Posted on: Saturday, September 25, 2004
Freshman Watson cleared to play again
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
University of Hawai'i defensive tackle Keala Watson resumed practicing yesterday after missing Saturday's football game against Rice and the ensuing three practices because of an undisclosed medical condition.
"It was good to see him out there," UH coach June Jones said. "I was thinking he might be out forever."
Federal privacy laws prohibit Jones from commenting publicly on Watson's medical condition.
"It was serious," Watson said of his non-football-related problem. "Coach asked me not to talk about it."
Watson said he first learned of his medical problem during the summer.
He was on the 60-player travel roster to Houston for the Rice game. After participating in the Warriors' two practices in Houston, Watson was told he would not be allowed to compete in the game because of medical reasons.
Watson said he underwent several medical tests in recent days.
"It's pretty much gone," he said, adding, "I have to watch myself. It's kind of disappointing. You have to listen to those things. Even though you want to play, you have to keep in mind your body and the dangers that come along. It's not all fun and games. You have to be serious about it."
While awaiting test results, Watson worked out in the weight room.
"I'm glad I got to come back," he said. "I was really waiting to come back to practice. I'm getting ready for (the Oct. 2 game against) Tulsa."
Watson, a 2004 Nanakuli High graduate, is the top backup to defensive tackles Lui Fuga and Matt Faga.
The Warriors ended their bye week with a 40-play controlled scrimmage involving reserves and redshirt players.
Fourth-year junior Jeff Rhode and three freshmen — Tyler Graunke, Taylor Humphrey and Brandon Satcher — each took 10 snaps at quarterback.
Humphrey was the most impressive, completing 6 of 7 passes for 37 yards.
"Once you've been doing it for a while, you feel more comfortable going out there," said Humphrey, who is expected to redshirt this season.
Because of injuries, many reserves — such as cornerback Turmarian Moreland, defensive end Karl Noa and defensive tackles Watson and Clarence Tuioti-Mariner — have played extensively this season.
"It was a good test," Humphrey said. "Coach always says, 'You're one play away from being in the game.' Those guys out there (on defense), even though they're not starters, they can go in at any point, especially with the problems we've been having with injuries."
Among the highlights were safety Dane Porlas' interception, defensive end Justin Faimealelei's knockdown block on Porlas' return and defensive end Ikaika Alama-Francis' two sacks.
Alama-Francis participated in contact drills Tuesday for the first time since undergoing back surgery in July.
"This is good for me," Alama-Francis said of the scrimmage. "The full-on contact — it feels really good. It's a good test."
Alama-Francis and Nkeruwem "Tony" Akpan are expected to back up defensive right end Kila Kamakawiwo'ole against Tulsa.
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.
Reserves, redshirts get chance to play
