Kajioka may not start because of knee sprain
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
Shayne Kajioka, UH's starting left guard, yesterday did not participate in workouts for the third consecutive day and probably will not start against Alabama.
Unless Kajioka is able to practice today, "he'll probably be a backup," UH coach June Jones said.
Kajioka suffered a sprained right knee in last week's 20-19 victory over Cincinnati.
The Warriors are prepared to open with second-year freshman Derek Faavi at center. Lui Fuata, a fifth-year senior who has started all 10 games at center, would move to left guard.
"I feel comfortable," said Faavi, who replaced Kajioka in the second quarter last week. "I have a veteran O-line helping me with the calls."
Faavi did not play center until his senior season at Campbell High. Last year, his high school coach, without Faavi's knowledge, delivered highlight tapes to UH assistant Mike Cavanaugh, who coaches the UH linemen. The Warriors allowed Faavi to join as a walk-on.
The 266-pound Faavi is under-sized for a lineman — Fuata weighs 292 — but is regarded as a solid technician. While Fuata and right guard Vince Manuwai, a senior and tri-captain, offer advice, Faavi is left to call out the blocking assignments.
"He was real nervous (last week), being in there with live bullets, but he did all right," Fuata said.
• Reception line: Chad Owens, who has not played slotback since suffering a sprained right knee Oct. 12, practiced at that position yesterday morning.
If Owens is available, the Warriors will have the rare luxury of rotating four players with starting experience at the two slotback positions. Britton Komine, who had replaced Owens at left slotback, Nate Ilaoa and Clifton Herbert are the other slotbacks.
Owens returned punts and kickoffs last week, amassing 222 yards in return yards.
• Fresh air: Not only will Saturday's UH-Alabama game be televised live on ESPN, it also will air nationally on the Monarch Broadcast Network.
Dick Tomey will provide the color analysis for the broadcast. Tomey, a former UH head coach, is the regular analyst for KFVE's telecasts of UH football games.
