LB's Lead the Way in Hawaii

You could hear the pads banging throughout the island of Oahu, Hawaii, as the All Poly Football Camp concluded with a full-contact scrimmage on Wednesday. The final day epitomized the competition and intensity that was preached throughout the camp. Players flew around the football field at Kapiolani Park with tons of energy and high effort, while incorporating the basic fundamentals that were taught by a staff of highly regarded Division I coaches.

Here are some of the highlight performances of the week and final scrimmage:

Intense linebacker unit

Inside linebacker V.J. Fehoko (Kahuku, Hawaii) is Hawaii's top 2010 prospect, and he finished the camp with a strong performance. Fehoko moved well laterally from tackle to tackle, and took quick, direct angles to the football. The Under Armour All-American is simply a great football player without all the measurables.

Shaydon Akuna (Kapolei, Hawaii) was one of the more impressive looking prospects in attendance. The tall and rangy outside linebacker displayed fluid hips, and ran well all week, flashing great range and closing speed. This great athlete may have the best physical upside of any prospect in attendance.

Although ILB Tuulauena Lolohea (Kapolei, Hawaii) is an under-the-radar prospect at the position, he blended right in with Fehoko and Akuna on the first team linebacker unit. He has good size, short-area power at the point of attack and a keen nose for finding the football between the tackles.

Still flying under the radar

Quarterback Andrew Manley (Wahiawa, Hawaii/Leilehua) continued to impress. He is, hands down, the best offensive prospect out of Hawaii this year. He displayed his compact release, strong arm and good footwork in the sessions on Monday and Tuesday. He showed he could move around the pocket and buy time with his feet in the scrimmages on Wednesday, and he has deceptively good athleticism.

A switch for the best

We evaluated Taz Stevenson (Mililani, Hawaii) as a receiver this spring, but he took repetitions at safety -- the position in which colleges are now recruiting him to play -- during the camp. That was a smart decision. Stevenson had an impressive All Poly Camp showing, and looks great with his height and long, rangy frame. He covered a lot of ground from his free safety position, and broke hard on the football, supporting underneath. He needs to work on his ball skills, but we feel he has developing D-I talent.

Sleeper emerges

Defensive end Beau Yap (Pearl City, Hawaii/Kamehameha) was nearly impossible to block on the camp's final day. He impressed us with his motor and initial, quick feet off the ball as a speed-rusher. He also displayed good strength on his bull rush. On several occasions, he was able to turn into the blocker, deliver a blow and push him back into the quarterback. Hungry for his first offer, he went to the University of Hawaii's camp as a linebacker, and returned later to compete as a defensive end. He is now getting looks from Arizona and Washington.

In the trenches

Center Jase To'Omalatai (Kahuku, Hawaii) impressed at the All Poly Camp in Utah, and To'Omalatai had another solid performance on his home turf, showing flashes of good upper-body strength.

Defensive tackle Foi Foi (Kapolei, Hawaii) played a bit stiff throughout the scrimmage. Still, he displayed strength and leverage at the point of attack. He may develop into a situational run defender at the next level.

Defensive tackle Veteson Sauni (Kahuku, Hawaii) stood out to us on the last day. He had a stout, tank-like build, and used his leverage well. He showed power and quickness off the ball, combined with a high-motor pursuit down the line of scrimmage. He was one of the more disruptive defensive linemen at the scrimmage. Sauni said programs like Hawaii and Wyoming want to see senior film, and are ready to offer.

Defensive tackle Sani Fuimaono (Honolulu/ Punahou School) lacks ideal size, but is an active and versatile defensive end. He showed quickness off the ball and strong hand technique. As he focuses on football and gains weight (a state champion wrestler), he should be a versatile swing man at the next level.

Defensive end Graham Rowley (Waialua, Hawaii) looked a bit straight lined at times, attacking off the edge, but he was quick off the ball, and active to the quarterback throughout the final day's scrimmage.

Corner Tomas Vaughn (Honolulu/Farrington) showed good fluidity, for a taller, lengthier corner, and good ball skills all week.

A Look to the future

Safety Elijah Lagafuaina (Mililani, Hawaii) is a thicker 2011 defensive back, who certainly passes the eyeball test for a rising junior. Lagafuaina took direct angles to the ball on run support, and displayed range and closing speed.

Offensive tackle Paulay Asiata (Honolulu/Word of Life), one of the biggest linemen on hand at the All Poly Camp, didn't disappoint. He flashed down-blocking strength and agility, chipping up to the second level. He's a rising junior to keep your eye on.

Tight end Richard Villasenor (Moanalua, Hawaii) does not have the height just yet to attract a lot of college attention, but the 2011 prospect showed reliable hands, and was a complete load for smaller defensive backs to try to take down.

Offensive tackle Jess Saussa (Ewa Beach, Hawaii/Campbell) is a 6-foot-3, 290-pounder. He got called up to varsity last fall as a true freshman, and we can understand why. The massive 2012 lineman needs to work on his footwork and athleticism, but he has impressive upper-body strength and raw power as a run blocker for such a young guy.

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DE's Saying Aloha to the Quarterback

The North Shore on the campus of BYU-Hawaii is the setting for the annual Game Plan Football Academy. It is a four-day event that allows prospects from the island to receive instruction from college coaches as well take part in padded competition.

This year's camp had a little over 150 players taking part and included college coaches from all levels, from JUCO to FBS. The camp has been around for five years and is based on football instruction and college academic preparation. Executive Director Asai Gilman said the purpose of the camp was to help kids "understand the process of going to college, graduate, and then contribute back to society."

While on-field instruction is the key element for the kids hoping to improve their football skills and fundamentals, educational guidance is also emphasized. Players enrolled are able to participate in an eight-month process called "Chalk Talk" which offers help in such areas as SAT prep and the NCAA Eligibility Center (Clearinghouse).

Defensive Line Impressive

It didn't take long to see there was a lot of defensive line talent at the Game Plan Football Academy. Three defensive linemen stood out against the offensive line in the one-on-one competition, and in both the base blocking and pass-protection drills it was these three who dominated the opposition and refused to be blocked:

Hauoli Jamora, DE, (Kahuku, HI)

Jamora was extremely impressive in his overall performance. He was consistently quick out of his stance and immediately struck a jarring blow with his hands into the frame of the blocker. He played with great leverage and was able to press every opposing lineman into the backfield on run blocks, extending his arms and churning his legs while maintaining inside pad control.

The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder was equally successful during pass-rush competition. He did a good job of mixing up his techniques and counters by using the short swim and power rip moves, among others, to make penetration and defeat the man across from him. It's not surprising that this guy is coming on strong on the recruiting front and already has been offered by BYU and Wyoming.

Jamora can develop into a very solid player once he adds some bulk. We look forward to further evaluating him, but based off his performance at the camp he is certainly a serious sleeper at the end position in the 2010 class.

Kona Schwenke, DE, (Kahuku, HI)

Schwenke was identified early as one of the highest-ranked players on the island of Oahu. He is a tall athlete with exceptional range and his long arms help him separate and disengage from the opponent. At the Game Plan camp he was solid when playing run defense, but even more dominant in the pass rush drills. He is a true speed rusher off the edge who can get to the outside before the offensive tackle can set back and anchor down. Active with his hands, Schwenke would often chop the outside hand of the pass blocker as he accelerated upfield practically untouched.

He also proved he could mix it up by setting the offensive blocker up to the outside with his first two steps then slant back underneath by using the short swim technique. Schwenke comes out of his stance a little high and needs to improve his overall strength, but he has the athleticism, size and quickness that has attracted over half-a-dozen offers.

Charles Tuaau, DT, (Leilehua, HI)

Tuaau is the most raw of the three defensive ends, but has a huge upside due to his aggressive attitude and affinity for physical play. A University of Hawaii commit, Tuaau has the build and strength to play defensive tackle, which is where he will likely end up in college.

He gets off the ball quickly for a 275-pounder and usually handles the man across the line of scrimmage. He needs to use his hands better and not give up his chest to the blocker, though he often simply overpowers the opposition. Tuaau is big and strong in the lower body and should be a very solid player, once he better channels his aggression and fine-tunes his skills and fundamentals.

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Manley, Fehoko Shine Early

After its first two days, the inaugural All-Poly football camp in Hawaii appears to be living up to its billing of becoming a productive camp on the island each year. With its impressive showing of more than 200 players, the camp has provided a stage for prospective student-athletes to showcase their athletic prowess while learning about college life away from the field.

What makes the All-Poly camp unique is its focus on academics, standardized and entrance tests, core curriculum requirements and other topics needed to prepare and qualify student-athletes for college. On Monday, before any on-field workouts, each participant and some family members took part in a four-hour workshop outlining the aforementioned areas of off-field importance.

The focus of the All-Poly camp is not only football, but also informing these young men about the importance of what is necessary off the field to continue their college careers.

"This is an opportunity to educate kids of Polynesian descent on what it takes to become a prospective college football player not only on the field but off," said UCLA offensive coordinator Norm Chow, a former Hawaii resident who attended high school on the island of Oahu.

Chow was one of 20 Division I and II coaches on hand to instruct, mentor and in many cases give back to their roots. Staff members from Colorado, Oregon State, Utah, UNLV, Boise State, Washington, UCLA, Texas Tech, Louisville and BYU, among others, were in attendance to organize, coach and educate an impressive group of collective talent.

The on-field workouts mirrored classroom education with regard to laying the foundation of the basic principles of the game. Prospects took part in individual drills and group work and eventually were divided into teams that would compete and practice against each other throughout the first two days. Before the workout Monday, athletes were led through dynamic stretching and warm-up routines. The speed training was led by Tom Shaw, a highly regarded strength and conditioning coach with an NFL pedigree.

Shaw was not the only representative on hand with NFL ties. Newly appointed New York Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine lectured on the importance of playing the game fast, physically and with a lot of energy. Pettine talked about his coaching days with the Baltimore Ravens and the motors and chase speed encompassed by that defense led by All-Pro defenders like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.

Pettine made a reference to his prior defense by saying the Ravens' motto was "Play like your hair is on fire." The players at this camp have certainly kept that type of intensity going.

The coaches and instructors were teaching the concept of "thud" (making contact but staying off the ground) the first two days, but with players like these, there's only one speed: 93 octane.

As we scouted the various position groups, the linebacker unit appeared to have the best depth and overall talent thus far. It was led by V.J. Fehoko (Kahuku, Hawaii), a 2010 Under Armour All-America Game selection. After an impressive showing at the All-Poly football camp in Utah last month, Fehoko continued to show why he's considered the top prospect on the island this year. While he's not the biggest or fastest on paper, he simply found the football quickly during nine-on-seven drills, showing reactive athleticism as well as great physicality and strength filling at the point of attack.

Not to be overshadowed on the offensive side, quarterback Andrew Manley (Wahiawa, Hawaii/Leilehua) physically warrants far more recruiting interest than he has received to date. Given his impressive measurables, arm strength, quick release and velocity, it's staggering that this young man only has one offer so far, from WAC member Hawaii. At this stage, Manley is clearly worthy of lower-tier BCS conference offers and multiple non-BCS offers. Manley is not of Polynesian descent but is a Hawaii resident who, based on physical tools alone, is flying under the radar.

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Tennessee's Mawae Has no Plans to Retire

Kevin Mawae is in the final year of his contract with the Tennessee Titans. He is coming off elbow surgery. However, the veteran center says he has no plans to retire, according to the Nashville City Paper.

"I want to play this game as long as I possibly can. I love playing the game. It's never been about the money, it's about the enjoyment of the game," said Mawae, who also serves as president of the NFL Players Association.

Mawae, who made the NFL All-Pro team and was selected to the Pro Bowl last season, suffered an elbow injury in the final month of the regular season last year, and missed the postseason for the second consecutive year with the Titans. He underwent surgery on the elbow five months ago, with the hope of being ready to go by training camp, according to the City Paper.

Mawae is one of a number of key players on the Titans roster who can become free agents at the end of the season — a list that includes such notables as Kyle Vanden Bosch(notes), Keith Bulluck(notes), Tony Brown and Bo Scaife(notes), in addition to Mawae.

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LaBoy Speaks at Big Man Camp

It's been five years since Travis LaBoy suited up for the Warrior football team, but on Monday he came back as a special guest at the Big Man camp in Manoa.

Earlier this year LaBoy played in the NFL Superbowl with the Arizona Cardinals, but now he's in the Islands for a little rest and relaxation after undergoing surgery which will hold him out of the upcoming season.

However, he made a special effort to come and talk to the future players of Hawaii.

"I think it's important just to be here and be able to answer questions, just to let these guys here to let them know, I'm no different than you, it's just the decisions you make that allow you to be successful," said LaBoy

"It's important that players get to see guys that have made it in this profession, and the first thing he said is make sure you get good grades," said Warrior head coach Greg McMackin.

"Well it's pretty cool, Travis LaBoy was telling us to stay in school and have good habits and stuff and not go out and party all night," said Kapolei defensive end Pouesi Togialilua.

LaBoy is also practicing what he's preaching. During his year of rehabbing, he's going to work on finishing up his degree.

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Satele Positive on Raiders Upcoming Season

Changing the culture of an NFL team is not an easy task. But in 2008, former Warrior Samson Satele helped the Miami Dolphins improve from a one win team to an AFC power.

In March, Satele signed on with the Oakland Raiders who won just five games last season. Still, Satele says he's positive that he'll be the base of another successful project.

"If Tom Cable sees it, he's been in there for about four years now and the rest of the guys have been there for about six years. He's saying that these guys are working the hardest since he's been there. He always talks about we're not going to be like how we were the last five or six years, we're not going to be like those teams last year or the year before. It's the same things that Sporano said and it worked out good. The guys in Oakland we just got to believe in it and good things will happen," said Satele.

Although Satele was a pass blocker at UH, he's become more of a run blocking center in the pros. It's a skill that fits in Oakland and a style that he looks forward to.

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Siavi'i Back & Running With The Cowboys

Junior Siavi'i last recorded a countable NFL statistic in 2005. 2005! With that said he is probably still the frontrunner to be Jay Ratliff’s backup at nose tackle. Siavii was the 36^th overall pick in the 2004 draft. You don’t get selected that high without talent. Siavii is the best athlete among the backup NT candidates but has never been able to put it together. Maybe being reunited with former University of Oregon teammate and friend Igor Olshansky will light a fire under Junior. This job is his for the taking. If Siavii can show the Cowboys that he can be even adequate, he would add a lot to the team from an standpoint of depth and flexibility.

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The Toughness of Olin Kreutz

Olin Kreutz's name has come up a few times in recent months, and typically always in the same context: team leader, enforcer, tough guy. Kreutz has been the anchor of the Chicago Bears line for more than a decade, and his presence always precedes him.

We have discussed whether to bring in a wide receiver with a sketchy past... Kreutz would put him in his place. We talked about Cutler's antics in Denver... that's okay, Kreutz will whip him into shape in Chicago.

And today, we saw Kreutz featured on ESPN's All-Decade Offense. All of this talk reminded me of a "situation" that occurred in 2005 between Kreutz and Fred Miller. Here is an excerpt from an article I found:

Kreutz and Miller were having some fun in November 2005, shooting at an FBI firing range, when the fun took a bad turn. After the shooting, they had some drinks and barbeque. What kind of FBI firing range allows men to drink and eat on the property? Good question. Ask someone else. Me, I'm still trying to figure out how Olin Kreutz beat the crap out of Fred Miller, and did it so thoroughly that it was Miller who ended up apologizing afterward.

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Alama-Francis Starts Anew With a Clean Slate

Ikaika Alama-Francis' first two years with the Lions were a little intense, to say the least. The defensive end was the first defensive lineman drafted by coach Rod Marinelli, a defensive-line specialist.

Sure enough, the easygoing Hawaiian soon became a pet project of Marinelli's.

The excruciating details Marinelli preached to Alama-Francis in private sessions during practice and for extended periods after practice were enough to practically make him feel like the coach's son on a Little League team.

"Oh, definitely there's a lot of pressure when a coach is always on you," Alama-Francis said. "You always have to be on your toes. Sometimes it got to a point where it was like, 'Whoa.' Every time I was really thinking about things, what to do, what not to do and getting all that attention.

"It was good because he's one of the best D-line coaches out there. I was very blessed to be coached by him and (former defensive line coach) Joe Cullen. But things are different now. Everybody's trying to learn these things, and it's all squared up with teaching."

Now, Alama-Francis has started with a clean slate with the new coaching staff. With a new "get bigger and get stronger" edict for the team, Alama-Francis has gone from 275 pounds to 290 pounds and even joked that he's getting taller.

"Well, I'm wearing thicker cleats this year," he said. "I've gained about half an inch."

Alama-Francis has been lining up inside at times during practice, but he said there is no permanent role determination. It's just part of the process coaches go through to see where every player fits best.

"Everybody's coming along real well," he said. "They wanted a bigger defense, they wanted bigger guys, and we're trying to do that. We're coming together as a defense. I think we're doing really well. We're learning what the coaches are teaching us. I know it's a little bit different from last year, but it's the same thing: Get up the field, penetrate as a D-line and then the rest just falls into place."

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Canada Shuts Out New Zealand 55-0 in JWC Game

Maxime Boutin ran for 142 yards and two touchdowns on just six carries to help the No. 1-seeded Canadians advance in front of about 1,000 fans at Fawcett Stadium.

Steven Lumbala also ran for 62 yards and a pair of touchdowns as Canada outgained New Zealand, 515-53.

“We’ve been practicing since June 17, and for us it was the first time with a lot of physical contact,” Team Canada head coach Glen Constantin said. “It was very important to play to our level and take some of the rust out.”

Canada scored on its first five drives in building a 34-0 lead midway through the second quarter. Quarterbacks Jéremie Doyon-Roch and Brandon Bridge combined to go 13-of-16 for the game for 168 yards and two TDs.

New Zealand’s highlights included a 43-yard pass from Matino Meredith to Josiah O’Connell and a fourth-quarter goal-line stand inside its own 5-yard line.

“My hat’s off to Canada. They deserve their No. 1 ranking,” said New Zealand head coach Michael Mau’u. “There’s a lot of fight in New Zealand. We’re not going to give up.”

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