Wednesday, August 11, 1999
Rainbow
newcomers try out
new offense
Some of the team's veterans
By Paul Arnett
show up to check out the team's future,
with some joining in the workout;
the defense debuts today
Star-BulletinMany of the veterans took a moment or two out of their busy days to watch the coming attractions.
"We've heard a lot about these guys, so I decided to come down here and take a look," fifth-year senior punter Chad Shrout said yesterday. "There's a good feeling around here coming into fall camp and these new guys are a part of that."
UH head coach June Jones also had a few of the veteran quarterbacks and receivers take part in two impromptu workouts in the afternoon and evening at Cooke Field.
Veterans aren't due in until today, but Jones wanted senior Dan Robinson to join new quarterbacks Kevin Gilbride and Mike Harrison to give the future a chance to work with the present.
"We weren't able to do a lot because we only had five or six receivers," Jones said last night. "But it was a chance to give some guys an early look before all the veterans come in.
"(Wideout) Attrice Brooks is still not here, but we expect him in (today). There are a couple of other new guys who aren't in yet because of some academic things. We'll have to wait and see on that."
Harrison and Gilbride certainly made their presence felt. Gilbride is a willowy lefty with a quick release and good arm. The son of Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride has to redshirt this year, but will still have three years of eligibility remaining.
Harrison looks more like a linebacker, but the California product doesn't throw like one. He has a strong, accurate arm and could see some playing time this year should Robinson go down. At this point, the senior signal caller is just trying to stay out of harm's way.
"I feel really good, really healthy," Robinson said. "It's good to get out here with the young guys and throw it around some."
UH defensive coordinator Greg McMackin kept his guys indoors for most of the day. He knows their heads are spinning from reviewing the myriad schemes in the playbook.
"But it's necessary," McMackin said. "We've got a lot to do in only three weeks or so. We're playing a top 20 program that runs some split backs in the West Coast offense and the traditional I formation. So, we've got to get after it."
The defense will get its first hard look during tomorrow's opening of two-a-days. There will be a three-hour practice in the morning and a 90-minute session in the afternoon.
"It's good to be out here," Jones said. "We're ready to get down to the business of turning this thing around."
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