2009 UH Season Recap

Hawaii’s 51-10 loss to Wisconsin was disappointing and down right embarrassing. Warrior fans knew Wisconsin would be tough but never thought the score would end up as it did last Saturday. Hawaii was completely dominated in all phases and the difference in talent was clearly exposed for millions to see on ESPN2. Making matters worse, the team did not show up and started off flat from the beginning. Coach Mac’s decision to have seniors greet their parents before the game showed poor judgment and could have been the reason for the team’s abysmal start.

In the past Hawaii always gave power house opponents like Wisconsin a run for their money in Aloha Stadium and on rare occasions even pulled out a stunning victory. This year’s team bucked past history and seemed to shrink in the face of adversity with the Navy game being the only exception and bright spot. The 2009 Warriors can best be described as an average team that found a way to underachive.

Now that the 2009 season is finally over, Coach Mac and his staff can devote all energies to recruiting. National Letter of Intent Day is right around the corner and UH must bring in impact players. The defense has major holes to fill and the offensive line needs to be completely rebuilt. QB is also an issue because 5’8” Bryant Moniz is clearly not the answer. His sling-shot arm and short stature are not the most desireable attributes for a successful R & S QB. Hopefully in 2010, Mac will open up the competition and give someone else a fair shot at the position. Last year he locked the position to Greg Alexander and that was a big mistake as Moniz proved to be futher ahead in his grasp of the offense. The Warriors must also an upgrade the receiver position and bring in speed to compliment the slow possession types currently on the roster. Whoever Mac ends up bringing in this recruiting season must be able to contribute immediately. This means the bulk of the recruits should be Jucos. Mac cannot mess around with highschool players because he may not have the time to develop them. Next year is a make or break season and the odds are stacked against him.

This is why the program is regressing. By evaluating the returning players it is clearly evident that Hawaii suffers from a Lack of Talent (LOT). Good teams reload, average teams rebuild, and declining teams need major overhauls. UH is somethere between 2 and 3.

Below is a list of returners that have D1 level ability:

Offense

QB – Maybe Freshman Cayman Shutter

HB – Alex Green (if he learns how to block)

Offensive line – Laupepa Letuli (if he is granted an extra year)

WR – Greg Salas


Defense

DE – Paipai Falemalu/Liko Satele

DT – Vaughn Maetoga

LB – Brashton Satele – (if he is granted an extra year), George Daily-Lyles maybe

DB – Spencer Smith, Jeremy Bryant, Kawika Ornellas

The list is not long at all and that is why Hawaii fans are deeply concerned. The Hawaii roster is mainly made up of sub D1 talent and walk-ons and it not only shows in the team’s on-field performane but also in the jerseys that look strangely similar to that of FCS Portland State. In two short years, Mac has managed to tranform gold into lead taking a BCS buster team to the verge of simply busting. Let’s hope Mac proves us wrong and turns this thing around. All Hawaii fans need is another Von Mackin; sorry I mean Von Appen.