Part 1 - Quarterbacks
Last year, offensive coordinator Ron Lee promised a more balanced attack. Lee was true to his word as the Warriors compiled their most rushing attempts during the decade-long, run-and-shoot era. Leading returning rusher
Kealoha Pilares will move to slotback this season, but there is no shortage of talent in the backfield as the running game will continue to complement UH's explosive passing offense.
“We're putting a lot of emphasis on the running game,” running backs coach Brian Smith said. “The run-and-shoot will still be a wide-open passing attack. We think we have a lot of depth at running back and we think we can do pretty well up front, so we expect that to be a big part of our offense again. But we're definitely not taking anything away from the passing, because passing always sets up the run here.”
A former offensive lineman at UH, this season will be Smith's first year coaching the running backs after joining the staff last year as offensive line coach.
“You always want to, especially in the running backs, to instill a lot of toughness in them.” Smith said. “Coaching offensive line and coaching running backs really go hand- in-hand in the blocking.”
Topping the depth chart heading into the fall are seniors
Leon Wright-Jackson and
Inoke Funaki. Wright-Jackson started the first three games last year, but was hampered by injury and saw limited action thereafter. UH looks for a healthy Wright-Jackson to fulfill the potential that made him a Parade All-American out of high school.
“I expect him to have an outstanding year, as long as he stays healthy and keeps progressing the way he is,” Smith said. “There are also some great guys behind him to take some of the load off.”
The big news is the conversion of former quarterback Funaki to running back. Funaki started six games behind center last year but was enough of a threat on the ground to finish as the team's third-leading rusher (215 yards, 1 TD). The senior got his first reps at his new position during spring camp and enters the fall as co-No. 1 on the depth chart with Wright-Jackson. So far, the transition for Funaki this season has been a smooth one.
“He's definitely fearless, has been providing good protection, so it's been a good transition for him,” Smith said. “He's worked hard in the off season, getting stronger and getting bigger, so now he's playing a little more physical and he's got outstanding running instincts. He's great in space with the football.”
Jayson Rego also returns. The senior saw a majority of time as a special teams standout, but carried the ball 21 times last year.
“Rego is just a really good physical running back,” Smith said. “Not necessarily as fast or as big, but he's probably our most physical blocker and understands our protection the best. And he's a really efficient runner.”
The team has a number of newcomers joining the backfield, including junior college transfers
Alex Green and
Chizzy Dimude. Green rushed for more than 1,000 yards on a Butte College team that captured the 2008 junior college national championship. Dimude averaged 6.8 yards per carry at Laney College last season.
“Alex has an outstanding attitude,” Smith said. “He's a hard worker, a very similar style to Leon as far as size and speed go. Chizzy is more of a stack-pack kid, with real explosive speed and great quickness. He's great in the screen game, and getting out in the backfield catching the ball in space. He has real good running instincts. They've both been great additions and we're excited to have them.”
Running Backs
*quarterback last year
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