For University of Hawaii football defensive coordinator Kevin Clune, there is nothing like the real thing.
"I’ve been watching the NFL practices on ESPN," Clune said. "I can’t wait (for the Warriors) to get the pads on and get started."
Monday afternoon, the Warriors open their third training camp under head coach Norm Chow. Except for a few spots available for potential transfers, the Warriors are set to begin the process of preparing for the Aug. 30 opener against 25th-ranked Washington.
Here are some questions:
Who’s the starting quarterback?
Ikaika Woolsey will take the first snap today. After that, Jeremy Higgins, Taylor Graham and Beau Reilly — likely in that order — will get looks.
Woolsey appears to have the edge based on his strong play in the spring and summer, as well as the Warriors’ expansion to a spread offense. Woolsey is the best combination of passer and runner. But the coaches insist no decision has been made.
Who are the top newcomers?
Outside linebacker Jeremy Castro and receiver Quinton Pedroza count as newcomers, although both redshirted in 2013 after transferring — from UCLA and Utah, respectively.
In a sense, Ben Clarke is a newcomer at left tackle after playing every game of his UH career at center. Wideout Devan Stubblefield, center Kaiwi Chung, linebacker Simon Poti and cornerbacks Nick Nelson and Jalen Rogers have drawn praise.
How’s the offensive line doing?
Strength and conditioning coordinator Gary Beemer created the "Warrior Maker," a grueling speed-and-endurance test. The test probably wasn’t designed with offensive linemen in mind, but it was administered to them anyway. All but one of the 16 offensive linemen competed. Of that number, 13 beat the time limit. The Warriors should have a fit offensive line.
What’s happening with special teams?
The Warriors were expecting to bring in two kickers to camp. Tyler Hadden, the incumbent, took one spot. With Ceejay Santos working on academic issues, it was decided to bring in Ryan Weese, who was a walk-on at Oklahoma State in the spring semester. Kainoa McDonald, a Punahou graduate, was expected to join on Aug. 25, when the rosters expand. Instead, he was invited to be part of the 105-player roster for training camp.
In all, the Warriors have seven specialists in camp, including Scott Harding, a receiver who is used as a punter, punt returner, offset kickoff returner and holder. If safety Kawika Borden is medically cleared to play, that increases the number to eight. Borden moonlights as a long-snapper.
