UH defensive lineis a strike-first unit

Like clockwork, Hawaii’s defensive tackles go through a punch-in routine at the start of every football practice.

They line up in the end zone, then each takes a turn hitting the padded goal post.

"We do so many drills hitting the pole we get sick of it," defensive tackle Vaughn Meatoga said.

The drill is known as "target practice," and the point is for a defensive tackle to strike specific points.

"A D-lineman is like a boxer," said Tony Tuioti, a former UH defensive tackle who now coaches the position for the Warriors. "You have to hit the right spots. If you can’t strike the right spot, you’re not going to be a good boxer or D-lineman."

Tuioti said that proper handwork is essential in fighting off blocks, maneuvering past clingy offensive linemen and breaking away to pursue the ballcarrier.

"It’s not about strength, it’s about technique," defensive tackle Kaniela Tuipulotu said. "It starts with the hands and then it goes to the hips and down to the feet. That’s why we work on developing quick hands. If you have good hands, they’ll correct everything."

Meatoga said: "You have to hit (an offensive lineman) before he hits you. You have to use your hands to create leverage. He can be bigger and stronger, but if you use your hands and technique the right way, you can beat him."

Tuioti said he follows advice from Pete Jenkins, considered one of the top defensive-line consultants. Jenkins preached "blow delivery" — the quick-hand technique of controlling a blocker. Tuioti said the theory is the defensive lineman who strikes first has a significant advantage against a blocker.

It is why the defensive tackles start every practice hitting goal posts.

"It’s repetition," Meatoga said. "The more you do it, the better you get."

Meatoga and Tuipulotu have demonstrated enough skill to draw attention from NFL scouts.

They also have helped the Warriors become the Western Athletic Conference leaders in run defense.

This season, the Warriors have allowed 108.25 rushing yards per game. It is the Warriors’ best average in the 13 years they have used the four-wide offense. Their version of the four-wide offense is a quick-strike attack that puts the UH defense on the field frequently. Previously, UH’s best statistical rush defense was in 2007, when the Warriors allowed 133.8 per game during an unbeaten regular season.

"It starts up front," Tuioti said. "Those two guys (Meatoga and Tuipulotu) are doing a great job."