New faces

There were so many new kids on the block during last Thursday's game, even the coaches needed a program to keep the mix-ups to a minimum.

There weren't any true freshmen in the starting lineup in the University of Hawaii's 27-6 loss to Arizona at Aloha Stadium, but there were plenty of first-year Division I players to go around.

Hawaii started redshirt freshman center Chris Smith, and junior college transfers Dwight Carter at receiver, offensive guard Dustin Owen, and corner Quincy LeJay.

The Rainbows also used first-year junior college players Phil Austin at safety, Jeff Ulbrich at linebacker, James Polk at cornerback and Kynan Forney at offensive guard.

"And don't forget our deep snapper," UH head coach Fred vonAppen said. "He's not a starter, but Brian Smith is a walk-on from California who didn't have a bad snap all night.

"Daniel Ho-Ching has seen some playing time, but he's really a first-year starter at free safety and Dan Robinson is a first-year guy at quarterback. He had one series prior to our first game since transferring here two years ago. So we've got a lot of first-year guys already contributing."

This isn't Adrian Klemm's first tour of duty, but the junior is still a rookie at tight end. And don't be surprised if sophomore Avion Weaver sees more playing time at fullback. It further illustrates just how young this team is at this point of the season.

"And that's always going to affect your continuity, especially on offense," UH offensive coordinator Don Lindsey said. "If we practice hard, then we'll continue to make progress."

Another Ho-Ching

Daniel Ho-Ching's brother, Herman, made his debut as a running back for the University of Oregon this past weekend.

The freshman tailback had considered joining his brother in Hawaii, but changed his mind during the recruiting period. Prior to this year, Daniel Ho-Ching wore No. 28, but changed it in the spring to No. 6.

It is the name of his first-born child. In Daniel's honor, brother Herman wore No. 28 in his collegiate debut.

"I may go back to No. 28 next year, or he may switch to No. 6, so we can both be the same," Daniel Ho-Ching said. "It was pretty cool watching him this weekend. He did pretty good."

Injury update

The only players out for the next game are defensive backs Celnell Bobbitt (stress fracture) and Damien Arafiles (sprained ankle).

Offensive lineman Andy Phillips has returned to practice after being hospitalized last week with an irregular heart beat. He passed a stress test and was cleared for duty. Hawaii suffered several bumps and bruises, but everyone should be ready in two weeks for the road trip to Utah.

Where's Charles?

The Rainbows have to figure out a way for tailback Charles Tharp to touch the football more often.

Last year's leading receiver and rusher for Hawaii didn't catch a pass in the loss to Arizona. He also managed only 47 yards on 12 carries.

"But I'm not worried about it," Tharp said. "I know I'll get my chances once we work out some of the problems on offense."

UH offensive coordinator Don Lindsey said coming in that he wanted to improve the rushing game. Unfortunately for the Rainbows, they finished with only 93 yards on 40 attempts.

---

By Paul Arnett, Star-Bulletin