Sunday musings
The past four spring practices, the Warriors have been in full pads. Under the previous three head coaches, the Warriors would practice “like the pros,” having some workouts in just shells (shoulder pads) or no pads at all.
But head coach Nick Rolovoch said just because the Warriors are in full pads does not mean there is whistle-to-whistle hitting. “There are periods when we’re not very physical,” Rolovich said. “It’s spring ball. That’s part of the reason we spread it out over five weeks.”
The NCAA allots each team 15 spring practices. The Warriors practice three times each week, and not on consecutive days.
“They have a day to recover,” Rolovich said. “I think it’s a nice pace.”
Defensive tackle Kennedy Tulimasealii embraces the full-pad dress code.
“You wake up, and you automatically know you’re going to work,” Tulimasealii said.
Quarterback Ikaika Woolsey said: “It’s setting the foundation, that blue-collar work. We’re bringing our hard hat.”
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The quarterbacks also are getting a lot of work, with Woolsey, Beau Reilly and Aaron Zwahlen each averaging about 80 throws per practice.
“The thing is, we’re only practicing three times a week,” quarterbacks coach Craig Stutzmann said. “It’s not like we’re throwing their arms out or anything. There should be time to recover.”
The quarterbacks are preparing in game-like conditions. Instead of, say, using bags as obstacles, they’re working on footwork, dropbacks and so-called pocket-presence techniques. The goal is to quickly scan progressions, identify a target area, and get the proper foot placement and hip movement to make accurate throws, even while on the run.
“We’re trying to tie our eyes and feet to throws,” Stutzmann said.
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With the departures of corners Nick Nelson (transferring) and Ne’Quan Phillips (graduation) and Dany Mulanga’s move from safety to strong-side linebacker, there had been concern about the secondary’s depth.
But senior corners Jamal Mayo and Jalen Rogers — both are entering their third UH season — have emerged as vocal and physical leaders. UH’s fast-forward defense often requires leaving Mayo, Rogers and a free safety on a proverbial island. So far, Mayo and Rogers have responded.
Zach Wilson, a mid-year signee, Cameron Hayes and Roe Farris also have earned reps at corner. Dejaun Butler has moved to free safety. He’s a possible candidate for nickelback, too. And safety Trayvon Henderson is expected to be fully healed for training camp.
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Former Warrior Daniel Tautofi, who never forgot his roots, is the architect of the Ka‘au Crater Bulldogs, a Palolo-based youth team comprised of sixth- and seventh-graders. Tautofi and assistant coach Matt Faga, also a former UH and Kaimuki High defensive lineman, brought the Bulldogs to Saturday’s practice.
They also presented Rolovich with a specially made shirt that reads, “That’s how we Rolo” on the back.
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Aaron Zwahlen slo-mo video:
Aaron Zwahlen video
GOOD MORNING, HAWAII!
Guud Morning Tsaikos…Bootiful Day!
luv da spiral….
have a restful day Tsaikos..
da kids look guud! Kaau Crater look ready to ball!
I like Beau Reilly’s aggressiveness in throwing the long ball, but you can see where he doesn’t have game experience. So the game-like scrimmages are good for him to develop some confidence in staying in the pocket with pressure around him.
Mean shirt!
great to see the “early” interest in the team by people attending practice(s) – shows a renewed interest by the fans and hopefully build to increasing attendance in 2016
I went to see the new UH t-shirt at the corner of Kapiolani and Piikoi and came away unimpressed – just a very plain bunch of words in front — talk about a simple T-shirt selling for $15 — no creativity!
however, I am still hopeful that someone will emerge and create an exciting shirt that will cause people to say, “now, that’s a shirt I will buy and wear with pride!”
yep, I’m an impulsive buyer, but only for a shirt that jumps out at me.
I always wanted Matt Faga to be my bodyguard. Since I moved to Maui I don’t feel the need as much. No one on Hawaii 50 looks as tough as him!
#11 look the best Qb today
Defense is smoking fast!!
Imua! warriors!!!
Is Jeremy Castro rehabbing or did he leave the team? Haven’t heard his name mentioned in the Spring
Holy crap!
The baseball team is in first place.
Reality check against the incoming “Dirtbags” on Friday night.
And Stefan II, c’mon, man.
Loyola Marymount?
Transfer to a school that is better than Hawaii, not worse.
The Lions has zero chance of getting past Gonzaga and St. Mary’s, regular season and conference tournament, both.
Really odd decision.
If Jovanovic was going to a power conference school, or a high mid-major like Gonzaga or Valparaiso, it would be a lot easier to accept.
Staying here would guarantee Jovanovic a lot of playing time, and get him ready for international ball.
And I had no idea we were supposed to await Niko Filopovic’s decision. He is a cut or two above Brandon Jawato, so this hurts.
Well, Mike. It’s your team. Teach the young ones.
Be like Mike.
There are a number of players rehabbing injuries Jeremy is one of them Ras is another along with a few others-
LMU may be a better team than UH next season.
Thomas has a redshirt year to burn. it shouldn’t be a surprise if he uses it next year.
I can’t see Thomas redshirtING considering how much his playing time is looking to increase next season.
We need to accept the postseason ban, but that doesn’t mean throw away the season. This is a tremendous opportunity for the new guys, and Coach Ganot, to create their own identity. I’m excited to see what the team will look like next year.
If the team does well, people will be talking about them and the ban at the end of the season and players like Thomas will be noticed.
Anyone need tickets to the game in Michigan Sept. 3?
So far; got a group of 9 going. Hope we can get back to being a respectable football team with Rolo but so far, sounds like he is doing the right things. tomkitaguchi@yahoo.com or text me at 415-324-0585.
Or other road games at AZ, SJSU, AF, SDSU or Fresno.
http://www.hawaiiathletics.com/schedule.aspx?tab=football2&path=football
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