Chang takes 'small steps' to healing

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

University of Hawai'i quarterback Tim Chang didn't practice, but scanned a list of plays yesterday. Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser

That was where Tim Chang, the injured No. 1 quarterback, and outgoing St. Louis School head coach Cal Lee could be found.

Chang, who will not compete in the 15 days of spring practice, said there is no pain in his surgically repaired throwing wrist.

"There's a lot of scar tissue from the surgery," said Chang, who had been diagnosed with a ligament tear in his right wrist. "Right now, I'm trying to get back my range of motion. I'm taking small steps, proper steps, to get it healed. It's really positive right now."

Chang said he will begin to throw May 1, and expects to be ready for the start of training camp in August.

Fifth-year senior Shawn Withy-Allen, redshirt freshman Jeff Rhode and junior college transfer Jason Whieldon are the only healthy quarterbacks in spring practice.

Withy-Allen, who has never been higher than third on the depth chart, admitted, "There are days I get discouraged, like, 'Why am I here?' But the reason I'm here and the reason I'm plugging away is because the Holy Spirit keeps telling me to keep going. Football is a wonderful part of it, but I've grown a lot as a man in the last 4 1/2 years. I don't plan on stopping any time soon."

Lee surprised many — and sparked speculation — by attending yesterday's workouts. Last year, Lee was asked to join the UH coaching staff. But he turned down the offer, saying he owed it to his St. Louis players to coach one more season.

Now retired as St. Louis' head coach but still serving as athletic director, Lee is rumored to be in line for the next football coaching vacancy at UH. Although there are no openings, according to people familiar with the situation, there have been discussions about creating a director of football operations job for either Lee or a current UH coach.

But Lee dismissed such talk, and said his lighter work schedule afforded him an opportunity to attend UH's workouts. Until yesterday, he said, he had never attended a UH practice. He said he had to ask for directions to his brother's office. Ron Lee coaches the UH receivers.

"It's nice to finally watch practice," he said.

They like Mike: Wayne Hunter said he asked to move from defensive end to the offensive line because he wanted to work under offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh.

"We have the best coach on the staff coaching the O-line, and I thought my chances were better of making it to the (National Football) League if I moved to the O-line," said Hunter, a junior who is projected to start at left tackle. "I played defense my whole life, and my heart is with the defense. But I'm trying to think about my future right now. My future is in going to the O-line."

The 6-foot-6, 300-pound Hunter gained 22 pounds since the end of last season and increased his maximum bench press from 365 pounds to 405 pounds. He said Cavanaugh has been instrumental in teaching him blocking techniques.

"Not to take anything away from the other coaches, but as a technician, Coach Cav is the best coach we've got," Hunter said.

Mike Holt, a Michigan resident who was recruited by Cavanaugh last year, changed his mind about moving to the defensive line, where he had a better chance to play.

"I came here to play for Coach Cav, and that's what I want to do," Holt said. "I wanted to give it another shot to show what I can do."

Numbers game: Rhode took the first step in trying to replace Nick Rolovich, who started the Warriors' final nine games last season. Rhode is wearing Rolovich's No. 12.

Rhode, who wore No. 16 last season, wanted to switch to No. 10, his jersey number in high school. But that belongs to weak-side linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa. He then asked for No. 12 and, after some reluctance by equipment manager Al Ginoza, the request was granted.

Rolovich is in California, preparing for a March 25 pro combine, but is expected to return to UH after that. He will assist in spring practice.

Chad Owens, the leading contender at left slotback, was awarded former slotback Craig Stutzmann's No. 2. Owens wore No. 82 last season.

"I've always wanted a single digit," Owens said. "I went to Stutz. I wanted to get his consent. He said it was cool."

Owens, who also will return kickoffs and punts, said he has lowered his speed over 40 yards to 4.53 seconds.

"I'm not concerned about the 40," he said. "It's all about game speed. When you get on the field, you have to prove yourself. Besides, the 40 doesn't mean much to me. I don't run in a straight line a lot."