From the start of the spring football schedule on March 29th till the end of the annual spring game on April, 27th, Eric Mathews of the University of Hawai'i athletic department's media relations office, will provide weekly written content from his perspective in regards to the Rainbow Warriors football squad. Read, enjoy, share, and like on all forms of social media, while using the hashtag #HawaiiFB.
HONOLULU—Early mornings are nothing new to the University of Hawai'i football team. Over the last several weeks the lights have been flipped on at 5 a.m. inside the athletic department's weight room as the Rainbow Warriors have been putting in the work to build off a successful eight-win season in 2018.
Friday morning was different as the grass practice field on campus was occupied by green and white jerseys with blue skies, sunshine, and an assorted playlist echoing over the loudspeaker for the first spring practice of the season.
"You look at this weather; you hear the music, you feel the energy, you don't get this kind of experience with this level of football anywhere else in the world," said head coach
Nick Rolovich. "Our guys appreciate it, and they practiced like they appreciate it, a lot of learning going on out here today."
UH is one of a kind when it comes to practice ambiance in terms of weather and a scenic backdrop, but the competition and instructional messages ring similar to a season ago. The sounds of defensive line coach
Ricky Logo mentoring his crew about their footwork, while 20 yards away cornerbacks coach
Abe Elimimian is speaking in the same tone encouraging his group to focus on angles and positioning of hands on opposing receivers.
"We're going to need a lot of improvement from our defensive backfield," said Rolovich. "I felt like they were playing with a chip on their shoulder today, they made a bunch of plays out there this morning, and I hope it continues through the spring."
The message of improvement was loud and clear to redshirt defensive back
Zach Wilson. From the first clap to the final whistle of the morning, Wilson did two things well, he made plays and brought energy. Last season Wilson led the defensive with two interceptions while tallying 12 tackles, in 13 games. Looking ahead to 2019, Wilson is aiming to make an even more significant impact along with redshirt senior
Rojesterman Farris II, senior
Kalen Hicks, senior
Ikem Okeke, and junior
Eugene Ford.
On the other side of the field, the offense moved at its usual pace, fast.
All eyes which weren't wearing a double-digit number or instructing those wearing the aforementioned numbers were focused in on those wearing the orange jerseys. Redshirt junior
Cole McDonald and redshirt freshman
Chevan Cordeiro matched each other pass for pass as the two were paired with fellow quarterback
Justin Uahinui.
During his breakout season, McDonald threw for over 3,800 yards and accounted for 40 combined touchdowns. McDonald kept up his reputation of raising eyebrows as he completed long balls to returning wide receivers Jojo Ward and
Cedric Byrd, with newcomer
Melquise Stovall showcasing his brand of speed and soft hands.
"I have the same mindset as last year," said McDonald. "I'm working with the guys, and we're building chemistry. The goal is to have a cohesive offensive."
Cordeiro did much of the same as he connected on perfect passes to slashing receivers, manipulating the run and shoot offensive philosophy.
"Right now, we're all very comfortable," said Cordeiro. "We need practice more and works towards being on the same page with the receivers. I'm excited to be out on the field with the team and practicing against the defense again."
The message throughout the morning on both sides of the field was about attitude, growth, and feeling good. The Warriors have many things to feel good about this spring, but as the weeks pass by leading to the annual spring game on Saturday, Apr. 27.
#HawaiiFB
