Off the ol’ block

It was fitting that University of Hawaii quarterback Taylor Graham’s recent SportsCenter-worthy block was learned from a Ram.

Graham drew oohs, ahs and retweets when he used a battering-ram block to flatten USC cornerback Kevon Seymour during Bubba Poueu-Luna’s 19-yard run in Thursday’s opener.

"Opportunity came, and I tried to do my job to get Bubba loose," Graham said. "I tried my best to make sure it was a legal hit. Helmet-to-helmet is a big emphasis this year. I did my best to make sure I didn’t get ejected."

Graham said he learned blocking techniques from Randy Ellison, coach of his sixth-grade team, the Wheaton (Ill.) Rams.

"He taught us to hit on the rise," Graham said. "He taught me everything I needed to know about blocking and tackling."

While the UH coaches hope Graham’s blocking will be a seldom-needed tactic, it did show that all non-linemen are potential blockers.

"We expect a lot out of our guys," said coach Norm Chow, who serves as offensive coordinator.

Wide receiver Chris Gant said blocking is a "want-to" skill.

"If we can make a block, we can help a running back gain more yards," Gant said. "A good block could be the difference between a receiver getting a couple of yards after a catch and scoring a touchdown."

Slotback Scott Harding said receivers do not practice blocking during position drills. Instead, they work on blocks during 11-on-11 sessions.

"We make sure we get our fits right," Harding said.

Harding made an important but unheralded block against USC. On fourth and 1 in the second quarter, the 5-foot-11, 200-pound Harding aligned as an H-back to the right of Graham. Harding scooted to the left and blocked 6-3, 255-pound rush end Devon Kennard, allowing running back Faga Wily to race past for a first down.

"I had to back block, which is a tough block for a receiver," Harding said. "He’s about 260, and he was coming hard. I took a shoulder and tried to give it all I could. You have to sacrifice at that point. He’s going to hit you. You just have to get in the way and make sure he doesn’t tackle the ballcarrier."

Keith Kirkwood, a freshman receiver, also had a pancake block late in the game.

"I get angry in the game," Kirkwood said. "I want to be aggressive every play."

Kirkwood did not begin playing organized football until last year, when he was a senior in high school.

"Watching football while growing up, I never paid attention that blocking was a main key," Kirkwood said. "When I started playing for my high school, all I thought about was running routes. They told me about blocking. I was, like: ‘Huh? A wide receiver blocks?’ It was new to me. But I love the physical part. I love coming down and cracking safeties."

Similar to the 6-5 Graham, Kirkwood, who is 6-4, has to stoop to gain an advantage in leverage.

"You can’t be too high, or the defender can slip around you," Kirkwood said.

Kirkwood said his aggressiveness surprises others.

"Nobody knew I had it in me," Kirkwood said. "I had to make a statement. The name on the back of the jersey — Kirkwood — that’s who I represent. I have to do well for my family."