The Hawaii football team’s place-kicking woes have overshadowed their relative success in a specialty area.
This season, the Warriors have allowed the second-fewest punt returns among FBS teams. In six games, the Warriors’ 23 punts resulted in a touchback and two returns totaling 13 yards (10th-fewest nationally).
Following punts, the opponents’ average starting point is the 27-yard line.
What’s more, none of the punts have been blocked.
Punter Alex Dunnachie said he feels secure behind the shield of protection formed by defensive linemen Liko Satele, Siasau Matagiese and Geordon Hanohano. In the Warriors’ punt scheme, Hanohano’s position is listed as “personal protector.”
“If somebody gets through that, he deserves to block the ball,” Dunnachie said.
During the offseason, Dunnachie changed his form to one that uses a higher contact point. The result was a better hang time, but shorter distance on punts. Against San Jose State last week, Dunnachie used a “blend” of the past two years’ forms. His four kicks had an average hang time of 4.5 seconds, with one landing out of bounds at the SJSU 13. None was returned.
“Instead of coming straight up to it,” Dunnachie said of the contact point, “I angle my leg a little bit more to get distance. If I kick the ball long, the hang time will come with it.”
Brown back on field
As promised, weakside linebacker Aaron Brown resumed practicing Thursday.
He missed the previous two sessions because of a sprained right ankle suffered against SJSU.
Brown has provided an energetic boost to the Warriors.
“It’s just a passion in me,” Brown said of his full-speed play. “When the switch is flipped, I’m ready to play.”
The Warriors have had to curb Brown’s enthusiasm. Because he was suspended for the opener, Brown practiced on the scout team until he was booted for being too aggressive.
During a practice last week, he made a knock-down tackle of a scout running back. Brown then was ordered to play running back. After several strong blocks, he was sent back to defense.
“It’s just football,” Brown said. “You have to play with passion. Once you turn it on, you can’t turn it off until the game is over.”
Pollard getting close
Right wideout Royce Pollard reaffirmed his belief he will play against New Mexico State.
“I have a lot of faith in my rehab and treatment process,” said Pollard, who has a tight right hamstring.
Pollard said he goes through physical-therapy treatments three times a day and an electrical-stimulation session. He also uses heat/ice lotions on the hamstring.
While he has endured several injuries in the past, Pollard said, “this is a lot different. It’s a muscle, and I use it a lot. It’s a major aspect of playing receiver because we do so much running.”
