The University of Hawaii showed myriad hints of a culture change in coach Nick Rolovich’s first season at the helm.
With his second spring practice in the books, Rolovich would like to see the Rainbow Warriors transform something else: themselves.
“It’s time to change some bodies,” Rolovich said. “It’s time to put the hard work in in the weight room.
“We should look different come July 31.”
For quarterback Dru Brown, getting in 15 practices in 31 days was more about making changes mentally.
Brown took over the starting duties after four games in 2016 and completed 62.4 percent of his passes for 2,488 yards, throwing 19 touchdowns against only seven interceptions.
In his 10 starts, Hawaii won six times, and Brown said he’d be ready to take on an expanded role during his junior season as he continues to take to Rolovich’s offense and becomes more comfortable calling audibles
“I’ve learned the little nuances of the offense and the freedoms that I have,” he said. “I’m seeing little things; little nit-picky things in the defense, and I can just switch the whole play around. He’s given me the freedom to do that as of recently.
“I think I’ve shown him mentally I’m locked in, and I know what I’m doing.”
Rolovich notes Brown has can come a long way since he first scouted him four years ago – from his facial hair to his throwing motion – in becoming the perfect embodiment of a what student-athlete should be.
That’s not the type of praise that Brown, who played one season at College of San Mateo in California before coming to Manoa, takes lightly.
“It definitely helps waking up each and every day, knowing that one school took a shot on you,” Brown said. “If I don’t give it everything I have mentally every single day, I’m wasting my time here.”
Rolovich praised the offense more than the defense last Thursday after a controlled scrimmage closed spring practice.
“I thought it was up-and-down, the defense came out with some great energy and made some plays, the offense responded toward the end,” Rolovich said. “I’m sad its over.”
Brown completed a 35-yard touchdown pass to receiver John Ursua during the a two-minute drill to cap off the 65-plus play scrimmage. Brown also completed a 56-yard reception to Dylan Collie during his first offensive possession while Ursua later juked out several defenders in 12-yard catch-and-run.
Rolovich said several playmakers flashed, including Ursua, a one-time Kealakehe Waverider
“We need more, but on a consistent basis,” Rolovich said. “John Ursua is as hard as anybody to tackle in this league.”
During red zone sessions, senior running back Ryan Tuiasoa ran for two touchdowns while senior receivers Ammon Barker and Isaiah Bernard each caught touchdown passes along with senior tight end Metuisela `Unga. Sophomore quarterbacks Cole Brownholtz and redshirt freshman Cole McDonald took the majority of the reps during situational drills.
Senior safety Austin Gerard picked off a McDonald pass and returned it 50-plus yards for the defense, which concluded its first spring under new coordinator Legi Suiaunoa. Last season, Suiaunoa coached the defensive line and was promoted to coordinator in February following the departure of Kevin Lempa.
Tuiasoa said it was great to get back to work coming off of a 7-7 season — Hawaii’s highest win total since 2010 — that halted a string of five consecutive losing seasons. The Rainbow Warriors also claimed its first bowl victory since 2006 with a 52-35 win against Middle Tennessee State in the Hawaii Bowl.
“We did a good job of picking up after the bowl game and hitting the ground running,” Tuiasoa said.
“It was fun. A lot of fun. I haven’t had this much attention since high school, as far as getting the ball,” he added. “This is why we play the game, and this is why we work hard all offseason.”
Rolovich will be the judge of how hard they Rainbow Warriors have worked when they return to the practice field in late July for the start of fall camp. The season opener is at Massachusetts on Aug. 26.