Backups get rare chance to shine
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
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| University of Hawai'i quarterbacks, clockwise from top, Jeff Rhode, Shawn Withy-Allen and Jason Whieldon work out with former Warrior quarterback Dan Robinson, left, during spring practice.
Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser |
The Warriors donned full pads for the first time this spring practice, then competed in a 45-minute controlled scrimmage at the school's grass practice field.
The show belonged to Shawn Withy-Allen, suddenly the No. 1 quarterback; slotback Britton Komine, who is attending UH on an Army ROTC scholarship, and safety Matt Manuma, who has played fearlessly on a surgically repaired left knee.
With Tim Chang recovering from wrist surgery, Withy-Allen, who will be a fifth-year senior in the fall, has worked with the first team.
"I'm still getting used to it," Withy-Allen said. "The coaches yelled, 'First guys up,' and because I'm usually the third or fourth quarterback, I was kind of hanging out. Then I realized, 'Wait, that's me.' It's something I'm definitely enjoying."
Withy-Allen, a 1998 Kalaheo High graduate, completed 12 of 15 passes, including teaming with Komine on an 80-yard, catch-and-sprint scoring play. Two of Withy-Allen's passes were dropped.
"I'm at peace out there," Withy-Allen said.
Withy-Allen was recruited for the West Coast Offense. But when Wally English was fired as UH's offensive coordinator two months after Withy-Allen signed in 1998, Withy-Allen had to adjust to a run-oriented veer offense.
Adapting to change
Withy-Allen was forced into another adjustment when June Jones was hired as UH's head coach in December 1998. During spring practice in 1999, Jones, who implemented the run-and-shoot offense, noticed Withy-Allen had a slow pass release and poor form.
While the 6-foot-5 Withy-Allen was agile and had a strong passing arm, he was inconsistent. "My problems were traced to losing focus," Withy-Allen said. "If there was an easy play, I would take it for granted, and then I would mis-read it."
In the past year, he has worked on strengthening his abdomen — a key in balance — and the rotator cuff in his right shoulder. To help his accuracy, his father built a target using a tire and nets.
"I live on Kailua Beach, and people look twice when they see this big ugly plywood with a net and a tire," he said. "It's really helped me."
Komine also has played well following a disappointing 2001 season, when he was expected to serve as the top backup to slotback Channon Harris.
But he said he suffered a hamstring injury shortly before last year's training camp, and "I guess I got a little complacent." Chad Owens, who surged past Komine on the depth chart, is expected to start at left slotback this year.
Yesterday, Komine sped past the secondary to haul in Withy-Allen's pass. He sprinted into the end zone to complete the 80-yard play.
"I'm back this year and ready to learn," Komine said. "My fire is back."
Good by any number
Manuma was the most successful defender during the scrimmage, flattening slotback Nate Ilaoa on an open-field tackle and soaring for a one-handed interception. Trouble was, Manuma had switched jerseys with defensive end La'anui Correa, who drew the praise from the 100 spectators.
On the jersey switch, Manuma said, "I guess La'anui wanted to feel like a champ today, so I gave him my number."
Manuma, who is entering his redshirt sophomore year, was a quarterback at Radford High. Because Jones limits contact during practices, yesterday was one of Manuma's rare opportunities to hit somebody.
"It's good to be out there knocking heads," said Manuma, who reported no pain in his left knee. "I'm trying to make plays and move up the depth chart. I want to make a name for myself."
'02 UH football schedule
- Aug. 31 Eastern Illinois
- Sept. 7 at BYU
- Sept. 21 at UTEP
- Sept. 28 SMU
- Oct. 5 at Boise State
- Oct. 12 Nevada
- Oct. 19 Tulsa
- Oct. 26 at Fresno State
- Nov. 2 San Jose State
- Nov. 16 at Rice
- Nov. 23 Cincinnati
- Nov. 30 Washington State
- Dec. 7 San Diego State
