QBs compete for backup role

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

The University of Hawai'i football team has spent most of this spring practice working on a backup plan.

In June Jones' first four seasons as UH head coach, the job of top backup quarterback was awarded almost by default. Josh Skinner (1999) and Shawn Withy-Allen (2002) were run-option quarterbacks in high school who had to adjust to UH's run-and-shoot passing attack. Nick Rolovich (2000 and 2001) was demoted to backup after starting the first two games in 2000.

But the candidates to serve as Tim Chang's understudy are receiving special tutoring and additional practice time.

"It's nice that they're getting a chance," Chang said. "This isn't an easy offense to learn. You can't get better working on your own. You need to be out on the field with receivers and linemen and defenses coming after you."

During regular-season practices, Chang will throw four passes, then his backup will throw two, and the order will continue. In the two hours, Chang will throw 60 passes and his backup will throw 30.

This spring, the four primary backup quarterbacks will each throw up to 70 passes each day, including 20 apiece in game-like situations.

"They're all getting better," said Dan Morrison, who coaches the quarterbacks.

Here's a closer look:

Jason Whieldon

Past story: Whieldon, a junior college transfer who will be a fourth-year senior in the fall, was the No. 2 quarterback last season before leaving the team for a week to tend to a family problem. When he returned, he received fewer snaps in practice, and dropped to third, behind Withy-Allen, on the depth chart.

Cut to the present: Whieldon is back to his pre-hiatus form, throwing with accuracy and giving defenders fits with his scrambling.

"He's a play-maker," Morrison said. "He might not impress you with a Nick Rolovich arm, but he can move the team up the field and he has a knack of getting the ball in the end zone. He's just a natural leader and a natural quarterback."

Jeff Rhode

Past story: Rhode, who will be a third-year sophomore in the fall, was in a run-oriented system until his senior season in high school. UH was the only NCAA school to offer him the chance to play both football and baseball.

Cut to the present: After struggling in both sports last year, Rhode dropped baseball, probably for good. He trimmed the love handles, strengthened his arm and improved his accuracy and footwork.

Now he is working on improving the mental aspect of the position. "I want to have that 'Timmy feel,' " he said, the vernacular for speed-reading defenses.

Rhode said he has worked with Jones on deciphering defensive schemes as he approaches the line of scrimmage.

"He definitely has a better feel for what we're doing," Morrison said.

Kainoa Akina

Past story: Akina, the son of Texas assistant coach Duane Akina, was Eastern Michigan's starting quarterback as a true freshman before transferring to UH last summer.

Cut to the present: Although Akina played in a passing system and his father and uncles were quarterbacks, "nobody runs what we run," Morrison said.

Akina, who is best on rollouts, is the most athletic of the candidates. "He has a quick and strong arm," Morrison said. "He's learning to be more consistent with his throws."

Ryan Stickler

Past story: Under-recruited because he transferred after his junior year in high school, Stickler received a scholarship offer after Jones reviewed a highlight videotape.

Cut to the present: Stickler, who redshirted as a true freshman last season, is the most accurate deep passer on the roster. Still, he's trying to develop the "Timmy feel."

"He's improved a whole lot in the short time he's been here," Morrison said.

Preston Maloney

Past story: Maloney joined the Warriors as a non-scholarship freshman last year.

Cut to the present: With the least experience, Maloney still is about a year away from contending for a high spot on the depth chart. "He's in the early state, but he's getting better," Morrison said.

Se'e Poumele

Past story: Poumele was a quarterback in high school in San Diego, but switched to wide receiver in junior college.

Cut to the present: His elusive moves as a receiver prompted Jones to use Poumele as a run-option quarterback. Poumele, whose primary position is receiver, has improved so much as a running quarterback that he has been taught four passing plays.

"He's awfully talented," Morrison said. "He can throw the ball."