UH aims at 'wellness' in spring

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Indeed, schools can be infectious.

Warrior defensive backs awaited their turn at practicing pass coverage during spring drills earlier this month. Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser

Case No. 1

Affliction : Running fever.

Symptoms: James Fenderson's graduation and the likelihood that the NCAA will not award Afatia Thompson and Avion Weaver an extra year of eligibility have left the Warriors with little experience at running back.

Treatment: Eight running backs have received regular work in spring practice. Three recruits join the mix in August.

Prognosis: Fair. Chad Kapanui, a converted quarterback and linebacker, has had the longest runs in the two scrimmages, but he still has a way to go. Tui Ala, who is 5 feet 7 and 180 pounds, has been the most impressive, although there are questions about his size and speed.

"You always want breakaway speed, but I think he's faster than people think he is," said associate head coach George Lumpkin, who is overseeing the 15 days of spring practice.

Case No. 2

Affliction: Gut-itis.

Symptoms: When an offensive linemen takes on the shape of a sportswriter.

Treatment: More jumping, less hops (and barley). It also wouldn't hurt to follow defensive line coach Vantz Singletary, who shed 80 pounds last summer on a bread-and-veggie diet.

Prognosis: Good. Line coach Mike Cavanaugh said the goal is to improve the run-blocking, something that won't happen until the linemen are able to run downfield quickly. Cavanaugh said 335-pound right tackle Uriah Moenoa needs to lose 30 pounds by the end of training camp in September and 314-pound left guard Manly Kanoa III must drop 14 pounds. Cavanaugh said it would be acceptable for Moenoa to report to training camp at about 312 pounds and lose the extra seven pounds before the season opener.

"I want guys lighter," Cavanaugh said. "I know big guys can be lethargic and not be able to do the things we're asking them to do."

Case No. 3

Affliction: Hand springs.

Symptoms: When footballs repeatedly bounce off the hands of receivers.

Treatment: Repetitive therapy. UH slotback Craig Stutzmann said the receivers have worked daily on securing passes. "We're taking it back to the basics," he said. "We're making sure we catch the ball before we try to run (with it)."

Prognosis: Undetermined. Last summer, the Warriors tried to work on the same problem without success. The difference this time is the competition is deeper, so players who drop too many passes might not play too long.

Case No. 4

Affliction: Empty-nest syndrome.

Symptoms: The hollow feeling created by the departure of starting cornerbacks Feiamma Armstrong and Shawndel Tucker.

Treatment: Infusion of new blood.

Prognosis: Excellent. Hyrum Peters, Gary Wright, Abraham Elimimian and Kelvin Millhouse have had surprisingly strong spring workouts. Peters is aggressive enough to play boundary cornerback (the cover position closest to the sideline). Wright and Elimimian have emerged as effective cover players, and the 6-foot-1 Millhouse has been able to take on taller receivers.

"I tell you what, we have have four good Division I cornerbacks over there," Lumpkin said.