Wednesday, September 18, 1996
The University of Hawaii senior quarterback will start this weekend against Boise State if given a clean bill of health by the trainers.
"I'd say I'm about 90 percent, like the doctors said," Freitas said after yesterday's brisk workout at Cooke Field.
Freitas took a majority of the snaps and appeared healthy for the first time since separating his shoulder against Ohio University.
"I lost a lot of my timing during the break last week without throwing any," Freitas said. "The whole week I didn't touch a football once.
"Like today I was throwing the ball all over. But I'm going to play no matter what. The doctors said I'll be 100 percent by Saturday.
"I can't come back any later than I am right now. This is my last year. What am I going to do, sit out another game and stuff? I ain't that type of guy."
UH head coach Fred vonAppen and offensive coordinator Guy Benjamin were surprised, but encouraged by Freitas' progress.
His throws may wobble, but replacing his experience is difficult.
"I didn't think his shoulder would heal in time to start this weekend," Benjamin said after practice. "I'm not a doctor. If he's healthy, he has to play.
"He's a senior. And he performed well in the first game (vs. Boston College). He has experience, and that's hard to replace."
VonAppen has yet to give his blessing. He wanted to see how Freitas performed in practice before taking the starting job away from freshman Josh Skinner.
"Glenn practiced today, but we'll see how it goes during the week," vonAppen said. "He didn't throw the ball very well, but he ran the ball very well.
"He said he didn't feel like his rhythm was real good throwing the ball, but he felt entirely healthy. I didn't see him grimace on anything.
"So it's a little early to say that he will definitely start."
Don't tell that to Freitas.
"I'm looking to start," Freitas said. "I don't want to come in there after Josh. If I'm going to play I want to start the game."
A last-second number change by Jason Vaughn wasn't relayed to the KHNL-TV booth, so broadcaster Jim Leahey said Charles fumbled on a kickoff return.
The problem is, it wasn't him.
"Then I saw it on ESPN and they said my name again," Charles said. "I'd feel the same way if I got credit for a touchdown I didn't make. I would want people to know."
Vaughn's fumbles on the goal line on two late kickoff returns resulted in points for the Cowboys. One was recovered in the end zone for a touchdown.
"Some relatives called Channel 8 to let them know," Charles said. "It's not that big of a deal."
Charles, and his twin brother Jade, are walk-ons from Kauai. Both are injured and won't play this weekend.
Chapman didn't recover from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee as quickly as hoped. It's possible he'll return next week.
Ellison said yesterday he would be back next week as well. He is trying to rehab the sprain because surgery was out of the question.
"I had surgery on my shoulder last year and that's it," Ellison said. "I won't make it this week, but I'll be back in the lineup for the Fresno State game."
VonAppen did announce that wide receiver and kickoff return specialist Gerald Lacey would be back this weekend after missing two games with a hip pointer. Also listed as probable are linebacker Greg Roach (hand) and strong safety Doe Henderson (calf).