Friday, April 16, 1999

FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK

No TV for
final scrimmage

AFTER further review, Hawaii head coach June Jones not only doesn't want a live television broadcast of the spring game, he has opted not to have one at all.

"I told Jim Leahey that I had made an executive decision," Jones said after yesterday's practice. "I really don't want USC to see what we're doing and we don't have enough healthy people to play a full scrimmage, anyway.

"So, instead, we're going to hold a controlled scrimmage at the end of that Sunday practice. People can still come out and watch, but it won't be like we have two teams on each side. We just can't afford to get anyone else hurt."

The practice is a week from Sunday and begins at 6 p.m.

Recruits make visit

Two prep stars from Plantation, Fla., are making recruiting trips this weekend. They are second team All-State quarterback Ryan Schneider and running back Oneal Sandiford.

Schneider's father was the offensive coordinator of the Florida high school team, located in a suburb of Ft. Lauderdale.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder was recruited by Florida and Auburn. The past two years, Schneider threw for 3,505 yards and 43 touchdowns. His 40 time was 4.9.

Brooks attends practice

Former UH outside linebacker Rinda Brooks attended yesterday's practice. He recently decided to end his football career due to too many concussions the past two seasons.

"I want to keep playing, but I can't," Brooks said. "I want to be able to keep it together when I get older. Coach Jones was cool about it. But I miss being out there."

Fuga injures knee

Defensive tackle Lui Fuga blew out his knee during yesterday's practice.

The transfer from Nevada-Las Vegas should be back by next fall. Team doctors called it a sprained knee, but aren't sure how long he'll be out.

"We couldn't afford another injury up front on defense," Jones said. "We're already very thin. Hopefully, Lui can be back with us real soon."

Elam gets one more year

Defensive lineman Matt Elam was supposed to take part in last year's Senior Walk but opted not to in hopes of having another season.

"I'm not sure what happened, but they gave me another year of eligibility," the defensive lineman said. "I was on the list to take part in the Senior Walk. I kind of wanted to because I would have ended up doing it twice."

These days, Elam is seeing a lot of work at tackle and end. He finished with 20 tackles last year, including one quarterback sack.

"I'm so glad to be back and be a part of this," Elam said. "Nobody wants to finish their college career 0-12. And we're definitely going to win some games next year."

Jiles back on field

Cornerback Jovan Jiles returned to practice this week after having to take care of personal business.

Jiles, who started one game at right corner, said he's comfortable in the new defense.

"I'm out here trying to win back my starting job," Jiles said. "It's fun."

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Paul Arnett, Star-Bulletin