Offense a big hit with quarterbacks

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

The packages are postmarked from Portland, Ore., and Portland, Maine; Alaska and Alabama; Canada and Kansas.

Quarterbacks Shawn Withy-Allen, front, and Tim Chang during drills on the first morning of spring practice last year at the University of Hawai'i football practice field. Advertiser library photo • March 1, 2001

"That's not counting the packets from scouting services," said Dan Morrison, who coaches UH quarterbacks, "and the letters."

For a quarterback, the Warriors' run-and-shoot offense is electric football. Last year, two-thirds of the Warriors' offensive plays were passes. UH quarterbacks attempted at least 50 passes in six games. In nine starts, Nick Rolovich threw 34 touchdown passes.

"I've never known a quarterback who doesn't like what we do here," UH coach June Jones said. "I think that's why we get a lot of calls from around the country."

In turn, Jones has shown a preference for recruiting quarterbacks. In 3 1/2 years as UH's head coach, Jones recruited 22 prospects who played quarterback in high school. Twenty percent of the players in training camp have experience playing quarterback.

In some cases, Jones recruited a quarterback with the intention of moving him to another position. "In Kevin Jackson's situation, we knew right away he would be a defensive end," Jones said. "With Justin (Colbert) and Se'e (Poumele), they showed great quickness, so we thought they would become receivers."

Morrison said many high school programs use option offenses in which the quarterback is the team's best athlete. Recruiting an athletic quarterback gives a college team the flexibility to use him at other skill positions.

Jones said it is a quarterback's decision whether to move to another position. Chad Kapanui and Matt Manuma requested switches as a quicker way to gain playing time.

On the other hand, Shawn Withy-Allen, who had several opportunities to move to other positions, decided to remain at quarterback. Withy-Allen, a fifth-year senior, now is the Warriors' top backup.

In December 1999, the UH coaches announced they signed Jared Flint. Rolovich, also a junior college quarterback, knew of Flint's signing, but decided to commit to UH a week later, anyway. Two months later, UH signed Tim Chang, now the starting quarterback.

"They don't mind the competition because they want to play in this system," Morrison said.

Kainoa Akina, the son of former UH assistant coach Duane Akina, relinquished a full scholarship and starting job at Eastern Michigan to join UH as a walk-on. He reports to the team Monday.

"If you're a quarterback, you want to play in this offense," freshman Ryan Stickler said. "You get to throw the ball as much as you want. You're always in the top five in passing yards. That's real attractive. I came from a program that threw 12 times (a game). To play in this system is awesome."

Stickler, like many other prospects, sent videotapes to several Division I-A programs. Morrison, who screens the candidates, was impressed with Stickler's form and accuracy. Morrison said he forwards about four videotapes to Jones each year.

"Ryan wanted to come here," Brent Stickler said of his son. "Ryan loves the offense, the scheme of things."

Said Stickler: "It's not a lottery to be here, it's a great opportunity. It's like, whoever works the hardest and plays the best will find his way to the top. Everybody wants to be the quarterback, and every quarterback wants to be in this offense."