Depth a strength for UH

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

•	UH SCHEDULE Today — Practice from 9:30-11:30 a.m.; 3-5 p.m. Tomorrow — Morning practice. Practices at UH's grass field are open to the public. Admission is free.

There is depth on the offensive and defensive lines, and experience at quarterback, linebacker and on the special teams. Except at running back, the depth chart appears to be settled.

Still, as always, there are some questions, such as:

What's the eligibility situation?

Of the players who signed letters of intent in February, three will not be eligible to play this season and a fourth, defensive back A.J. Martinez, is awaiting approval from the NCAA Clearinghouse. His high school coach said there was a misunderstanding on Martinez's high school transcript, and that he will be cleared to play eventually.

Linebacker Justin Faime-alelei, a 2000 Kaimuki High graduate who attended Hawai'i Pacific University last year, has yet to receive clearance to play.

Orlando Wong, a former Kahuku High quarterback who was on a church mission the past two years, returns to the Islands in October. He is expected to enroll at UH in January.

Linebacker Anipati Mailo, a Kahuku High graduate who played in 12 games for the Warriors in 1999, also was on a church mission the past two years. He is enrolled at UH and back on scholarship. Mailo, a sophomore, will have four years to play three seasons.

It appears wide receiver Frank Rivers of St. Louis School, running back Brian Daniels of Mililani High and linebacker Watson Hoohuli of Kamehameha Schools are no longer on the team.

Who improved the most during the offseason?

While 307-pound Shayne Kajioka drew the most raves — he lost 26 pounds and gained a starting job at left guard — running back Thero Mitchell has quietly improved. Mitchell, who weighed as much as 235 last season, lost 20 pounds, yet maintained his strength. He was one of nine players to earn black shorts as "Superior Warriors" for scoring high in 11 strength and agility drills.

Why is defensive coordinator Kevin Lempa smiling?

In 1999, the Warriors created speed on defense by moving cornerbacks to safety, safeties to linebacker, linebackers to defensive end, and defensive ends to defensive tackle.

But after the defense struggled against power running teams in 2000, Lempa's first at UH, the Warriors bulked up, moving defensive ends Chris Brown and Joe Correia to linebacker. Now, after four recruiting classes created depth on defense, Lempa has the resources to manage his multiple schemes.

With three basic schemes — 4-3, nickel (with a fifth defensive back replacing the strong-side linebacker) and "Okie" (with a sixth defensive back replacing a defensive tackle) — the Warriors essentially have 15 defensive starters.

By rotating defensive linemen, UH's pass rush should be effective late in the game.

How's Tim Chang's wrist?

Chang underwent successful surgery to repair a ligament tear in his right wrist. He is throwing without pain.

The coaches believe the true test will be come the first time Chang is knocked down. How he responds should alleviate concerns.