RICHARD WALKER / RWALKER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Hawaii wide receiver Nainoa Kuna pulled in a pass during drills on Saturday. Yesterday's practice was highlighted by several good catches by UH receivers.
The Hawaii pass-catchers made some nice grabs in yesterday's morning session. UH receivers
Tinoisamoa changed man
catching on
Rice happy with 11
By Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.comSenior Justin Colbert barely beat cornerback Kelvin Millhouse on a streak pattern, and Jason Whieldon hit him in stride for what would have gone for a touchdown.
Inside receiver Chad Owens made a pretty finger-tip grab a few minutes later.
The catch of the day, however, was a diving, rolling catch by Mike Akiu that had everybody applauding.
Meanwhile, in one-on-one drills, it was Uriah Moenoa's turn to go through the wringer.
Offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh had first-line defensive ends Houston Ala, Kevin Jackson and La'anui Correa attempt to blitz past Moenoa. They had mixed results.
Teammates cheered Moenoa when Cavanaugh begrudgingly screamed his approval.
Another highlight was starting defensive tackle Lui Fuga (6-1, 301) and starting center Lui Fuata (6-2, 315) locking horns in what a teammate called "The L&L battle." It was unknown if the reference was to their first initials or the popular local plate lunch chain. The tussle ended in a draw.
Coach June Jones said it was a productive day overall.
"We're beginning to cover all the stuff we need to do," Jones said. "Two-minutes, last-play-of-game stuff."
Most importantly, the Warriors reported no new injuries and receiver Omar Bennett and Millhouse returned after missing a day.
Starting left guard Shayne Kajioka, who suffered a concussion Monday, was back on the field but not in pads yet.
Night moves: The Hawaii football team practices under the (portable) lights for the first time this year tonight, 7:45 to 9:15 at the UH grass practice field, following a 2-5 afternoon session.
Tomorrow's schedule is the same as today's.
Friday's practices are 1:45 to 3:15 p.m. at UH and 6-8 p.m. at Aloha Stadium. Camp concludes Saturday with an 8:30 a.m. practice scheduled to go three hours. The Warriors will be off Sunday. UH begins 7-9 a.m. once-a-day practices on Monday.
The season opener is Saturday, Aug. 31 against Eastern Illinois at Aloha Stadium.
NFL trip among Pigskin items: Tickets to a Denver Broncos-Oakland Raiders game, along with travel and weekend accommodations, are one of the items up for bid at tomorrow's Pigskin Pigout. Dozens of other items, including sports memorabilia, wines, golf tours and a trip to a Winston Cup race are also among the items.
The fundraiser for UH football is at Murphy's Bar & Grill. Tickets are $100 and include all-you-can eat and unlimited beverages.
The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and goes until at least 9:30.
Jackson home for now: Former UH safety Nate Jackson returned to Hawaii on Sunday from the Tennessee Titans camp because of a death in his family.
Jackson, who joined the Titans as a free agent and played briefly in two preseason games, said he has not been released and could possibly return to the team.
"It's still a question mark," Jackson said. "I'm on personal leave."
Short yardage: Freshman defensive end Melila Purcell Jr. caught the eye of UH men's volleyball coach Mike Wilton. "If he's anything like his dad, they've got a good one, as an athlete and a person," said Wilton, who coached Melila Purcell in volleyball at Brigham Young-Hawaii. Purcell Jr. is a partial qualifier who is practicing with the Warriors but cannot play in games this year. ... JC transfer Matt Faga is still awaiting academic clearance before he can practice.
UH Athletics
