HONOLULU –The University of Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors signaled the start of its 2021 college football campaign with its first practice of Fall Camp on Friday morning at Cooke Practice Field.
The Rainbow Warriors held the first of 24 practices leading up to its season-opener August 28 versus UCLA at the Rose Bowl. UH is among a group of 10 teams to begin practice in July in preparation for college football's Week Zero action.
After leading UH to a New Mexico Bowl victory to cap last year,
Todd Graham is charged up for his second season as UH head coach. It's Graham's first full camp following an abbreviated 2020 slate that that started in late October. The opening day was fast-paced, heavy on fundamentals, and full of passion.
"We came out here prepared today," Graham said, "especially our players. I liked the energy, I liked the tempo on the field. There was nothing out there that I didn't like, other than the mental mistakes that are pretty obvious you're gonna have (on a first day.)."
Graham also credited the work of assistant head coach
Kody Cooke in having the players in top-notch condition entering fall camp. UH has more than 80 players returning from last year's squad. They are joined by a group of 34 talented newcomers, including seven FBS transfers from Power 5 schools.
"Most of these guys come from winning programs," Graham said. "A lot of these guys were playing in the playoffs in December. I'm really impressed with the newcomers. They've only been here a few weeks, a few months. I'm impressed with their conditioning (and) also their ability to learn and to buy in. And I really like how our veteran players are bringing them in and showing them the ropes."
A pair of those veteran players on offense are quarterback
Chevan Cordeiro and running back/wide receiver
Calvin Turner Jr. Cordeiro accounted for 21 touchdowns last season, while Turner returns after piling up 1,201 all-purpose yards and 11 touchdowns, among the tops in the nation. Meanwhile, first-team all-conference linebacker
Darius Muasau spearheads the defense after posting more than 100 tackles in his sophomore campaign. According to Graham, the leadership of those players was on full tilt as UH starts its quest for a Mountain West title.
"I think the key to our progression is our best players stepping out of their comfort zone," Graham said. "You gotta have someone to chase. Who is Calvin Turner chasing? I'll tell him you're chasing the best, to be the MVP of the league, to be the undefeated champions of this league. Those guys set the standard. Our best players have to serve. That means they have to work the hardest. Whoever our best player is, that's who defines the effort."
The Rainbow Warriors are back to work at 7:45 a.m. on Saturday. All practices are closed to the public.
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