Raised on Rice, Hogan proves helpful to UH
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
For the University of Hawai'i football team, "Omega" is the last word in preparing for Saturday's game against Rice.
Advertiser library photo
"Omega's awesome," UH defensive back David Gilmore said of teammate Omega Hogan, who has been portraying Rice's quarterback in practices this week.
Reserve cornerback Omega Hogan has portrayed Rice quarterback Kyle Herm this week.
The Owls use a deceptive run-option offense that the Warriors face no more than two times each season. To prepare, UH's scout team simulates the Owls' offense in practice, with Hogan playing the role of Kyle Herm.
UH coach June Jones, who served as casting director, said Hogan was a logical choice.
"He was a quarterback in high school," Jones said, "and he ran (the Owls') offense in high school."
Hogan was raised in Houston, where Rice's campus is located, and "I know Rice's offense. I've seen it a lot."
The 5-foot-7, 159-pound Hogan's quickness — he's faster than Herm, who returned to practice this week after missing the last two weeks with rib injuries — provides an offense-on-caffeine look.
"Since he's so fast, it teaches us how to react quicker," said Chad Kapanui, who is expected to open at linebacker for the Warriors. "He gives us a better look than the Rice quarterback."
Before each practice, graduate assistant coach Keith Bhonapha goes over a menu of plays, complete with speed rates.
"We talk about how fast he wants me to come to the outside, how to stretch it out," Hogan said. "I want to give our defense a good look. If I can do that in practice, it'll be so much easier for them in the game."
During yesterday's practice, Hogan exasperated defenders by sprinting to the perimeter and, when a would-be tackler approached, pitching to a trailing wingback.
"I want to run it exactly the way Rice runs it," Hogan said. Defenders "might get frustrated, but at the end, they'll give you a pat on the back and tell you 'thanks.' "
In 2001, UH recruited Hogan as an "athlete," a field of study that includes running back, receiver or defensive back. Hogan, a third-year sophomore, is listed as a backup cornerback, although he also plays on the special teams.
Playing in the defensive secondary "is a big adjustment," he said. "I knew coming in to Hawai'i I had to learn a lot. I don't mind waiting for my turn."
With two older brothers and two older sisters, Hogan indeed was raised to be patient.
"I'm the last child," Hogan said of his unique first name. "Omega means the end. My mother wouldn't have any more."
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.
