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Tuesday, January 18, 2000

Rainbows’ first
Hula lesson—it’s just
great to be here

All four Hawaii players are
honored to take part in
Saturday's all-star bash

By Paul Arnett
Star-Bulletin

WAILUKU -- Dan Robinson didn't work up a sweat, Tony Tuioti forgot what practice could do to his back, Andy Phillips had both of his legs locked in braces and Quincy LeJay adjusted to a plain vanilla look in the secondary.

Welcome to the first practice of this year's Rivals.com Hula Bowl.

"My man Dan didn't do a whole lot today,'' Tuioti said as he waited his turn for the height and weight session with the National Football League scouts. The University of Hawaii has four players taking part in Saturday's Hula Bowl and three more in Alabama for the Senior Bowl.

"Dan, did you even take a snap from center?'' Tuioti asked, then smiled. "You won't even have to wash your practice jersey.''

TICKETS AVAILABLE The only tickets left for Saturday's game are end zone seats. Bowl Games Hawaii chief executive officer Lenny Klompus expects what few are remaining will be gone by the 10:30 a.m. kickoff. "A lot of people have been calling about tickets,'' he said. "We tell them all that's left are in the end zone. We sold out of the sideline seats for War Memorial Stadium last April.'' For more information about tickets, call 871-4141.

Robinson took the kidding in the same "aw-shucks'' manner that made him a favorite with his teammates, coaches and fans. Truth be told, Robinson can't practice too hard because he's still in the six-week window of rest prescribed by his doctors.

"I'll probably be doing a lot of handing off to Ron Dayne,'' said Robinson, who set 30 team records this season, including career passing yards with 6,038. "It's not every day you get to give the ball to the Heisman Trophy winner. I'm looking forward to that.''

Robinson injured his shoulder during the latter part of the season. He threw the ball with a lot of pain in the Oahu Bowl win over Oregon State. And while the slight ligament damage won't require surgery, he was told to rest it for at least six weeks.

"So, that's what I plan to do,'' he said. "It feels a lot better than it did. But it's still going to probably be next month before I can throw the football like I could before the injury.''

Robinson is going to return to Utah in a couple of months. Like most of his teammates competing in this week's all-star games, he plans to pursue a career at the next level, something head coach June Jones believes is a viable option.

"Dan is a good quarterback who could help somebody if he's in the right system,'' Jones said last week. "He's a smart guy with a strong arm who's very durable. He'll definitely get a look from somebody.''

Phillips and LeJay are hopeful of the same shot and believe this week of practice in front of 47 NFL scouts is the opportunity of a lifetime. For them, this is a chance to show the scouts what they can do.

"First of all, I'm honored to be here among these great athletes,'' LeJay said. The UH cornerback led the WAC in interceptions with seven. He also set a team record by returning three of those for touchdowns. "But this is also a business opportunity for me.

"I spent the past month at home keeping in shape. I want to be ready for any tryouts. You can't afford to take any time off because it's important to be football ready. I felt good out there today. The coverages are simple -- just straight man and zone.''

Phillips will likely find himself doing more run blocking this week. In Hawaii's offense, he was asked to pass block about 40 plays a game. Wisconsin head coach Barry Alvarez won't be taking that wide-open of an approach.

Instead, Dayne, Iowa State's Darren Davis, Marshall's Doug Chapman and Minnesota's Thomas Hamner will be asked to carry the load. That's OK with Phillips. The one good thing about having five offensive coordinators in your career, you've been asked to do just about everything.

"I felt a little rusty out there after not practicing in a month,'' Phillips said. "But I'm very excited about the opportunity to play one more college football game.

"I know Adrian (Klemm) and Kaulana (Noa) are probably going to do their workouts on the mainland. Both of those guys are in the NFL combine, so it makes sense to do it. But I'm going to do my workouts from Hawaii. It's better for me.''

As for Tuioti, it's unlikely the sturdy defensive lineman will play professional football. For one, his back is still not 100 percent. And two, he's thinking about going into graduate school.

"But it's still a great opportunity to play with the guys again,'' said Tuioti, who finished the season with 47 tackles. "It's an honor to be selected. Practice was a lot of fun because you're out here with the best.''

All four Hawaii players will see playing time, Alvarez said. He wants to give everybody on the team an opportunity to play.

"First of all, this is a reward for these guys,'' Alvarez said. "Each of them were the best players on their team and they deserve a week in Hawaii. But mostly, this is a job interview for these players. They have a chance to play at the next level, so we want to showcase them the best way we can.''

And that suits the UH players just fine.

"To be in the same huddle with guys like Ron Dayne is why you suit up in the first place,'' Robinson said. "I'm just happy to be over here and taking part in this game. It's a great way for me to end my college career.''