KEN IGE / KIGE@STARBULLETIN.COM
UH quarterback Tim Chang passed his running test at yesterday's first practice of fall camp.
Changed Chang
Hawaii's Heisman candidate opens
fall camp more self-aware and in the
best shape of his Warrior career
Hawaii coach June Jones says when it comes to awareness, Tim Chang is one of the best quarterbacks he's coached.
That's on the field, when Chang slides in the pocket to avoid pressure, or when he magically finds an open receiver when none seem available.
But Chang felt his awareness -- actually, his self-awareness -- could use a little work this summer. So he took a 10-day break from his workout regimen and went to a seminar in California.
"I started realizing the things I do and how it affects others in every aspect of my life," Chang said after UH's first practice of fall camp yesterday. "I went with the idea of it helping my game, but it's about how I live my life and if I like the way I'm living it."
Chang laughed when asked if he joined a religious cult.
"No, no, no, no. It's just about self growth and putting my life in perspective. There were all kinds of people there, all shapes and sizes, ethnic backgrounds. I was one of the youngest there. Some people in their 70s. "
What did he learn about himself?
"I kinda know. I have a really good idea," he said.
OK, be like that -- some things are better kept private.
Maybe Chang will share more details about where he went and what he encountered on this mysterious path to self-discovery later.
For now, awareness is a theme in his life in another way. Jones wants the nation to learn more about Chang, a junior who is threatening to break NCAA career passing records by the time he is done with college football at the end of the 2004 season.
At Jones' prompting, the UH sports media relations department has launched a $10,000 campaign to get Chang on the radar screen for Heisman Trophy consideration. It includes distribution of a DVD introducing "TC" to those who vote for the award that supposedly goes to the best player in college football.
Everybody knows this is actually an investment for 2004, when Chang will have a chance to break Ty Detmer's career passing yardage record, as well as other marks, if he stays healthy. But Chang still must wear the label of "Heisman Candidate," and endure the added scrutiny that comes with it.
It starts on his own team, where his friends tease him good-naturedly on a regular basis.
"Oh yeah, every day," Chang said. "They make side comments here and there. It's funny and joking. And some take it more serious than me and they're happy for me."
Awareness by others comes with potential vulnerability.
"I think he will have a target on his back every game this year," Jones said.
One Western Athletic Conference coach laughed when he saw the TC for Heisman DVD at the WAC media event last month. True, Chang's candidacy is based largely on numbers (like 8,615 career passing yards in less than three seasons) produced in a pass-happy run-and-shoot offense.
But such scoffing just makes Chang and the rest of the Warriors eager for -- and appreciative of -- what used to be rare recognition.
"It would be good knowing someone on your team has a chance to be recognized as one of the top players in the country," he said. "It says something about your team."
Although his laid-back manner might indicate otherwise, Chang said he has been thinking about and preparing for the coming season since the end of the last one -- an inglorious 36-28 Hawaii Bowl loss to Tulane.
It was not a fitting end to a 10-4 season in which Chang led Hawaii to gritty comeback victories at Fresno State and against Cincinnati. Many fans quickly forgot the fortitude he showed in those wins when he sat out the second half of the Hawaii Bowl with a banged-up thumb.
Chang proved he worked hard over the summer by completing all 10 of his 220-yard runs in the allotted time yesterday. He looks the strongest and fittest he ever has at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds.
"Since Dec. 25 ended, mentally I was getting ready and prepared. Watching the other bowl games made me more hungry," he said.
And, apparently, more aware.
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