Posted on: Tuesday, November 9, 2004

WARRIORS NOTEBOOK
Allen-Jones, Broadway will likely start against Fresno

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

The University of Hawai'i football team plans to make changes to its starting defensive lineup for Friday's nationally televised road game against Fresno State.

Freshman C.J. Allen-Jones is expected to open at strongside linebacker and fourth-year junior Lamar Broadway has regained his starting job at right safety.

Right end Kila Kamaka-wiwo'ole yesterday practiced for the first time since undergoing an appendectomy two weeks ago.

"I feel I'm at 85 percent," said Kamakawiwo'ole, noting the operation entailed making three small incisions in his abdominal wall. "It's a matter of the muscles healing."

He has lost four pounds and now weighs 236.

The coaches have praised Allen-Jones, who has used his quickness to seal the perimeters and force the action toward the middle. "He's going to get his chance," UH coach June Jones said, cautioning, "he has to play faster and not make the same mistakes he made last week."

Yesterday, Allen-Jones reported for weight training at 7 a.m., and later stayed an extra 15 minutes to receive tutoring from linebackers coach Cal Lee following the afternoon practice.

"I'm trying to pay attention to details," said Allen-Jones, who has gained 15 pounds since training camp and now weighs 213.

"I've been lifting and drinking these protein drinks," he said. "I want to get bigger and stronger to take on the blocks."

Broadway started the first two games but ceded the job to Lono Manners. After Manners suffered a season-ending ankle injury, Broadway started one game. Although Landon Kafentzis started in Saturday's 34-23 win over Louisiana Tech, Broadway forced a fumble that led to Abraham Elimimian's 21-yard return for a score, broke up a long pass and made a hit on a goal-line stand.

"That was by far his best game since he's been in the program," said Rich Miano, who coordinates the pass defense. "He struggled at first, and we tried to keep his confidence level up. We knew he was a good football player."

Broadway was awarded the game ball for defense. Yesterday, he was awarded the starting job.

"That's cool," he said. "I'm ready to do my duty once again. I'm doing better because I calmed down. Maybe it was too much excitement. When I calmed down, I felt I could focus. Now I'm able to play fast and make plays."

Injuries leave center position unsettled

Even if starting center Derek Fa'avi suffered only a deep bruise to his right knee, he is not expected to play against Fresno State. There is a fear Fa'avi might have suffered some ligament damage.

Right guard Uriah Moenoa, who did not practice yesterday because of a strained hamstring, is the immediate backup at center. If Moenoa is unavailable, reserve right guard Phil Kauffman or starting left guard Samson Satele can play center.

Jones said Nkeruwem "Tony" Akpan, who had replaced Kamakawiwo'ole at defensive right end, will have to endure the discomfort from a subluxed left shoulder "for a while."

Akpan, who wore a shoulder harness against Louisiana Tech, said he will play this week unless told otherwise by the team physician. "It's something I have to play with," he said. "It's part of football."

Backup defensive tackle Kahai LaCount yesterday practiced for the first time since suffering a sprained knee four weeks ago.

Right tackle Jeremy Inferrera, who needed 28 stitches to close a gash in his chin, sat out the first practice of his life.

Australian rugby player to enroll at UH

The Warriors have secured a verbal commitment from offensive lineman Adrian Thomas of Australia. Thomas, who is 6 feet 4 and 275 pounds, will enroll as a freshman as early as January and will have four seasons of eligibility.

Thomas, an accomplished rugby player, is being projected to play offensive tackle at UH.

This past spring, defensive coordinator George Lumpkin and quarterbacks coach Dan Morrison visited Australia and New Zealand.

The Warriors already have reserved scholarships for Inoke Funaki, a former Kahuku High quarterback who is completing a two-year church mission, and safety Chris Assily, a 2004 Kaiser High graduate. Both will enroll at UH in January.

Allen-Jones said his younger brother, Cam Stokes, of Aberdeen (Md.) High, also will join the Warriors. Stokes is a 6-foot-2, 225-pound defensive lineman.

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