HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL:
HAWAII BIG MAN'S CAMP
MIKE BURLEY / MBURLEY@STARBULLETIN.COM
Daniel Benjamin of Waipahu and Albert Lopeka of Honolulu practiced blocking skills yesterday at Hawaii's Big Man's Camp.
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Hawaii’s big fellas hit camp for linemen
Standing next to a pack of college-hopeful linemen at the Hawaii Big Man's Camp for offensive and defensive linemen, Sitiveni Manu glanced down sheepishly at his worn running shoes.
"I actually enjoy most of the drills we're doing, but it would have been better if I had cleats," lamented Manu, a senior-to-be defensive end at Mililani High School. "I forgot my cleats in the locker."
"I would encourage all kids to come out here, just the camaraderie, the coaching is great."
Darren Hernandez / Kapolei football coach
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Indeed, he stood out - but not because of his footwear. His performance yesterday in the first of three days at the UH grass practice field was impressive nonetheless.
Coach Greg McMackin and his assistants, who ran the practice through rotations at about eight different types of drill stations - ranging from blocking to two- and three-point stances to footwork - have taken notice of him as a prospective member of the 2009 recruiting class.
"I've been talking to Coach Mack a lot, talking about a scholarship offer," said Manu, one of more than 100 high school students participating. "I'm pretty happy - I was hoping I'd get a full ride somewhere. That's what I'm looking for."
MIKE BURLEY / MBURLEY@STARBULLETIN.COM
Jeffrey Tautu, 14, of Samoa, left, and Kelii Vidal, 15, of Aiea, worked out during the Hawaii Big Man's Camp yesterday.
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He said he'll elect to keep "my doors open" for other offers until the end of his senior season. In the meantime he plans to improve his footwork.
Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez helped the UH coaches for the second straight season. A handful of his Hurricanes linemen took part in the drills yesterday.
"During the individual breakout sessions, there's a lot of teaching and a lot of basic fundamentals but it's teaching them about life lessons, about being a good person, about working hard, being committed," Hernandez said. "I would encourage all kids to come out here, just the camaraderie, the coaching is great. Summer is almost over so for a lot of these kids, it's their chance to live it up one last time."
At least two incoming juniors stood out. Jiniki Timoteo of Leilehua and Micah Hatchie of Waialua made the most of their first day, and McMackin talked to each on the side.
"Yeah (the coaches expressed interest)," said Hatchie, who plays both ways for the Bulldogs. "(Coach Mack said) 'real good job, and keep up the good work.' "
He was most concerned with improving his agility.
Timoteo recounted his feedback from fiery running backs coach Alex Gerke, who was quick to remind the campers to hustle from one station to the next.
"The first time around I didn't do so well," said Timoteo, another two-way player. "But the second time around he said I was very good, very coachable. He told me 'good job.'
"I'll work harder, remember what I did today and raise my standards so I can do better for these coaches (the next two days)."
Vili Fehoko instructed the big men in some basics and background of the haka at the end of the day. After a withering glare from The Warrior at the campers' lackluster first repetitions of the Maori chant, their volume and enthusiasm intensified greatly.
The linemen will remember to bring their cleats today - and likely save some energy for the haka.