Monday, November 18, 1996
Klaneski adds to
By Paul Arnett
his versatility
Star-Bulletin
If Eddie Klaneski isn't named the University of Hawaii's most valuable player at year's end, Rainbows head coach Fred vonAppen should demand a recount.All the junior free safety of Damien Memorial High fame has done this season since shifting from offense to defense is lead Hawaii in tackles with 102 and interceptions with four.
He also has generated 165 yards on 18 punt returns for a healthy average of 9.2. Since the departure of senior Gerald Lacey, Klaneski has become a kickoff return specialist as well with eight for 243 yards, and an average of 30.4 an attempt.
UH secondary coach Trent Miles believes Klaneski can play at the next level as a nickel back provided he gains about 15 pounds of muscle in the off-season.
"Eddie can't play pro ball as a cornerback," Mile said. "But he does have the skills to be a solid free safety, if he can add some muscle to his frame without losing his speed.
"Eddie closes well on the football and isn't afraid to get in there and mix it up with bigger guys. He's too small right now to really wrap them up."
Klaneski has hopes of playing at the next level. The former slotback of the old spread offense received a lot of praise from former assistant coach Rocky Alt for his tenacious blocking downfield.
He applies that same all-out effort not only at free safety, but on kick returns as well. In Hawaii's 45-14 loss to Brigham Young University, he took back two punts for 35 yards and five kickoffs for 138 yards.
"A couple of times, he almost took them back for touchdowns," vonAppen said. "If the field hadn't been wet, I think he would have done it.
"Eddie has played well for us all year in many different phases. We even used him to try to block a punt and he was the guy lined up on the far side on our failed onsides kick."
Klaneski enjoys returning kicks because it allows him to be offensive. Last year, the 5-foot-10, 176-pounder led the Rainbows in receptions with 36 for 513 yards and one touchdown. He also had 30 carries for 144 yards.
"I really enjoy playing defense, but returning kicks is kind of like being on offense," Klaneski said. "I just try to take them back as quickly as I can. If you go all-out, you can usually find a crease."
That approach has worked on defense as well. He has two tackles for losses, seven pass breakups, three fumbles caused and three fumble recoveries. Of Hawaii's 22 takeaways, Klaneski has eight of them.
"I'm just trying to make as many big plays as I can," Klaneski said. "It's fun being on the field."
VonAppen is glad the Rainbows have the week off in order to heal after the physical game against BYU. INJURY UPDATE
Backup quarterback Josh Skinner suffered a severely pulled left hamstring and is lost for the season. Redshirt freshman Hunter Young will replace him on the depth chart.
Top middle linebacker Stephen Gonzales reinjured his ankle, but should be ready for the Wisconsin finale. Strong safety Doe Henderson and offensive lineman Michael Petersen also suffered sprained ankles, but are expected back by next week.
Tight end Gary Ellison won't be as lucky. His torn biceps muscle will sid om/96/11/21/sports/indext.html">[Sports] [Editorial] [Community] [Information] [Feedback]