As he had done through most of the University of Hawaii football team’s first spring practice, slotback Dylan Collie decided to take advantage of an opening.
Figuring there were a few minutes before a group interview with television reporters, Collie dashed to the side to catch post-practice passes from the JUGS machine.
"That’s Dylan," running back Diocemy Saint Juste said in bemusement.
Later, Collie, who joined the Rainbow Warriors in January after serving a two-year church mission, conceded: "I’m here to play football, and I’m here to contribute in whatever way that is. I’ve got to be accountable to myself, and that’s going 100 miles per hour at all times."
Saturday’s 100-minute practice marked the on-field UH debut for five coaches, including offensive coordinator Don Bailey and defensive coordinator Tom Mason.
"I thought it was good," said Bailey, who directed Idaho State’s prolific spread offense last year. "We were enthusiastic. They were ready to not push the (blocking) sled around for (offseason) conditioning."
Bailey praised Ikaika Woolsey, Max Wittek and Beau Reilly in the competition among quarterbacks.
"I like their (footwork)," Bailey said. "I like their decision-making. It’s always kind of trial-and-error to get back into the pocket. The pocket is something you can’t simulate without a pass rush. But they stood in there and delivered the ball."
John Wa‘a provided the first-team snaps as the likely successor to center Kody Afusia.
The defense produced three turnovers — all on interceptions — during 7-on-7 and team drills.
"We had the possibility of four more," said Mason, who was Southern Methodist’s defensive coordinator the previous seven years. "We could have had some fumbles. But without pads, that’s hard to judge. … I don’t like our effort all the time because you (always) have to play at a high level. Once we figure that out, we’ll be fine."
Mason retained the outline of the 3-4 scheme the Warriors used last season.
"We’re similar to what we were as a defense," Mason said. "There just are different ways to do it."
Inside linebacker Simon Poti, who had a pick-six in the team drill, said: "We’re definitely picking it up."
Kory Rasmussen, who relinquished a Colorado scholarship to join the Warriors as a walk-on two years ago, took most of the first-team reps at nose tackle. Rasmussen has gained about 40 pounds and now weighs 300.
"We have a great (offseason) conditioning program," Rasmussen said. "We did a lot of work on the first day. We have 14 more (practices) to go."
The most impressive player was Collie, who had followed a family trend as a Brigham Young receiver three years ago. Collie’s father and two older brothers, including former NFL receiver Austin Collie, are BYU alumni.
During his church mission in Virginia, Dylan Collie decided he wanted to transfer to UH.
As a coordinator at UCLA and then Utah, UH coach Norm Chow recruited Collie. "A couple of guys there weren’t too keen on me," Collie recalled.
Collie added: "I always wanted to play for Coach Chow. When the opportunity presented itself to come here and play, it was a no-brainer."
As for breaking away from the BYU legacy, Collie said: "That’s part of life. I’m an individual. I’m Dylan Collie. I love my parents. I love my brothers. I love my siblings. And I love the imprint they put on the football world, not just in Provo, but everywhere. I’m glad to be here. I’m here to create my own identity."
During offseason conditioning drills, Collie usually finished first in sprints. He said he stayed fit playing basketball during his mission. In Virginia, he would awaken at 5:45 a.m., work out for an hour, then study scriptures for two hours.
"From 10 to 10 at night, we were working, whether it would be knocking on doors or teaching people about our heavenly father and his plan for us."
He said the commitment and discipline transcend to football.
"A huge part of football is mental," Collie said. "If you don’t have the mental strength to look at the next play if you screw up, you’re not going to make it out here. I saw myself, in the beginning (of practice), making a few mistakes here and there. I was quick to bounce back. That’s what the mental part is."
