Coaches Morrison, Cavanaugh chat with readers
| • | Dan Morrison |
| • | Mike Cavanaugh |
stephen_tsai: Aloha. Welcome to The Advertiser's chat with UH coaches Dan Morrison and Mike Cavanaugh. We will begin in about three minutes. Please whisper your questions to me, and I'll relay them to the coaches, who will answer them on line.
stephen_tsai: Dan Morrison will be our guest for the first half hour. We will be entertained by Mike Cavanaugh after that.
stephen_tsai: kimoko asks: Does UH try to recruit "blue chip" athletes not from Hawaii?
Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser
dan_morrison: If the Mainland athletes have a connection to Hawaii, we will attempt to recruit them very heavily.
University of Hawai'i's assistant football coach Dan Morrison, right, answers questions from readers during a live chat tonight in The Advertiser's newsroom. Sports Editor Curtis Murayama provides typing assistance.
stephen_tsai: kkv asks: Please assess the three new quarterbacks.
dan_morrison: On Funaki: He's an outstanding athlete who possesses a better arm than most people give him credit for. He's an intelligent player and very athletic. When he returns from his (two-year) mission, we will really look forward to having him in our program as
dan_morrison: On Ryan Stickler (Alta Loma High): He was a quarterback who slipped through the cracks. He was injured as a junior and transferred schools so it wasn't until halfway or two-thirds into the season that people began to realize how talented he was. When his
dan_morrison: more on Sticker: When his coach asked where he wanted his film sent, Stickler had just seen the Fresno State-Hawaii game, and he said, "Send it to Hawaii."
dan_morrison: On Jason Whieldon (Saddleback): We saw Jason as a high school quarterback and we extremely impressed with his ability to throw the ball with accuracy and his leadership ability. When we watched him in junior college, it was apparent that he was becoming a top-flight division I quarterback.
stephen_tsai: zhizhibees asks: which position will funaki play when he returns from his mission?
dan_morrison: He'll begin at quarterback and he'll remain there until he proves he can't be a quarterback. It is my belief that he'll end up being an excellent quarterback. But he's talented enough to play many other positions, including receiver.
stephen_tsai: Fax asks: Who are the WR recruits?
dan_morrison: Jeremiah Cockheran, Ross Dickerson (St. Louis).
stephen_tsai: Justin asks: Are all of the scholarships filled up?
dan_morrison: Let's just say, yes, for right now. We can only discuss players who have signed their letters of intent.
stephen_tsai: kkv asks: What kind of athlete is Kenny Patton and did you recruit him?
dan_morrison: Kenny is an excellent athlete who possesses speed and intelligence. He's really emerged as an outstanding player at St. Francis (Pasadena). He was named first team all-CIF and was defensive back of the year in his conference.
stephen_tsai: Zhizhibees asks: Can you talk about Denny Flanagan, who verbaled to UH today?
dan_morrison: No, I can't talk about (Flanagan).
stephen_tsai: nokaoi: is the house still committed to UH?
dan_morrison: I can't talk about anyone until his national letter of intent arrives.
stephen_tsai: Irse asks: How has QB Whieldon been progressing?
dan_morrison: Very well. He's a great student of the game and has been watching film diligently. It appears by talking to the other players that his throwing is improving daily. (We can't be with Jason while he's throwing at this time of year).
stephen_tsai: dturqueza asks: Did you think UH had a chance to get Mapu?
dan_morrison: We think we have a chance to get anybody we try to recruit. But due to ethics right now, I can't about another recruit who is going somewhere else.
stephen_tsai: Irse asks: Do you see any of the freshmen contributing this year?
dan_morrison: June Jones' philosophy is that any player who is ready to play will play and only time will tell whether this freshman group will have that individual. If past history is any example, it's certain someone will emerge as a player.
stephen_tsai: sportfan asks: Is JJ stil planning on recruiting in Japan next year?
dan_morrison: It appears so.
stephen_tsai: watdis asks: How will you replace Lelie and is Tim Chang OK?
dan_morrison: It's very difficult to replace Ashley Lelie. He's one of a kind. (more)
dan_morrison: Timmy Chang is doing fine. He just had his cast replaced and is working out every morning and is watching film three days a stephen_tsai: nokaoi asks: It seems as if this year's recruiting class focused on defense, who will make the biggest impact?
dan_morrison: It's always difficult to tell how recruits will mature. But right now, we're banking on several of them to challenge immediately in training camp.
stephen_tsai: Ikaika27 asks: How is Isaac Sapoaga looking
dan_morrison: Isaak is still working on his classes and is concentrating on that right now.
stephen_tsai: irse asked: how has jeff rhode been doing?
dan_morrison: Right now, he's concentrating on baseball. But he looks real good as an athlete and his arm is getting more accurate and stronger throughout the last couple of months.
stephen_tsai: watdis loves the black uniforms. wants to know why they can't be used all of the time.
dan_morrison: It's June's decision.
stephen_tsai: justin asks: how good will nate ilaoa be next year?
dan_morrison: Nate looks very good right now and could emerge as an extremely talented receiver if he continues the progress he's made since he arrived.
stephen_tsai: ikaika wants to know who are the top candidates to replace the departed receivers.
dan_morrison: Nate Ilaoa, Chad Owens, Gerald Welch and Brit Komine, as well as Clifton Herbert, to replace Craig Stutzmann and Channon Harris.
stephen_tsai: kkv asks: will omar bennett be tried at wide receiver or slot?
dan_morrison: Probably take a look at him as a wide receiver.
stephen_tsai: fax asks: who will be competing at RB?
dan_morrison: There's a large group right now at running back. But Mike Bass and Thero Mitchell are the two returning running backs who have the most experience.
stephen_tsai: justin asks: Is brewster as good as we've been hearing?
dan_morrison: Michael Brewster (Tennessee transfer) has looked very good of late, has a great work ethic, and possesses both speed and strength.
stephen_tsai: irse asks: will mark tate see significant playing time? Is he the leading candidate to replace Lelie?
dan_morrison: Mark Tate is definitely in the mix and has improved over the last two years.
stephen_tsai: nokaoi asks: do you think chad kalilimoku is the best recruit UH has ever had?
dan_morrison: Chad is an outstanding football player whose junior college coach says he's the best linebacker he's had in over 20 years at Santa Ana Junior College. And he'll definitely be in the mix this year, vying for time.
stephen_tsai: sportfan asks: do you expect any players to walk on or return home?
dan_morrison: We always have an excellent group of walk-ons, which has proven out with such players as Ashley Lelie, Nate Jackson, Jacob Espiau, Joe Correia, and Chad Owens. As far as players returning home, we know of none to this point.
stephen_tsai: national champ asks: wil you play less soft zone and more press man defense with the improved dbs you have?
dan_morrison: I'll leave those questions to the defensive coaches.
stephen_tsai: zhiz asks: will you recruit more players from Alta Loma High?
dan_morrison: We don't really target too many schools. It just so happens that Ryan Stickler ended up being from there.
stephen_tsai: ikaika asks: Will Mel Purcell be used at DE or LB?
dan_morrison: I can't comment on that player at this point.
stephen_tsai: Is UH playing 13 games next year?
dan_morrison: Yes ... with five away games.
stephen_tsai: nokaoi asks: will west play rb or wr?
dan_morrison: John West, we're not sure yet. But he's very fast and very talented.
stephen_tsai: irse asks: how is utah looking as a recruiting ground for UH?
dan_morrison: We hope to explore that in spring and determine if it is, in fact, fertile ground.
stephen_tsai: ikaika asks: how is leonard peters progressing? does cockheran have a chance to start?
dan_morrison: Leonard Peters is working very hard and looks outstanding. Cockheran is an outstanding prospect, with GREAT speed. And it will all be determined on how fast he picks up the offense.
stephen_tsai: CoachCav will now speak. WE'll have a one minute break.
stephen_tsai: Bear with us. he's a little slow (line coach, you know)
stephen_tsai: nat wants you to comment on oline recruits. big/talented enough?
Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser
mike_cavanaugh: I'm reall excited about this year's recruiting class of offensive linemen. To me, we got some talented young tackles with Sepa Reed (St. Louis), Dane Uperesa (Punahou) and three guys from Kailua. (more)
University of Hawai'i's assistant football coach Mike Cavanaugh, left, chatted live with readers tonight. Sports writer Stephen Tsai moderated the chat.
mike_cavanaugh: The center (Marques Kaonohi) is a tremendous athlete, great feet. Samson Satele is one of the best offensive line recruits that we've landed. Kahai LaCount is another athletic big man. He'll probably be a guard for us. (more)
mike_cavanaugh: We have plenty (of offensive linemen). June Jones has made a commitment to always recruit offensive linemen.
stephen_tsai: watdis asks: Moenoa at center -- isn't he a bit too tall?
mike_cavanaugh: Laughs. Moenoa is probably between 6-2 and 6-3. He's a good knee-bender. He's a very smart football player. He's a great athlete. He played right tackle in the run-and-shoot. He'll have no problems adjusting to center.
stephen_tsai: watdis (an obvious relative) asks: Will you pursue other coaching jobs?
mike_cavanaugh: No, not at this point.
stephen_tsai: Irse asks: Are you going to recruit from michigan again?
mike_cavanaugh: No. We haven't been since we recruited Mike Holt. We're going to concentrate more locally.
stephen_tsai: watdis asks: you gave up more sacks last year than the previous year. what happened?
mike_cavanaugh: I'll take 9-3 any day.
stephen_tsai: nokaoi asks: Who do you think wil take over at RT if Moenoa goes to center
mike_cavanaugh: Ryan Santos is probably the leading candidate. We're real pleased with how hard he's working right now.
stephen_tsai: zhiz asls: do you or will you recruit in florida?
mike_cavanaugh: We don't actively recruit down there. If there's interest and if there's some kind of tie to Hawaii, we'll recruit a prospect from Florida.
stephen_tsai: frenchy asks: what will it take to keep you here?
mike_cavanaugh: Every year, I'm rumored to be going somewhere. It's my fourth season here and I'm very happy here. I got tremendous players coming up through the ranks. And no one is beating my door down.
stephen_tsai: justin credible asks: you were instrumental in getting bass and ilaoa. how about this year?
mike_cavanaugh: I basically concentrated on the local offensive line recruiting. Basically, I have three schools here. Mililani High School, Kailua and Kalaheo and any offensive line prospect I get on early.
stephen_tsai: irse asks: will wayne hunter start at LT?
mike_cavanaugh: We moved him there for a reason. He's working real hard right now. He definitely could be a starter. A lot will be determined by spring practice.
stephen_tsai: watdis says: with noa with the rams and klemm with the patriots, who did you root for in the super bowl?
mike_cavanaugh: I was a winner eight way. I had a guy on each team. I was just happy that both of them go to experience the Super Bowl.
stephen_tsai: natchampion asks: Has the coaching staff thought of using a tight end for blocking/runnig purposes?
mike_cavanaugh: Actually, this past year we brought an extra lineman in and we moved Vincent Manuwai to tight end. It was pretty much a wrinkle; it's not something we'll consistently use.
stephen_tsai: rainbow asks: is isaak sopoaga eligible yet?
mike_cavanaugh: No comment.
stephen_tsai: kkv says: tell us about kalavi blanchard of kahuku
mike_cavanaugh: Can't talk about him.
stephen_tsai: nokaoi asks: isn't fuata a good enough lt?
mike_cavanaugh: Lui Fuata is obviously been good enough to be the left tackle. He's been the left tackle for the last two years. I'd like to move him inside because down the road (NFL), that's where he might have a chance. I want to see him become a more physical player
stephen_tsai: irse asked: are we giving scholarships to anybody else?
mike_cavanaugh: Not that I'm aware of.
stephen_tsai: die hard asks: tell us about ryan stickler
stephen_tsai: Explanation: While all but one of the recruits have signed letters, coaches may not comment until actually receiving a copy of the documents.
mike_cavanaugh: Coach Morrison talked about him earlier. He said Stickler was a great athlete and a big physical guy who is very competitive.
stephen_tsai: are you always such a pleasant guy?
stephen_tsai: nokai asks: Will Fuata take over Kanoa's old spot at LG
mike_cavanaugh: Yes. I hope so. If Wayne Hunter works out at left tackle.
stephen_tsai: sportfan asks: do coaches monitor the message boards and other recruiting sites for players?
mike_cavanaugh: I don't think so.
stephen_tsai: rainbow ask: can you talk about players who signed and currently on campus?
mike_cavanaugh: Yes ... there are three on campus (Marco Chavez, Jason Whieldon, John West). (more)
mike_cavanaugh: Chavez is a big, physical outside linebacker. He has the ability to run and hit people. John West is a very athletic skill player who can play numerous positions. Jason Whieldon is a very accurate passer and is very athletic, smart and competitive.
stephen_tsai: watdis asks: Will manly kanoa be drafted? if so, where?
mike_cavanaugh: Could be a late draftee, definitely a free agent.
stephen_tsai: noka: it seems you have a lot of OL players. will you play diferent players
mike_cavanaugh: Well, I think that there are 7-8 guys who can start for us. Normally, with the offensive line developing that chemistry, getting to know each other, so repetition is important to build that bond. June doesn't like to play a lot of guys and rotate them in.
stephen_tsai: watdis asks: do you coach the long snappers. (and, by the way, who will long snap?)
mike_cavanaugh: No. Possible T.J. Moe, Chad Kapanui and Lui Fata could be snappers.
stephen_tsai: 101 asks: if you wre playing byu saturday, who would be the starters?
mike_cavanaugh: Not sure right now. Not sure how good we're going to be on the offensive line.
stephen_tsai: ikaika asks: did fuga redshirt last year?
mike_cavanaugh: I'm not sure. That's June decision.
stephen_tsai: beerman noticed you have a lot of southern california players. what do you tell them?
mike_cavanaugh: Obviously, we sell our university and our football program. We probably the only school in the country that's going to be television every Saturday.
stephen_tsai: frenchy asks: any chance of ty brown moving to safety?
mike_cavanaugh: My personal opinion is he's going to be a heck of an outside linebacker.
stephen_tsai: kkv wants to know about kaipo patoc
mike_cavanaugh: Kaipo Patoc is probably 6-2, 230; he's a guy who played defensive end in high school as well as wide receiver. I think he'll end up being an outside linebacker for us, and a darn good one.
stephen_tsai: who told you bald was beautiful?
mike_cavanaugh: No one told me bald was beautiful. I set my own standards.
stephen_tsai: aloha. we apologize for the problems. Feel free to call us at 525-8078 for live comments.
stephen_tsai: ...but only for the next five minutes. thanks.
stephen_tsai: Transcripts will be available within an hour. Thanks again for joining our chat. We apologize for the technical problems.
