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Walk-on Kaanapu makes spectacular grab


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POSTED: Sunday, April 04, 2010

With one twisting grab, he sent teammates into a frenzy and reporters scrambling for a spare roster.

Who was that guy?

Walk-on James-Boyd Kaanapu made an electrifying touchdown catch to cap the first week of Hawaii spring football. It was the only TD of the scrimmage period, as the Warriors defense otherwise held firm playing in the overtime format.

The first and third offensive units managed field goals, and defensive end Earvin Sione ended the second unit's drive by recovering a fumbled snap.

Kaanapu's breakout moment happened in just his third practice with the team. The 2008 Kalaheo graduate cut back near the left pylon and reached around a defensive back to secure the throw from Brent Rausch. For that, he got a full spring season's worth of chest-bumps from his offensive teammates.

Now, Kaanapu wants to ensure it wasn't a fluke.

“;I mean, I still got a lot of hard work to do,”; the 6-foot-4, 200-pound left wideout said. “;I enjoyed practicing today with the team and look forward to learning more stuff ... and growing as a family.

“;I hope to accomplish getting to know the team better and just making the team as a walk-on too, 'cause we got cuts left. But bonding with the players, Mike Tinoco and a lot of people, they've been helping me pick up the routes and stuff. It's been fun.”;

 

Enos comes through

Kicker Scott Enos was perfect in the scrimmage period, connecting on field goals of 42 and 44 yards and converting an extra point to close practice. Enos went just 2-for-6 on field goals 40 yards or farther last season.

“;He's a lot more comfortable with his surroundings now,”; special teams coordinator Chris Tormey said. “;He's worked real hard in the offseason. He's following through better on his kicks. His alignment's better and it's good to see him go out in a team situation and go 3-for-3.”;

Enos, the only kicker on the roster to open the spring, will get some company in practice this week. Kaiser graduate Kyle Niiro will be added to the roster after a one-day tryout when the Warriors opened practice last Wednesday.

 

Coming up

The Warriors are scheduled to practice tomorrow and Wednesday mornings on campus. They'll travel to Kauai for their first scrimmage on Saturday.

The Star-Bulletin's Jason Kaneshiro contributed to this story.