JC’s ran different "Going the JC route" means something different at Hawaii than it does at other college football programs.
routes to end up
as Warriors
Colbert and Cockheran are
Football notebook
ending their time together at UHBy Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.comFor the Warriors, it's starting receivers Justin Colbert and Jeremiah Cockheran streaking, posting, fading or crossing into an opponent's secondary. They do so together for the last time in a regular-season game when UH (9-3) hosts San Diego State (4-8) at Aloha Stadium on Saturday.
But Cockheran also went that more familiar JC route, and Colbert almost did. When they were seniors at Miller High School in Fontana, Calif., four years ago, difficulties with the Scholastic Aptitude Test had Cockheran off to Chaffey (Calif.) Junior College and the highly recruited Colbert thinking he'd do the same.
But Colbert, at the urging of his mother, took the test a second time. His improved score helped him get into UH. By that time, Colorado, Oregon and Wisconsin had forgotten about the speedy quarterback they were recruiting as a cornerback.
"Absolutely no regrets," said Colbert, a senior who became UH's career leader in receptions last Saturday against Alabama. "Coming here is one of the greatest things that ever happened to me."
Cockheran feels the same way, even though he ended up taking a more circuitous path to Manoa.
"I didn't pass the SAT," he said. "It's a biased test. I hate it. One stupid test can ruin your life."
But Cockheran didn't let that happen. He worked hard at Chaffey and UH stayed in touch with him. After receiving an associate's degree, he rejoined Colbert here last summer.
Cockheran has gradually learned the intricacies of the run-and-shoot offense, and the 6-foot-1, 190-pound junior has become a game-breaker. Against Alabama, Cockheran caught nine passes for 207 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown. It was the sixth-best receiving performance in school history.
In the last five games, Cockheran has made 30 of his 36 receptions for 505 of his 573 yards and all four touchdowns.
He said playing against one of college football's most storied programs didn't intimidate him a bit.
"I was excited. It was a good game, I got to make some plays," Cockheran said. "I always felt we were as good as they are. They were ranked a little higher, but that doesn't mean anything."
UH coach June Jones said he's glad the Warriors kept in touch with Cockheran while he was at Chaffey.
"He has natural strength, intensity and mental toughness. With confidence he's improving all the time," Jones said. "He's been what we thought he'd be when we first recruited him four years ago."
Colbert said it shouldn't shock anyone that Cockheran has established himself as a standout player.
"He's getting better and better every week. It's no surprise," Colbert said. "He's a very hard worker. He will continue to shine. He always wants to get better."
Receivers coach Ron Lee said Cockheran has improved steadily at finding open spots and making the right reads.
Jeremiah Cockheran would have liked to be in Division I the past three years. But the JC route worked out for this JC.
"It's all been worth it," he said. "When I stepped on the field (Saturday against Alabama) and looked at the crowd I saw a rainbow. I knew I was blessed."
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