Advertisement - Click to support our sponsors.

UH FOOTBALL

Lelie questionable
vs. Tulsa

Add Ashley Lelie to the list.

The talented wide receiver for the University of Hawaii spent most of yesterday's practice playing catch with fellow injured player Dee Miller.

Warriors head coach June Jones said after yesterday morning's workout that Lelie is questionable for tomorrow's game against Tulsa with a hamstring pull.

That's the same diagnosis for Miller, who is less likely to play than Lelie. His hamstring pull occurred in the second quarter of the loss at Texas-El Paso. He has not worked out all week.

"If Ashley can't go, then Scott Sims will be the starter," Jones said. "He's had a good week of practice and can do the job."

Sims is best known for being knocked into the middle of next week by Rice University safety Travis Ortega last year. After the hit, Sims missed several games.

Freshman walk-on Kanale George from St. Louis School will back up Sims and could see some playing time if Lelie remains sidelined. Jones said George's familiarity with the run-and-shoot will help him in the upcoming Western Athletic Conference game.

As for Miller, UH defensive coordinator Kevin Lempa remains hopeful he will be able to play, but if not, Nate Jackson will be at free safety and Jacob Espiau will slide over to strong safety.

The backups at those positions are junior college transfer Ryan Canon and sophomore David "Happy" Gilmore. Lempa had thought Tavis Campbell would be available, but he is still bothered by a sprained shoulder he injured in fall camp.

"That injury is far more serious than we originally thought," Lempa said. "I thought we would have Tavis back. But it's sore. We have to do some more shuffling."

The same can be said for the defensive end spot. Joe Correia is sidelined with a bruised foot. Although the injury is not serious, it's painful and has kept the senior defensive end out of the lineup.

Not that Lempa has crossed him off the list. He believes Correia will play through the pain and be in the lineup.

"He played with far worse injuries last year, so there's no questioning his toughness," Lempa said. "How effective he will be is another matter."

Laanui Correa will likely get the start at right end with Chris Brown getting the nod on the left side. Freshman Houston Ala will see extended playing time.

Flint out of sling

Junior college transfer Jared Flint is out of a shoulder sling weeks ahead of schedule, but won't be able to throw a football again until at least January.

The quarterback who figured to give Nick Rolovich and Timmy Chang a run for their money in fall camp said yesterday he should be able to compete in the spring.

He suffered a torn rotator cuff in his shoulder a few days before fall camp and underwent season-ending surgery shortly thereafter.

"It feels good," Flint said. "I'm going to begin rehab soon, so right now, I'm three weeks ahead of schedule."

Flint doesn't have a redshirt year available to him. He used it his first season in junior college, but will petition the NCAA nonetheless for another year.

---

Paul Arnett, Star-Bulletin