Spring practice
leaves questions

Jones says the QB job is still up
in the air, and few other positions
have been solidified

Hawaii spring football practice ended with almost as many questions as it began with a month ago.

But that was of no worry to coach June Jones. He smiled the smile of the content yesterday afternoon after the final horn of the 15th practice.

That's because he hadn't promised any answers, especially about starting lineups. Still, he was asked who would be the No. 1 quarterback if the season opener against USC were today instead of Sept. 3.

"Probably ... you," he told a reporter.

KGMB's Steve Uyehara is a sturdy lad, but the former Damien athlete is out of eligibility.

No, the quarterback will come from among Kainoa Akina, Inoke Funaki, Tyler Graunke, Jeff Rhode and Jack Rolovich -- maybe. The five all had their moments this spring, but no one stepped up and grabbed the prize. So, as Jones said would happen from the beginning, the competition will continue in August, with a transfer and a walk-on or two thrown in to the mix.

"I don't think anyone's ready to play now," Jones said. "I don't know who it would be. I think two weeks before the game someone will separate himself."

There are other positions up for grabs as well. It's a lot more efficient to note the few spots that are likely locked down.

Defensively, Jones mentioned Leonard Peters at safety, Kenny Patton at cornerback and Ikaika Alama-Francis at defensive end.

"He could become one of the best pass rushers in the league," Jones said of Alama-Francis.

Lono Manners will be hard to dislodge at the other safety, too, as will Kila Kamakawiwo'ole at end or outside linebacker.

There are a few other returning starters, but with a slew of linebackers arriving in August and shoulder injuries galore among the linemen, it's impossible to predict new defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville's lineup.

On offense, the line remains the most solid group with Tala Esera, Sam Satele, Derek Fa'avi, Brandon Eaton and Dane Uperesa lining up left to right.

"That could be it," Jones said. "But Jeremy Inferrera is as good as anyone."

Jones said the offensive line accomplished its goal of cross training this spring.

"It always helps having guys learn to play a different position," he said.

Mouse Davis has replaced Mike Cavanaugh, who left for Oregon State, as the offensive line coach. Jones said it's possible Davis could be replaced by a new coach, with Davis moving to a position such as director of football operations. But he also said he's fine with Davis, who has previously coached offensive line in the NFL, keeping the spot.

Freshman slot Davone Bess was clearly the most talented among the receivers, and elusive sophomore Jason Ferguson appears ready to make a bigger impact, too.

Running back remains a battle among Bryan Maneafaiga, Kala Latuselu and Nate Ilaoa. Ilaoa could end up at slot.

Now the players are on their own until August. Strength and conditioning coach Mel deLaura will be one of the few staff members to see them on a regular basis as they work out in preparation for camp.

"Unless (Jones) tells them they can all rest until USC," deLaura said.

Patton is already thinking about the players' unofficial workouts.

"It will be a total team effort. We'll do a lot of seven-on-seven and line stuff. We've got to get all our new receivers and DBs involved," he said. "We have leaders at every position, so it shouldn't be a problem getting it organized. We've all got each other's phone numbers, and we'll put the schedules up in the locker room. The only thing is no coaches."