[ WARRIOR FOOTBALL ]
Warriors will battle
for backup QB spotAkina, Rhode, Rolovich and Stickler
begin spring practice even in the eyes
of the coaches
If June Jones and Dan Morrison have any preconceived notions about who will emerge this spring as Hawaii's No. 2 quarterback behind Tim Chang, they're keeping it to themselves.
The Warriors' head and quarterback coaches both said Kainoa Akina, Jeff Rhode, Jack Rolovich and Ryan Stickler all start even when UH begins spring practice tomorrow.
"We're going to treat it as such," Morrison said. "Just let the four compete and see how they come out after 15 practices."
The coaches probably wish they could take a little of each player: Akina's game experience (267 passes for Eastern Michigan in 2001), Rhode's size (6-foot-5, 224 pounds), Rolovich's eligibility (four more years) and Stickler's toughness (he hits like a linebacker in scrimmages).
Whoever gets the job joins an esteemed group of Chang backups, all three of whom did well when called upon.
"The backup quarterback for our team is a little different than most," Morrison said. "They have to be able to come in and not just operate the offense, but be able to win the game. Like Nick (Rolovich) did, and Shawn (Withy-Allen) did, and Jason (Whieldon) did."
The quarterback that emerges from spring practice as No. 2 will also have to hold off three incoming freshmen -- Tyler Graunke, Taylor Humphrey and Brandon Satcher -- for the job of top understudy.
There are only so many clipboards to hold. Do the Warriors plan on moving any of the quarterbacks to other positions?
"I've had discussions with a couple of them," Jones said. "But so far no one has indicated they want to change. They can certainly do what they can do."
Special guy: Frank Gansz, one of the foremost authorities on special-teams play, will be a guest coach this spring for UH.
Jones said it is unlikely Gansz, who is retired from the NFL's St. Louis Rams, will join the staff permanently. (Special-teams coach Tyson Helton left UH last month for Memphis.)
"I wouldn't want to say 'no,' but I don't think he wants a job. I think he's really excited about the coming 30 days," Jones said.
The only aspect of special teams the Warriors are slated to work on this spring is the punt-coverage unit, but Gansz will help the team in many ways, Jones said.
"He knows a lot about everything in football and it trickles over into offense and defense," Jones said.
Short yardage: Junior safety Lono Manners and senior defensive tackle Matt Faga have been awarded scholarships. ... Keith Bhonapha is back for another year as a graduate assistant. The GA post formerly held by Rinda Brooks has not been filled yet, Jones said.