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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, September 1, 2006

Wilsons figure into Hawai'i's plans

By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Writer

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Hawai'i football team might just have two quarterbacks named Wilson in their sights.

John Parker Wilson is Alabama's starting quarterback for tomorrow's game. His younger brother, Ross, is the starting quarterback for Hoover (Ala.) High, ranked No. 1 in the USA Today Super 25.

While the Warriors try to pressure John Parker in the season opener, they may be trying to recruit Ross.

A person in the Hoover High athletic office said the school has fielded calls from UH coaches about Ross, who was featured in a Sports Illustrated article last week and has been shown on MTV's "Two-a-Days" series, but declined further comment.

Under NCAA rules, coaches are prohibited from talking to the media about prospective recruits and cannot talk to recruits until today, but may contact schools.

"The offense they run at Hoover would be a perfect fit for Hawai'i," said Parker Wilson, the father of John and Ross.

UH will not see Ross play this weekend because Hoover plays Tulsa Union in Tulsa, Okla., tomorrow.

Ross, a 5-foot-11, 185-pounder, has given Alabama an oral commitment for baseball but reportedly hasn't written off playing football if there is a Division I school where he might be able to play both.

"It is something we'll sit down and talk about later," the father said.

John Parker was a draft pick of the Florida Marlins and the father played in the Boston Red Sox organization.

UA MUM ON SIMPSON

Alabama coaches apparently won't say anything about the playing status of starting senior linebacker Juwan Simpson, a key figure in the rebuilding of the Crimson Tide's defense, until game time tomorrow.

Simpson, a two-year starter and one of only four returning starters on defense, was charged with possession of an illegal substance and carrying a handgun without a permit stemming from an incident in May. The Birmingham News reported Simpson paid a $300 fine on the handgun charge and must attend drug court for one year to have the drug charge dropped.

Shula hasn't addressed what, if any, punishment Simpson faces but there has been speculation he might be suspended for the UH game.

UA KICKER SET TO GO

Alabama kicker Jamie Christensen said he will be ready to go for tomorrow's game.

A groin injury suffered Aug. 14 has left his status up in the air.

"Each day I feel a little better," Christensen said.

It might come down to a game-time decision whether he or freshman walk-on Leigh Tiffin kicks.

INJURY REPORT

Back up tailback Glenn Coffee is the only player in Alabama's two-deep roster listed as out because of injury. He suffered strained knee ligaments and a bone bruise to his right knee during a scrimmage two weeks ago and is listed as out for possibly two more weeks.

JUNE JONES SHOW

The June Jones Kickoff Show will be televised from 9 to 10 p.m. today on KGMB9.

Advertiser staff writer Stephen Tsai, along with other sports media, will be part of a panel that will be featured.

KGMB9's Liz Chun will host the show. She also will host the weekly June Jones Show, the first of which will be telecast Sunday.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com.