LBs Taimatuia and Daley have shown big improvement since spring

In giving T.J. Taimatuia and Brenden Daley a slightly different viewpoint, University of Hawaii defensive coordinator Thom Kaumeyer envisions the Warriors linebackers developing into imposing figures in the middle unit.

Both spent time at outside linebacker last year, but their size and range predicated a full-time move to the middle in the spring as Kaumeyer installed UH’s new defensive packages.

Taimatuia closed the spring atop the depth chart followed by Daley, and through two days of fall camp, Kaumeyer has been impressed with the progress of both over the summer.

"Those kids did a great job of studying in the summer and working hard on our defense," Kaumeyer said. "Now it’s more awareness of what their routes are, who they’re leveraging the ball to. They’re more comfortable in our system and I think that’s why they’re playing at a high level right now."

Both listed at 6 feet 3, Taimatuia and Daley provide a bigger presence in the middle than in previous years while displaying the type of versatility Kaumeyer looks for in the position.

"I want guys who can come downhill (against the run), a bigger type of body," Kaumeyer said. "And also when we do some cover 2 they’re going to be covering down the middle, so we want some athletic-type players."

But the biggest adjustment may be the amount of information they’ll have to process and communicate before the snap and as the play develops.

"It’s a whole lot different actually," Taimatuia said. "Instead of checking one guy, you’ve got to check the whole offense. If you’re the middle you have to know every play, every call, every checkdown that you need to make."

Taimatuia, a sophomore, redshirted in 2010 and played in 11 games last year, finishing with one tackle. He’s been running first in the Warriors’ base package, flanked by George Daily-Lyles and Art Laurel on the outside.

Daley has worked with the second linebacker unit along with Kamalani Alo and Darryl McBride.

Daley played middle linebacker most of his career prior to transferring to UH last year. He didn’t get on the field due to a broken foot suffered in fall camp and redshirted.

"At this level it’s all about what you know and where you need to be," Daley said. "(Linebackers coach) Tony (Tuioti) he helps us out with a lot of the reads, so he prepares us well and it comes down to technique, focus and energy."

Daley showed off his range on Friday in backing to the secondary and making an interception during 7-on-7 drills.

"In the spring he would have been 10 yards deep and the ball goes over his head," Kaumeyer said. "That’s what we’re talking about, the awareness. He understands what his other two ‘backers are supposed to be doing, he’s worried about taking the deep, does his job right and picks it off.

"It’s nice to see the time and effort both those kids have been putting in working at their craft and now they’re starting to get the awareness and starting to see it and they’re getting plays."