Warriors kick off fall camp

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Rain fell and tempers flew, turning the first University of Hawai'i football practice of training camp into what linebacker Chris Brown described as "the perfect night."

Running back Tui Ala, left, takes a handoff from Tim Chang. Chang, a sophomore, is the projected starting quarterback for the Warriors. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

Even UH coach June Jones, who moved as if his body were coated in starch, seconded that emotion.

"I think everybody feels like I do," said Jones, who coordinated his first full practice since suffering head and chest injuries in a Feb. 22 car accident. "We were all waiting for this day to come. It finally did."

There were a few glitches. Wideout Tafiti Uso, who turned down a chance to start at Stanford by transferring to UH, did not compete in last night's two-hour workout at Cooke Field. Jones said Uso needs to complete some academic work before being cleared to practice. Jones said he does not expect any problems.

Quarterback Kevin Gilbride, who is considering playing baseball fulltime, was absent. Jones said he did not know when Gilbride will decide on his football future. Gilbride, who will remain on football scholarship even if he only plays baseball, is "down the line for now," Jones said.

Defensive end Hiram Travis, a junior-college transfer who competed in spring practice, was a no-show. He was not listed on the depth chart distributed to reporters last night.

And defensive end Travis Laboy, the son of former UH standout Cliff Laboy, was limited after aggravating a groin injury Tuesday.

But those were minor concerns for the Warriors, who treated the workout as if it were a regular-season game.

"It was like being at Aloha Stadium," defensive coordinator Kevin Lempa said. "They were fired up."

After nearly five months of non-contact training, Brown said, "It was like a stress reliever to go out there and hit. We haven't strapped it up for how many months. It was great to hit and see who's standing at the end."

Quarterback Tim Chang likened Wednesday night to Christmas Eve. "It was hard to go to sleep," he said. "I thought, 'the quicker I go to sleep, the quicker the next day will come.' And I knew the next day would bring a lot of presents."

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Chang, who is 35 pounds heavier than when he last played for St. Louis School in November 1999, appeared to throw with improved accuracy and strength. In a drill between the top offensive and defensive units, Chang completed all three of his passes, including one that ricocheted to center Lyle Castro.

"I was trying to go after that one, but I decided not to mix it up with the big boys," Chang said.

Jones said Chang "has a year under his belt and he certainly knows what we're doing, a whole lot more than he did last year (as a freshman) at this time."

Quarterback Jared Flint, who did not play last season after undergoing surgery to repair torn ligaments in his right shoulder, threw without pain last night. He is expected to challenge Nick Rolovich and Shawn-Withy Allen for the role of understudy to Chang.

Offensive lineman Vincent Manuwai, left, helps Sione Tafuna tape his fingers before the start of practice last night at the University of Hawai‘i’s Cooke Field. Fall training camp began last night for the Warriors. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

On defense, linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa appeared to make the adjustment from the middle to the weak side. Tinoisamoa played with the first unit, displacing Keani Alapa, who was the starter exiting spring practice. The moves are written in chalk, and Lempa said, "We'll rotate guys for a while."

Lempa said Gary Wright and Kelvin Millhouse will split work at field cornerback, the cover position aligned on the wide side of the field.

Lempa said the Warriors will have a "floating depth chart," with the order based on daily evaluations.

"I tell the players they make the depth chart," Lempa said. "We organize who will start; their play determines who will finish."

Notes: In addition to Laboy, there are other second-generation Warriors. Running back Tui Ala and defensive end Houston Ala are the sons of former UH running back Tui Ala. Wideout Mikey Akiu's father, Mike Akiu, was a wide receiver for UH and the old Houston Oilers. Mike Akiu attended last night's practice. ... The Warriors begin double practices today, with the first session from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and the second from 3 to 5 p.m. Both workouts will be at UH's grass practice field, and are open to the public.