Defensive coaches taking on new roles

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Warriors assistant George Lumpkin is overseeing the entire defense during spring practice. Advertiser library photo

Last year, Lumpkin coached the middle and weak-side linebackers and Lee, in his first season at UH after a long career at Saint Louis School, worked with the strong-side linebackers.

This spring practice, Lumpkin is overseeing the entire defense, moving from station to station.

"I'm trying to help out where help is needed," said Lumpkin, who is seeking replacements for nine defensive starters who completed their eligibility last December.

Lee now is in charge of all of the linebackers.

"There's help from all over," Lee said, "but I guess I'm ultimately responsible."

Lee also is the head coach of the Hawaiian Islanders of arenafootball2. But Lee said he does not have trouble balancing both jobs.

"People think it's hard, but I've worked two jobs for 34 years," he said, noting he has held second jobs as a teacher, showroom worker and restaurant manager.

"I think it's experience," he said. "If you do it long enough, it becomes second nature."

UH coach June Jones said the new job descriptions will "get everybody involved more, and I wanted Cal more involved. It gives George an opportunity to look at more things during practice instead of being focused only on the linebackers."

Smooth transition: While linebacker Ikaika Curnan has drawn the most attention for his move from the weak side to the middle this spring, the player who made the reverse move has been equally impressive.

Jones said if Lincoln Manutai, who moved from the middle to the weak side, "gets through the schemes and does the right things, he has a chance to make a lot of plays for us."

In UH's attacking defense, the weak-side linebacker — aligned on the side that does not have a tight end — is used as a blitzer, perimeter run stopper and pass defender. In 2002 and 2003, the weak-side linebacker (Pisa Tinoisamoa, Curnan) led the Warriors in tackles.

"We wanted to use (Manutai's) athletic ability," Lumpkin said. "He moves well. He's very coordinated."

Manutai has experience at the three linebacker positions, but was used mostly in the middle last season. "I was kind of rusty at first," he said, "but it's all coming back."

The middle linebacker runs "downhill" — toward the line of scrimmage and rarely wide of the offensive tackles — and often must fight off larger offensive guards. On the weak side, Manutai said, "I'm a little more free."

Manutai, a senior, has gained 10 pounds and now weighs 230. He is hopeful of securing a football scholarship.

"I would say he's a candidate, depending on how much he picks it up and how much he plays in the fall," Jones said.

Manutai is listed as the No. 1 weak-side linebacker on the depth chart.

For now, he uses loans and financial aid to pay for his tuition, books and meals. His parents pay for his share of rent for a $700-a-month, one-bedroom apartment. Linebacker Anipati Mailo gets the bedroom. Manutai, slotback Orlando Wong and defensive back Jayson Malufau sleep in the living room.

"A couple of the other guys from the team come to our place to hang out and play video games," Manutai said. "It's a good hang-out place. I love the college life. I wish I could live it for four more years."

Roll call: No longer on the team — and not expected to return — are offensive linemen Ryan Santos, Xavier Ho'olulu and Dejaun Gatling; linebacker Brown Fa'avae; and Pesefea Fiaseu Jr.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.