Warrior football in yearly arms race

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Senior Tim Chang is projected to start at quarterback for UH this season. Advertiser library photo

Perhaps it is for the same reason why seven quarterbacks — four this spring and another three in August — are competing to be the next backup to the University of Hawai'i's Tim Chang.

Or why Chang, in August 2000, was one of nine quarterbacks vying to succeed 1999 starter Dan Robinson.

"We love to compete," said Chang, a fifth-year senior. "That's why we're out here."

Most NCAA Division I programs have about four quarterbacks. UH coach June Jones recruits about as many each year.

"You always have some who are frustrated because they're not playing," Jones said. "If that's the case, usually they leave or transfer. We've lost some kids. Before they even get here, I try to talk to all of them about the situation. As long as you're honest with people, there are no surprises. Then what can they be unhappy about?"

In Jones' practices during the season, the starting quarterback gets twice as many repetitions as the backup. The third-string quarterback takes "mental reps," observing the top two quarterbacks go through passing drills. The others work with the scout team.

The reward is a chance to steer one of the nation's most prolific offenses.

"Every quarterback wants a shot at that," Chang said.

In 1999, Jones' first season as UH's head coach, the previously erratic Robinson had a breakout season, setting several school passing records. With Robinson, now a second-year dental student in Louisville, completing his eligibility that year, the line of successors formed quickly.

Mike Harrison, who played in five games as a freshman in 1999, and Shawn Withy-Allen already were in the program. Jared Flint, a sophomore from Orange, Calif., signed with UH in December 1999. Two weeks later, Nick Rolovich, also a junior-college quarterback, signed.

"Nick knew Jared had signed, but it didn't matter to him," said Dan Morrison, who coaches the UH quarterbacks. "Both of those guys weren't afraid to compete."

In February 2000, the Warriors received a commitment from Chad Kapanui of Roosevelt High ... then from Chang of Saint Louis School ... then from Matt Manuma of Radford High ... then from Orlando Wong of Kahuku High.

"I wasn't worried," Manuma said. "Quarterback is the most-wanted position. There's always going to be a lot of competition at the quarterback position."

The 2000 situation sorted quickly. Wong went on a church mission. Flint, the No. 1 quarterback exiting spring practice, suffered a shoulder injury in training camp. Kapanui eventually moved to linebacker. Jones set the 2000 depth chart in this order: Rolovich, Chang, Harrison.

"I could tell that Timmy was by far one of the best quarterbacks," Kapanui said. "It showed in his freshman year. He did the job."

Indeed, Chang eventually replaced Rolovich as the No. 1 quarterback in 2000. The next season, the roles were reversed, when Chang suffered a wrist injury and Rolovich led the Warriors to victories in eight of the final nine games.

In 2001, Harrison transferred, Manuma moved to safety and Jones hit the recruiting trail.

"Coach likes to recruit quarterbacks," Chang said. "There's going to be competition wherever you go. Every quarterback who comes here is an All-State quarterback. When you go to the next level, everyone is an All-American. That's the way it is."

Jones, who played at three colleges, including UH, said: "I understand what they're going through. I wasn't discouraged (at UH), but I wanted to play. I wanted to find a place where I could get on the field. It took me five years."

In February 2003, at the urging of older brother Nick, Jack Rolovich turned down an offer from California to compete for the UH starting job.

"My brother taught me to take advantage of every film session, every time on the field," Jack Rolovich said. "I don't mind competing. I know every year there are going to be more guys coming in. But I have that drive to get on the field. That's why I'm here."

Yesterday, a visitor from New Mexico watched UH's practice. Later, he met with the coaches, expressing an interest in joining UH as a walk-on quarterback.

Notes: The NCAA yesterday granted defensive back Kenny Patton, punter Tim Wright and slotback Nate Ilaoa medical hardships for injuries they suffered during the 2003 season. Each will have three seasons remaining. Ilaoa redshirted in 2001, played in 2002 and then suffered a knee injury in the 2003 opener.

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