For a number of reasons, QB Akina chooses '8'
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser
For the first day of spring football practice, Kainoa Akina looked like the University of Hawai'i football team's second-string quarterback.
Ian Sample is one of several wide receivers participating in spring football practice.
Yesterday, Akina wore No. 8, the jersey number of last year's top backup quarterback, Jason Whieldon, who completed his eligibility in December. Akina, who was third on the depth chart behind starter Tim Chang and Whieldon last season, ascended one spot entering spring training.
Akina wore jersey No. 9 last season, but "that just wasn't my number."
Akina said his father, Duane, who is Texas' defensive coordinator, and his uncles wore No. 8 when they were Punahou School quarterbacks. He said his younger brother and a cousin also use that number.
Akina said No. "8 is kind of an Akina thing. I wanted 12, but my good friend (Ryan) Stickler has that number. My dad wore 9 in college but he said he didn't really like it that much. I said, 'I'm going to be an 8 and stick to being an Akina.' "
UH coach June Jones said Akina, Stickler, Jeff Rhode and Jack Rolovich will receive the majority of snaps during the 15 days of spring practice. Akina worked with the first-string offense yesterday, although assistant coach Dan Morrison said each quarterback will receive an equal opportunity this spring.
"We'll shuffle them around, and after 15 days we'll see where we are," Morrison said.
Akina is a fourth-year junior who was Eastern Michigan's starting quarterback as a freshman in 2001. He transferred after that season.
He is considered to be UH's most athletic quarterback. Last week, he posted one of the fastest times in the T test, also known as the pro-agility shuttle. A player is required to sprint 5 yards and touch the ground with his right hand; turn to his right, sprint 10 yards and touch the ground with his left hand; then sprint five yards to the original starting line. Akina completed the distance in 4.17 seconds.
AKINA
"That's fast," assistant coach Rich Miano said.
According to Miano, only three former Warriors — Hyrum Peters last year, Nate Jackson in 2001 and Boyd Yap in 1982 — completed the distance in under 4.0 seconds.
It has been suggested Akina could move to another position. But he said he plans on staying put. UH will have eight quarterbacks in training camp in August.
"Honestly, I think competition is really good," Akina said. "It makes our team better because everyone has to rise up and play better if you want to play."
• Health report: Slotback Jason Ferguson, a freshman from California who enrolled at UH in January, yesterday was on crutches because of a badly sprained right ankle.
Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser
He has been diagnosed with a second-degree sprain, an injury that is considered to be "moderate" on the three-degree scale. The athletic trainers are "trying to tell me I'm going to be out for the spring, but I want to come back for the last week of spring (practice)."
Receivers Chad Owens, left, and Cheyne Todani prepare for drills during spring practice at the University of Hawai'i.
Ferguson was a highly regarded high school running back before suffering a severe knee injury as a junior in 2001. He did not play as a senior. He signed with UH in February 2003, but agreed to delay enrolling for a semester. During unsupervised workouts, he impressed teammates with his quickness.
"I came out here excited to show what I've got, but accidents happen," he said. "It's just my luck. I'll be all right."
Running back West Keli'ikipi was also on the sidelines yesterday. He underwent arthroscopic surgery in December to correct a problem with the meniscus in his left knee. On Feb. 4, another surgery was performed to remove loose bones in his left knee.
Keli'ikipi said he has not been cleared to run or jump. "All I can do is ride a bike or swim in the pool," he said. "I want to participate. This is my team. But sometimes things don't happen your way. I have to take one for the team. I have to stay in shape and get ready for August."
• Incredible shrinking man: Defensive tackle Matt Faga has fond memories of last Christmas. That was the last time Faga ate white rice.
"It was only one scoop," said Faga, who is on the Atkins' Diet. "I treated myself."
The 6-foot-3 Faga, a Kaimuki High graduate who played at Fresno State in 2000 and 2001, weighed more than 400 pounds last year. He was about 380 pounds at the start of the 2003 season. Since then, he has exercised more and cut down on carbohydrates. He now weighs 330 pounds.
"He looks good," teammate Lui Fuga said.
Faga said he keeps in shape by playing for the Church of God's basketball team. He also competes in basketball games between the offensive and defensive linemen.
"I can't dunk," Faga said, "but I can make a layup."
• Spring finish: UH officials announced spring practice will end with a May 1 controlled scrimmage at Aloha Stadium. The gates will open at 5 p.m., with the scrimmage set for 7 p.m.
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.
