UH opens training camp deeper, healthier, stronger
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
In the first practice of training camp, the University of Hawai'i football team, oblivious to the SPF-30 conditions, coolly declared its candidacy as a title contender.
Cory Lum • The Honolulu Advertiser
"Everything looks really good," quarterback Tim Chang said following the second of two two-hour workouts at the school's grass practice field. "The defensive guys are flying around, the O-line is blocking well, and the receivers are catching every pass. I feel fortunate to be a part of this."
June Jones, who begins his fourth season as University of Hawai'i head football coach, said: "It's all very positive."
The first workout, before about 120 fans and reporters, showed Chang's right wrist has healed and defensive end Travis Laboy's left wrist is on the mend; Chad Owens is as much a threat as a slotback as he was as a kick-returner; and defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga is as imposing as the hype surrounding his arrival.
"It's all very positive," said June Jones, who begins his fourth season as UH's head coach. "We have so much depth. It's a lot better than it was the first year (in 1999). You need depth to overcome the two or three big injuries every year. The first year, we couldn't afford one injury. Now, we're three- or, maybe, four-deep at every position."
Chang, who underwent surgery to repair ligament damage in his throwing wrist, appeared sharp, easily deciphering defenses and throwing crisp spirals.
"He did a good job, and I think he'll get better every day," Jones said. "Mentally, I knew he would be OK. He knows our offense."
Chang said his right wrist is at full strength. "I've even fallen on it, and it still feels good. It's fine."
The 6-foot-2 Chang said he weighs about 195 — 10 pounds lighter than his weight at last year's training camp — but "I've put on more muscle. I'm staying away from late-night snacks and starches." He said he no longer uses creatine, a nutritional supplement used to increase bulk.
Laboy said he has successfully recovered from off-season shoulder surgery, and that his left wrist, which was encased in a soft cast yesterday, should be fully healed by the Aug. 31 season opener.
"It's coming along really good," said Laboy, who scored on an interception return yesterday. "The trainers and the doctors did a good job (on the wrist). I should be ready for the start of the season. That's my goal, and I'm working toward it."
Owens, who no longer will be the primary kick returner, solidified his starting job at left slotback with a leaping one-handed catch.
Sopoaga drew praise in his long-awaited debut. As a sophomore in 2000, he amassed 31 sacks for the College of the Canyons. He turned down offers from Nebraska, Kansas State and Miami to sign with the Warriors.
But Sopoaga did not earn enough credits to play for the Warriors last fall. Instead, he enrolled at UH, paying his own tuition. By May, he earned enough credits to play this fall. Still, he went to summer school to accelerate his progress toward a degree.
"It's been a while since I played," Sopoaga said. "It was really hard to sit out last year. I went to school, but I couldn't practice. It felt weird."
Sopoaga, who was raised in American Samoa, said he wanted to attend UH since he was a high school senior.
"This is my dream," he said. "I know Nebraska and Miami are up there, but I feel more comfortable at UH. This is where I want to be."
Said Jones: "We're happy he's here. The new guys have been impressive. Mel Purcell (who will redshirt this season) caught my eye. (Defensive back) Kenny Patton is going to be a player. (Linebacker) Chad Kalilimoku looks good. The new guys have really jumped in there."
