Posted on: Tuesday, August 27, 2002

Kalilimoku, Patton may redshirt

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Despite impressive performances during training camp — both are listed on the University of Hawai'i football team's two-deep lineup — middle linebacker Chad Kalilimoku and cornerback Kenny Patton are scheduled to redshirt this season.

Kalilimoku, a 1999 Roosevelt High graduate who attended Santa Ana College last year, and Patton, a freshman who was raised in Honolulu, each have an available redshirt year, according to UH coaches.

"We want to save them," said Jones, noting Kalilimoku is backing up senior Chris Brown and Patton is behind experienced cornerbacks Abraham Elimimian and Kelvin Millhouse.

Jones said Ikaika Curnan, who has been auditioning at weakside linebacker, can fill in as Brown's backup.

"Chad has made progress, but he has three (years) to play two (seasons)," Jones said. "Unless those two (Brown and Curnan) get hurt, we want to save a year for Chad."

The plan would change only if there were numerous injuries. Even then, Jones said, Kalilimoku or Patton would not play right away. If a starter could not play the week after suffering an injury, then Jones would activate a redshirt candidate.

"We don't want to waste somebody for a couple of special teams or a couple of plays at the end of the game," defensive coordinator Kevin Lempa said.

• Roster update: Defensive tackle Matt Faga, a 2000 Kaimuki High graduate who played at Fresno City College last season, is not expected to play for the Warriors this season.

Faga was not enrolled yesterday, the first day of UH's fall semester. His name also was deleted from UH's roster.

"I don't think he'll be here," said Vantz Singletary, who coaches the defensive linemen. "There's still a lot of red tape. Right now, I'm not counting on him. If he's here, it will be a bonus."

Faga was expected to serve as a backup to left defensive tackle Lui Fuga. Now Abu Ma'afala, a freshman from Kamehameha Schools, and Isaac Sopoaga will serve as the top reserves.

In an emergency, Singletary said, defensive end Houston Ala will move to defensive tackle.

"Right now, we don't want to overload Houston," said Singletary, noting Ala is used as a pass rusher when the Warriors employ schemes with five and six defensive backs. "He's hungry, he wants it, and he welcomes it, but we want to make sure he's not overburdened."

• Worth waiting for: Freshman wideout Sean Stennis, the nephew of former UH quarterback Mike Stennis, will receive a football scholarship in January.

Stennis' scholarship will count as one of the 25 initial ones UH is allowed to offer this year.

Stennis has played well in training camp. "Mentally and physically, I need to strengthen my skills," he said. "I think redshirting would be my best option."