All-conference middle linebacker Chris Brown, one of Hawaii's most durable players, might not play Saturday against Southern Methodist because of a recurring left shoulder subluxation injury. Brown doubtful
vs. MustangsBy Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.comBrown has been in pain since reinjuring the shoulder during Saturday's 31-6 victory at Texas-El Paso.
When asked yesterday how his shoulder felt, Brown frowned and shook his head.
"It's very sore," he said.
UH coach June Jones had not made a decision on Brown's playing status yesterday afternoon, but he said it didn't look like Brown will play.
"I don't know, but I don't think so at this point," Jones said. "The trainers think it will be really beneficial for him to sit this one out."
Brown is second on the team in tackles with 28, including four for loss. He also has two quarterback hurries to his credit.
Junior Chad Kalilimoku is the backup and would likely start if Brown can't. Kalilimoku has five tackles, including one for loss, a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry.
Brown has started 27 consecutive games and played in 37.
Chang takes snaps: Starting quarterback Tim Chang took snaps from under center yesterday for the first time since injuring the pinkie on his right hand last month.
Chang, who has been replaced by Jason Whieldon and Shawn Withy-Allen in non-shotgun situations, said he doesn't expect to play every down now.
"Probably not. Shawn does some things I don't do," Chang said. "He can run. I'll run only when there's no open pass."
Herbert's impact: Inside receiver Clifton Herbert's first career touchdown came Saturday with relatively little fanfare, lost amid Withy-Allen's performance and the spectacular catch-and-run TD by Nate Ilaoa.
But Herbert has been one of the steadier receivers for UH early on. He has nine catches for 176 yards.
"I'm ecstatic," the 5-foot-8, 157-pound junior from Palmdale, Calif., said. "I'm happy I could help jumpstart the team in all three games and finally score a touchdown."
Short yardage: The Honolulu Police Department will cite or tow cars illegally parked near Aloha Stadium beginning Saturday, according to a news release from HPD. For more information about parking options on game day, call 486-9511. ... UH assistant coach Tyson Helton and his wife April are expecting their first child in April. ... The Mustangs arrived yesterday afternoon and practiced last night at Aloha Stadium.