StarBulletin.com

What's crackin' with McMackin?


By

POSTED: Thursday, March 25, 2010

The depth chart the Hawaii coaching staff has crafted represents a starting point for the Warriors.

As for determining the starting unit come September, the current list doesn't mean all that much.

“;Everything is open,”; UH head coach Greg McMackin said yesterday, a week before the start of spring practice.

The competitions commence on Wednesday at UH's Ching Field with the first of 15 practices spread throughout April.

The Warriors are scheduled to practice on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, with the spring culminating under the Friday-night lights with the annual Warrior Bowl April 30 at Ching Field.

“;We have every single minute planned out, offensively, defensively, special teams,”; McMackin said while thumbing through a series of practice scripts. “;We're ready to go.”;

The Warriors' final spring scrimmage had been held at Aloha Stadium the last two years. But construction at the stadium led to the decision to hold this year's event on campus.

“;It'll make it easier,”; McMackin said. “;The kids will be here, the coaches, everybody will be here.”;

McMackin said the staff will focus on evaluating personnel the first two weeks of practice while getting back to basics in the schemes.

He said this year's spring will include more full-speed contact to better prepare to defend the run and a scrimmage situation at the end of each practice with the offense and defense matched up in an overtime scenario, which also allows them to work on red-zone situations.

While the Warriors' 116 players gear up for the spring, the wait continues for offensive lineman Laupepa Letuli and linebacker Brashton Satele.

Both are awaiting word on their appeals to the NCAA for another year of eligibility after injuries cut short their seasons last fall. McMackin said the seniors are planning to attend UH's pro day next Thursday in Carson, Calif., and would remain eligible as long as they don't speak to agents.

Offensive lineman Clayton Laurel, a backup tackle last season, will not be in spring drills due to a broken wrist.

Holding pattern

McMackin will take the spring and summer to decide whether two receivers suit up in the fall.

Rodney Bradley continues his comeback from a gruesome broken leg he suffered in a loss at Idaho. McMackin said redshirting is a possibility, depending on Bradley's progress in fall camp.

Malcolm Lane sat out last season to concentrate on academics and will not participate in spring practice. McMackin said he will remain on scholarship and the coach will decide in the summer whether the senior will rejoin the team.

Coaches invited to clinic

Former Hawaii assistant coach and run-and-shoot pioneer Mouse Davis and former Philadelphia Eagles defensive line coach Pete Jenkins are scheduled to be the featured speakers at the third annual Warrior Football Coaching Clinic, set for April 24.

The fee for pre-registration is $25, walk-up registration is $35, and a staff rate for groups of 10 or more is $20 per coach.

Online registration is available at hawaiiathletics.com. For more information, call 956-6508.