Klemm moves back to tackle

Adrian Klemm's grand experiment has come to an end.

For three games, the transplanted tackle played tight end for Hawaii in an attempt to add some bulk up front. But after Vincent Street and Jose Martinez failed to get the job done at left tackle, and Kynan Forney subluxed his shoulder in the loss at Utah, something had to be done.

In stepped Klemm, who played left tackle for the first two years of his UH career. Other than being 30 pounds lighter than he was a year ago, Klemm said he's prepared to play the position.

"I'm a lot more comfortable at left tackle than I am at tight end," Klemm said after yesterday's practice. "Don't get me wrong. I like tight end a lot. It was fun.

"But left tackle is a better position for me. I was pretty comfortable with it today. I just have to get used to a couple of new plays. After that, I'll be fine."

UH offensive coordinator Don Lindsey said he will move Martinez to tight end on the running plays, and maybe use Jimmy McClain and Chris Pinkney on more obvious passing downs.

"We had to do something to protect our quarterback from the back side," Lindsey said. "We didn't want to move Adrian from tight end, but given the circumstances, we felt we didn't have any other choice."

INJURY UPDATE: Not only is Hawaii linebacker Stephen Gonzales out for this week's game with Southern Methodist, but it's likely wide receiver Dwight Carter and fullback Avion Weaver will be sidelined as well.

Coaches don't want those players to risk further injury that could keep them out for the remainder of the season. Gonzales' ankle sprain was so severe, he will miss several games. Outside linebacker Kamuela Cobb-Adams' ankle sprain should be healed in time for him to play this week.

Carter won't be as fortunate. The wide receiver's knee and ankle sprains will keep him sidelined until San Diego State.

Weaver's status is a little more uncertain. This is the second time he has sprained his neck this season. UH trainers want to make sure he's OK before putting him back in there. He was scheduled to undergo an MRI on his neck today.

To make matters worse for head coach Fred vonAppen, the status of linebackers Yaphet Warren (hamstring) and Rinda Brooks (concussion), and safety Daniel Ho-Ching (hamstring) remains up in the air.

Warren and Ho-Ching are going to attempt to play this weekend against the Mustangs. Brooks was downgraded to doubtful.

"We said coming in that we had a lot of depth at linebacker, but we can't afford to take too many more hits," UH defensive coordinator Tom Williams said. "Hopefully, we can get Yaphet and Daniel back in there. We need those guys to get healthy."

Weaver is the second fullback to go down for the Rainbows. Hawaii lost Anthony DiIeso two weeks ago to a stress fracture in his lower leg. Calvin Mims will see the most work at fullback, but look for Fred Lau to also see some playing time.

Carter will be missed at receiver. He has provided the Rainbows their two biggest touchdown plays of the season. Eleu Kane, Wesley Morris, Davey deLaura and freshman Craig Stutzmann are the top four receivers entering this Saturday's second conference game of the season.

Hawaii did receive some good news from the offensive front. Forney (shoulder) has been cleared for duty and it's likely center Chris Smith (sprained neck) will be back in the lineup as well.

KIRBY RETURNING: Senior wide receiver John Kirby said he expects to return to the team as early as Thursday.

"I just have to clear up a couple of eligibility things with the NCAA and I'll be back," the senior wide receiver said. "I'm going to redshirt this year, which is good because we lose a couple of seniors after this season."

Kirby got into vonAppen's doghouse after he failed to complete a summer school course. VonAppen told Kirby he would have to redshirt this year and prove himself worthy before he would be allowed to play.

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By Paul Arnett