StarBulletin.com

Letuli out for game at LaTech


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POSTED: Saturday, September 26, 2009

Hawaii's offensive line will be without tackle Laupepa Letuli for the Warriors' game at Louisiana Tech on Wednesday, and linebacker Aaron Brown could be out even longer.

UH head coach Greg McMackin said neither Letuli nor Brown will accompany the team when the Warriors (2-1) depart tomorrow for their Western Athletic Conference opener.

Letuli, a senior, injured his left knee during a weight training session this week. It was initially thought he'd play against the Bulldogs (1-2), but McMackin said yesterday that Letuli will miss the game. He's hopeful Letuli will be back for UH's meeting with Fresno State on Oct. 10 at Aloha Stadium.

It's the first blow to a senior-laden offensive line that has remained intact for the Warriors' first three games of the season and has allowed seven sacks in 124 pass attempts.

With Letuli out, juniors Adrian Thomas and Kainoa LaCount have split the repetitions at right tackle for the last two practices. Thomas has appeared in two games in his career, while LaCount is awaiting his Division I debut since transferring from College of the Canyons.

Brown, who began the season as a safety, has been bothered by a hamstring injury since fall camp. He played through it and recorded 10 tackles, including a sack.

“;It's just continuing to get worse,”; McMackin said. “;We're going to have to make some decisions because he can't perform that way.”;

Punt returner and backup slotback Ryan Henry is also dealing with a tight hamstring. He hopes to be ready by kickoff on Wednesday.

“;It gets better every day,”; Henry said. “;(Today) I just have to see how I feel, continue to get treatment and see how it is.”;

Henry said the first twinge came during practice last week in Las Vegas, and it worsened during the game against UNLV. If Henry can't play, Greg Salas will step in as the punt returner.

Jovonte Taylor could be back at wide receiver for today's practice after missing the last two days due to a sprained ankle suffered early in the loss at UNLV. Royce Pollard has been working with the first team at Z receiver and as the kickoff returner in Taylor's absence.

Defensive end Paipai Falemalu and tackle Vaughn Meatoga sat out of team drills as they continue to recover from ankle injuries.

John Fonoti worked with the first unit at defensive end in his first practice in pads as he works his way back from a knee injury.