By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Columnist

"No more free lunch," Ron Lee said other coaches on the University of Hawai'i's football coaching staff had pointedly told him before this spring practice began.

The meaning was clear: With three starters (Britton Komine, Chad Owens and Gerald Welch) gone and a fourth (Jason Rivers) currently ineligible, the Warriors' receivers coach has his work cut out for him as never before.

No coasting here. Not now. After the luxury of having three five-year players and two other veterans (Rivers and Se'e Poumele) the past few years has come the daunting task of starting from scratch in 2005.

While the spring spotlight has been on new defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville, and much of the concern has centered on finding a new starting quarterback to replace Tim Chang, the first attempts at rebuilding the receiving corps of the No. 2 passing offense in the NCAA have proceeded quietly. And, at times, even well.

You don't replace what UH lost — five players who started 95 games among them and, in 2004, accounted for 92 percent of the catches and 97 percent of the touchdowns produced by wide receivers and slotbacks — in the spring. But halfway through, it can be reported the Warriors do not lack for talent or optimism. Experience and time, sure.

"Let me tell you, after seven practices, they are the most talented bunch we have ever had," Lee said. "They're quick; they're athletic. I think they are faster."

And, of course, greener. When practice began, "I looked around and it suddenly seemed very lonely those first couple of meetings and practices," Lee said. "When you don't see Timmy and Gerald, who I have known since they were practically knee-high ... well, it is different. Those five-year guys were with us (the coaches) practically since we started here. They were very knowledgeable about what we're doing."

While there has been a dearth of familiar faces, there has been no lack of prospects trying to win spots. When drills started, there were 20 receivers listed on the roster, but only Ross Dickerson had started a game. If the season kicked off today, it could be a lineup of Dickerson, Ian Sample, Jason Ferguson and Patrick Olchovy.

"I know they will be fine," Lee said. "They are all young puppies. Right now, they're learning, they are tentative and their eyes get this big. Once they pick it up, I think, they are going to be a really good unit."

In the meantime, as Lee has been reminded, there will be no free lunches.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.