Tharp takes Walker
nomination in stride

University of Hawaii running back Charles Tharp doesn't believe the individual should ever come before the team.

So when he learned the news yesterday morning that he had been officially nominated for the Doak Walker Award, the sophomore running back took it in stride.

"I knew I had a chance because I filled out an application for them over the summer," Tharp said of the award given to the nation's top running back. "That's good and all, but I don't really have any thoughts on it until we start playing games.

"The main thing around here is team first and individual second. If we don't do well, that won't mean anything. If I can help us win and then do well as an individual, then fine."

Tharp is the second Hawaii player to receive national recognition. Last week, inside linebacker Stephen Gonzales was nominated for the Dick Butkus Award.

"This kind of national recognition is good for our program," UH offensive coordinator Don Lindsey said. "But we have to concern ourselves with the issues of the team, not only individual accolades. I'm happy for Charles. Hopefully, he and Steve will have good seasons for us."

Tharp is one of 45 preseason candidates, and only one of 11 sophomores selected. Last year, he caught 42 passes for 435 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed for 796 yards and seven touchdowns.

"It's good for Charles and for our program," Rainbows head coach Fred vonAppen said. "He had a good freshman season and obviously caught the eye of voters."

The other Western Athletic Conference nominees are Brigham Young University's Ronney Jenkins, Fresno State's Jaime Kimbrough, San Diego State's Jonas Lewis and Damon Washington of Colorado State.

Last year's winner was Ricky Williams of the University of Texas, who made his collegiate debut against Hawaii in 1995.

OFFENSIVE PLAY OF THE DAY: Quarterback Dan Robinson made several nice throws during 7-on-7 drills, but the best was a 50-yard touchdown strike to Jauron Pigg, who shook off the defender, then caught the ball over his shoulder without breaking stride.

DEFENSIVE PLAY OF THE DAY: During a punt drill, Mark Mollner broke through the scout-team offensive line and blocked a Chad Shrout kick for a touchdown. The 6-foot-5, 240-pound linebacker knocked Shrout on his backside, prompting vonAppen to say, "Chad, that's what happens when you try to read the label on the football."

INJURY REPORT: Several players suffered injuries since the Rainbows put on the pads Saturday morning. Chief among them is junior quarterback Josh Skinner.

A helmet hit his hip during Saturday afternoon's light workout, giving him a hip pointer. UH trainers hope he can make it back by the end of the week, but it doesn't look good.

"I suited up (for yesterday morning's practice) because I thought I would be OK," Skinner said. "But when I tried to take a snap and drop back into the pocket, it was like, no way. The thing is, I don't want to keep missing practice."

Skinner suffered a concussion last April and missed most of spring practice, but Lindsey doesn't want him worrying about it or coming back too soon. The UH offensive coordinator said Skinner will still see plenty of playing time against the University of Arizona.

"My goodness yes, Josh is going to be one of our quarterbacks in the Arizona game," Lindsey said. "This is something he needs to work through and to remain patient."

Junior college transfer Tom Racius strained his throwing shoulder during yesterday's morning practice, but was back for the afternoon workout, much to the surprise of UH trainers.

Defensive back Bernard Santamaria dislocated a finger on his right hand on a pass drill. But he pulled it back in. Trainers said the finger didn't appear broken. He also is battling through a bad bout of tendinitis in both knees.

Linebacker Rinda Brooks was in full pads yesterday for the first time, but is still slowed by a nasty hamstring pull. It's unlikely he will play in the opener against Arizona.

Wide receiver Echo Charles and free safety Daniel Ho-Ching are still nursing sore hamstrings as well.

TRANSACTION WIRE: Offensive tackle Kynan Forney has jersey number 62 waiting for him. Now, if only the Texan knew if he was eligible.

"We're still waiting to hear if he passed his junior college work and can come play for us," vonAppen said after yesterday's evening workout.

Forney is an all-conference lineman, who played for junior college national champion Trinity Valley (Texas) last year. He is projected to play at quick tackle.

VonAppen hasn't heard from senior wide receiver John Kirby, who got on vonAppen's bad side for not completing a summer school class.

WEATHER REPORT: The temperatures have been pleasant at Cooke Field the past few days, thanks to the return of the tradewinds. The morning workouts have more heat and humidity, but the afternoon affairs are usually on the cool side. The high yesterday in the Manoa area was 85 with the humidity coming in at 65 percent.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "I need to get hit every now and again, so I can remember what it's like."

-- Chad Shrout after getting knocked on his back by Mark Mollner.

---

By Paul Arnett