Posted on: Friday, September 12, 2003
Cockheran, Owens practicing, but hobbling
| • | USC fired up and focused |
| • | USC marching band will be hoping game's a 'Wipeout' |
| • | UH supporters a vocal minority |
| • | FERD LEWIS: Budget for budget, UH has no business being on same field |
Advertiser Staff
University of Hawai'i receivers Jeremiah Cockheran and Chad Owens practiced with the first team yesterday, but head coach June Jones said that does not mean they will start tomorrow against Southern California.
"They're still a little hobbled," Jones said. "Hopefully, the adrenaline will be pumping and they'll be OK."
Cockheran, the starting right wideout and offensive captain, has a strained right knee; Owens, the starting left slotback, has an infection on his left ankle.
"I'm still not going to make a decision until game time," Jones said of his starting lineup.
One starter who is definitely out is Nate Ilaoa. The starting right slotback will miss at least the next two games because of a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Gerald Welch and Clifton Herbert are expected to split time in place of Ilaoa. Welch took most of the snaps with the first team during practice yesterday.
UH is taking four wideouts and four slotbacks on the two-game road trip. The wideouts making the travel squad are Cockheran, Britton Komine, Jason Rivers and Michael Miyashiro. The slotbacks are Owens, Herbert, Welch and Ross Dickerson.
Se'e Poumele, who can play quarterback and receiver, is also on the travel squad.
• LaBoy still not ready: Defensive end Travis LaBoy once again did not practice yesterday. The Warriors' best pass rusher has not practiced since Monday because of a groin injury.
Jones said he doesn't think LaBoy will be able to play tomorrow. However, LaBoy is listed on the team's 60-man travel roster.
• One punter: Redshirt freshman Kurt Milne will be the only punter traveling with the team this week.
Milne averaged 44.3 yards on his three punts in the season opener against Appalachian State. Sophomore Tim Wright punted twice for an average of 36.5 yards.
