Warriors receiving corps has one more opening

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

UH head coach June Jones lets out a yawn at spring football practice. The spring football game will be Saturday. Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser What: UH football spring game Where: Aloha Stadium When: 7 p.m., Saturday Admission: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle Pregame festivities: 5 p.m. Giveaway: Courtesy of RainBowTique, for first 200 fans to enter stadium. KKEA Kids zone: 5 to 8 p.m. Jump Castles, slides, games, prizes Fuji Film Autograph session: 6 to 6:30 p.m. Fuji Film will provide a photo of fans with their favorite player or coach for 25 cents Field goal contest: 5 to 6:30 p.m. Polynesian Tribute: 6:45 p.m., performed by Vili the Warrior and crew Papa John's Pizza Eating Contest: 5 to 6:30 p.m. Hamster Ball Races: 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Sophomore Jason Rivers apparently has won the job at left wideout, and Chad Owens and Nate Ilaoa — both recovering from injuries and not participating in contact drills this spring — appear to be secure at the two slotback positions.

While Owens and Ilaoa are likely to start in the Sept. 4 opener against Florida Atlantic, "they're missing valuable time," said Ron Lee, who coaches the UH receivers.

Lee said slotbacks Gerald Welch, Se'e Poumele, Jason Ferguson, Orlando Wong and Blake Harano are challenging for significant playing time in the fall.

"They're getting a great opportunity, and they're making the most of it," Lee said. "I wouldn't be afraid to use any of them."

Owens is recovering from a sore right big toe that has been slow to heal.

Ilaoa, who is coming off knee surgery, has not been able to fully participate in a conditioning program. Ilaoa, who is 5 feet 9, weighs 220.

"He's solid," Lee said. "It's all muscle." But Lee said Ilaoa's target weight is 205 pounds.

"He'll get to that (when) he starts running again," Lee said. "When he does, watch out."

Britton Komine, who started 10 games last season, has not practiced this spring because of a sore back and leg injury. Last season, Komine started at left wideout before moving to slotback after Owens suffered the toe injury. With Rivers claiming the job at left wideout, Komine was supposed to spend this spring practicing at slotback, the position he played as a freshman and sophomore.

Without practicing this spring, "I don't know where Britt's going to go," Lee said. "He could possibly go outside (to wideout). It's too bad he can't go through (spring drills)."

Ross Dickerson has benefited from his work in spring practice. He admittedly struggled as the backup left slotback last season.

With the departure of right wideout Jeremiah Cockheran, who completed his NCAA eligibility in December, Dickerson accepted the suggested move from slotback.

"It was an easy decision," Dickerson said. "There was no (returning) starter outside. I get a chance to get better and prove I can play out there."

In UH's run-and-shoot offense, a wideout usually runs more deep routes than a slotback. But Lee said Dickerson will be used on more "sit-down" routes — hitches and inside screens — to take advantage of his after-the-catch speed.

"What I like about him outside is he has a lot more space and after the catch — whoosh! — he's dangerous," Lee said.

Dickerson said: "It's not that bad learning the outside. If you work out in the offseason and watch films with the coach, it gets easier."

Cockheran, who recently agreed to a free-agent contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, volunteered to tutor Dickerson. He showed him how to read defensive coverages and use only his hands to catch passes.

The best advice? "I told him to run fast and get open," Cockheran said.

Lee said Dickerson, Sean Stennis and Mike Akiu have emerged as the top candidates at right wideout. "It's going to be a battle," Lee said.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.