University of Hawaii defensive coordinator Tom Mason spent the summer building a dock on a property he owns in Idaho.
In the past, he has helped build nine houses.
His latest project is constructing the Rainbow Warriors’ defense.
The offense “did some good things,” Mason said of the past two practices, “but I thought we really did some good things on defense.”
Mason has implemented many of the schemes he learned from Dick LeBeau, who was the architect of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 3-4 defense and creator of the zone blitz. In spring training, the defense forced numerous turnovers. The Warriors have one interception in the past three practices, Mason noted, “but that will pick up as we go along.”
Outside linebacker Makani Kema-Kaleiwahea, who recently was cleared to play this season, has provided a pass-rushing threat from the perimeter.
Mason also has moved Jerrol Garcia-Williams from the outside to inside linebacker. Garcia-Williams, Benetton Fonua and Simon Poti have rotated at the two inside positions.
In the first six practices of training camp, Jamal Mayo has replaced Ne’Quan Phillips as a No. 1 cornerback. Nick Nelson is the other first-team corner.
“Ne’Quan is still battling,” said Mason, noting Phillips is recovering from a thigh bruise. “He’ll be all right.”
Jalen Rogers has been Nelson’s immediate backup, although he also will be used at safety.
“Jalen is a solid player who keeps getting better and better,” Mason said.
Mason said Gaetano DeMattei, the No. 1 nickelback, and safety Daniel Lewis are having breakout camps.
“Gaetano is a good little heady football player,” Mason said.
Of Lewis, Mason said, “He’s having a great fall camp. I like what I’m seeing out of him.”
Henderson emerges as leader in secondary
Safety Trayvon Henderson has always respected his elders.
“I don’t feel it’s my part to tell somebody who’s older than me, who’s a grown man, what to do,” Henderson said, recalling his first two UH seasons.
But after appearing in 22 games, including 12 starts, the past two years, Henderson has emerged as a leader in the defensive secondary. Henderson also has earned respect from Abraham Elimimian, who succeeded Daronte’ Jones as secondary coach. Jones is now with Wisconsin.
“It was a matter of time before me and Coach Abe clicked together,” Henderson said. “It wasn’t going to be easy getting the respect of someone you just met. Over time, our relationship got better.”
Full pads go on for first time on Wedensday
For the first time this training camp, the Warriors will practice in full pads on Wednesday.
The Warriors had limited the amount of contact to minimize injury risks.
