Rolovich getting more
action in practice
This season, you can never be quite sure who Hawaii's top backup quarterback is. But second-year freshman Jack Rolovich seems to be sharing the title with junior Kainoa Akina this week.
Rolovich, who has yet to enter a game, is getting a lot of practice action as the Warriors (3-4, 3-4 Western Athletic Conference) prepare for Saturday's game at Aloha Stadium against Louisiana Tech (4-4, 3-1 WAC).
"He's getting closer, getting more ready to play, kind of splitting the reps with Kainoa (Wednesday) and (Tuesday)," coach June Jones said. "We're trying to give them both equal opportunity."
Akina was the only UH quarterback with Division I experience going into this season and has been the main backup to senior Tim Chang. But Akina has had a rough go of it, completing seven of 18 passes with three interceptions and no touchdowns.
In addition to Chang and Akina, Jones took true freshman Brandon Satcher on the first two road trips. He didn't play, but did two weeks ago at home against San Jose State; he rushed six times for 34 yards and completed a shovel pass for 23 yards.
"I understood what Coach Jones was doing for the team, using Brandon for some running plays," Rolovich said.
Rolovich said he is aided this fall by the presence of his brother, former UH standout quarterback, and now student assistant, Nick Rolovich.
"He's always got a positive attitude and he was successful. People get discouraged. But having him here helps," the younger brother said.
Abe ailing: Senior cornerback Abraham Elimimian has battled through a variety of injuries this season: hamstring, concussion, ankle sprain. A nagging heel bruise knocked him out of practice yesterday.
"I banged it again," he said. "But I'll definitely play Saturday."
Junior defensive end Tony Akpan also ended his workout early yesterday, as a subluxed shoulder acted up again.
"That's kind of frustrating," Jones said.
Senior right guard Uriah Moenoa's hamstring kept him out for a second day. Like Elimimian, he vows to play Saturday.
Backup defensive tackle Kahai LaCount said he thinks he can start practicing early next week and hopes to be ready to play at Fresno State on Nov. 12.
Catching on: UH receivers coach Ron Lee said walk-ons Marcus Weems and Rene Melson have both "had some good practices," and could see playing time Saturday.
Both have played briefly, but neither has a reception yet.
Jones said the Warriors plan to throw the ball deep more after scoring no TDs last week.
"If we throw the ball deep, our receivers are athletic enough to make a play," senior receiver Britton Komine said.
Taking note: Chang needs 14 passing yards to break Ty Detmer's NCAA career record of 15,031. It will likely happen in the first quarter Saturday. A brief celebration is planned.
"The officials are aware and the WAC has given us approval," UH media relations director Lois Manin said. "The officials will give him the ball. He will go to the sideline and celebrate for about 30 seconds with teammates and coaches, and then they will start the playclock."