Hunter ‘good to go’
after missing 3 days

The converted O-lineman practices
for the first time after some physical tests

Miners seek gold again
Warrior Notebook

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By Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.com

Hawaii starting left tackle Wayne Hunter was cleared physically and attended his first practice yesterday, three days after the start of UH fall football camp.

"He's good to go," offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh said. "I think he's got to do some limited things for a while, but it's good to have him back."

Hunter underwent precautionary physical tests beyond what most players must pass before they are cleared to practice. The 6-foot-6, 299-pound junior declined to go into detail about the procedures. By law, UH coaches and staff are not allowed to discuss a player's medical situation without the student-athlete's permission.

But Cavanaugh and Hunter said it is nothing to be alarmed about.

"It's just some extra tests to be on the safe side," Hunter said Saturday.

The Radford High School graduate played in eight games at California as a true freshman defensive end in 1999. He sat out the 2000 season after transferring to UH. Last year, Hunter played in 11 games. He was slowed most of the season by a back injury and a virus.

Hunter was moved to the O-line before spring practice. He quickly became the top player on the depth chart at left tackle.

Freshman Brandon Eaton has spent the most time filling in at Hunter's first-team spot the first six practices since Saturday.

"I feel good about that, but I'm just filling in right now until Wayne gets back," Eaton said. "But I'm working hard so I can hopefully get some PT in the games."

The 6-3, 301-pound Eaton "has a chance to be a very good player," Cavanaugh said.

"There are little things that will come with experience," Cavanaugh added. "He's got a lot of athletic ability and he's a smart guy."

... In 1985, Hawaii went 4-6-2, but the play of senior wide receiver Walter Murray was a bright spot. He led UH in receptions and receiving yards all four years he played for the Rainbows. Murray caught passes in a school-record 40 consecutive games, but is most remembered for dropping a pass in the end zone in Brigham Young's 18-13 victory over Hawaii in 1984, the year BYU won the national championship. Murray went on to play two seasons for the Indianapolis Colts. Today, Murray works for an insurance firm in San Francisco.

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UH Athletics