Another tragedy was in the making this summer when Hawaii football player Clayton Laurel began experiencing foot pain.
In the previous two years, Laurel was on the cusp of earning significant playing time when he suffered fractures in his right leg and right wrist. Exiting spring training, Laurel was listed as the Warriors’ No. 1 left tackle.
"I tried to do my best to get on him," said UH strength coach Tommy Heffernan, who implored Laurel to be diligent in his rehabilitation assignments.
After Laurel was healed physically, Heffernan worked on the mental aspect.
Heffernan recalled telling Laurel: "You’re the No. 1 guy. This is what you’ve been waiting for. You have to step it up. Guys are going to try to kick your (butt), try to embarrass you."
Heffernan added: "I tried to challenge him mentally. Make him go after it."
The tough approach worked. After the first five practices of training camp, Laurel has held off challenges from freshmen Jordan Loeffler and Blake Muir.
"Clayton is a great athlete for his size," offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich said. "I think he’s showing some investment in this offense. That’s what I’m seeing out of Clayton. He’s showing more intensity."
Laurel said he feels healthy. He also is conjuring motivation from uncertainty.
"The position is not mine right now," Laurel said. "It’s still a battle."
Laurel said he has embraced offensive line coach Gordy Shaw’s system. While the guards have gone to a 3-point stance, the tackles remain in a stand-up position at the snap. The tackles also use a slide technique that makes it easier to adjust to a pass-rusher.
"There’s probably a simplicity to our pass protection," Rolovich said.
Laurel’s younger brother, Art, noticed the improved play. In certain defensive schemes, Art Laurel, a UH linebacker, is aligned as a pass-rusher, opposite his brother.
"His footwork is a lot better," Art Laurel said. "I’m pretty happy where he is now. He was out for a couple of weeks. I’m glad he’s back on his feet."
Clayton Laurel had taken a scenic route to a starting role. He is a 2006 Leilehua High graduate who grayshirted that year, then redshirted in 2007.
"I’ve been in the program a long time," he said.
Laurel now is on track to earn a bachelor’s degree in December.
"It’s an exciting time," said Laurel, who has not started a football game since 2005. "My family is waiting for me to play. My friends can’t wait."
The best review of the blindside tackle came from quarterback Bryant Moniz, who doesn’t notice Laurel. In football, offensive linemen are measured by their anonymity.
"He’s on my blindside," Moniz said. "I can’t see him."
Bright back on sidelines
Left wideout Darius Bright’s comeback from a turf-toe injury was short-lived. Bright did not practice Tuesday.
That gave another opportunity for Allen Sampson to compete as the No. 1 left wideout. Sampson moved from slotback during spring drills.
"I’m learning a lot," Sampson said.
At about 5 feet 6, Sampson had hoped to increase his weight during the offseason.
He abandoned that plan, instead focusing on improving his strength and maintaining his quickness. He worked extensively on rubber band-resistance training.
"I’d rather be strong than big," said Sampson, who now weighs 152 pounds.
Bridgford No. 2 on depth chart
Lorne Bridgford is indeed a free safety. The Fresno City College transfer is not on scholarship. He pays for his own school and living expenses.
But he is emerging as a skilled safety. The past two practices, he has been on the second-team defense.
"When you install a lot of things, smart guys seem to move to the forefront," said associate head coach Rich Miano, who coaches the defensive secondary. "He’s a smart guy. He doesn’t make many mistakes, and if he makes one, he doesn’t make it again."
Miano said it will be another week before decisions are made about the depth chart.
"I’m trying to pick up as much as I can," Bridgford said.
