Another University of Hawaii football practice, another right tackle.
Frank Loyd Jr., a fourth-year junior from Moanalua High, became the sixth Rainbow Warrior to play that position this training camp.
Loyd will have a good opportunity to make a statement. He will be with the first-team offense during today’s 100-play controlled scrimmage on UH’s grass practice field. Practice begins at 10 a.m.
"Frank’s going to get a real shot at right tackle," head coach Norm Chow said. "He’s been playing well."
Leo Koloamatangi was the No. 1 right tackle for four of the eight practices. The Warriors have rotated several players there.
The left side appears set with tackle Sean Shigematsu and guard Mike Milovale. Loyd had practiced as the No. 2 left tackle before moving to the right side for Friday’s practice.
"It’s not that bad," Loyd said. "It’s different stance-wise, but the assignment is pretty much the opposite off the other side. I have to get into the playbook."
Line coach Chris Naeole praised Loyd’s skills, work ethic and football IQ.
"Frank has been doing all the right things," Naeole said. "He’s smart and he works hard."
Loyd said he gained 10 pounds during the offseason and now weighs 293.
"I felt pretty light playing guard and tackle last year," Loyd said.
Loyd redshirted in 2010, and played a combined three games the past two seasons
"When things are happening, instead of being discouraged, I think about my parents," Loyd said. "They’re my biggest supporters. I have a lot of people supporting me. I’m out here not only playing for myself, I’m playing for them, too. They’re a big motivation for me."
Naeole said Loyd has one fault.
"He’s too nice," Naeole said. "He smiles with that big dimple on his face. We need mean Frank. We need nasty Frank."
Loyd said: "That’s part of my game I need to work on. I can be a nice guy off the field, but I have to be a mean guy on it. That’s why Coach Chris is here. I know he’s going to get after me if I don’t get more aggressive."
Kemp does right things
The one-minute drill was designed to set up a field-goal attempt. Instead, freshman wideout Marcus Kemp sprinted past the secondary, caught a pass from Taylor Graham and scooted into the end zone. He then turned and handed the ball to a coach.
More important than showing good skills, Kemp demonstrated good sportsmanship.
"Getting in the end zone is enough for me," said Kemp, adhering to Chow’s demands for self-discipline.
Earlier in the segment, an interception return was penalized because of holding, and an unsportsmanlike penalty should have been imposed when a tight end tossed the football toward a defender.
Graham set for scrimmage
Graham said the players are looking forward to today’s scrimmage.
"It’s the closest thing you can get to a game without playing another team," Graham said. "We want to fly around and play fast. We’ll see how we respond."
A digital clock was placed in the end zone to help the players work on time management.
"We’re practicing situations to prepare for the games," Graham said.
Wily takes big step
Three months ago, running back Aofaga Wily was a Kahuku High student. Now he is a member of the Warriors’ captains’ council.
"It’s a big task to take," Wily said. "I have to step it up mentally and physically."
Wily wears a band on his left ring finger during practices.
"It’s for good luck," he said. "A friend gave it to me. It’s motivation."
