fackrell and had to bring up Kent Myers which would be equivalent of Hawaii having to use Zwahlen when expected to redshirt.
#26
Would you say JJ has a good eye for D1 talent?
This is Woosley’s 4th year at UH (redshirt Jr). He’s been around long enough to graduate, but I have no idea if he’s on the 4 or 5 year track.
With Wittek out, that means we are closer to seeing Beau Reilly. At this point, there’s no downside to playing Reilly. UH couldn’t possibly be less efficient at the QB than it has been for the course of this season. However, sadly, other than for a handful of guys, this team’s fight isn’t there anymore… So Reilly doesn’t have much to work with. At least he has fresh legs for pass rushers to chase.
This is a quote from Don Bailey during fall camp, “”Reilly also was able to stretch the defense.”I’d like for him to be a little faster in his decision-making,” Bailey said. “But he stands in there pretty good. And he’s making progress.”” So maybe we will see Reilly in one of the remaining two games?
27. Good eye, just lazy maximizing the amount of good recruits he could bring in. I mean he saw things in athletes like Margus Hunt and Ikaika Alama Francis that most wouldn’t even think about. But if he can maintain Abe who is a relentless recruiter and have Miano with his walk on program, I think JJ can improve the program.
I know fans want to see a new face, but I have no interest in seeing Beau Reilly. He really isn’t a D1 QB even if it can’t get much worse. Zwahlen is the only guy I am somewhat intrigued by but of course it makes no sense burning a redshirt for 2 games. Throw in some Ewaliko wildcat packages already. Get him on the field. He can make a simple throw if defenses cheat the box.
I don’t think the plays you call affect injuries.
I think trying to come back too soon– maybe pushed by the “pit”– does impact effect of injuries because sports doctors always tell you re-injury from coming back too soon takes longer to heal and further injury to affected tissue. Something for the coaches and trainers to look at.
31.
Too bad Ewaliko is out for the year already.
Excited about Milton, hope we can get some more to stay home
https://rivals.yahoo.com/usf/football/recruiting/rankings/rank-3657/0
IMHO, yea who cares, it would be a big mistake not to make an offer to any coach that seems destined to move on to a higher calling to Power5 teams because of the million dollar salary, etc.
make the best offer and let the person decide — like going to buy a car – ask the sales person why I should buy their car and make the absolutely best offer.
6 of Hawaii top 10 hs seniors are PAC 12 bound and make it 7 if Mililani WR is lured away with better facilities, more opportunities, etc.
what does “list” mean? got offers, but undecided?
I sure would like to see Boise St play whomever the #1 team is and see how well they do be it Ohio State or Clemson
Good headline, St:
“Dearly Departed”.
I would add:
R.I.P.
Boise just lost to New Mexico why would they be competitive with a top ranked team?
Camase-Stevens could be the next emergency QB. Good all around athlete and has played the position in high school.
They can use Makoa in an emergency situation. He was a QB in HS and JC.
Guud Afternoon Tsaikos…bootiful day.
Sad to see the list of Warriors unavailable. To those who left..good luck.
I hope by the time Milton is ready to run the O, we’ll have protection for him. Game against Kahuku made him “human”. Any QB no matter how good needs a good O line. Case in point, Marcus. Had great protection first game. Then the line caved in, coach got fired.
Can’t blame top recruits going away. The grass much, much greener in other pastures. Been that way for a loooong time.
Got my letter from Matlin today. Check book will have to stay shut till they can demonstrate some financial competence.
Baseball locker room too bust up to use?….Really? What else? The program seem to have good support. Should have $’s to up keep basic maintenance.
Good link graham but #7 Luca Vartic doesn’t even start for St. Louis. Been to several games this year and never seen him on the field although he dressed for all the games. How is he rated so high?
#19 … “cocobean” … I’ll be there … need my weekly Saturday dose of disappointment
39. Can also run the option as he did at Arizona Western.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1oujxWb5bQ
What a somber day, like people have died. Nobody died. This is Division I football. It’s the Mountain West. The new coach and his assistants need to get Division I talent. Period. It can be done with the right people in place. Start with getting a good QB who can make plays with his arm and legs and smarts. Then get depth on both lines. Then get some playmakers at the running back and receiver positions. Then work on the back end. Fill in the rest. Coaches need a good eye, have good connections, and can develop the players.
think I remember reading somewhere that luke shawley didn’t pass a summer school class so they wanted him to pay back the cost of the class.
I think Beau Baldwin would be a good candidate for the position. UH could definitely afford his price tag and he’s young and a proven head coach, albeit at the FCS level. When he applied for the Nevada job, there were a few fans that thought he would be the right person to replace Ault.
I believe Baldwin signed a multi-year contract earlier this year. Not sure if UH can afford to buy out any sitting head coach. But, yes, Baldwin is intriguing.
Baldwin would light up the scoreboard. Would love to see this guy be given a chance here. Still holding out hope for Babers but this guy is intriguing.
# 39, 40, 44. I hope there’s enough time for him to practice. Today is Wednesday, so only get Thur., Fri to practice.
GO WARRIORS !!!
Beat the sparts.
New qb in huddle:
“Ok, everyone go left…”
“Ok, now everyone go right…”
“Everyone go long…”
🙂
Baldwin would be great
Any idea on a salary rage for the new coach? Is it going to be 500-600k like Chow was making?
Nobody saying that this roster in full of elite talent but I think to say that there is no D1/FBS talent is a little disingenuous. If Hawaii lost to FCS schools like UC Davis I after playing Ohio State and Colorado. Then I would agree with those of you claiming the Non FBS/D1 talent.
I agree the Norm Chow/Pat Hill Pro set offense scheme doesn’t work for the type of talent Hawaii lands for recruits compared to USC/Wisconsin pro set offense talent.
Re: #54
Whats Up — BINGO!
54.
Jim Donovan probably knew this at the time of Norm Chow’s hiring.
A lot of people knew this.
I remember exactly where I was driving when the news broke.
I was pulling out of the Pearl City Zippys across from Longs.
I remember my exact words.
“What the…!”
But I’m a great believer of positive thinking and remained optimistic, right up ’til before the San Diego State kicked off.
34.
Navy is the other team that made an offer to Milton.
The stars are aligned, I think, for the Midshipmen’s offensive coordinator to return to his alma mater.
If our new coach were to come here, take us to 3-4 bowls, then at the peak of his success decide to leave for greener pastures following a major bowl appearance would you be happy with that coach? If your answer is “no” then I can see why you don’t want June Jones back. If your answer is “yes”, then……HANA HO’U!!!
Das all I got. Out.
I like to think that JJ has grown as a person and a coach. We all have made mistakes that we have learned from.
I think if he is given another chance, he’ll be a wiser and better coach than he was in the past.
He has the know how and the eye for talent, and the experience to develop that talent. Hawaii Football needs that right now. Not to mention the connections in the NFL and the coaching staff he can assemble. We may need a calculator for the points his offense puts up.
I’m hoping Matlin will choose JJ!
When recruiting talent, talent is talent. No matter the obstacle or opposition. You will see it in the way they move. Whether they are throwing the ball or catching it. Blocking or tackling. Running a route or intercepting the ball. No matter the position. That talent consistently shines and performs. You wait in anticipation following their every move waiting for something to happen. Some kind of wonderful. Seeing that dominant side of the athlete that no matter what he’s going to make a big play and nobody’s going to stop him. That is what a DIV I athlete looks like.
JJ will not go to another school after UH if hired. He is going to play golf here in the islands, mostly at Waialae. Wake up everybody, he will be over 65 after 3 yrs as coach! He would be nuts if he did go. Why put up with more stress? Wake up already!!
I know a great deal of the players do NOT want JJ as the next hc, so why would anyone want to start up with that mess???
Think people!!!
I think when June Jones first came to UH for the 1999 season, a lot of players were against hiring a new coach. In fact, I think a player representing some of the players went on camera to express disapproval of the firing of Von Appen and the hiring of a new coach. I think he said something like this is our team. A lot of players felt they had no input in the hiring process.
I’m sure there are some players that feel slighted in the process and feel they should have a say in their next HC. However, as the 1999 season showed, winning takes care of everything.
If I remember correctly, the player who went on camera decided to not play for Jones and concentrate on school. I just can’t remember this players name.
The next HC could make or break the football program. Or, it could place the football program deeper in debt.
Jones has turned around two programs. I think he can do it again.
Even though June Jones left UH and SMU under less than desirable circumstances, I think UH should give him another chance.
When he left SMU two games in the 2014 season, I thought no way would I want him to coach here again. But, the chance to see another possible turn around in UH football is something I wouldn’t mind seeing again.
808, so true!
I hope all this talk about waiting till mid December is just posturing by Matlin so he could show the public that there was no favoritism in hiring JJ.
Players need to play and not be in the business of choosing the next HC.
JJ ALL THE WAY!
Regarding a great number of players not wanting JJ as a coach. If that is current players then I would say your effort and concentration is in the wrong place these days. If it is past players then probably some bitterness over departure or other things. Right now a great deal of excitement needs to come from the next HC whomever that may be. More importantly than that is there will be staff changes and who that may bring is also critically important. As I watch mid-week the usual MAC diet of NIU WM Toledo Bowling Green et al I see great offense solid D great catches and passionate running plays I yearn to see that from our Warriors on Saturday. Whoever can deliver that and get us competitive in the MW I am all for. I have to laugh at the attendance issue that just grinds people up. At these high level MAC games granted mid-week the attendance is maybe 5-10k tops. We can easily regain our spot at the top or upper level of Mid-Major go up with the right choice. I have no problem at all if that is one June Jones-would really like to see the reaction if he withdrew his name or was offered and declined-right now I just want to win-Go Warriors!
One last thing. If the injury report and departures are of concern, go to the college football injury report complied by stafox. Obviously this appears to be a report some subscribe to and others don’t. We just have 5 guys out according to this-take a look at Rutgers Kentucky Wyoming and others. College football is a physical sport and if we are “light” in lineup it is caused by a number of things-proper recruiting and talent assessment and development play a much bigger role than just injury.
I had a friend who insisted The Kinks was better than The Beatles.
I thought he was crazy.
Now I understand what it’s like to have a minority opinion.
If head coaches were British Invasion bands: 1. Ivin Jasper(The Beatles) 2. June Jones(The Rolling Stones) 3. Rich Miano(The Dave Clark Five) 4. Nick Rolovich(The Kinks) 5. Beau Baldwin(Gerry and the Pacemakers)
Hopefully, the Texas Tech team will be exhausted when they return home from Puerto Rico. Hawaii needs that road victory.
There are so many RPI killers on the schedule, starting with Nicholls State.
Arkansas Pine-Bluff(AGAIN!!!)
Mississippi Valley State
Howard
In essence, one loss eliminates them from NIT consideration.
They have to go 13-0(11-0 according to the computers because of the two Division II opponents).
Hawaii has two victories over reasonably competitive teams, and already their RPI is a somewhat lowly #120. A victory over Nicholls State probably drops them to the #125-#130 range.
Need that victory over the Red Raiders, badly.
It’s a moot point if the NCAA Rules Infraction Committee bans Hawaii from post-season participation. This non-conference schedule precludes them from NCAA at-large consideration,
Here are the highlights of yesterday’s Oregon – Stanford game:
The refs made a really bad call on Oregon late in the game for
pass interference to give Stanford a chance to tie it up.
https://www.google.com/#q=Oregon+Stanford+game+results&sh=0
cappie. I wouldn’t worry too much about rpi. The BWC is usually a one bid league. Win the conference tourney and you go dancing. Win the regular season title but lose in the tournament you go to the NIT.
Depth and minutes are the biggest issues with this team. We only have three reliable bigs and three reliable guards with Valdez a joker who can play 2-5 if pressed. Under Gib and to a lesser extent Benjy we’ve done fairly well in preseason and tend to run out gas in league play. This team will be hard pressed to overcome an injury to any of their top 7-8 players let alone withstand the normal wear and tear players go through in a 25+ game regular season. It’ll be hard to limit the minutes for some key players and still win. The minutes tend to catch up with us later in the season.
UH’s inside game will be suspect the entire season. Obviously, our starting big is a bit fragile for his height and the #2 a bit clumsy inside. How about putting our #1 big on a on a super diet of huge amounts of Chicken Katsu, spaghetti, steak, cake, pastries and ice cream. turn em in to the Hulk.
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