Higher expectations greet Warriors to fall camp
| • | Ferd Lewis: It's a good move for TV game |
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
University of Hawai'i football coach June Jones' third fall training camp opens tonight under the probing lights at the school's Cooke Field.
Unlike the first two training camps, there are fewer available starting jobs. In turn, the expectations appear greater as the personnel, reconstructed with three recruiting classes, moves closer to matching Jones' vision.
"We think we're stronger, faster and more experienced," said right guard Vincent Manuwai, who is being trumpeted for the Outland Trophy as the nation's top lineman.
On offense, the Warriors return nine starters — four of five linemen, all four receivers and quarterback Tim Chang, who passed for more than 3,000 yards in nine starts as a freshman last season.
Right tackle Kynan Forney has departed, as the Atlanta Falcons' seventh-round draft selection, but redshirt freshman Uriah Moenoa emerged as the likely successor exiting spring practice. Redshirt freshman Ryan Santos, who did not play in the spring while recovering from surgery, and junior-college transfers Mike Holt and Charlie Dutra might challenge for the job. But the headstart will make Moenoa difficult to displace.
Last year's top three running backs — James Fenderson, Avion Weaver and Afatia Thompson — have completed their college eligibility. But eight candidates, including four freshmen, will compete for the lone running back position in the run-and-shoot offense.
Like most puzzles, the one on defense begins at the corners. Hyrum Peters appears to have won one cornerback job, but Gary Wright and Kelvin Millhouse are deadlocked on the other side.
There will be a new set of linebackers, too, with defensive ends Joe Correia and Chris Brown moving to the strong side and middle, respectively. Keani Alapa, who missed most of last season with a knee injury, and Pisa Tinoisamoa, who moved from inside linebacker, will compete on the weak side.
The defensive line is a mystery. Defensive tackle Lui Fuga will miss at least the first two games after undergoing his second shoulder surgery of the summer. Isaak Sopoaga will delay enrolling at UH until he earns an associate degree, an eligibility requirement for a junior-college transfer. Defensive end Hiram Travis, who competed during spring practice after transferring from El Camino College, remained in California last night. Last week, Travis denied reports that he would not return to UH. But last night, family members said they were unsure of his plans.
The Warriors also are seeking a replacement for placekicker Eric Hannum, who graduated last December, and kickoff specialist Jake Huggins. Justin Ayat, who redshirted last season, and Aaron Bennet, a walk-on, will compete.
"We're excited about playing again," Manuwai said. "It's been a while."
After finishing 3-9 last season, Manuwai said, "We're ready to move ahead. Everything should be better than last year."
Notes: KFVE, which owns the local television rights to UH sports, and Action Sports Cable Network have reached an agreement to show Warrior football games in every cable household in Oregon except Portland. ASCN also owns the cable rights to the Seattle SuperSonics, Seattle Seahawks, Oregon State University and the University of Oregon. KFVE president John Fink said he hopes to complete an arrangement to show UH games in Portland. ... UH's fall semester opens Aug. 27, at which time rosters may expand to 108.
