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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, September 23, 2002

Warriors cover defender Elimimian out with injury

 •  Ferd Lewis: Sideline advantage to Hawai'i

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

EL PASO, Texas — Abraham Elimimian, one of the University of Hawai'i football team's best cover defenders, is expected to miss the next two games due to a severely pulled right hamstring, UH coach June Jones said yesterday.

Abraham Elimimian is a cornerback who usually covers the opposing team's best receiver

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Elimimian, a third-year sophomore from Los Angeles, suffered the injury while breaking up a long pass in the fourth quarter of the Warriors' 31-6 victory over Texas-El Paso Saturday night in the Sun Bowl.

"I feel badly for him," Jones said.

Elimimian, a cornerback who usually covers the opposing team's best receiver, was used in an expanded role against the Miners' run-option offense. He was assigned to defend Terrence Minor, UTEP's most experienced receiver, as well as move up to defend the perimeters on option runs.

Twice, Elimimian chased down UTEP running back Howard Jackson, who can run 40 yards in 4.3 seconds.

Elimimian finished with seven tackles, including six solo stops.

Jones said true freshmen Kenny Patton will replace Elimimian.

Patton was projected to redshirt this season, but those plan were discarded because of his strong play during practices.

"He's only a freshman, but he's not afraid," Jones said.

Patton, who holds a black belt in karate, was raised on O'ahu and attended Punahou School through his junior year. He transferred to a high school in La Canada, Calif., for his senior year to help take care of his grandparents.

Jones said middle linebacker Chris Brown, who aggravated a left shoulder injury, is not expected to miss any games. Brown suffered a subluxed left shoulder in the second quarter Saturday, but returned to play most of the second half.

Jones said Brown has battled that injury for 1 1/2 years.

Jones also reaffirmed that quarterback Tim Chang, who struggled against UTEP, will start Saturday's game against Southern Methodist.

Chang, a third-year sophomore, was lifted after completing 9-of-27 passes for 85 yards.

It was the first start of his career during which he threw for fewer than 200 yards.

But Jones said Shawn Withy-Allen, who threw two scoring passes, and ran for a 3-yard touchdown, also will play.

Jones said the way both quarterbacks will be used will be dictated by the game's situation.

There had been reports that Jason Whieldon, who left the Warriors two weeks ago for family reasons, was to return today.

Jones said he has not had any additional contact with Whieldon, adding, "If he's here, he's here."

Jones said he would not adjust the depth chart until Whieldon shows up.