University of Hawaii

Type of Offense: Spread/Run and Shoot. Most spread offences are predicated on putting players all over the formation “spreading” the defense open and attacking those holes with the running and passing games somewhat evenly. The run and shoot version doubles the amount of passing and uses running plays to keep the defense honest. There will always be big passing yardage accumulated in this offense and while low totals, usually high per carry averages.

Type of Defense: 4-3. Fast OLBs with the WLB being stronger in pass coverage and the SLB being stouter versus the run. MLB is balanced and expected to make most of the tackles, especially versus the run game. A lot of Cover 2 with the MLB expected to get deep (15 yards) on a pass play. Corners on an island playing the edges with help over top. Gap responsibilities on the run game with DL and LB filling gaps and DE normally containing on the edge.

· Run/Pass %: 33/67

· Run/Pass Attempts: 308/618
· Points Per Game: 39.6
· Points Allowed Per Game: 25.5

Key Returning Players:
· Bryant Moniz, QB: 2nd team all-WAC should share 1^st team honors with the Boise QB provided he has a similar season to 2010. Led the nation in passing at 360 yards per game in 2010.
· Royce Pollard, WR: One of 3 returning starters on the offensive side had nearly 1000 yards receiving in 2010 with 7 TDs. Must step up and become the next big WR for Hawaii in 2011.
· Corey Paredes, LB: Leading returning tackler must be the leader of a defense that gave up a lot of yards and points in 2010. Must be able to keep the defense from getting gashed for big plays.
· Austin Hansen, OL: The only returning OL starter from 2010, Hansen must be a leader on the offensive side and make sure that the blocking assignments are communicated on a play by play basis.
 
Key Incoming Freshmen:
· Mike Edwards, CB: Highly recruited out of HS and originally signed with Tennessee playing 8 games as a true freshman. Left Tennessee to go to JC and was redshirted in 2010. Has not played a game since the 2009 season and may have trouble rounding back into form but has the ability to be a big time defensive player for Hawaii in the future.
· Tigi Hill, LB: Rated the #3 prospect in Hawaii and the #39 OLB prospect in the country, Hill has the talent to get on the field immediately.  
· Tavita Woodard, DE: Went to JC for two years having 5.5 sacks after redshirting his first year there. Had scholarship offers from Nebraska, California, Iowa State, and Kansas State as well.


Overall Assessment: After righting the ship and getting Hawaii to their first winning record since June Jones left, there was a bitter taste left in Coach McMackin’s mouth after getting thrashed by Tulsa in the Hawaii bowl. Defense has always been the weak link for Hawaii and was again last season as evidenced by the 25.5 points per game given up in 2010. If the defense can take a step forward with 6 returning starters, Hawaii could win 11 games in 2011. The offense will always be there and until they reach the higher echelon defenses of college football, Hawaii will have no trouble scoring points. The kicking game will be somewhat up for grabs as the punter returns but the kicker graduated and that position is open and ripe for the taking. The long snapper has been in that position for the last 27 games and has done an impressive job. Overall, the offense will be there and if the defense steps up and makes a stand, then 11-12 wins is very possible for this squad.