Tuesday, August 14, 2001
[ UH WARRIOR FOOTBALL ]
New players All the newcomers were safely in camp last night as the University of Hawaii football team prepares for Thursday's first full practice at Cooke Field.
report to camp
The Warriors are without 3
because of grades, but Jones
isn't dwelling on themBy Paul Arnett
parnett@starbulletin.com"As far as I know, everyone got here on time, which is a good thing," Hawaii head coach June Jones said. "We think this class has some difference-makers in it. We'll see how things develop in fall camp."
Hawaii lost three recruits who signed in February to grades. They are mainland standouts Isaac Sopoaga and Tyrone Brown, and local wide receiver Justin Faimealelei. All are expected to join the program at midterm.
"You have to play with the guys who made it," Jones said. "Obviously, we think all three of those guys would have definitely helped us. But we feel like we'll get them back for the spring. Right now, I'm only thinking about the guys we have with us."
The newcomers will be involved in meetings today and may take part in a light workout tomorrow afternoon at Cooke Field. It will be closed to the media and fans. Some veterans may also take part. They are due in tomorrow night.
The first full practice starts Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Cooke Field and should last about two hours. The Warriors begin two-a-days on Friday with one workout in the morning and another that afternoon.
"I'm not sure when we will have a scrimmage," Jones said. "We'll probably have only one so we don't get anybody hurt. We want to stay as injury-free as possible."
Hawaii already lost top defensive tackle Lui Fuga to another shoulder injury. He underwent surgery during the offseason, which sidelined him for the spring. He had surgery performed on the other shoulder in June, which could force him to miss as many as two games.
"We're hopeful he'll be back sooner than that," Jones said. "But with shoulder injuries, you never know how quickly they will heal. He will not redshirt."
Everyone else appears fit for duty. Jones, who had an article done on him by The Sporting News that appears in the Aug. 13 edition, said he's excited about the prospect of the coming season.
"I think we'll be very competitive," Jones said. "I'm not going to predict anything. But I think we'll be right there if we can keep everybody healthy."
UH Athletics
Ka Leo O Hawaii
