That’s a wrap.
With a series of sprints and jumps, the University of Hawaii football team concluded its offseason strength/conditioning program on Tuesday. The eight-month program was divided into six cycles of weight training and cardiovascular workouts.
The Rainbow Warriors report to camp a week from today, with the first practice scheduled for next week Thursday.
“We want these guys to recover enough to be 100 percent by the time they get into camp,” strength/conditioning coordinator Bubba Reynolds said. “If we don’t roll into camp 100 percent, we’re not going to leave camp 100 percent.”
The Warriors had a shorter break following the 2016 season because of their appearance in the Hawaii Bowl on Christmas Eve. The five-week spring training began in late February. The Warriors then had seven weeks of breaks peppered over the next four months leading to the start of training camp.
“Overall, it went well,” Reynolds said. “We’ve continued to grow. Our proficiency in our technique has increased. Our work capacity and our strength improved, which is something we wanted to hit on this summer.”
Offensive lineman Asotui Eli lost 20 pounds and now weighs 305. He will play either center or guard. “He looks really good,” Reynolds said. “He’s moving a lot better. He lost like (the equivalent weight of) a toddler. He put in the time and stepped back from the table a little bit.”
Dru Brown, who will enter as the No. 1 quarterback, appeared to gain strength.
“Dru’s always a workhorse,” Reynolds said. “Dru’s going to do whatever he needs to do to be amazing. That’s what I love about his work ethic. He’s a leader on this team. He’s only gotten better since he came here (in July 2016). He puts forth on the nutritional level and the sleep level. He’s always about the recovery and being the best person he can be the next day. He’s a great example for our younger guys.”
Wideout Ammon Barker said: “I really enjoyed this offseason program. The coolest thing, for me, was being able to train with the guys. I think team camaraderie is built in the offseason work that you do.”
