WARRIOR FOOTBALL
Wright-Jackson is ready
Toward the end of Hawaii football practice yesterday, sophomore running back Leon Wright-Jackson flashed some of the exceptional speed that had Warriors fans so excited about the Nebraska transfer.
Fresno State (6-3, 5-1 WAC) at Hawaii (8-0, 5-0)
When: Saturday, 6:07 p.m.
Where: Aloha Stadium
TV: Oceanic PPV, Ch. 255
Radio: KKEA 1420-AM
|
"Housecall!" shouted a teammate, as Wright-Jackson turned the corner and jetted down the sideline.
UH hopes Wright-Jackson can do the same Saturday as the Warriors (8-0, 5-0 WAC) start the final -- and by far toughest -- third of their schedule against the rival Bulldogs (6-3, 5-1). Around 44,000 tickets had been distributed by last night for the game at Aloha Stadium.
Wright-Jackson has started four of the seven games he's played in, but rushed just 26 times for 153 yards and a lone touchdown.
Leading ground-gainer Kealoha Pilares is not expected to play due to a knee sprain. That means Wright-Jackson, Dave Farmer, Daniel Libre and possibly Jason Laumoli will carry the load against Fresno State.
But Job One is protecting Colt Brennan, who is two scoring passes off the NCAA career record of 121 TDs by Ty Detmer.
"I think the coaches are taking their time with me, making sure I get my stuff down. I'm not in a rush to get on the field," said Wright-Jackson, who was a high school Parade All-American.
"They're not going to put me out there if I don't know what I'm doing. I've just been patient. ... I might be getting the ball more and getting more playing time. It's a good chance for me to step up and show Coach I do know what I'm doing."