UH FOOTBALL
Some players 'shoe-d' off field
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Photo gallery: UH football spring practice |
By Stephen Tsai
HawaiiWarriorBeat.com Editor
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It was the first day of the Hawai'i football team's spring training, and offensive lineman Brysen "Bulla" Ginlack did not get off on the right footwear.
Hawai'i head football coach Greg McMackin noticed that Ginlack was not wearing team-issued shoes during one-on-one drills. Ginlack was sent to the sideline.
Later, McMackin noticed that nickelback Richard Torres also wore the wrong shoes. Torres was sent to the sideline. His replacement, Kawika Ornellas, received the same fate.
"Does anybody have the right shoes?" roared McMackin, who also scolded a defensive lineman for inadvertently striking a blocker's face — a move that would draw a penalty if it occurred during a game.
"This is football," McMackin said. "It's a business. I'm a nice guy when it's time to be nice. But as (former UH linebacker Solomon Elimimian) once said, I have two personalities. These guys know me. They know I care about them. But when I want to make a point, I make a point."
In the 15 practices over the next four weeks, the emphasis will be on perfecting techniques and reducing mistakes.
"We can't have personal fouls," McMackin said. "We had too many last year. That's laziness, and a lack of technique. We've learned from last year. We're going to get better."
NCAA rules prevent teams from wearing pads during the first two practices. The offensive linemen worked on hand techniques; the running backs on footwork and blocking (by hitting the heavy bag), and the quarterbacks and receivers on pass routes. The defensive players focused on alignments.
"We can't hit yet, but we got a lot of work in," McMackin said. "The defense worked hard. We're trying to find 11 guys who can run to the football and hit. Hawai'i has always been known for hitting."
McMackin praised his assistant coaches for instilling a "good work ethic." Last month, Gordy Shaw was hired to coach the offensive line, and Chris Tormey to coach the safeties and special teams. Brian Smith now is in charge of the running backs. Two of Smith's pupils — converted quarterback Inoke Funaki and Leon Wright-Jackson — were impressive.
Kahuku High coach Reggie Torres watched Funaki, a Red Raider alumnus, work on his blocking.
"It was probably a funny sight for him to see me hit the bag," said Funaki, who started six games at quarterback last season. "From what I learned from the first practice, a running back has to keep a good base. You can't lunge, or the (defender) will get past you."
He added, smiling: "I survived the first day."
Wright-Jackson arrived as a heralded recruit two years ago. But injuries have hindered his production. Yesterday, he made several long runs.
After practice, Wright-Jackson said: "I'm not going to promise anything. I'm not going to say I'm going to do this or that. I'm just going to work."
For right wideout Malcolm Lane, practice was a relief. He missed most of the offseason training because of strep throat.
"Now I feel great," Lane said, gazing around the grass practice field. "This is what I love most, being around my teammates and coaches. They keep me happy. It feels good to be back with the team. Everybody has a great love for each other, and they work hard, They're pushing each other."
Lane conceded that last year was a difficult "transition season." There were only two holdover offensive starters from the Sugar Bowl team.
"It hurts when you start the season with a quarterback who hasn't taken a (Division I) snap before," Lane said. "It was a learning experience. In the second half, (quarterback) Greg (Alexander) really picked it up. ... We really want to be successful this year. We don't want to finish the season like how we did last year."
The Warriors suffered losses to Cincinnati in the regular-season finale and to Notre Dame in the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl.
In particular, the Warriors want to erase the breakdowns that led to 59 sacks allowed, an NCAA record. Left tackle Aaron Kia was particularly energized yesterday, often racing 30 yards downfield during the 7-on-7 drills.
"As long as my knees hold up," said Kia, who endured tendinitis last year, "I'm a new me. It's up to my knees."
Kia noticed a small crowd that watched the offensive linemen work out in the Diamond Head end zone.
"We want to make a good statement this year," Kia said of the offensive line. "We don't want to be the butt of every conversation about the down part of Hawai'i football."
The practice also served as a comeback for:
Yesterday, his left arm was covered in a mummified wrap.
"For the first day, the intensity was good," Savaiigaea said. "It went well."
"It was real scary," Taylor said. "I felt like I was on my death bed. I'm feeling good. I couldn't feel any better."
He said he now weighs 185.
"I'm back running, and my knee feels good, too," he said. "I'm healthy. I'm ready to go."
Heun has been cleared to participate only in non-contact drills.
"I'm trying to get cleared to hit this week," Heun said. "Hopefully by Saturday, I'll be able to bang."
At City College of San Francisco, Heun was a rush end who was used as a power back in short-yardage situations. He was recruited to UH as a running back.
Yesterday, he worked out at defensive end.
"I'm happy to be back on defense," Heun said. "That's the big thing for me."
He said he eventually hopes to move to outside linebacker. "We'll see," he said.
With Po'okela Ahmad in class, Vili Nauahi was Soares' replacement as the No. 1 strongside linebacker.
Nauahi moved from safety early last season.
"They're just throwing me out there," Nauahi said.
Nauahi received some loud instructions from the coaches.
"I needed the scolding," Nauahi said. "I've got a lot to learn. Without the help of the other linebackers, I wouldn't be there right now."
Nauahi said he starting to pick up the techniques of the position.
"This was the tip of the iceberg," he said. "This was only the first practice. I hope to get better."
The Warriors practice tomorrow, and then Saturday.
Both workouts will be held from 7 to 9 a.m.
"Right now we're developing our team personality," McMackin said. "But I like the work ethic."
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.
