After a 13-year absence, the Hawaii football team re-introduced the tight end position to its offense.
On the second day of this training camp, the Warriors made full use of the position.
During the 11-on-11 session, 30 percent of the 20 passes went to the tight end. Quarterbacks Max Wittek, Ikaika Woolsey and Beau Reilly were a combined 6-for-6 on throws to the tight end.
“We have tight ends who can catch the ball,” UH coach Norm Chow said. “They’re tough to defend because linebackers have to defend them, and linebackers also have to defend the run.”
Offensive coordinator Don Bailey noted Idaho State, where he coached in 2014, led FBC schools in tight end receptions. Bailey lobbied to sign 6-5, 230-pound Davasyia Hagger, who had more experience as a wideout at Orange Coast College.
“I think he fits exactly what we want,” Bailey said. “He’s a big body, moves really well, has soft hands. The more of those guys we can have, the better.”
Tui Unga rotated between offense and defense before making the indelible move to tight end in the middle of the 2014 season.
“He hasn’t scratched the surface,” Bailey said of Unga. “He’s still a young guy who loves playing. He’s still learning how to do everything. He’s a good guy to start with.”
Harold Moleni, a senior, started all 13 games last year. He was mostly a blocker, although he has worked on his routes and pass-catching this offseason. “Harold is a mature guy who knows what we want, who’s a great team guy,” Bailey said. “He’s very dependable. In football, to me, dependability sometimes over-rides talent.”
Stubblefield makes it through 2
Wideout Devan Stubblefield reached a milestone with Thursday’s second practice of training camp. Last year, he suffered ACL and meniscus tears in his left knee on a non-contact play on the opening day of training camp.
The injuries healed, although he must wear a brace the rest of training camp, but his cautiousness was apparent on Wednesday. “I had a couple drops early that day,” Stubblefield said. “I wasn’t focused on the ball. I was focused on my knee and the brace. I wasn’t really trusting myself.”
After that practice, Bailey told Stubblefield: “I know you can do it. You have to trust in yourself.”
Stubblefield said he now focuses on “the football and watching it into the tuck. That’s all I’m thinking about.”
Wideout Haynes humbled, healthy
Wideout Vasquez Haynes has recovered from shoulder surgery that sidelined him in 2014. But the deaths of two former teammates — UH running back Willis Wilson in 2013 and former Blinn College linebacker Dequan Raindle on Monday — reshaped Haynes’ priorities.
“It’s definitely humbling to come out here and be able to play every day,” said Haynes, who wears a wristband bearing Wilson’s name.
“When I first got here (in 2013), I was worried about playing time and starting and all that. I’m now more of a team player. I love being around my teammates. I don’t take anything for granted anymore.”