Rainbow Notebook

Defensive backs get
some time off to heal

Hawaii head coach June Jones gave some time off today to three key members of the Rainbows secondary, but expects all of them to be ready to go on Tuesday.

Starting safeties Dee Miller and Nate Jackson, and backup cornerback Flex Armstrong have some leg ailments that need rest more than anything.

The most serious of the three is Jackson, who sprained his knee on the slick and muddy surface of the grass fields. He said he would be ready to go on Tuesday.

Miller has a slight groin pull and Armstrong has a bruised knee.

"We just wanted to give those guys some time to heal," Jones said. "It's one area where we can afford to rest some guys because we have developed some depth back there."

Scout team running back Matt Wright sprained his ankle on a play in yesterday's practice. Someone rolled up on the back of his leg just as Jeff Ulbrich and Anthony Smith met him in the hole.

Wide receiver Davey deLaura also was sidelined yesterday with a leg injury. He, too, is expected to be ready at Tuesday's practice.

Linebacker Robert Kemfort was off crutches, but his ankle sprain still kept him on the sidelines. He remains doubtful for the USC game.

On the turf

The Rainbows practiced on the turf today to give the grass fields some time to heal.

Jones announced today that tomorrow's practice has been moved to Aloha Stadium. It will be from 9-11 a.m., and will be closed to the public and media.

"I just wanted to go out there one more time and work with the 25-second clock, that kind of thing," Jones said. "We've only got a week left to get everything in place and to be honest with you, we're not ready to play a team like Southern California.

"Our guys need to come back next week and focus on getting the job done. These last few practices are important in order for us to be competitive against a top 25 program like the Trojans."

The Rainbows will take off Sunday and Monday, and begin a normal practice schedule on Tuesday.

Gain one, lose another

Top wide receiver Attrice Brooks returned to practice for the first time this week. His transcripts are in, clearing the way for the San Francisco City College player to compete for a starting job.

"He was much more focused today because I think he now realizes he's going to play this year," Jones said. "He made several nice catches today in practice."

Brooks is back, but fellow receiver Jamal Garland still has a couple of matters to deal with before he's cleared to play this season.

Jones also announced that offensive lineman Daryl Miller, the brother of Dee, has returned to Mississippi to take care of some personal problems. He will be allowed to rejoin the team in the spring. It also was announced that local products Lionel Brash and John Mannering have left the team.

Scholarships awarded

Jones announced today that four players in the program have been awarded scholarships. They are local products Bronson Liana, Daniel Reed, and Joe Correia, and Californian Ryan Gray.

Gray is a senior receiver who was limited to scout team play last year. He is expected to start this season. Correia is a starter at right defensive end. The junior from St. Louis School is a former professional baseball pitcher.

Reed and Liana are solid backups at linebacker and quarterback, respectively. Reed is a senior and Liana is a sophomore out of Kamehameha Schools.

"All of those guys are very deserving," Jones said. "They have made significant contributions to our program."

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By Paul Arnett