In a busy offseason, Hawaii football coach Tim Chang: >> Promoted running backs coach Anthony Arceneaux to offensive coordinator, and offensive analyst Cade Socha to quarterbacks coach. Socha, 26, succeeds Dan Morrison, who retired after a 59-year coaching career. “Cade is an old-fashioned, grinding coach,” Chang said.
“He’s smart, a detailed guy who loves football. He relates with the players and coaches.” Quarterbacks Brayden Schager and Jake Farrell graduated, and John-Keawe Sagapolutele transferred to Portland State.
>> Invested in maintaining and reloading the defense. “We like the scheme,” associate head coach Chris Brown said of the multiple-look, attacking style that defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman implemented last year. Modeled after the Baltimore Ravens’ defenses, the scheme relies on pass rushers, physical interior linemen, active linebackers and hard-hitting safeties.
“Coach Thurman really harps on this defense becoming a players’ defense where they run it and make it their own,” Brown said. >> Navigated the evolving recruiting process that involves the transfer portal and competitive name, image, likeness opportunities for players. With easing of transfer restrictions, recruits no longer sign binding letters of intent, instead inking scholarship agreements.
The Rainbow Warriors’ first of 15 spring practices is Monday at the Ching Complex. They will practice three times a week for five weeks. Here’s a breakdown of the positions: Quar.