From todays SA... UH takes a look into the future By Stephen Tsai The University of Hawaii football team displayed a preview of the future in an intrasquad scrimmage that was a mix of Monday Night Football and Manoa Valley Theatre. It was a fun thing, coach Norm Chow said of the 39-play scrimmage played under the Ching Field lights. For one hour, the Rainbow Warriors had a respite from meetings, study hall and an 0-11 season. While the scrimmage involved redshirts and developing players, the starters rooted from the sidelines or served as officials. Chow gave all the quarterback reps to Ikaika Woolsey, who was 9-for-15 for 111 yards. Two of Woolseys passes were dropped. He was not intercepted, and he teamed with tight end Josh Long on an 11-yard touchdown. Woolsey dispelled the label of being a running quarterback. He threw well, Chow said. He might have to take something off (his passes). He cant throw every ball like its a fastball. While running back Jason Muraoka provided the tough running, it was another walk-on — Willis Wilson — who delivered the sizzle. Wilson rushed nine times for 115 yards, scoring on twisting runs of 28 and 24 yards. I have my dance moves, said Wilson, whose steps were inspired by receiver Cecil Doe. That spin move we call ‘The Cecil. If you want to look smooth, youve got to hit ‘The Cecil. Chow praised the offensive line, led by redshirts John Wa‘a and R.J. Hollis. Since we dont get to play in real games, this was our game, said Wa‘a, a freshman from Kahuku. The depth problems on defense trickled down to the scrimmage. Four defensive linemen played without a rest. Linebackers Jeremy Castro, David Manoa and Drake Miller made several key stops. Manoa made a jarring tackle on Muraoka and, two plays later, flattened slotback Quinton Pedroza for a 9-yard loss on a reverse. Ive been using this whole (redshirt) season to get ready for an opportunity, Manoa said. We got an opportunity. Manoa, who is 6-foot-4, said he gained 20 pounds and now weighs 230. He is expected to be used as a hybrid rush end/outside linebacker in 2014. Miller, also a freshman, said he has used this semester to get stronger, learn plays and adjust to college life. Its a good developmental year, especially being away from home, said Miller, who was raised in Utah. Miller had considered going on a two-year church mission beginning next summer. But with inside linebackers Brenden Daley, Art Laurel and Kamalani Alo completing their UH eligibility with Saturdays game against Army, Miller is reconsidering and strongly leaning toward playing next season.
Posted on: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 05:18:03 +0000
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