[UH FOOTBALL]
Coaches can gauge
freshman class soonJones says "there could be
some starters" among Hawaii's
incoming first-year group
In less than two weeks, Hawaii football coach June Jones and his staff begin officially working with one of the most anticipated freshman classes in the program's history.
That's when Jones learns if players like receiver Andrew Pearman, linebackers Carl Stokes and Khevin Peoples and quarterbacks Tyler Graunke, Taylor Humphrey and Brandon Thatcher are the real deal.
The coach can't speak specifically about individuals at this point, but Jones said there are several potential starters among the bunch.
"We have to look at them in training camp, and they would have to prove themselves," Jones said. "Nothing's going to be given to any of them. But there could be some starters."
The unveiling for fans begins Thursday, Aug. 12 when the Warriors have their first fall camp practice that is open to the public, 8:30 a.m. at the grass practice field. It is the first of 15 fall camp workouts (including four days with two each) before school starts Aug. 23. UH then goes into its normal mode of one practice a day from 7 to 9 a.m. The season opens Sept. 4 against Florida Atlantic at Aloha Stadium.
"They've already got my attention," Jones said of the Owls in a KKEA-1420 radio interview yesterday. "They're way better than Portland State was. It's a good thing we've improved."
Jones was making reference to 2000, when Portland State, his alma mater, bushwhacked UH 45-20.
The coach also said junior receiver Ian Sample, a transfer from New Jersey, could start at left wide receiver. That could be interpreted as a message to the incumbent at that spot, talented sophomore Jason Rivers. Rivers had a strong spring, but needs to quickly finish up some academic work to be eligible this fall, the receiver said.
This week, Jones, Tim Chang and senior cornerback Abraham Elimimian represent the Warriors at the Western Athletic Conference media briefings in Reno, Nev.
UH Athletics
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