By Dave Reardon

SALT LAKE CITY >> The coaches and reporters both picked UH to finish fourth in the nine-team WAC. I think that’s a little low; I have the Warriors second. The coaches picked Fresno State to win and the media picked Boise State. (See breaking news for the rest of the rankings).

I picked the teams in this order: 1. Fresno State. 2. Hawaii. 3. Boise State. 4. Nevada. 5. San Jose State. 6. Louisiana Tech. 7. New Mexico State. 8. Idaho. 9. Utah State.

UH linebacker Solomon Elimimian is the preseson defensive player of the year as voted by the media. He is celebrating right now by playing golf for the first time on a real course on just a few minutes’ sleep after flying in from Hawaii with fellow linebacker Adam Leonard last night. Adam’s playing golf for the first time, too.

Coach Greg McMackin also arrived today, but spent most of the day in his room preparing for the season opener at Florida.

The linebackers and McMackin meet the media tomorrow.

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Did you know … When Nevada coach Chris Ault was AD, Greg McMackin was one of three candidates to to be the Wolf Pack head coach in 2000. While he was at his interview, McMackin got a sweet offer to become the Texas Tech associate head coach and defensive coordinator. Chris Tormey got the Nevada job, which Ault now has.

“He’s a great coach and a great person,” Ault said of McMackin today. “It’s great for Hawaii that he got that job.”

By Dave Reardon

Ultimately, uber prospect Manti Te’o will choose his school for his own reasons. And he can go anywhere he wants as the nation’s top linebacker prospect in the eyes of many.

But, UH certainly doesn’t hurt its chances of landing him by offering and getting commits from some of his high school teammates like Kimo Makaula, who committed today.

And not that they are not deserving on their own merits; Kimo Makaula is a stud all-around athlete. His versatility may come in very handy for the Warriors.

UH has also offered RB Dalton Hilliard and QB Cayman Shutter from Punahou.

By Dave Reardon

Chauncey Makainai, a 6-4, 315-pound offensive lineman who graduates from Kailua next spring, was offered a scholarship by UH today, according to two sources. We are trying to confirm another offer to a local stud lineman.

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I leave tonight for the WAC Football Media Preview. Greg McMackin, Solomon Elimimian and Adam Leonard represent the Warriors.

I voted for Leonard as the preseason defensive player of the year in a very close call over Elimimian and New Mexico State quarterback Chase Holbrook as offensive player of the year.

Will fill you in on my predicted order of team finish later.

***

Just got off the phone with offensive tackle Kainoa LaCount. He said he has one more summer school class to complete in order to earn his associate’s degree at College of the Canyons (Calif.).

“I hope to be able to be ready to jump into camp Aug. 7,” he said.

Fall camp starts Aug. 4.

Although he has prototype size and talent, LaCount may end up redshirting this season. Especially on the offensive line, it can be difficult to quickly become a productive player without plenty of repetition and bonding with teammates in the offseason.

By Dave Reardon

I knew there was a reason to go to our AAJA media league basketball game tonight (it certainly had nothing to do with my seriously eroded hoop skills). The Star-Bulletin team played KHNL, which gave me an opportunity to ask John Fink to verify word going around that Russell Yamanoha will be re-joining Jim Leahey in the broadcast booth for UH football games this fall. John, president of The Home Team, confirmed it.

Jim Donovan did color the last two years. Yamanoha was in the booth in 2006 (co-color with Donovan) and 2005 (sharing analyst duties with Doug Vaioleti).

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Cayman Shutter said tonight he plans to schedule an official visit with UH after completion of his senior season at Punahou this fall. The quarterback said he remains a solid commit to New Mexico at this point, but will keep the Warriors’ offer in mind.

By Dave Reardon

Former University of Hawaii and San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Jesse Sapolu will be among the speakers at tomorrow’s Honolulu Quarterback Club meeting at the Pagoda Hotel’s International Ballroom.

Joining Sapolu, a six-time all-pro, on the agenda are new UH assistant Tony Tuioti and Olympian Taylor Takata.

Tuioti, a former UH defensive lineman, was hired as the Warriors’ Director of Football Player Personnel last week.

Takata is preparing to go to Beijing as a member of the U.S. Olympic judo team.

Lunch starts at 11:30 a.m. with the program starting at noon. The meeting is open to the public.

By Cindy Luis

Season tickets for Hawaii women’s volleyball go on sale Monday.The Rainbow Wahine open with defending national champion Penn State on Aug. 29. Ticket packages range from $40 (UH students) to $165 (lower bowl). http://www.hawaiiathletics.com/pr.html?prid=15193&p=12 

By Dave Reardon

Punahou quarterback Cayman Shutter told us today that he considers himself still a solid commit to New Mexico.

“But I”m going to talk to Coach McMackin. I would consider de-committing for UH,” Shutter said at the conclusion of UH’s camp today.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Shutter drew attention — and a scholarship offer from the Warriors – with his quick release and accurate arm.

***

Sightings today at the UH camp: Former Warriors quarterback Jack Rolovich, helping out on camp staff. Jack is living in Hawaii now and working on a master’s at HPU. … Former UH basketball player David Hallums. He and Robin Kami, one of the fastest guys in the OIA during his playing days, brought a contingent of players from Pearl City, their alma mater where they are now coaching. … Saint Louis’ new head coach, John Hao, another former UH quarterback, was also in attendance. … Former UH offensive lineman Joe Onosai was there. … Vili Fehoko did the haka, and Brad Kalilimoku led a ha’a. … Kenny Patton worked the camp, as did David “Happy” Gilmore, the new GA and former safety. … I didn’t recognize punter Tim Grasso at first, as his hair is dark now and not bleached. He was working with snapper Jake Ingram.

By Dave Reardon

It is by no means a done deal, but UH is moving toward hosting Central Arkansas to complete the 2009 football schedule.

“We’ve been in communication with Central Arkansas and am trying to solidify something,” UH athletic director Jim Donovan said this evening. “I’ve conferred with Coach McMackin and he said he’s fine with an FCS team.”

Donovan said SMU and the June Jones reunion is out of the picture, at least for 2009.

“That’s correct, they notified us letting us know they’re interested in future years, but 2009 is not possible.”

As Jason Kaneshiro reported a couple of weeks ago, a game against Central Arkansas would likely be Sept. 4, a Friday, to help both teams with travel considerations since they play on the mainland the following week. Donovan said today he has secured the blessing of Aloha Stadium officials and high school football honchos, since Friday is usually the domain of prep football.

By Cindy Luis

Three former Hawaii All-American volleyball players and a Punahou graduate today were among the 12 nominated by USA Volleyball to compete in next month’s Olympics, pending official confirmation by the United States Olympic Committee.Ex-Rainbow Wahine selected were: setter Robyn Ah Mow-Santos, middle Heather Bown and outside hitter Kim Willoughby. Also selected was former Punahou setter Lindsey Berg. Named to her third Olympic team was Stanford great Logan Tom, who is part=Hawaiian and the daughter of the late Mel Tom, a former NFL player.This will be the third Olympics for Ah Mow-Santos and Bown, the second for Berg. It is the first Olympics for Willoughby, who only recently joiined the national team.  http://www.usavolleyball.org/national/08WNTOlympicNominationRoster.asp

By Dave Reardon

Corey Nielsen, one of the top high school quarterbacks in California, has accepted a scholarship offer from UH and will join the Warriors in the fall of 2009, according to Cory’s uncle, Jon Nielsen.

Corey impressed UH coaches at this weekend’s camp. He led California in passing yards last year, reportedly has a very strong and accurate arm, is an outstanding student and has Hawaii roots on his mom’s side.

Jason Kaneshiiro is interviewing Corey right now.More details to come.

UPDATE: A little from Jason after his interview with Corey: “Corey’s highlight film is posted on youtube. Just search for “Corey Nielsen”… His numbers last year were 4,363 yards, 35 touchdowns and five interceptions. he said he was also offered by Arizona, UNLV and Idaho.”