Tupai to undergo surgery
After giving it the old college try for a couple of practices, offensive lineman Elijah Tupai decided it was best to undergo surgery for an ailing right shoulder. He likely will miss the 2013 season.
Tupai initially suffered the injury in high school. It was hoped a combination of rest and rehabilitation would ease the discomfort and strengthen the area.
Tupai said he made his decision Saturday night following the second of this training camp’s non-padded practices. The Rainbow Warriors were in shells — shoulder pads — for the first time yesterday afternoon.
The procedure will be best for Tupai in the long run, although UH fans now will have to wait until spring to see the talents that made Tupai one of the Warriors’ must-have recruits. Tupai is skilled enough that line coaches on offense and defenses requested him. People in the know gushed about Tupai’s quick and powerful punch on his blocks. Tupai had practiced as the second-team left tackle. If the competition had extended, he probably would have ended up in the playing rotation this season.
Still, the Warriors remain deep on the rebuilt offensive line. RJ Hollis, who was held out of yesterday’s practice because of hamstring tightness, and David Griffin provide depth at tackle behind Sean Shigematsu and Leo Koloamatangi. Mike Milovale, who has been the No. 1 left guard, also can play tackle. Frank Loyd, who did well in speed and agility testing, has been effective there, too.
* * * * *
JR Colton, who was expected to compete at long-snapper, has left the team because of family reasons. He is not expected to return.
It was fortunate that Farrington grad Tyler Liana was an 11th-hour addition to training camp. Liana is slightly ahead at long-snapper.
* * * * * *
Matt “Meffy” Koloamatangi was told during the recruiting process he would get a shot at both defensive end and tight end. He was on defense for UH’s first two practices and at tight end yesterday. After today’s practice, he has a say on where he wants to play.
Chow said he wanted to limit the tryouts to two days each because he didn’t want a lengthy stay at one position to make Koloamatangi fall too far behind at the second position.
* * * * *
For now, Taylor Graham gets reps with the first team while Sean Schroeder and Jeremy Higgins split reps with the second team. For team drills, the order is this: Graham, Schroeder, Graham, Higgins. Ikaika Woolsey gets work in extended drills. Woolsey also is being used as the holder.
* * * * *
It’s still early, but the Warriors appear to be doing better in third-down situations. During yesterday’s team drills, they converted 10 of 16 third-down situations.
3rd-and-8: 2 for 4
3rd-and-6: 4 for 4
3rd-and-4: 2 for 4
3rd-and-3: 2 for 4
* * * * * *
Linebacker Jerrol Garcia-Williams had the biggest hit, flattening Steven Lakalaka.
GOOD MORNING HAWAII!
Sorry about Tupai
second!
Top five!
Aloha Hawaii!
Prayers for Tupai…GBU.
ALOHA
Let’s Go Warriors!
Let’s Go Wahine!
Let’s Go Hawaii!
Go WARRIORS !!!
Top 10!
Monday Morn’g to all
Flattened?! Wow, that must have been some hit as Mr. Lakalaka is not a small boy.
Retired for a month now feels good
Aloha kakou from east of the Mississippi!
The Garcia hit on Lakalaka at practice was good for Lakalaka. He will learn from it and be an even better back in the regular season, evading tackles instead of going head on like Earl Campbell.
Disappointed in the QB lineup. Hope and pray chow is seeing something to justify what he is doing. I understand why he is doing what he is doing, of course. You recruit someone yourself, you certainly want to prove you made the right choice in recruiting that someone.
My stalker is at it again at 10 & 12.
Prayers for Tupai.
GO WARRIORS!!!
Unfortunate news about Elijah. May he quickly and fully recover.
May the real Independent Thinker please stand. May the false IT, Please leave.
#13 who would you like at Qb
and would you please explain why?
I have a feeling Lakalaka will learn too!!
Imua warriors!
#18: Rodney, I have no idea. I THINK independently, but I rarely have solutions. One of the secrets that we will all eventually learn in life is using big words and being contrarian makes people automatically assume that you are smart. Or a pompous d-bag.
The JGW –> Lakalaka hit was a Katoooosh!
#19–IT–I resemble that remark.
I’m guessing the discussion above is about who should be 2nd/3rd/4th etc. string QBs because the #1 guy undeniably the #1 guy.
ST,
Have the coaches drawn up any packages for Ewaliko yet in case Graham gets hurt or still too early? I would think there will be a simple spread sort of package in case of emergency. Not saying Keelan is Ryan Tannehill or anything but A&M had simple offensive scheme for him when he was needed. Ended up being their QB the following season and 1st round pick.
If Graham ever got hurt, I think a simple scheme for Ewaliko would be Hawaii’s best back up option because he is such a good athlete.
#19 Mahalo,I guess we shouldn’t
assume!!!
Imua warriors!!!!!!
I think Schroeder or Higgens would be perfectly fine as backups to Graham. They both were making some nice throws on Saturday.
26. I’ve seen enough in actual games…… We won 3 games last year against South Alabama, Lamar, and UNLV. We would need a huge upgrade at back up if Graham went down. QBs usually make good throws during practice…
Jeezy:
Ewaliko was excused from camp the past two days because of family issues.
#26 I agree and ikaika is the future
How was the practice yesterday?
Energy and overall crispness of play?
28. the future? Where are you getting that from??? My guess is Zwahlen and Tuileta are the future.
Shoulder injury one of the worst. PT is daily from the day of surgery. Let’s get this team focused and ready for the opener.
Beat SC!
We’re starting back up our Na Koa Member Spotlight series. First up is life long fan Garett Ichimura.
http://www.nakoa.org/2013/08/na-koa-member-spotlight-garett-ichimura/
#30 Oops!!!! You are right!
I like ikaika though!!!
He is talented!!
Imua warriors!!
Good info folks from Daily Breeze
USC Football Notebook: Trojans say leadership is better this year
By Scott Wolf scott.wolf@dailynews.com @InsideUSC on Twitter – San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Published: Aug 4, 2013 10:51 PM
Updated: Aug 4, 2013 10:55 PM
If you listened to Lane Kiffin or Matt Barkley last year, USC’s strength was its team leadership.But this year’s Trojans make it clear they do not want to make the same leadership mistakes of a season ago.”Once we took our second loss, we knew that’s it for the national championship,” star receiver Marqise Lee said. “But if we do have a loss this year, we’ll stay together as a team.”
Quarterback Max Wittek said the team relied too much on its big-name players last year.
“I think there’s a different feel in togetherness now,” Wittek said. “We’re a lot more united. Some of us had a tendency with so many highly touted players to wait for someone to make a play.
“There was too much passivity.”
It also figures a loss will not be as devastating to USC this year because the Trojans are ranked No. 24 in the coaches’ poll. Last year USC was ranked No. 1.
QUARTERBACK DERBY
None of USC’s quarterbacks enjoyed much success Sunday with freshman Max Browne throwing three interceptions and Cody Kessler one. The defense dominated the practice, which is normal for the start of training camp.
Even with his interceptions, Browne said he believes he has a realistic chance to win the starting job.
“In the spring, the biggest thing I focused on was just getting the play in the huddle right,” Browne said. “Before everything was spinning for me but now it’s slowing down.”
Kiffin said it was too soon to determine much about the quarterback position.
“We didn’t really take care of the ball very well (Sunday),” he said.
Lee said he could probably pick a starting quarterback next week but then gave himself some leeway.
“If Kiffin can’t get it (that quickly), I can’t get it either,” he said.
TAILBACK STANDOUTS
After two days, Kiffin mentioned freshman Justin Davis and sophomore Tre Madden as players who stood out at tailback.
SHAW LOOKS LIKE SAFETY
It appeared like safety Josh Shaw also would play cornerback because of the Trojans’ weakness at that position but Kiffin said he wants to keep Shaw at safety. It also will be harder to move Shaw now because he bulked up over the summer to play safety.
USC currently is using Torin Harris, Anthony Brown, Kevin Seymour, Chris Hawkins and Devian Shelton at cornerback. Hawkins and safety Su’a Cravens had interceptions Sunday.
GREENE SWITCHES
Defensive end Kevin Greene was moved to tight end because Kiffin is concerned with only three scholarship tight ends and junior Randall Telfer still recovering from a torn meniscus.
“Over time I’ll feel more comfortable,” Greene said. “I just want to learn.”
Greene said it was the first time he played offense since he spent time at wide receiver in high school.
“I’m not going to come out here to pout,” he said. “I want to help the team.”
RECRUIT WATCH
Great Morning All!
GO Bows!
Good morning everyone!
Wishing a speedy recovery for Elijah Tupai!
Good morning Tsaikos!!!
Hope all have a great day.
Prayers of healing for all the Warriors!!!
RE: #33 by Na Koa Mike
Hey, I know this Garett (with one “r”) guy. Blogs once in a while too… 🙂
Good info–
College football: Quarterback competition begins as USC opens camp
– San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Published: Aug 3, 2013 10:47 PM
Updated: Aug 3, 2013 10:49 PM
USC opened training camp Saturday with a full-blown quarterback derby amid immediate speculation over whether the loser of the competition would transfer.
Sophomore Max Wittek, who started two games last season, said he was not sure what he would do if he lost the competition.
“I guess I’d have to cross that bridge if it came up,” Wittek said.
Sophomore Cody Kessler said he would not transfer even if he were a backup again.
“It’s obviously going to be disappointing but it’s not the end of the world,” Kessler said. “If I’m not the right guy, so be it. I don’t want (transferring) on my name. It goes against my beliefs.”
The other quarterback in the competition, Max Browne, is only a freshman and not expected to start, at least for the season opener against Hawaii.
USC coach Lane Kiffin said he was pleased with all the quarterbacks on Day 1 and noted Browne’s gained 10 pounds since last spring, which means he weighs about 225 pounds.
A noticeable change involved Wittek, who said he is putting more air on his deeper passes to avoid overthrowing wide receivers. Among the three quarterbacks, Wittek has the strongest arm.
Cravens at safety
Freshman Su’a Cravens practiced with the first team Saturday, a mild surprise because Demetrius Wright was the starter at the end of spring practice. However, it was not unusual in the Pete Carroll era for young players to get quality time early in camp.
Cravens spent most of the spring playing nickel back but it was assumed he would play safety in the fall. Cravens, who tore the meniscus in his knee last spring, said he felt fine Saturday.
Dion Bailey, who started at linebacker the past two years, was the other starter at safety. Anthony Brown and Kevon Seymour started at cornerback. Bailey said he lost 10 pounds to play safety and is currently 198.
Redd, Morgan limited
Tailbacks Silas Redd and D.J. Morgan did not participate in all drills because they are coming off spring knee injuries. Fullback Soma Vainuku was also limited for the same reason.
Crowd count
USC is allowing 200 fans to show up and watch practice from a rooftop at the adjacent baseball stadium, Dedeaux Field. About 50 fans attended Saturday’s practice.
Roster additions
USC added two walk-on quarterbacks: Chris Willson, who transferred from Wake Forest, and Ted Landers, who played at Mt. San Antonio College.
Im not worried about Taylor Graham back up at QB because Sean and Jeremy have game experience. I’m worried about the Oline and WR play. Last season the WR and Oline play was atrocious with the WRs not being able to get open and running the wrong routes. Add a porous Oline and its no wonder Sean Schreoder needed back surgery after last season beat down.
Get healthy Mr Tupai. UH will NEED YOU in 2014 and beyond. Hopefully UH won’t miss you in 2013, but that would mean the starters stay healthy. If the starters go down, then UH will have some depth issues.
Good numbers on the 3rd down situations. Wonder if they worked on 3rd and short, or if they feel confident with Iosefa and Lakalaka to blast away for short yardage. Or if it was precautionary to prevent injuries as short yardage is the most physically demanding for the big boys.
Garcia-Williams is going to be a star on defense. I really liked his play last year as a true freshman. He made freshmen mistakes, and was a bit skinny, but he showed a burst and quickness at OLB not seen since Pisa Tinoiasamoa. UH appears to be pretty solid at all the LB and DB spots. Marrell Jackson is another youngster to keep an eye on.
Chow did land some nice players in his first recruiting class, although the 2012 record didn’t show it…
Players from Chows 1st class looking to make impact this year: Graham, Lakalaka, Garcia-Williams, Merrell Jackson, Grimes, Phillips, Clarke, Pu’u Robinson, plus a few more that I can’t think of right now.
As long as UH can survive the first five games without too many injuries, the 2nd half schedule sets up very well for a strong finish.
re-posting Vinnie C’s one-strike strikeout. (while waiting for today’s practice reports)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34-vgeCIMMU&feature=player_embedded
Nice article Stretch!!!!
If you can lay out Lakalaka one on one, and not have any injuries to your person, you are good. Period. Glad we have players like Garcia at this point. Very encouraging sign on D.
To my stalker at 19. Dude, if you want to take over my call sign/moniker/screen name/etc., that’s fine. Let me know. I’ll gladly take another name. You can have my present screen name. No problemo, senor, or senorita, or shim, or whatever you are.
You and your behavior remind me of the crack head who broke into my car, stole my $50 stereo, and destroyed my door lock, causing $500 in repairs to my door lock. If he needed the money that bad, I would have gladly given him $50. Would have saved me $500.
Like the crack head I described above, you too, my stalker, share a similar proclivity for causing persons like myself more aggravation and cost than the value of what you receive for being my stalker.
This is why, like the crackhead example above, who I was willing to give $50 to to leave my car alone, I offer you now the object of your desire – the screen name you have been using as my stalker. Take it, use it, and don’t forget to take your meds.
If you don’t want the screen name and you are doing what you are doing simply because you like acting like an online crackhead, that’s fine too. Continuing to be my stalker, after this communication to you, will confirm for all your intent to be an online crackhead, and nothing more.
Heal quickly Elijah Tupai.
#43 IT
the moron is a lonely loser and will get his just due someday when the tempt of fate knocks on his door.
Good Morning Folks!
Praying that Elijah will come back with full strength and complete healing!
Have a great day all!
Only 24 days left to BEAT USC!
say no to crack
I feel for Tupai. Hope for a speedy recovery. So does scholarship players or any players get help financially for surgeries and rehab? Or do they have to pay out of their own pocket. Man i feel for those guys that have surgery after surgery if they have to pay for it. It’s not like college football is a paying job that has medical coverage. Well at least not yet.
Spam, spam and more spam.
Good afternoon Tsaikos!!! Lets Go Warriors!!!
ST,
Do you know if NCAA rules would allow one additional coach to volunteer his services at this time?
51..all athletic related surgeries, scholarship or not, covered by program.
good day and howzit 808 😎
welcome to the club 🙂
56. Thanks.
I always thought there were only 12 coaches in FBS. Undergrad coaches no count, I think. Oh, and the Strength coaches too.
Hoping for the best for Elijah.
jimmy,
I believe you are right. But I’d like to know if there is a provision for the kind of situation we are in.
iwonderwhytheyhateme, I would think not since there was no firing or quitting. Contract still exists right?
Spam lite.
#77,
Yeah, I guess so. Cutting the line and buying out the contract seems easier though.
Today’s practice was fun to watch. Definitely ahead
of last year fall camp but still a long way to go specially
on special team. Defense looks good specially on LB. RB
is as good as advertised. Competition is fierce all around
specially on skills.
Special report?
Ka’u Orange
#92 Good to hear that competition is fierce at practice.
#92 do the O-line folks appear to be an improvement in technique, foot work, power and quickness from where we were last year? Do they appear to understand Coach Naeole’s methodology?
I am optimistic.
E Pluribus Unum et sic semper tyranus….MWAHAHAHHA
#98 Good question. That is my concern with this squad. Actually, O-line is always my concern. Their importance is often overlooked for the more “glamorous” roles on offense.
Basic greeking going on.
Good afternoon everyone!
Wafan…are you still in town?
Good luck to Tupai, Koloamatangi, Colton, and Graham.
(J)J . . .
Yes, I am.
O-line still struggling but the intangible is
there just gotta put all the pieces together.
Too early yet. We’ll see how things develop.
So, after a couple days of practice the consensus seems to be, “No Thank You” on the season tickets. “Maybe we give chance if mo bettah dis year, ehh!” This is Von Appen material, please folks, don’t Vhat Happen this team. Step up support. Players doing the best they can on the field and in the classroom, show some kind respect for that even if you do not embrace the coaches and their wisdom – the players are worthy.
wahine vb:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjAgRXuJJQc
#111 That’s too bad. Nothing like in the action when it happens and things are improving and more local boys are choosing to play for the home team. Time for the “fans” to show support. This is a tough schedule and it seems that a tempered expectation for success is not there with many.
On a completely different subject regarding sending the homeless to the mainland. Did anyone do a census of how many of the homeless in Hawaii are long time residents of Hawaii and how many are new arrivals? Just curious. This is probably not the place to ask. Sorry.
Buffoman,
I think it was 11 percent have been here less than 1 year… 18 percent more than a year, but less than 10… 42% classified lifetime residents.
Is the practice schedule unchanged for tomorrow? 10am start?
Such conflicting practice reports. Beauty is in the eyes if the beholder I guess. But I appreciate all of your efforts so keep them coming Gang!! Mahalo!!!
Wondering why UH hasn’t yet offered DT prospect Kalani Vakameilalo (Kapolei)…..especially since fellow Hurricane Micah Kapoi already committed. Oregon State has made an early offer. ????
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1644028/highlights/44960374
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIB-hSSEabA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFQJEzBWbgE
Re: Vakameilalo…..
http://www.maizeandbluenews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1037:tuesday-summer-camp-observations&catid=21:recruiting&Itemid=96
http://michigan.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1518043
If not Vakameilalo, hopefully the UH coaches at least take a good look at Ratu Mafileo (Moanalua)…..nephew of NFL Raven All-Pro DL Haloti Ngata.
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1565069/highlights/35281414
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9PqhFGWB0U
Same with hybrid DE/OLB prospect Hercules Mata’afa (Lahainaluna)……
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWg-CI-56aE
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1571752/highlights/24539373
http://www.pacificathleticalliance.com/index.php?option=com_hwdvideoshare&task=viewvideo&Itemid=31&video_id=370
Go ‘Bows!
Go Warrios!
Go Zapper!
Whoo-hoo!!!
Quick healings to Elijah…
The planets have realigned, FOOTBALL IS BACK!!
BEAT USC!!
If you do a random sampling of the homeless in Waikiki you would find that the majority of them are from cold weather states
New York, Michigan, Minnesota etc.