The Hawaii football team endured humidity and ennui in the first scrimmage of training camp on Wednesday.
"It was sluggish, which is what you expect from the 10th day of camp," coach Norm Chow said.
There were 100 scripted plays, resulting in two offensive touchdowns — running back Dominique Small’s 3-yard dive and a 20-yard scoring pass from Taylor Graham to freshman Don’Yeh Patterson.
"In the first scrum, the defense should be ahead," Chow said. "But you’re hoping it’s a little more even."
From his view, defensive coordinator Kevin Clune observed, "it was good and bad. There were times when guys were doing some good stuff. There were times when it was lackluster. I keep pushing that we have to be more consistent, more off the ball, and take care of business on every play."
Two newcomers — inside linebackers Simon Poti and Malachi Mageo — continue to make an impact on defense.
"It’s going to be a long season," Clune said. "Injuries will shape this team. Injuries will shape our season. We will have to have guys who will show up when guys go down."
Julian Gener, who is trying to reclaim a spot in the inside-linebacker rotation, made a loud hit and scored on an 80-yard interception return.
"I’ve got a long way to go," said Gener, who missed the final nine games last season because of an elbow injury. "I know it. Let’s hope this is the first step in the right direction."
Gener said he relied more on finesse than power last year.
"Coach Clune has been grilling me to be more physical."
Clune said: "Nine times out of 10, a power move is going to beat a finesse move. That’s that. That’s just playing inside linebacker. It may be old school, but that’s the way it has to be."
Safeties now wideouts
Freshman Jerrell Jackson is the second safety to move to wideout is as many days. Damien Packer switched on Tuesday.
Jackson has been used as a safety and nickelback. But with depth concerns at Z, the strong-side receiver, Jackson was summoned. The thing is, he still is recovering from an injury. He wore a yellow jersey, which is used by players on no-contact status.
In an impassioned post-practice speech, receiver coach Luke Matthews implored the freshmen to embrace the opportunity to play.
Chow reiterated that message, saying: "You don’t recruit freshmen to redshirt. You recruit freshmen to play."
Hold that thought
With Ikaika Woolsey as the No. 1 quarterback, the Warriors are auditioning candidates to succeed Woolsey as holder.
Scott Harding, who was used in that role two years ago, was the holder on a point-after kick on Wednesday.
Wideout Quinton Pedroza also took a turn as a holder. Pedroza said he was used as a holder at Utah, where he played before transferring to UH last year.
Pedroza said he is willing to be used on fakes.
"You’re going to see," Pedroza said. "We have some plays when my Tom Brady arm comes out."