Whether pounding against a blocking sled or fending off an offensive lineman, Julian Gener appreciated executing the drills without pain in his elbow or any reluctance to fire it forward.
Just as he was at this point last year, Gener is grinding through the early stages of training camp in preparation for his junior year with the Hawaii football team.
This time, he entered practice seasoned by a year in the program and with the experience of working through an injury to return to the Rainbow Warriors linebacker corps.
"I guess I got a re-do on my junior year, which is a blessing," Gener said. "I’ve learned a lot. I’ve lost weight, I feel faster, I feel better. … Just being with the guys, I feel I have a stronger bond with the team."
Gener has worked with the first unit at inside linebacker through the three days of fall camp. The intensity of the contact picked up on Wednesday as the Rainbow Warriors went through their first practice in pads.
Gener’s first shot at his junior year ended 21/2 games into his Hawaii career last fall when he suffered the injury in the first half at Nevada.
The transfer from Mt. San Antonio College had earned a starting spot after posting 11 tackles, including a sack, forcing a fumble and returning an interception for a touchdown at Oregon State.
He recorded two more tackles at Nevada before tearing the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, which required season-ending surgery.
Gener gradually regained strength in his elbow and although he returned to the field for the start of spring practice his confidence was still a few weeks away from arrival.
"I was full go, but I was hesitant at the same time," Gener said. "By the end of the spring … I had no problems coming in and extending, using my arms, falling. In the beginning I was really hesitant because I was just scared I didn’t want to mess it up again.
"Going through the spring was a big step in my mind."
During his recovery, Gener was also left to wonder just how much time he’d have left once he returned. He received confirmation in mid-March that his medical redshirt was approved.
"From the time I was appealing in the start of December, I was worried every day," Gener said, "bugging (director of compliance) Amanda (Paterson), I was in her office every other day. … I finally heard back and it was just a weight lifted off my shoulders."
Along with going through strength coach Gary Beemer’s offseason program, Gener said trainers Brian Wong and Eric Okasaki recommended exercises to continue to strengthen his elbow over the summer.
Gener was back with the first unit for the start of fall camp, but defensive coordinator Kevin Clune said he plans to look at various combinations as practices progress.
"He’s coming along," said Clune, who also works with the inside linebackers during position drills. "He’s gotten smarter, he’s in better shape. We’re going to have competition at that position and the outside ‘backers too. I’m going to mix up the groupings in a day or two and see how it all fits together."
