O-line starts to take shape

Coaches get a good look at the guards trying to join Satele, Uperesa and Esera as Hawaii starters

On the eve of the conclusion of spring football camp, the Hawaii offensive line has more good answers than it does questions. The coaches just have to figure out which are more right than the others.

The Warriors began camp a month ago with three veteran contenders for two openings at the starting guard spots. But after three weeks of drills, some underclassmen have emerged to challenge senior Marques Kaonohi and juniors Hercules Satele and Larry Sauafea.

"Nothing's decided yet (at guard), but we have a lot of good candidates," offensive line coach Wes Suan said.

Not that the vets have slacked off.

"Larry and Herc have shown good improvement and Marques is improving every day, too. I see a conscientious effort to get better, whether it be recognizing defenses or fundamentals and technique. Everything is looking better every day, including their sets and timing their punches and finishes."

The center and tackle positions are locked up barring injury, as center Samson Satele (moved over from left guard) and tackles Tala Esera and Dane Uperesa have all started since 2003.

Sophomore Keith Ah-Soon was at Tafuna High School in Pago Pago, American Samoa, then. He's come a long way since and will compete to start at one of the guard spots this fall.

"Keith has developed a lot of confidence in his technique," Suan said. "When he does make a mistake, he learns from it and bounces back."

Freshmen John Estes, Laupepa Letuli and Aaron Kia have shown well, too. They will be among those who see plenty of action in tomorrow's camp-ending scrimmage.

Letuli is back on the line after a brief trial at running back last fall that ended with a separated shoulder. He said the shoulder is fine now and he's happy to be back.

"The most important thing for me now is learning all the calls and gaining experience," said Letuli, who is working out at left guard and left tackle.

As for Suan, he said speculation that former UH special teams coach Dennis McKnight will rejoin the Warriors staff and replace him doesn't bother him.

"I hope the rumor is true," said Suan, deadpan, but tongue firmly in cheek. "If I am replaced it works to my advantage. It's predetermined that if I'm replaced I become the head golf coach."

At a salary of $500,000 per year, with playing privileges at Augusta National?

"No," Suan replied. "I think it's around $250,000 and I get to play whenever I want at Pebble Beach. I have to work up to Augusta."

McKnight observed the first two weeks of spring camp and attended staff meetings, and applied for the job opening created by defensive line coach Vantz Singletary's departure.

After naming Jeff Reinebold as Singletary's replacement three weeks ago, Jones said he did not expect to make any other coaching changes going into the 2006 season.

Tomorrow's final spring session at the UH practice field is from 8 to 11 a.m., and features a 60-play scrimmage (starting around 9). Following the scrimmage, there will be autograph and photo opportunities.

There will be games and activities for children, and admission is free.