Some starting jobs still up for grabs

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Entering the second week of the University of Hawai'i football team's training camp, several starting jobs are still being contested.

Jason Rivers, a freshman from Saint Louis School, is competing with Britton Komine at left wideout. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiseriser

"We're looking at different things," said Vantz Singletary, who coaches the defensive line. But right now, only a medical emergency will prevent often-injured Travis LaBoy from ceding the job as the line's featured pass-rusher.

"When Travis is healthy," Singletary said, "he's one of the best defensive ends in the country."

Here's a look at some position battles:

CENTER

• Derek Faavi (6-1, 273, So.) vs. Phil Kauffman (6-1, 291, Jr.)

The situation: Faavi started the final three games last year, replacing injured Lui Fuata. Faavi, who gained nearly 20 pounds in the offseason, has played center since high school. Faavi said he needs to improve his technique, as well as learn to play alongside a new right guard (Uriah Moenoa, a converted right tackle).

Kauffman, who begins his fourth year in the program, did not play center until he was asked to move from guard in the spring. Although the coaches praise his strength and toughness, Kauffman still is learning how to call out the blocking schemes. He said he has spent the summer watching videotapes of former UH centers Brian Smith and Fuata.

Prediction: Based on experience, Faavi should get the nod for the Aug. 30 season opener against Appalachian State.

FREE SAFETY

• David Gilmore (6-1, 197, Sr.) vs. Leonard Peters (6-1, 181, So.)

The situation: As one of eight remaining players from June Jones' first recruiting class in 1999, Gilmore, a former walk-on, has overcome several challenges to earn a scholarship and start 12 games in 2002. Gilmore, who was raised in New Mexico, worked out in Hawai'i this summer. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to help the team," he said.

Peters is UH's fastest Warrior, running 40 seconds in an electronically timed 4.42 seconds. His quickness allows him to cover more ground, as well as match up against an opponent's third receiver.

Prediction: Both will play. When the Warriors go to five or six defensive backs, as they will about 40 percent of the time, Gilmore will move to strong safety, Leonard Peters will play free safety and Hyrum Peters becomes the nickelback.

LEFT WIDEOUT

• Britton Komine (5-10, 187, Jr.) vs. Jason Rivers (6-2, 187, Fr.)

The situation: UH has the pleasant problem of having more qualified receivers than starting jobs. The compromise was to move Komine from the slot, allowing Chad Owens and Nate Ilaoa to remain as the inside receivers. Komine makes up for decent speed (4.5 seconds in the 40) with precise routes and sure hands. As a Pac-Five senior, he drew immediate interest from UH after catching 17 passes in a game against Kamehameha. Of the move to wideout, he said: "I'm not really worried. It's a new position, but I think wideout is actually easier than the slot."

Rivers, a freshman from Saint Louis School, was regarded as the Warriors' top recruit. At 6 feet 2, he would provide the Warriors with tall receivers at both wideout spots (Jeremiah Cockheran also is 6-2).

Prediction: While Rivers has shown star potential, Komine's experience, ability to read defensive coverages and work with the first team make him the top candidate for the opener.

PUNTER

• Kurt Milne (6-0, 204, Fr.) vs. Tim Wright (6-5, 210, So.)

The situation: With Mat McBriar's departure, the Warriors will have an open competition at punter for the first time in Jones' five seasons at UH. Milne, a walk-on who joined the team last year, said, "The biggest thing is getting back there and getting used to the rush and doing the steps right." Milne also said his legs are regaining strength after competing in the mandatory series of 220-yard sprints last week.

Wright, who transferred from a junior college in Mississippi, said he is learning to adjust to Manoa's trade winds. He said he is experimenting with a new drop, which he hopes will increase the distance of his punts.

Prediction: Wright, who is on scholarship and played competitively last season, appears to have the edge, although a starter probably won't be named until the week of the first game.

RUNNING BACK

• Mike Bass (5-7, 174, Jr.) vs. John West (5-10, 180, Sr.)

The situation: West led the Warriors in rushing (451 yards) and yards-per carry (7.6) last year, but Bass is a better blocker and has a year more of Division I-A experience. Bass also has improved his balance, and with Aloha Stadium's newly installed FieldTurf, he does not anticipate slipping as frequently when he makes cuts.

Prediction: Because blocking nearly 70 percent of the time creates wear and tear on the running back, the workload likely will be divided again. Still, Bass should get the first shot, mostly because of his ability to pick out blitzers.