Right wideout Jeremiah Cockheran had his most impressive practice since aggravating a sprained right ankle three weeks ago. Cockheran, who did not play in the last two games, zipped past a succession of cornerbacks in the 11-on-11 drills.

UH coach June Jones detected that Cockheran was "hobbling" slightly on crossing patterns.

Although Cockheran is not expected to start in tomorrow's game (9 a.m. Hawai'i time) against Louisiana Tech in Ruston, La., Jones said, "he'll play some, certainly."

Right tackle Brandon Eaton appeared to have recovered from a sprained left ankle that kept him from practicing Tuesday and Wednesday. Mike Cavanaugh, who coaches the offensive line, said freshman Jeremy Inferrera will start at right tackle, marking the sixth starting line in seven games.

But Eaton, a third-year sophomore, might work his way into the starting lineup. Eaton practiced at right guard in place of Uriah Moenoa, who complained of back spasms. Jones is hopeful Moenoa will be healthy enough to start, but cautioned, "You never know with a back injury."

Defensive tackle Lui Fuga, who started the last two games in place of injured Isaac Sopoaga, also competed in contact drills. Fuga, who missed all but one game the previous two seasons because of shoulder and ankle injuries, suffered a partial tear of the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee Saturday against Fresno State. An injury to the PCL, unlike damage to the other two major knee ligaments, does not cause stress on the leg and can be treated without surgery. Last year, running back Mike Bass was able to play with a PCL tear.

But against Louisiana Tech's wide-open passing attack, Fuga and Sopoaga, who has recovered from a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee, will alternate playing nose tackle. The Warriors are expected to use a speed-rush scheme featuring three defensive ends. Melila Purcell, who has progressed as a perimeter pass-rusher, will play extensively as a defensive tackle.

"This (scheme) gives us speed and quickness," said Vantz Singletary, who coaches the defensive line.

Singletary praised the development of Purcell, who was academically ineligible to play as a freshman last year.

"He's growing up," Singletary said. "If he keeps working hard and listening, he's going to make a difference."

In all, Jones was pleased with the 2›-hour workout in the stadium shared by high school teams in the Aldine Independent School District. Jones decided to practice twice in Houston before going to Monroe, La., this afternoon. Monroe is a one-hour drive from Ruston, which does not have a motel or hotel with meeting rooms large enough for UH's traveling party.

Darrel Wade, athletic director of the Aldine district, allowed the Warriors to work out at Thorne Stadium for free. "It's a good experience for us," said Wade, noting 18 former Aldine players are in the NFL.

The 10,000-seat stadium has an AstroTurf 12 field, a bouncy surface that cushions falls.

• Akpan excused: Defensive end Nkeruwem "Tony" Akpan, a converted UH basketball player who blocked a field-goal attempt against Fresno State, received permission to miss this game. Last month, Akpan's father died in his home in Nigeria. The funeral was scheduled for this weekend, but Akpan has had difficulty completing arrangements to travel to Nigeria.

"He's trying to get some clarity with that," Singletary said. "He needs some time. He really wants to be with his family. He needs to clear that up. That's his priority. It's been weighing on him, and we all understand."

• Scouting report: Two scouts for the Houston Texans have been extensively evaluating Sopoaga and defensive end Travis LaBoy. The scouts, who attended last night's practice, will follow the Warriors to Ruston.