HAWAII KICKS OFF SPRING DRILLS

(April 1): Although many of the names were the same, most of the biggest ones were not as Hawaii opened spring football camp yesterday morning at Manoa.

Namely, those of former head coach June Jones, several of his assistants, and the team's exceptional passing unit.

Gone are record-breaking quarterback Colt Brennan. And gone, as well, are his four targets, including Jason Rivers, Davone Bess and Ryan Grice-Mullins.

The allotted 15 spring practices will allow for new head coach Greg McMackin to imprint his style and philosophy on the team he inherited after Jones cashed in on a 12-1 season and accepted a five-year, $10 million deal from SMU.

One of McMackin's first moves after being promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach was elevating the Brothers Lee – Ron and Calvin – to coordinate the
offense and defense, respectively.

Ron Lee will retain many aspects of the run-and-shoot, but his quarterback – whoever that turns out to be – will take more snaps from under center.

He'll also employ more of a power-running game, shuffling last year's rushing leader – Kealoha Pilares -- to the slot. Look for Leon Wright-Jackson to win the starting job, with the smaller and shiftier Daniel Libre serving as the change-of-pace backup.

Only five months until the season-opener on Aug. 30 at national powerhouse Florida, which will serve as quite a challenge for McMackin in his debut as UH head coach.

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