Monday, August 13, 2001
[ UH WARRIOR FOOTBALL ]
Practice starts There won't be the full complement of 25 scholarship players allowed by the NCAA at the first newcomers' meeting for the University of Hawaii football team today.
for newcomers
Jones won't have as many
players as he would like, but
is eager to get to workBy Paul Arnett
parnett@starbulletin.comIn fact, Warriors head coach June Jones isn't sure exactly how many he will have on hand for the next three days.
"But I know it's not enough to really have an organized practice," Jones said yesterday afternoon. "We're going to be spending the next two days attending meetings, taking drug tests and physicals, and letting them know what's expected of them academic-wise.
"We have right around 20 newcomers and will have 105 players overall for our first practice on Thursday night. That's all you're allowed until the first day of school. We'll add some more walk-ons once school begins."
There are 18 scholarship athletes in this current class. Two of them -- offensive lineman Mike Holt and middle linebacker Donny Faaliliu -- came in at midterm. Faaliliu could challenge Chris Brown for the starting job. He had a solid spring.
"We could go with either guy," UH defensive coordinator Kevin Lempa said. "Chris got so big in the offseason working out in the weight room, we'll have to see how much quickness he has. He could wind up back on the defensive front."
Other incoming freshmen who could have an immediate impact are running backs Mike Bass and Josh Galeai, wideout Nate Ilaoa, and defensive backs Lamar Broadway and Cameron Hollingsworth.
The Warriors are unproven at running back and cornerback, a key reason why youth could be served for the Sept. 8 season opener on Maui against No. 2-ranked Division I-AA opponent Montana.
Jones is high on Bass and Ilaoa. It's possible Ilaoa could get a look at corner. He was the Washington Post's Metro offensive player of the year, but is versatile. Bass doesn't have a lot of size (5-foot-7, 165).
"But this kid reminds me of Barry Sanders," said Jones, who coached the future Hall of Famer during his stint with the Detroit Lions. "I thought so when I watched him on film. He can play."
How much, Jones doesn't want to speculate. He knows adjusting to Division I football takes time.
"I don't know how many of these guys will play right away," Jones said. "You have to see how they develop in fall camp. We'll hold an informal workout on Wednesday. We don't have enough to have a full workout. That will happen Thursday night.
"I'm excited about these guys coming in. We expect everyone to be here by (this evening). I'll be even more excited for our first full practice on Thursday. It will be good to be back on the football field."
UH Athletics
Ka Leo O Hawaii
