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Thursday, March 23, 2000
Jones happy with defense
RAINBOW FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK
By Paul Arnett
Star-BulletinIt wasn't so long ago that former University of Hawaii defensive coordinator Don Lindsey switched from a basic 4-3 defense to a 3-4 because he didn't have enough down linemen. That's no longer a problem.
"I looked over there today and I saw maybe a dozen linemen who will be able to help us during the coming season," Rainbows head coach June Jones said yesterday. "We've not only developed a lot of depth up front, but we have some real difference-makers up there, guys who will maybe play on Sunday."
If the Rainbows were going to start the season tomorrow, their front four would feature Joe Correia and Chris Brown at end, and Lui Fuga and Doug Sims at tackle.
But don't be surprised if Nevada-Las Vegas transfer Laanui Correa makes his presence felt during fall camp at one defensive end spot, or if Miles Garner sees a lot of playing time at tackle -- especially as a pass rusher. Add veteran Mike Iosua and freshman Kevin Jackson to the mix, and it's easy to see why the defensive coaches are all smiles during the spring workouts.
"We're looking at a variety of players in different situations to see where we're at this spring and where we're headed in the fall," UH defensive coordinator Kevin Lempa said. "I like what I see in our front seven. It's a very strong, athletic group."
Through five spring practices, Lempa is still getting a feel for what he has on defense. He has broken down his players into three groups that he likes to mix and match given the down, distance and situation.
Getting on the ball
He wants to make sure everyone gets the proper amount of repetitions, from starters to walk-ons. Like his players, Lempa is learning the lay of the land."It's exciting to finally get on the field and see who can do what," Lempa said. "I'm getting a better feel for our players. So far, I like what I see."
So does Jones, who believes the Rainbows will improve against the run this season. Last year, Hawaii finished No. 91 nationally, yielding 186.7 yards a game.
"We're definitely going to improve in that area," Jones said. "We not only have a good group up front, our linebackers are also very active."
At this stage, it's too early to say who will be starting in the season opener with Portland State. But the top returnees are Robert Kemfort and Anthony Smith.
Look for Bo Espinoza, Joaquin Avila and walk-on Keani Alapa to be steady contributors in the fall. If Pisa Tinoisamoa makes it back from academic purgatory, he could be the starting middle linebacker come September.
Rinda Brooks is also in Lempa's plans. Granted, the sixth-year player is not in top shape -- Brooks concedes he's 20 pounds overweight -- but he can still flat out fly and nobody's tougher on a running back.
"I'm just glad to be back out here playing football again," said Brooks, who sat out last year because of too many concussions. "I like the defense we're running."
Injury report
Junior college transfer Nick Rolovich tried not to let his sore right thumb hinder him during practice yesterday morning, but he still saw only limited repetitions.Rolovich slammed the door on his right thumb and was battling an infection that set in over the weekend. He had it drained yesterday. The result was more practice time yesterday.
"It's still pretty sore," Jones said. "He threw the football a little more than he did Tuesday, but it's still bothering him some. Next week's spring break should give him enough time to rest it."
Rolovich did take part in the team and seven-on-seven drills, something he didn't do yesterday. Everyone else remains healthy.
Walk-on defensive back Gary Wright had his bell rung during a drill and cornerback Keith Bhonapha suffered two nasty turf burns to his knees after sliding along Cooke Field on a pass play. But so far, there have been no major injuries.
Brief skirmishes
Jones and his coaching staff are doing everything they can to keep players from tackling or hitting too hard, but tempers do flare from time to time.Offensive lineman Doug Gossling was in the middle of a brief war during yesterday's team drills. Yesterday morning, offensive lineman Kynan Forney put a love tap on Alapa, something the freshman linebacker didn't appreciate.
After the two were separated, Alapa fired his helmet off the turf near the sideline, prompting one player to say, "Yeah, it was a cheap shot, but don't take it out on your helmet."
UH Athletics
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