Posted on: Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Chang signs with Cardinals

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Former University of Hawai'i quarterback Tim Chang and cornerback Abraham Elimimian have agreed to free-agent deals with National Football League teams.

Chang signed with the Arizona Cardinals, according to his agent, Steve Dubin.

Elimimian accepted an offer from the San Diego Chargers, his brother and father confirmed.

Both players will report to their respective mini-camps Thursday.

Chang, the NCAA's career leader in passing yards, was not selected in the seven rounds of this past weekend's NFL draft.

But he received several offers before deciding to sign with the Cardinals Sunday night. Dubin declined to identify the other suitors "out of respect to them."

"(Arizona) presents a really good situation," Dubin said.

Chang has not made himself available to the media for more than a week.

Dubin declined to discuss the terms of the signing bonus or length of the contract. The NFL policy is to guarantee only the signing bonus and not the contract.

"You still have to make a team (to receive a salary)," Dubin said. "You have to get on a roster to get paid. It's different from baseball."

The Cardinals, who did not draft a quarterback this year, have four returning signal-callers. Kurt Warner is the starter and Chris Lewis, a rookie last season, is currently playing for an NFL Europe team. The other quarterbacks are Josh McCown and John Navarre.

NFL teams keep three quarterbacks, and after Warner, "they're unsettled in the other two positions," UH coach June Jones said. "(Chang's) got as good a shot as anybody."

Arizona offensive coordinator Keith Rowen, Jones and new UH defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville coached together with the Atlanta Falcons in the early 1990s. Glanville was the head coach, Jones was the quarterbacks coach and Rowen instructed the offensive line.

Jones said Rowen's offensive schemes with the Cardinals are similar to the ones used by the St. Louis Rams and Kansas City Chiefs. "We do a lot of the same kinds of stuff," Jones said.

Jones predicted that Chang will impress the Cardinals during the mini-camps.

The coaches will "realize he can throw the seams and do a lot of things they want," Jones said. "Once he gets in, they'll appreciate him."

Yee & Dubin Sports represents about 30 NFL players, including Bryant Young of the San Francisco 49ers and Tom Brady of the New England Patriots.

Elimimian, also undrafted, did not take long to find employment.

Elimimian was the Warriors' best cover defender the past two seasons. He was named to the 2004 All-Western Athletic Conference first team.

Elimimian's stock might have dropped after he ran 40 yards in 4.7 seconds at the NFL combine in Indianapolis. Last month, he covered the distance in 4.5 seconds — the same speed he averaged at UH.

"It's a travesty he didn't get drafted off of his play," said Rich Miano, a UH assistant coach and 11-year NFL veteran. "That's the most I've seen anyone fall off (because) of one 40-yard dash. Hopefully, he can show his 'want-to' and show he's faster than his 4.7. He can prove the naysayers wrong."

The Chargers did not draft any defensive backs, but they have four cornerbacks who were high draft picks on their roster. They are Quentin Jammer, Drayton Florence, Sammy Davis and Jamar Fletcher.

In addition to Elimimian, the Chargers yesterday signed cornerbacks Marcus Curry of Michigan and Gabe Franklin of Boise State to free-agent contracts.

Still, Jones said San Diego is a "good team for him to go to. I know (head coach) Marty Schottenheimer will appreciate Abe's man-to-man coverage."

Jones acknowledged Elimimian was disappointed in not being drafted.

"Now, it's about making the team," Jones said. "He has an opportunity to show what he can do."

Meanwhile, two other players who recently completed their UH eligibility — offensive lineman Uriah Moenoa and running back West Keli'ikipi — did not announce their plans.

Moenoa was contacted by about four teams. Moenoa was a four-year UH starter who can play all five line positions. He worked out for several weeks in San Francisco.

Keli'ikipi had said he was contacted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Former UH wideout Britton Komine said his agent was trying to work out a deal with a Canadian Football League team.

Jones said the CFL also expressed interest in former UH running back Michael Brewster.

Former UH receiver Jeremiah Cockheran, who completed his UH eligibility after the 2003 Hawai'i Bowl, will participate in the Cincinnati Bengals' upcoming minicamp. Cockheran said a recent stint in NFL Europe "didn't work out."

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