‘Vantz Dance’ loosens
up camp
Hawaii defensive line coach Vantz Singletary returned to Honolulu on Thursday night and made his first appearance of fall camp yesterday morning after completing a three-week internship with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Singletary worked with the Bengals in training camp and likened the task facing Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis to the one UH coach June Jones faced when he arrived at Manoa prior to the 1999 season.
"Marvin is doing a lot of what June has done here, resurrecting an organization," Singletary said. "There's a lot of details involved and we just went back to the fundamentals because there were a lot of guys making a lot of mental errors and that gets you beat. It's good that I could hear those things so I could bring those back and transfer them here."
Singletary has a rebuilding project of his own this season, as the Warriors must replace all four starters on the line. So far, UH's first unit has been comprised of ends Melila Purcell and Nkeruwem Akpan and tackles Lui Fuga and Matt Faga.
"The biggest thing right now is getting guys in shape, getting them to play with an attitude and playing together," Singletary said.
"There's going to be a lot of teaching. It's not about who's the strongest or who's the fastest, it boils down to alignment and assignment and playing together."
Jones gave the team a treat by ending yesterday's practice with Singletary doing the "Vantz Dance," dueling with Faga to the chants of the Warrior players.
"I think it was a draw," Singletary said of the dance-off. "I've had the edge on him the last couple years, but I think this time it was a draw."
Catch of the day: Senior Britton Komine has proved to be one of UH's most dependable pass catchers over his career and snagged nearly everything thrown in his direction yesterday. The most spectacular catch came in seven-on-seven drills when Komine matched up with freshman cornerback Chris Shiramizu.
Komine ran a fly pattern down the left side. The pass was slightly underthrown and Shiramizu appeared to have position for an interception. But Komine outjumped the freshman and snatched the ball away, coming down with possession.
Short yardage: The Warriors hold their first double-practice day of fall camp today. The morning session is 8:30-11:30 a.m. The afternoon session is 3:30-5 p.m. There is one practice tomorrow, 2-5 p.m. The team has two-a-days on Monday, Wednesday and Friday next week. ... UH special teams coach Mouse Davis said punter Kurt Milne is the holder for field goals and extra points, for now. Backup quarterback Jason Whieldon, who completed his eligibility last year, was the holder last season and Davis said a quarterback could still end up in the role. ... Slotback Nate Ilaoa (shoulder), receiver Andrew Pearman (hamstring) and offensive lineman Uriah Moenoa (knee) were among those who sat out yesterday's practice to rest injuries. Freshman receiver Desmond Thomas also suffered a groin injury during practice.