Likio petitions NCAA
to play right away

The Hawaii football defense got a big lift when Lui Fuga was granted an additional season of eligibility. Could the NCAA again help the Warriors' 2004 defensive line?

Sophomore Ali Likio is filing for a hardship exemption of the rule that prohibits playing the season immediately after switching schools. Likio transferred to Hawaii from Arizona State this summer to be closer to family, especially because of the health difficulties of his prematurely born baby, Fololesia.

"Hopefully they understand the situation, and hopefully that works out," said Likio, who was at UH's practice yesterday in street clothes. "If it doesn't, I'll be more than glad to be on the scout team."

With tackle Fuga and end Mel Purcell injured, the Warriors are short of experienced defensive linemen. Both are expected to return in time for the season opener on Sept. 4 against Florida Atlantic. But UH still needs as much depth as possible on the front four, which lost seven of its top nine players from last year.

Likio played extensively for the Sun Devils last year as a nose tackle.

He said he weighs around 330 pounds now.

"But it feels like 350. I've been trying to get back into shape on my own, watch what I'm eating and lift, get back in the momentum," he said.

Likio was born in Tonga and lived in Hawaii and California as a child before his last two years of high school in Texas.

"I moved around a lot because my father's a minister. I think playing in Texas got me recruited to Arizona State," he said. "I'm glad to be here, though."

Most of his family, including his wife, Hulu, and Fololesia, live on Kauai.

"The baby is doing well and that's the most important thing," he said.

Likio said he expects to enroll for the fall semester this week after some other paperwork is finalized.

Komine leads: Senior Britton Komine has moved to the top of the depth chart at right wide receiver, coach June Jones said.

Sophomore Ross Dickerson was No. 1 entering fall drills, after a successful switch from slotback to wideout last spring.

"Ross has had a good camp, but Britton's ahead of him," Jones said.

Komine has caught 111 passes for 1,488 yards and 15 touchdowns the past two seasons. He played hurt most of last year with a calf injury.

Dickerson caught eight balls for 57 yards in a backup role in 2003. He is faster than Komine, but Komine has surer hands in addition to the experience advantage.

New kicker: Walk-on true freshman kicker/punter C.J. Santiago worked out yesterday with punters Kurt Milne and Tim Wright. After a good freshman season last fall, Milne is almost assured the starting punting job.

Things are less clear at kicker, where senior Justin Ayat and sophomore Nolan Miranda are competing. Jones was asked if Santiago has a chance to be the starter, especially with Ayat battling a groin injury.

"Sure does," Jones answered.

Santiago smiled when that was relayed to him, but he's not getting ahead of himself.

"That's nice to hear, but I've got a lot to prove," he said. "Today was my first day. I was a little nervous and I'll do it a day at a time."

TC and the USA: Senior quarterback Tim Chang was featured in an extensive USA Today profile in Tuesday's editions.

"I didn't see it, but Coach Jones told me about it. I heard it was a good article, putting Hawaii on the map," Chang said. "Just as long as people realize it's not just about me or one particular receiver or any other individual."

Chang said the most important thing about national exposure that he and other athletes from Hawaii receive is how it can inspire youngsters.

"When I see Michelle Wie and Bryan Clay compete with the best in the world it makes me proud, the whole state proud," he said. "Little kids looking up to them see them do it, and they realize that person grew up or lives 2 miles away from them, and maybe the kids can reach out for something."

Akpan OK: Junior defensive end Tony Akpan left practice early yesterday, apparently with an internal injury.

But defensive line coach Vantz Singletary said Akpan was suffering from dehydration, and would return today.

"He worked especially hard and just dried himself out," Singletary said.

Short yardage: Jones said he doubts the Warriors will scrimmage again before the start of the season. ... True freshman quarterback Tyler Graunke will redshirt this season, Jones said.