Sports Notebook

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RICHARD WALKER / RWALKER@STARBULLETIN.COM Jason Whieldon, who may start for UH in the season opener, didn't have impressive numbers in yesterday's scrimmage (6-for-15, for 58 yards), but coach June Jones said he liked what he saw.

Depth chart
falling into place

UH survives scrimmage
Tulsa plans WAC attack

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By Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.com

Here is a position-by-position look at the Hawaii football team midway through training camp, after 13 practices:

QUARTERBACKS

Coach June Jones has made it clear that if Tim Chang isn't ready to play Aug. 31, that junior college transfer Jason Whieldon has the inside track to start against Eastern Illinois. Jones likes Whieldon's pluckiness and fast learning curve.

For someone relatively new to the run-and-shoot, Whieldon doesn't make many mistakes, and seems to have a good idea of when to tuck the ball in and run for a first down. He can tend to get a bit too creative, though, like yesterday when he tried to bat a pass, which was deflected back toward him, to a receiver -- except that there was no receiver in the area.

Shawn Withy-Allen is a sentimental favorite to some because the fifth-year senior has worked hard and waited for his turn. He is big and strong and can throw the long ball, but he tends to force passes into coverage at times.

Chang's passing was sharp and getting better as the week wore on, but then he broke a bone in his right pinkie finger Thursday in a freak accident. He needs to get back throwing the ball before the end of next week if he expects to start the opener.

True freshman Ryan Stickler has done a lot of the scout team work.

RUNNING BACKS

Thero Mitchell becomes a more important player if Chang can't start. He is sort of a security blanket for new quarterbacks in more ways than one. If Jones is uncomfortable with throwing the ball as much as he'd normally like because of inexperience, he can base a gameplan on ball control with Mitchell carrying a heavy load. He is also a dependable blocker, which is the most important skill for the running back in the run-and-shoot. Mitchell's fumble yesterday was a rarity; he didn't drop the ball once last fall in 73 carries.

Mike Bass showed he didn't lose any speed because of hernia surgery last spring. He, too, is an important offensive weapon, especially while whoever the QB is develops rapport with the new receivers.

John West is a slasher who will get into games somehow, even if it is just as a kick returner. Michael Brewster also remains in the picture for playing time.

OUTSIDE RECEIVERS

Justin Colbert was having a great camp until a tight calf forced him out of practice Thursday. Kanale George was too, until his concussion yesterday. Colbert and George are expected back soon, but until they're back, speedy and strong freshman Daniel Inferrera will get some more reps.

Neal Gossett continues to be reliable on the right side, and Jeremiah Cockheran shows flashes, but needs to develop consistency; that will likely come with repetition.

INSIDE RECEIVERS

Gerald Welch, Nate Ilaoa and Britton Komine have missed lots of practice time with sore legs, giving Clifton Herbert and freshman Ross Dickerson opportunities they have made the most of. Chad Owens has been solid and sometimes spectacular, and Omar Bennett is getting a look.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

Left tackle Wayne Hunter had to wait for a late medical clearance to start two-a-days, giving freshmen Dane Uperesa and Brandon Eaton chances to impress. They still have a lot to learn, but are both clearly on their way to becoming players who can contribute.

Left guard Shayne Kajioka was the star of the beginning of camp, with his impressive and inspirational showing in the dreaded "220s" conditioning test. Right guard Vince Manuwai has quietly dominated his one-on-one opponents, as expected. Tackle Ryan Santos is putting up a fight for playing time and Lui Fuata is adjusting to center. Right tackle Uriah Moenoa continues to work on his conditioning and fine-tune his technique.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Right end Travis Laboy was outstanding early in the week and fought through a tight hamstring. He sat out of yesterday's scrimmage, however, with a sore toe. On the other end, La'anui Correa has been solid and sometimes dominant. Kevin Jackson and Houston Ala, who are expected to rotate in at end, are both in great shape, and Ala has been unblockable in one-on-ones.

At tackle, Lui Fuga is back to his 2000 form and Lance Samuseva hasn't lost a step from last fall. Isaac Sopoaga is making a smooth adjustment to Division I and working to improve his endurance.

Freshman Abu Ma'afala kept up and said he learned a lot in the first week.

LINEBACKERS

Chris Brown showed he worked a lot on pass coverage in the summer. Pisa Tinoisamoa reported in great shape again and is poised for a big year. Matt Wright continues to be in the right place at the right time and makes big plays.

Chad Kalilimoku looks like an outstanding run-stopper and shined overall in yesterday's scrimmage. The coaches are considering moving Ikaika Curnan to the outside to give him a chance to get on the field sooner.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Freshman corner Kenny Patton is promising, but he sat out yesterday's scrimmage with injury. DBs coach Rich Miano and Jones are high on him, but Patton will likely redshirt since Abraham Elimimian, Kelvin Millhouse and Hyrum Peters are all returning starters. Then there's the next wave of redshirt freshmen Cameron Hollingsworth, Omega Hogan and Lamar Broadway and sophomore Josiah Cravalho.

Safety was green but deep going into camp, but injuries to Leonard Peters (spleen, kidney) and Matt Manuma (knee) cut into the depth. Sean Butts and Chad Kapanui will probably start, with Keith Bhonapha and David Gilmore playing a lot of roles. Hyrum Peters is working out at safety in certain situations, too.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Punter Mat McBriar and kicker Justin Ayat are healthy and kicking well. Freshman Kurt Milne is in camp to back up both, and freshman Nolan Miranda from Castle High School is doing some placekicking.

West, Bass, Brewster and Cockheran are auditioning to be the return men.