Warriors’ need for speed
Brashton Satele’s move from middle linebacker to defensive end adds to Greg McMackin’s history of shifting players to put more speed on the field.
In his first stint as defensive coordinator at Hawaii in 1999, he shifted linebacker Matt Paul to defensive end. Safety Yaphet Warren and receiver Robert Kemfort became speedy linebackers. Paul earned second-team All-WAC honors that year and Warren and Kemfort were also key figures in UH’s turnaround season.
Two years ago, Josh Leonard arrived as a heralded JUCO defensive end. He was moved inside and became an impact player at defensive tackle, landing a free-agent contract with the Houston Texans in April.
McMackin also had the foresight to turn a backup tight end into a defensive end while at Miami (Fla.). Warren Sapp went on to develop into an All-Pro defensive tackle.
