SB FILE / 2007 Mike Washington, a second-team slotback who has a minor hamstring injury, had a strong practice yesterday. CLICK FOR LARGE |
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Washington, Kiesel-Kauhane make most of reps
Junior slotback Mike Washington and sophomore linebacker R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane saw increased action in Hawaii's practices yesterday, but coach June Jones said it wasn't a matter of getting all the second-teamers involved more.
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"We divide the reps up equally, first, second team, and that's kind of how we do it throughout camp," Jones said. "Then once we get the game plan in against the first opponent, those'll get down a little bit (for the second team)."
With more than two weeks left before the first game, it's a good time for starters like Davone Bess to rest nagging injuries. He wore an ice pack at the small of his back while he observed the morning practice. That gave Washington more playing time.
Bess is just taking a little time off as a precaution. He suited up and fielded punts with Washington and Myron Newberry in the afternoon.
"Well, it's been sore for the last couple days, I kinda felt it coming," Bess said.
Washington tweaked his left hamstring on the first day of fall practice. He has little choice but to play through it to earn more playing time, possibly as a punt or kickoff returner. Washington thrived during 11-on-11 drills yesterday, catching balls in stride up the middle and sprinting for what would have been a touchdown from Colt Brennan.
"I mean, shoot, if a player goes down, of course I'm going to step up, man," Washington said. "So I just do what I gotta do right now, man, just making plays and no drops. Especially for the second team ... 'cause the first team, if they mess up, it's like nothing happened."
Minor injuries to starters Blaze Soares (shoulder) and Solomon Elimimian (hamstring) earned a good look with the second-teamers for Kiesel-Kauhane in the Okie package. He also blocked a punt in the afternoon.
"Getting a lot of reps is good for me, I can make a lot of mistakes and at the same time recover from it," the former Aiea star said. "(After today) the coaches know I can play and (maybe) have a spot for me."
Cornering the market
Junior college transfer cornerbacks
Calvin Roberts and
Ryan Mouton spent yesterday at various stages of transitioning into the system.
With his new teammates in either full pads or shells, Roberts went through some non-contact drills with helmet but no pads; new players must acclimate by gradually adding equipment.
"Things are going good, I'm getting used to the plays," Roberts said after the morning session. "A lot of what we're doing here is the same as at College of San Mateo, just different calls. Most likely (today) I'll have the pads on."
Mouton was cleared to join the team and underwent his physical exam. He might join practice today.
"If he's what we think he is, he can really help us," defensive backs coach Rich Miano said.
Roberts and Mouton are expected to challenge incumbents Gerard Lewis and Newberry for the starting spots.
Short yardage
Freshman
Lavour Addison (Florida Air Academy) observed practice in street clothes. Addison, who played linebacker and fullback in high school, said he wants to walk on. ...
Aaron Bain joined the mix on kickoff returns.