Owens, a slotback/punt returner, became the second player in UH football history named to three All-America teams. Earlier, he was selected to The Associated Press' second team as an all-purpose player and to Sports Illustrated's second team as both a punt returner and receiver.

Former UH wideout Ashley Lelie also was selected to three All-America teams (CBS Sportsline, The Sporting News and Football News).

"That's awesome," UH coach June Jones said, "but it doesn't surprise me."

Jones said Owens' success in the Warriors' past two games — both televised nationally and against Big Ten opponents — enhanced his chances. "No question," Jones said. "That's when everyone's voting."

Against Northwestern, Owens caught nine passes for 155 yards and four touchdowns. He also scored on a 76-yard punt return.

Against Michigan State, he had 13 catches for 283 yards and four touchdowns.

Practice makes perfect for redshirt QB Graunke

CHAD OWENS

With starter Tim Chang and top backup Jack Rolovich skipping practice to take final exams, Graunke was one of three quarterbacks to practice yesterday in preparation for the Dec. 24 Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl.

Graunke, who is redshirting this season, appears to have fully recovered from a broken left collarbone suffered in training camp. He zipped passes and showed an ability to scramble during offensive drills.

"It's nice to get on the field and get reps," he said. "During the season, I mostly got just mental reps. Now I'm getting the chance to put it on the field."

Most bowl-eligible football teams use the extra practices as extended training sessions for inexperienced players. Graunke is using the time to further embrace the four-wide offensive schemes and declare his candidacy for the starting job next season.

Chang completes his UH eligibility with next week's bowl. Rolovich, a second-year freshman, and juniors Kainoa Akina and Jeff Rhode also are competing to succeed Chang. Freshman Taylor Humphrey is transferring to Division I-AA Massachusetts, and freshman Brandon Satcher is on a personal leave and will rejoin the Warriors for the spring semester.

There is an opening for Graunke, who has impressed coaches with his arm strength, accuracy and leadership.

"He's a 'gamer' kind of guy," said Dan Morrison, who coaches the quarterbacks.

Of the competition, Graunke said, "It's survival of the fittest. The best quarterback is going to be on the field, the one who wants it the most, the one who's here every day giving 100 percent."

Graunke has not shied from the competition, despite playing quarterback for the first time as a junior at Salpoint Catholic High in Tucson, Ariz.

"Before that," he said, "I played all over the place. I'm used to being on the field making plays."

Graunke was aware of the odds when he committed to UH last February. The Warriors, who had four returning quarterbacks, had received a commitment from Humphrey and they were about to land Satcher.

"I was prepared," said Graunke, who is 5 feet 11fl and 179 pounds. "Like I said, it's survival of the fittest. The guy for the job is going to be there."