Houdini could be
magic for defense

Whenever members of the University of Hawaii coaching staff got the blues, they would come down to recruiting coordinator Don Dillon's office and ask for the Houdini Jackson tape.

"Just watching him play football in high school was a real treat," Dillon said this past spring during recruiting. "If we can ever get this guy on our team, we're talking about a real difference maker."

Well, the Rainbows officially signed the Houston resident yesterday afternoon. He attended Hawaii's first spring practice in street clothes. The 21-year-old will enroll this fall as a true freshman.

"I'm very excited about the chance to play football again," Jackson said. "I've really missed playing the game."

He has spent the last three years in the Navy since graduating from a Houston-area high school in 1994. Jackson signed a letter of intent to play at Texas A&M-Kingsville, but had some personal problems and wound up in the Navy. He gets out next month and will join the Rainbows in August for fall camp.

"We wanted to make sure his three-year stint with the Navy was officially over before making the announcement," UH head coach Fred vonAppen said after yesterday's spring practice. "This kid can play. It's going to take him time to get into football shape, but we like this young man -- a lot."

Jackson met briefly with UH defensive coordinator Tom Williams -- who recruited him out of Texas -- after practice. Williams told him to stay in touch and start hitting the weight room.

"I'm a submariner and we've been at sea for two months, so it was good to get out here and watch these guys practice," Jackson said. "I've been ready to play for two years, but the Navy didn't think it was a good idea until I got out.

"Playing here is going to be a lot of fun. I like Hawaii. I believe I can contribute to this team. I just need to get back in the weight room and get into shape."

Jackson played defensive end and outside linebacker in high school. VonAppen said the 6-foot-3, 220-pounder will compete at linebacker for the Rainbows.

"All you have to do is watch his high school video for a few minutes and you know this guy is a player," vonAppen said. "He is definitely going to help us."

WOOD IN LIMBO: UH defensive back Ron Wood is appealing an NCAA ruling today that could wind up costing the free safety his final year of eligibility.

VonAppen wouldn't comment after yesterday's practice, saying he wanted to wait until everything was in before making a statement.

Wood is currently taking medication for a lifelong bout with diabetes. Last year, he started one game when strong safety Chris Shinnick went down with a shoulder injury.

The 6-foot-2, 204-pounder was known for his hard hitting. Last year, the junior college transfer from Truckee, Calif., finished with 31 tackles, including one quarterback sack. He also had one interception.

"I hope he wins his appeal, but I don't hold out much hope," vonAppen said. "The NCAA doesn't change its mind very often."

KROEGER BIG HIT: Micah Kroeger doesn't have a number on his jersey, isn't sure about the plays being called and had to be told that once you catch the ball, you've got to keep running.

"But I really had a good time out there," Kroeger said after practice. "I'm getting to live my dream of playing football. I can't ask for much more than that."

The former UH basketball player spent the first day of practice competing at receiver. He doesn't have blazing speed, but he made several tough grabs over the middle.

"I like having him out here because he has a winning attitude," vonAppen said. "This is his idea. It's something he wanted to do. We're glad he's with us."

WENTLING GOES FOR G.A.: Former Hawaii center C.B. Wentling could be the Rainbows' graduate assistant next fall if he gets his degree by the end of summer.

"I'm working hard to get all the work done," Wentling said. "If the coaches will have me, I'd love to join this staff."

VonAppen said Wentling would be his guy, provided he earns his degree in time.

"C.B. did a lot of work for us last year and wants to be with this staff," vonAppen said. "But he has to graduate first before we can consider him for the position."

New coach Troy Thomas was the graduate assistant last year. He will coach outside linebackers this season.

BOUNCING BABY BOY: Thea vonAppen gave birth to a baby boy on Saturday, the UH head coach said after practice.

"He weighs 8 pounds and 3 ounces, and looks just like Mr. Magoo," Fred vonAppen said. "We decided to name him Cade."

--By Paul Arnett