Bass, West hope for happy returns
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
University of Hawai'i football coach June Jones said it appears John West will be the team's kick returner and Mike Bass will be used on punt returns.
They will replace Chad Owens, who will focus on playing left slotback. Last year, Owens averaged 33.6 yards per kickoff return, leading the Western Athletic Conference and finishing second nationally.
Although Owens was fielding punts yesterday afternoon, Jones said, "He's staying alert. He won't return kicks or punts (this season)."
Instead, Jones will turn to two backup running backs. Bass, who started at running back last season, underwent hernia surgery in March, and is listed second on the depth chart behind Thero Mitchell. Jones said Bass has played well on special teams.
Jones also praised West, a Leilehua High graduate who played at Yuba City College last season.
"John West is a good kickoff guy," Jones said. "He has good vision and he can run."
West has been an effective rusher in training camp, but has struggled to learn the blocking schemes in the run-and-shoot offense. "I have to learn how to be a better pass protector before I can go out there regularly," West said.
But on kick returns, West has demonstrated a knack for finding openings. UH kick returners are given the leeway to determine which path to take.
"I think I can make quick judgments," West said. "If I can get a little block, I'm out the door."
On hold: Defensive tackle Matt Faga is still awaiting confirmation of his eligibility for this season.
Faga, a junior-college transfer who was expected to serve as the backup to left defensive tackle Lui Fuga, needs to earn an associate degree to play for UH. He took two classes this summer, and needs to pass both. Once he is cleared, as he expects to be, he has to undergo mandatory medical examinations and attend orientation meetings.
It appears offensive lineman Mesepa Reed is on personal leave. Reed met the academic and medical requirements to play this season, but he has not attended practice since last week.
Citing federal privacy laws, Jones and offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh declined to discuss Reed's situation. Reed is a former St. Louis School standout who was expected to redshirt this season while bulking up. The 6-foot-5 freshman reported to training camp weighing 214 pounds.
Injury update: Strong safety Matt Manuma (strained knee ligament), defensive end Travis Laboy (bruised toe) and wideout Omar Bennett (left knee strain) did not practice yesterday.
Also, quarterback Tim Chang, who suffered a fractured right pinkie last Thursday, has improved. It is hoped Chang will play in the opener.
Strong safety Leonard Peters, who was hospitalized for four days last week with tears to his spleen and kidney, attended yesterday's practice. Peters is scheduled for a CAT scan tomorrow, at which time it will be determined when he will be allowed to practice again. Initially, Peters was told he would miss up to eight weeks, a prognosis that was later amended to 4-to-6 weeks.
Prime-time football: The Warriors will practice from 7:45 p.m. to 9:15 tomorrow through Friday.
Because Cooke Field is closed for renovation, UH will set up portable lights at the grass practice field. UH usually practices in the morning or afternoon. But with seven home games, including the opener, scheduled to be played at night, Jones decided to conduct three practices under the lights.
Football camp: The first June Jones Football Clinic will be held Sunday morning, from 8 to 10:30, at the school's practice field.
There is a $10 entry fee.
Jones and several UH coaches will be the featured instructors. Proceeds go to Na Koa, the football program's booster club.
For details, call 671-3812.
TV news: It was confirmed yesterday that Russell Yamanoha will return as the sideline reporter for K5's telecasts of Warrior football games.
Jim Leahey, who recently agreed to his ninth consecutive one-year contract with K5, will be the play-by-play announcer, and former UH coach Dick Tomey will provide color commentary.
With season ticket sales completed, UH began selling its pay-per-view package. A digital cable box is needed to order the live telecasts of seven UH home games. To order, call Oceanic-Time Warner Cable of Hawai'i at 625-8100.
