WARRIORS NOTEBOOK
Offensive line shuffle may continue
The University of Hawai'i football team is facing the possibility of another change in the offensive line for Saturday's road game against Louisiana Tech.
UH coach June Jones said third-year sophomore Brandon Eaton, who has started the past two games at right tackle, has a sprained ankle. Eaton did not participate in conditioning drills yesterday morning.
If Eaton is unavailable, then Jeremy Inferrera, a freshman, would play right tackle. Jones said Tala Esera, a second-year freshman who replaced Inferrera in the starting lineup Saturday, would remain at left tackle.
"Tala is playing very well," Jones said.
Esera, a converted defensive tackle, did not play on the offensive line until the third week of training camp. He had reported late after doctors determined his heart murmur was not a serious health concern.
Esera has started a game each at both tackle positions. But Jones indicated Esera is more effective on the left side.
Jones said defensive tackle Lui Fuga, who was diagnosed with a "twisted" knee, is being closely monitored. Fuga has started the past two game in place of Isaac Sopoaga, who is recovering from a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee.
"We're hoping to get Isaac back (this week)," Jones said.
Jones said wideout Jeremiah Cockheran, who missed the past two games because of a sprained right ankle, participated in conditioning drills yesterday.
"But he didn't look good running, to me," Jones said. "Hopefully, he'll be able to make his cuts. If he can't make his cuts, I know one tackle and he'll be out (for a longer period)."
Two weeks ago, Cockheran was included on the 60-player travel roster to Tulsa, even though it was unlikely he would play because of the ankle injury. This time, Jones said, "if I make the determination he's not going to be able to play, he won't travel with us."
Ends justified: Jones praised the development of defensive ends Nkeruwem "Tony" Akpan and Ikaika Alama-Francis, both of whom were members of last season's UH basketball team.
The 6-foot-8 Akpan blocked Fresno State's potential game-tying field-goal attempt in UH's 55-28 victory Saturday night.
"That was a big play," Jones said. "That excited the crowd. That excited everybody. I think it excited his teammates because it was Tony, more than anything. Tony's a good guy. Guys love him. To let him have that success of helping the team, that really energized everybody."
Jones said Alama-Francis has the potential to be "another Travis LaBoy," the Warriors' best pass-rusher.
Jones said he offered Alama-Francis a football scholarship last year, even though he did not play football at Kalaheo High. Instead, Alama-Francis joined the UH basketball team as a walk-on, then tried out for football in spring practice. Alama-Francis does not receive a football scholarship.
When he was coaching in the NFL, Jones believed basketball point guards who did not make the NBA should be signed to football practice squads. "You have a chance to get some great players because they're athletes," Jones said.
Relying on that belief, Jones recalled approving the decision to offer a scholarship to cornerback Abraham Elimimian, who also played point guard in high school. Elimimian has developed into a sure tackler for the Warriors.
Reach Stephen Tsai at 525-8051 or stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.
