Warriors report: Notes, quotes

March 26, 2008
The Sports Xchange

Notes, quotes · Strategy and personnel · Inside slant

SPRING OBJECTIVES
The Warriors must rebuild the passing attack that has been their signature for nearly a decade. They don't have a proven quarterback -- Tyler Graunke, who was suspended from the team for part of the winter, has some starting experience -- and they don't have any significant experience at wide receiver. They loaded up on junior-college wideouts to try to patch the holes. The Warriors also must incorporate five new assistant coaches.

BUILDING BLOCKS
The defense should be one of the WAC's strongest again with the return of linebackers Adam Leonard and Solomon Elimimian. And as usual, the Warriors have some talent on the offensive line. Plus, all-WAC first-teamers Dan Kelly (kicker) and David Veikune (defensive line) return.

SCHEDULE SITUATION
The Warriors make up for last year's cakewalk. Their brutal schedule includes four BCS opponents and road games at Fresno State and Boise State, the two WAC favorites. The schedule is so difficult that the Warriors might have trouble qualifying for a bowl. They play Florida and Oregon State on the road, and Washington State, Cincinnati and Weber State at home in nonconference action.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"This is a very challenging schedule, probably one of the most difficult schedules here at the school in some time." -- Hawaii coach Greg McMackin.