UH’s offense
looking better

Things weren't quite as bad yesterday as the Hawaii football team prepared for its first spring scrimmage Saturday at Cooke Field.

Rainbows head coach June Jones was concerned after Hawaii's first day in full pads on Tuesday. His offensive unit committed numerous false starts and fumbles, and had trouble completing passes as well. Such was not the case during the second practice in full pads.

"The offensive guys seemed a little more comfortable with what we're trying to do," Jones said. "The good thing is, we added some stuff today and we executed it fairly well."

One of the more obvious problems is reads between the receivers and quarterbacks.

"We want the players to play with instinct by the end of spring," UH offensive coordinator Wes Suan said.

Quite a sixsome

Former UH head coach Bob Wagner is no longer around, but six of his recruits will make an impact for Jones next season.

They are punter Chad Shrout, down lineman Tony Tuioti, defensive back Daniel Ho-Ching, and offensive linemen Adrian Klemm, Kaulana Noa and Andy Phillips.

Jones is especially pleased with tackles Klemm and Noa.

"Those guys have a chance to play in the NFL," Jones said.

JC transfer looks good

Cornerback Shawndell Tucker is the only junior college transfer eligible to come in at midterm. Last year, linebacker Jeff Ulbrich carried that honor all the way into the starting lineup.

"I think it's definitely a good thing for me to be in here and learning the defense right away," said Tucker, who is the top right cornerback at this point in spring. "I love this defense. It's an attacking style defenders love."

Tucker transferred from West Los Angeles JC. The 5-10, 175-pounder is a hard hitter and a solid cover man.

"We believe he's going to be a good one for us," said associate coach George Lumpkin. "So far, he's doing a nice job back there."

Injury update

Ulbrich joins a long list of players who will miss most of spring practice because of injury. The senior had hoped to have full contact by the Green-White game on April 25, but the medical staff cautioned him about coming back too soon from reconstructive knee surgery.

The talented inside linebacker injured his knee while doing squats in the weight room during a recent rehabilitation session.

"If this were the regular season, I would be playing," Ulbrich said.

The only injury in Tuesday's first day in full pads was to receiver Robert Ornellas, who sprained a shoulder after being tackled on a routine pass drill.

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Paul Arnett, Star-Bulletin