Warriors add full gear
to practice plan
Despite a few nagging injuries,
June Jones says he's happy with
his team's overall progress
The players may have been in full pads yesterday for the first time in fall camp, but it wasn't that much different than the day before.
"We practice the same way whether we have pads on or not, so it's just getting used to the pads basically," Warriors head coach June Jones said. "It's basically the same as helmets and shoulder pads."
Jones said he was pleased with the team's overall progress to date, even with a few nagging injuries sidelining several players, including defensive starters Lui Fuga (tackle) and Paul Lutu-Carroll (outside linebacker) and possible offensive starter Nate Ilaoa (slotback). Also, starting right guard Uriah Moenoa continues to rest a tender knee.
"It's a concern, but it's not a major thing. We know we'll be getting guys back," Jones said. "Lui and Paul twisted their knees, but they'll be back before the first game. Nate's a little more guarded."
Ilaoa is out with a subluxed shoulder, and he's trying to get to his playing weight after a knee injury required surgery nearly one year ago.
Lutu-Carroll said he was diagnosed with a minor MCL sprain.
"I'll be back in about a week, week and a half," he said. "It doesn't really hurt, just stiff from sleeping, no circulation."
True freshman Khevin Peoples ran with the first-team defense in Lutu-Carroll's place yesterday.
Weight a minute: The successful dieting of defensive tackle Matt Faga and Moenoa has been well-documented.
But one Warrior, sophomore left guard Samson Satele, actually lost too much weight over the summer.
Satele played at 298 pounds last year when he attained second-team all-conference status as a second-year freshman.
"This summer I was aiming to lose some weight and get stronger," said Satele, who is down to 275. "But Coach Cav (offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh) said I lost too much, and I've got to gain back 10 pounds."
Jenkins makes strides: Senior safety Patrick Jenkins is one of those players who has made steady improvement over the years and could be on the verge of serious playing time.
Jenkins (6-feet, 190 pounds) came into camp behind Leonard Peters and Lono Manners at strong safety, but also has been getting plenty of reps at free safety where Lamar Broadway is the starter and Matt Manuma is behind him.
"Of course I want to make a move to the first team, but I'm still learning the plays," said Jenkins, who has played in 13 games, mostly as a special-teamer the past two years. "I feel very comfortable because we've gone over them a lot, but I'm taking it slowly.
"My mental game is strong, but I can always improve on it, just like speed and footwork."
Defensive backs coach Rich Miano said Jenkins has the look of a big-time safety and he just needs experience.
Pigout on Thursday: Tickets to the 2005 Super Bowl in Jacksonville, Fla., are among the auction items at the Warrior Pigskin Pigout on Thursday at Murphy's Bar & Grill.
The Pigout is the UH football program's annual fund-raiser for the team's training table.
Tickets are $100 for a fully hosted evening that begins at 5:30 p.m.
UH coaches will be in attendance.
Call 531-0422 for more information.
Wilson out: Defensive tackle Lawrence Wilson did not receive academic clearance to join the Warriors this fall. Wilson, a Farrington graduate, played at Dixie College the last two seasons.
Wilson (6-1, 300) joins Austin Jackson as junior college transfer defensive tackles who won't be playing for UH this fall.
Stadium security remains tight: Aloha Stadium officials said they will keep the same security procedures they implemented last year for Hawaii football games, which allows fans to bring in purses, handbags and fanny packs.
Tailgaters will be allowed into the stadium parking lot at 2:30 p.m. for all games with kickoff set for 6:05 p.m.
Stadium officials also said they will keep the number of turnstile gates at 48. Sixteen turnstile gates were added last year to accommodate heightened security checks implemented following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Coolers, backpacks, fireworks, outside food and umbrellas will not be allowed inside the 50,000-seat stadium.
