Thursday, May 13, 1999

Huskies may
pick up Tharp

Several schools have shown interest
in the former UH tailback, including
Washington, where former UH coach
Tom Williams is now a linebackers coach

By Paul Arnett
Star-Bulletin

Former Hawaii tailback Charles Tharp may be offered a scholarship by the University of Washington, one-time Rainbows defensive coordinator Tom Williams confirmed yesterday.

Williams is the outside linebacker coach for the Huskies and recruited Tharp for the Rainbows several years ago. UH head coach June Jones said earlier this week that Tharp had been offered a scholarship at Southeast Missouri State.

"That's true," Williams said. "But I know Charles can do better than that. He's a proven Division I tailback who can help us here.

"Kansas State and Colorado have also shown some interest in him. I left messages with Charles' family yesterday. We're hoping we can get something going soon."

Tharp was suspended by UH head coach June Jones prior to spring for breaking a team rule but was told he'd be welcome to return for fall camp.

The East Palo Alto, Calif., resident opted to transfer, partly because the offense was not conducive to his style of play.

"Charles is more of a tailback," Williams said. "He's not a blocking back. He also has great hands coming out of the backfield."

Tharp demonstrated his versatility his first year in the program. Not only did he lead the Rainbows in rushing with 796 yards, but he also was the top receiver with 42 catches for 435 yards.

That 1997 season he was named the Pacific Division's newcomer of the year in the Western Athletic Conference. He also was a Doak Walker nominee prior to his sophomore campaign.

Tharp wasn't quite as productive for Hawaii last year, rushing for 679 yards and catching 12 passes for 153 yards. He finished his career at UH with 11 touchdowns.

"Charles isn't the quickest or fastest guy on the field," Williams said. "But if you give him a hole, he can get up in there and make some positive yards.

"We believe he can help us here. He's been given his outright release by UH, so that allows us to contact him and to be able to offer him a scholarship right away."