Thursday, September 5, 1996
In an interview with the San Jose Mercury News, the senior signal caller said yesterday he didn't have time to make a trip to Hawaii before school started at Stanford, but was aware of what the Rainbows had to offer.
The four-year senior has to transfer before school begins in order to be eligible to play next season.
Even though he's a senior, he still has a year of eligibility because he didn't redshirt.
Rainbows head coach Fred vonAppen believes Carey eventually will settle on Hawaii, but didn't want to make any firm statements until he enrolls in school.
"When they're anywhere from 19 to 21 years old they can change their minds rapidly," vonAppen said.
"We didn't go looking for him, he contacted us. We're happy with our quarterback situation, but we'd welcome him if he decided to join our program."
Carey was granted his release from Stanford on Tuesday after he was passed over by the Cardinal coaching staff for a freshman quarterback.
This is the second time in two years that Carey has been passed over by Cardinal head coach Tyrone Willingham. Stanford is apparently phasing out the West Coast offense.
Carey's position coach when he first came to Stanford four years ago was UH offensive coordinator Guy Benjamin. The Los Angeles native knows the ins and outs of the offense.
"He's not here yet, so someone who is not here can't help us," vonAppen said. "I think it's a little premature, but we'd love to have him if he wants to come."
Running back Tony Thomas also missed his second consecutive practice with a bad shoulder. He is listed as doubtful and will be replaced by Lonn Kalama.
"We're not married to any of our running backs because they haven't indicated they can play for 60 minutes," vonAppen said. "We've also used Russell Grant and Jade Charles back there."
Starting right cornerback Robbie Robinson practiced yesterday for the first time since pinching a nerve in his neck the week before the Boston College game.
If he can go, Eddie Klaneski will move back to free safety and Steve Laulu will be on the bench. Michael Petersen also could see some playing time up front on offense. He has a bad shoulder.
Sophomore punter Chad Shrout is out indefinitely while his mother recuperates from a heart attack, putting the pressure squarely on Hannum's shoulders.
Last week, he averaged 39.9 yards a kick on nine punts, but has a lot of improving to do before reaching the Division I level.
"We had so little time after Chad left, it wasn't like we could go in and work on something special for Eric," vonAppen said. "His times have been pretty good."
"We give him an idea where we want him to kick it because we scheme the returner. We watch him and see where he moves least well, and try to put that ball into that quadrant."
Hannum walked on from Linfield High School in Oregon. VonAppen said that one day he will probably handle punts and place-kicking for the Rainbows.
"The next coach after I'm fired for squawking about the budget will really enjoy having him," vonAppen said.