Warriors tough in trenches

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Vantz Singletary has described this year's internship with the NFL's San Diego Chargers as "summer fun."

"It's going to be a lot of fun," said Singletary, who enters his fifth season at UH.

UH has had its share of imposing defensive lines, from the "Pineapple Crush" in the early 1970s, to any unit featuring a Noga brother, to the most decorated of all, the 1992 Holiday Bowl line of Maa Tanusava, Taase Faumui and Junior Tagoai.

But none is as deep as this year's. The fall position chart lists four left ends and four right ends. Led by Isaac Sopoaga and Lance Samuseva, there are five tackles for the two positions. Two others are awaiting summer school grades before they are expected to compete in training camp.

"There's a lot of talent," Singletary said. "I just have to make sure I emphasize technique and fundamentals. If they do the little things, they will end up doing big things."

Last year, Singletary spent extra time tutoring Houston Ala, who can play all four line positions. They watched films together late into the night and worked after practice on Ala's footwork. Ala, now the starting left end, led the Warriors with 0.55 sacks per game in 2002.

In the spring, Singletary focused on rush end Travis Laboy, who had a combined 11 sacks in the past two seasons. Laboy, who is quick enough to chase down quarterbacks sprinting to the far side, has been injury prone since transferring from Utah State in 2000. He has not been healthy during any of the ensuing six fall and spring training camps. He also appeared to be aloof.

"I've really taken him under my wings to build a better relationship, to let him know I love him and care for him," Singletary said. "I know everybody talks about him in the staff meetings. He's a freak coming off the edge, a guy who can't be stopped if he really tries. I told him, 'You've been clowning around and throwing your career around. You've got to make an investment.' "

As part of the tough-love approach, Singletary reminded Laboy of the list of understudies.

"If you go to sleep, you're going to miss a huge opportunity," Singletary said. "All of the guys should know that. Nobody has a guaranteed job. Those days are over."

Singletary said Laboy has "met the challenge. He's committed and he's working hard."

Singletary said right tackle Lance Samuseva, who plays the space-eating position on the line, is a low-maintenance player who rarely needs counseling.

At the Chargers' camp, offensive lineman Toniu Fonoti, a former Nebraska and Kahuku High standout, told Singletary that Samuseva is the Warriors' best defensive lineman.

"He told me he tried to get the Nebraska coaches to sign him," Singletary said. "He felt he was the best defensive tackle he faced (in high school)."

UH coach June Jones said: "I hear that from coaches all of the time. Lance is the most underrated player on our team."

Singletary added: "The thing that separates Lance from other guys is he has great instincts. He can just feel the game. Some guys are robots. Lance can make things happen. He makes it easier for the rest of us."