The University of Hawai'i football team yesterday added one player but lost another.

Defensive end Amani Purcell was granted a release from his Penn State University football scholarship, enabling him to officially join the Warriors, PSU spokesman Brian Siegrist said.

In accordance with NCAA transfer rules, Purcell, the younger brother of UH defensive end Melila Purcell III, will be permitted to practice but not participate in games this season. After that, he will have two years to play two seasons.

Penn State's release allows Purcell to receive financial aid from the Warriors as early as next month.

Purcell, who is 6 feet 3 and 262 pounds, was a multi-sport high school athlete in American Samoa. He redshirted at Penn State in 2003, and played in eight games last season.

Meanwhile, UH coach June Jones confirmed that offensive lineman Jeremy Inferrera has decided to transfer to the University of Utah.

"He's leaving," Jones said. "He wants to play more. I talked to him the other day, and he decided he was transferring."

Inferrera could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Inferrera, who is 6 feet 2 and 280 pounds, started eight games as a freshman in 2003 and five games at right tackle last season. He also can play left tackle and both guard positions.

"He would have been in the rotation" on the offensive line this season, Jones said. "I don't think he wanted to be a part-time player."

The 2003 Saint Louis School graduate was named to The Advertiser's 2002 All-State football team as a senior. He also was a discus medalist in the state track and field meet.

"He's a good football player and a great kid for us," Jones said. "He did everything we asked him to do. I will help him anyway I can."

UH is expected to grant a scholarship release. Inferrera will have to redshirt this season. After that, he will have two years to play two seasons.

EX-VOLLEYBALL STAR CHING AT SPEED CLINIC

Former All-America volleyball player Tony Ching will be the featured instructor at this weekend's Hawai'i Speed and Quickness clinics.

Ching was the starting outside hitter on the UH team that defeated Pepperdine in the final match of the NCAA Championships in 2002.

Ching credited his jumping ability to Mel deLaura, the clinic's co-founder.

"The workouts are a big help," Ching said. "It's not instant gratification. It takes a few weeks, but if you do the exercises and training, you'll improve."

Ching said he increased his vertical jump by five inches, to 42 inches, through plyometrics.

"It works," he said. "I can testify to it. It helped me through my career."

Ching completed his UH volleyball eligibility in May 2003. He was training to join the Warrior football team as a safety when he suffered a severe injury in a mo-ped accident.

Ching said he has fully recovered. He is leaving for Europe next month to pursue a professional volleyball career. He said he has opportunities in Holland and Italy.

The clinics are scheduled for tomorrow and Sunday at the UH athletic complex. Sessions are 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. for ages 7-12, and 10:30 a.m. to noon for ages 13 and older. Each session is $10.

For details, call 739-5444 or log on to: hawaiispeed andquickness.com.