Who will answer the call?
By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Columnist
Preseason camp for the University of Hawai'i football team begins hitting its stride with today's 8:30 a.m. session, but there are a lot of questions to be answered before the games start.
Here are 10 intriguing ones:
Who replaces Justin Colbert as the Warriors' go-to guy?
Colbert, with 92 receptions as a senior, had 34 more catches than anybody else last year. Britton Komine (58), Jeremiah Cockheran (49), Chad Owens (47) and Nate Ilaoa (46) all have an opportunity to be "The Guy."
Will two heads be better than one?
The Warriors have replaced Kevin Lempa, the defensive coordinator of the past three seasons, with George Lumpkin and Rich Miano. Lumpkin, who was the coordinator in 1995, will have the title, will be in charge of run defense and handle things from the press box. Miano will oversee pass defense and be on the field. They will co-author game plans.
Who fills Mat McBriar's shoes?
McBriar wore a size 10 1/2 shoe, but it may seem Shaq-sized unless somebody is able to provide the rain-making punts and field position he produced for three seasons.
How long before receiver Jason Rivers makes his presence felt?
The Saint Louis School graduate and state sprint champion was the prize of the recruiting crop. It might be only a matter of time until he works his way into playing time.
How many times will somebody call him "Nick?"
Freshman quarterback Jack Rolovich is causing a lot of double-takes with the resemblance to his brother Nick, who led UH two seasons ago.
Who will emerge as the backup at quarterback?
Next year is Tim Chang's final season, and this is the senior year for backup Jason Whieldon. With two sophomores (Kainoa Akina and Jeff Rhode) and two freshmen (Rolovich and Ryan Stickler), who takes the early lead in the 2005 sweepstakes?
Is Mel Purcell this year's breakthrough player?
Few players who have yet to step on the field for UH have prompted as much interest as Purcell, a 6-foot-5, 227-pound defensive end from American Samoa.
How long will it take Mike Cavanaugh to work his magic?
UH's offensive line coach has rebuilt the unit before but has only one returning starter in the same position this time.
Who is their Thero?
The Warriors don't lack for candidates to replace Thero Mitchell at running back, but who will provide the combination of blocking, receiving and running that he gave them?
Say, who are some of those people on the hill?
Head coach June Jones says there are few secrets to be hidden from this season's opponents during preseason practice when the Warriors — or anybody else — work out in the open.
