Warriors discover rights of spring

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

That last breeze was the University of Hawai'i football coaches exhaling.

Justin Colbert, who is projected to be a starting wide receiver, scored a touchdown in yesterday's scrimmage. Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

A tentative depth chart has been crafted, although shuffling is expected when the team reports for training camp in August. For now, the Warriors proved they can survive without injured quarterback Tim Chang, running back Mike Bass and defensive end Travis Laboy. They also found suitable replacements for departed wide receiver Ashley Lelie, and safeties Nate Jackson and Jacob Espiau.

Chang, who did not compete in spring training while recovering from wrist surgery, will enter training camp as the No. 1 quarterback.

"I would say, 'yes,' unless he can't throw," Jones said. But fifth-year senior Shawn Withy-Allen has emerged as a dependable backup, and Jason Whieldon, a junior college transfer, played well enough to enter the mix.

Bass, who started 10 games as a freshman last season, is expected to make a full recovery from hernia surgery. In his absence, Thero Mitchell has been named the No. 1 back. "Thero can run, block and do it all," Jones said. "But we'll play two guys, maybe three."

The most talented back might be John West, a Leilehua High graduate who attended a junior college the past two years. In yesterday's 50-play controlled scrimmage, West rushed four times for 50 yards.

West is a speedy back who is as comfortable attacking the interior running lanes as he is curling into the flats for passes. After playing slotback during the first week of spring training, he moved to what he feels is his more natural position.

"I knew it was a matter of time before I got started," he said. "Once I got the chance, I was going to show what I could do."

Laboy, the Warriors' best pass-rusher last season, underwent offseason surgery to repair damage in his shoulder and knee. But the defense amassed 11 sacks yesterday, and Kevin Jackson, Laboy's best friend, has emerged as a menacing pass-rusher.

The 6-foot-4, 245-pound Jackson gained 20 pounds since December, and has set a goal of reporting to training camp weighing 260.

"I'm feeling fast, and I'm not having problems with the plays, but I want to put on a little more weight," he said. "Sometimes when you get in there, it's nice to have some leverage."

The greatest concern was finding a successor to Lelie, who decided to forgo his senior season and apply for the draft. While Neal Gossett is a functional receiver, he does not have Lelie's quickness to stretch defenses. To compensate, Jones tinkered with the offense by sending slotbacks on deep routes. That opened the way for Clifton Herbert, who can run 40 yards in 4.3 seconds, to seize one of the slotback spots.

UH coach Jone Jones said he is "very pleased." Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

Rich Miano, who coaches the defensive backs, said Leonard Peters and Sean Butts have claimed starting jobs at safety.

"Sean is a smart player and he can really run," Miano said. "He's getting more aggressive and becoming a better tackler. Leonard has the physical skills, but since he's so young, he has to learn the system more."

Miano said Hyrum Peters and Abraham Elimimian are the top cornerbacks, but Kelvin Millhouse also deserves to play. "All three have had such a good spring we need to go to nickel (a scheme that uses five defensive backs) because they are three of our top 11 players on defense. It's a travesty to keep one on the bench," Miano said.

There is no such dilemma on special teams, where Justin Ayat is the lone placekicker. He has not kicked since suffering a groin injury two weeks ago. Two walk-on kickers will join the team in August.