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Saturday, July 22, 2000
Hana hou
season for
Rainbows
Football coach June Jones
By Paul Arnett
is optimistic about his second
season in the WAC
Star-BulletinSAN JOSE, Calif. - The encore performance for the University of Hawaii could be even stronger than last year's remarkable run if head coach June Jones can find a performer or two to carry the show.
Despite losing several significant starters on both sides of the ball - including three who were drafted by teams in the National Football League - Jones isn't afraid of the coming season. In fact, he's looking forward to his second tour of duty.
"We're excited about the season ahead,'' Jones told a group of reporters at this morning's Western Athletic Conference meetings at the Doubletree Hotel. "I think talent-wise we will be a much-improved team over last year's group.
"But whether that equates to wins or not, I don't think you ever know as a coach until you see how the guys come together as a cohesive unit. And that's probably the most important factor. Obviously, there are some questions that have to be answered.''
Chief among them are replacing Dan Robinson at quarterback and four starters on the offensive front as the Rainbows prepare for fall camp next month. Jones believes the line has the potential to be even better than last year's group due to the coaching of assistant Mike Cavanaugh.
With first-place votes in parenthesis WAC MEDIA PRESEASON POLL
1. TCU (16), 206 points.
2. Fresno State (6), 178.
3. Hawaii (2), 170.
4. Rice, 114.
5. SMU, 108.
6. UTEP, 90.
7. Nevada, 84.
8. Tulsa, 68.
9. San Jose State, 62.
As for quarterback, Jones said he will take a hard look at everybody before deciding on a starter. Once that decision is reached, Jones will stick with him because he knows what it's like to have to keep looking over your shoulder pads to see who's gaining on you.
"We have eight quarterbacks on scholarship to choose from,'' Jones said. "So I think certainly somebody will come to the forefront after we get going in August.
"That's probably the key to our team because we throw the football. We had inquiries at quarterback from all over the country and we're still getting them now. When they come and look at us, we're more of a viable school for them because of what we do offensively.
"I probably know more than anybody the importance of having three guys who can play at this level. You're only one play away from using that next guy. We kind of held on to our rear ends last year with Dan Robinson. I said I'm not going to go through that type of season again.''
Defensively, Jones believes the Rainbows are as solid as any team in the league. Granted, Hawaii lost top tackler Jeff Ulbrich and coordinator Greg McMackin, but new coach Kevin Lempa did such a good job in the spring, Jones is confident the Rainbows will be improved.
"With our front seven, I'd match our run defense against anybody,'' Jones said. "We're also talented in the secondary. Dee Miller is one of the best safeties I've ever coached. He's that special. And Nate Jackson is one of the best natural free safeties around.
"Coach Lempa did a great job his three years with the Chargers. He knows I want to run an aggressive defense like they did in San Diego. We're also going to be improved against the option. When Kevin was at Boston College, they faced Army's option every year.''
Jones wasn't surprised Hawaii was picked to finish third in the WAC. The Rainbows even garnered two first-place votes. But he also doesn't put that much stock in polls.
"Obviously, TCU being picked to win is right in my book,'' Jones said. "They are a top 25 program. Anytime you have as much team speed as they do, you have a chance to do well.
"I figure they will have won four or five games and be ranked near the top 10 by the time we play them in October. I can tell you this, we're looking forward to playing them already.''
The fact the Horned Frogs are leaving the WAC after this season disappoints Jones. He feels Hawaii was developing a rivalry with TCU. But he also said he's pleased the direction the WAC is taking.
"I think there are some positive things about the WAC from a football standpoint, especially the bowl picture,'' Jones said. "Financially, it appears the league is moving in the right direction.
"We want to do our part to be a football power in our league. But to do that, you have to be consistent over a long period of time. How strong we'll be this season will depend on how we address some of the question marks facing us. But I believe we will be a competitive football team if we can get the same kind of chemistry in the locker room we had a year ago.''
Ka Leo O Hawaii
University of Hawaii
