That double-click was the Inbox opening for this week’s question-and-answer session regarding the University of Hawaii football team.
Question: Why do the Warriors have only one home uniform? How much does it cost for one uniform?
Answer: “Would I love to have a home uniform and an away uniform and a couple options and a couple helmets?” coach Nick Rolovich said. “I’d love to.”
But each uniform costs about $350. Painted helmets run about $400 apiece. Take those numbers, multiple them by 120 or so and …
“There probably are other needs that can be taken care of than extra uniforms at this point,” Rolovich said.
Another sartorial challenge is that in recent years, each set of new uniforms came in a unique style. That made it difficult to mix and match wardrobes.
“Part of our issue is not being consistent with our uniform,” Rolovich said. “That’s kind of affected our ability to build our uniform collection.”
Rolovich said that issue will be resolved during the offseason.
Rolovich said he also has started a fund, through Na Koa booster club, to pay for new helmets.
Q: Regarding delay-of-game penalties, can’t the coaches call timeout from the sideline before they happen?
A: Yes, they can. But while setting up for a field goal on the Rainbow Warriors’ final drive against Boise State, according to Rolovich, “I don’t think they deserved a timeout. If we don’t have the field-goal team ready, we should bring more attention to it. I could have called timeout. But I said: ‘Screw it, we’ve got Rigo (Sanchez as the kicker).’ I don’t think 5 yards was going to make a difference in that case.” It did not. Sanchez converted from 35 yards.
Q: Is the Australian lineman still committed to UH?
A: Eneasi “Ernie” Kavapalu, who is 6 feet 7 and 310 pounds, remains a solid commitment for the Warriors.
Q: Would UH consider bringing back the routine of announcing the starting defensive players during pregame introductions?
A: It was considered for this year, but it was decided to go with the entrance currently used.
Q: Why do the receivers run routes short of the first-down marker on third- and fourth-down plays?
A: Rolovich said the routes are “built the way they are” and cannot be changed “depending on down and distance.”
Rolovich added a certain amount of post-catch running is factored into each play. “You don’t have to throw the ball over the first-down marker, you need to get the ball over the first-down marker,”Rolovich said.
Q: Why doesn’t UH use a two-back offense?
A: The Warriors actually are often in a two-back set with a running back and fullback. Rolovich said the staff has “talked about” pairing two running backs in the backfield.
Q: Any chance UH will go with the run-and-shoot offense in the near future?
A: “Did anybody watch the second half of San Diego (State game)?” Rolovich said. The Warriors, who were in four-receiver sets most of that game, were intercepted four times.
“I don’t want to live in that world right now,” Rolovich said. “Look through the conference. Nobody’s doing it. Look through college football. There are not a lot of people doing it. It’s becoming a power league. We’re like an anomaly with three receivers on the field.”
Q: Is the defensive line the main emphasis in recruiting?
A: “It’s an emphasis, I don’t know if it’s the main emphasis,” said Rolovich, who also is seeking defensive backs and offensive linemen.
Q: What leadership traits does Rolovich look for in players?
A: Rolovich said the leadership characteristics are: 1) doing things right, 2) maintaining core values, and 3) determination. “You look for guys who love football and want to go to school, and not guys who are waiting for this to end,” Rolovich said.
Q: Any chance of bringing back Keith Bhonapha, a UH alumnus, former Boise State recruiting coordinator and current Washington running backs coach?
A: Zero. Nada. The big doughnut. Bhonapha earns $280,000 annually, works for a head coach who is in line for a 10-year extension, and aspires to coach in the NFL.
Q: Does UH have enough December graduates to target mid-year recruits?
A: “We do,” Rolovich said.
Q: What will UH need to beat Fresno State this week?
A: “Not turn the ball over, be much more efficient on offense, and eliminate penalties,” Rolovich said.
Q: What are the thoughts about creating a trophy for the winner of the Fresno State-Hawaii game?
A: It doesn’t appear likely after a trophy was created for the UH-UNLV rivalry. “People were upset,” Rolovich said. “I don’t care. But when my 7-year-old daughter designs a trophy when I ask her to, I think it’s beautiful.”
After recalling an incident in Fresno in which a screwdriver was found on the UH sideline — thrown or dropped? — Rolovich said: “I’d love to have a screwdriver trophy. I’ll bring one. I think you can carry one on the plane.”