Warriors’ newcomers let their play do the talking

This football training camp, some of the most talked-about University of Hawaii players are mum.

For the camp’s first week, the newcomers are not made available for interviews, according to the team’s newly imposed media policy.

But that has not stopped head coach Norm Chow and defensive coordinator Kevin Clune from voicing their approval of several first-year Warriors.

Inside linebacker Simon Poti was praised for a play in which he hurried a quarterback, then scrambled back to chase a receiver in the flat.

"Simon Poti is doing a good job," Chow said.

Clune described Poti, a transfer from Fullerton College, as "a hitter. He’s really picking up his plays. He’s really stepping up."

Freshman linebacker Malachi Mageo has an interception in each of the past two practices, including a 50-yard return for a touchdown on Thursday.

"He seems to be a playmaker," Chow said.

Nick Nelson, Jalen Rogers and Jamal Mayo have played well at cornerback. Mayo earned his associate degree from Laney College last week, traveled to Hawaii this past weekend and joined the Warriors on Wednesday. He struggled in that practice but showed good coverage work on Thursday.

"I’m encouraged by (Mayo)," Clune said.

Jerrell Jackson, a freshman from Florida, was expected to compete at corner. But the past two practices, he was used at nickelback.

"He’ll play both," Clune said of Jackson. "We’re always trying to find the best combination, the best matchups. Nickel might be the place where he gets to see the field first. He’s got good quickness, good size. He’s a good all-around player."

Taimatuia right at home outside

TJ Taimatuia has found a home at outside linebacker and, if he continues to improve, a steady job.

Taimatuia, a fifth-year senior, has lost weight, gained strength and stamina, and now is battling Jeremy Castro for an outside linebacker’s job in UH’s new 3-4 base defense.

Taimatuia said he is largely motivated by last year’s dismal record, noting "1-11 won’t do for us. … I’ll do whatever it takes not to have a losing season."

Taimatuia has bounced from playing linebacker in the middle, outside and near the line of scrimmage. In UH’s new defensive scheme, he gets to blitz or drop into coverage.

"This a good defense for him," Clune said. "It does everything he does well."

Kurt Gouveia, who coaches UH’s outside linebackers, has worked extensively with Taimatuia. Gouveia is a Waianae High graduate who won a national championship with BYU and a Super Bowl with Washington.

"He’s done it all," Taimatuia said. "He’s a great teacher. I think we have the longest meetings because it’s all details. Details will win games."

Gouveia said: "A coach’s responsibility is to help these young men become successful. In whatever field I can help them in — physically, mentally, emotionally — I’m there for them. I treat them like my own son. … I expect and demand perfection."

Gouveia said Taimatuia lost weight, which improved his stamina.

"I needed him to be lean, I needed him to be fit," Gouveia said. "I needed him not to get tired, not fatigued. Every down I needed him. I sat him down, showed him some examples of what he was doing on the field. He’s come a long way. … TJ is a great player. He can be better. He hasn’t even reached his full potential."