Warriors build confidence, depth
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
The University of Hawai'i football team's 15th — and final — day of spring practice ended with a pulsating battle of skill, technique and daring that left the Cooke Field crowd of nearly 3,000 in a collective gasp.
Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser
And that was just for the pizza-eating contest.
Quarterback Tim Chang was up to the challenge as he took on fans and other quarterbacks in a passing
But the contest's winner, offensive lineman Sione Tafuna, could have been referring to the entire spring football practice when, hands at his sizeable midriff, said, "I'm fulfilled."
At the start of the month, the Warriors entered spring practice with head coach June Jones in the hospital following a single-car accident and numerous questions about the running attack, the receivers' ability to hold onto passes and the defensive secondary.
But as quick as Jones' recovery — he is now at home, preparing for a full return by training camp in August — the Warriors found answers, and now they enter spring break confident and deep at nearly every position.
"I feel great about the spring," said associate head coach George Lumpkin, who coordinated spring practice in Jones' absence. "We're so much a better football team than we were coming (into spring practice). I think we're going to be good next year."
In yesterday's 48-play controlled scrimmage, the offense struggled, at least statistically. The first four passes fell incomplete; No. 1 quarterback Tim Chang's only completion in nine attempts went for 18 yards.
But, Lumpkin noted, the spring was more about developing depth than amassing meaningless statistics. A few years ago, the Warriors had nine offensive linemen; now, they are three and, sometimes, four deep at every line position. With four starters returning, and redshirt freshman Uriah Moenoa having a productive spring, line coach Mike Cavanaugh said, "We probably have more depth now than we've had in a long time."
He added, "I thought we got a lot accomplished. I'm excited about the growth. If we work hard and focus, we can be a good offensive line."
Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser
The Warriors auditioned eight players for the lone running back job, which was clouded by the departure of James Fenderson and the uncertain future of Afatia Thompson and Avion Weaver. Thompson and Weaver are petitioning the NCAA for an extra year of eligibility.
Future Warriors had a field day playing before a banner showing support for UH coach June Jones, who is recovering from a Feb. 22 single-car accident.
Tui Ala, son of a former UH running back with the same name, emerged as the top back with his effective blocks and strong interior runs. Ala, who is 5 feet 8 and 195 pounds, can bench press 225 pounds 24 times.
He also receives tips from his father, whom he refers to as "my personal coach." What advice? "I can't tell you that," Ala said, smiling. "It's between me and him. He's always encouraging me."
Three recruits will compete at running back in training camp, and there is a long shot that Thompson and Weaver will be back. "Let the best man win," Ala said.
The four starting receivers return in the fall, and while they have the inside track to retain their jobs, last year's high number of dropped passes was a concern. The Warriors minimized their drops this spring, and wideouts Tafiti Uso, Mark Tate and Neal Gossett and slotbacks Britton Komine, Gerald Welch and Clifton Herbert have pushed for more playing time. The speedy Herbert caught a 5-yard scoring pass yesterday, and also appears to be the leading contender for the kick-return job.
On defense, Hyrum Peters, Gary Wright, Abraham Elimimian and Kelvin Millhouse are poised to replace departed cornerbacks Shawndel Tucker and Feiamma Armstrong. But yesterday, walk-on Josiah Cravalho also joined the mix, intercepting a pass and forcing a fumble.
Perhaps the greatest improvement has come from left defensive end Laanui Correa, who withstood a challenge from Travis Laboy to claim a spot on the first team. The 265-pound Correa has gained 15 pounds from the end of last season, and improved his strength. He can bench press 435 pounds.
"This spring has been 10 times better than last season," Correa said. "I'm making plays."
RUSHING: Thero Mitchell 2-34, Shawn Withy-Allen 1-13, Chad Kapanui 2-5, Jonathan Kauka 5-4, Colin O'Reilly 1-4, Tui Ala 2-3, Steven Mahelona 1-1, Ken Witherspoon 1-0, Nick Rolovich 2-(minus) 2, Chad Owens 1-(minus) 9.
PASSING: Nick Rolovich 8-12-1 — 81, Shawn Withy-Allen 3-6-0 — 43, Tim Chang 1-9-0 — 18, Jared Flint 1-2-0 — 5, Chad Kapanui 0-1-0 — 0.
RECEIVING: Dan Berryman 2-38, Ryan Richards 2-28, Britton Komine 1-18, Neal Gossett 2-15, Tafiti Uso 1-13, Kenoche Mostella 1-11, Chad Owens 1-9, Clifton Herbert 1-5, Raymond Keahi 1-5, Gerald Welch 1-5.
