Internet helps recruits land in UH’s web

Coach Jones is offering more scholarships earlier due to the faster information flow

The Internet has changed the way a lot of people do their jobs. Hawaii football coach June Jones said that includes himself, especially when it comes to recruiting.

Idaho at Hawaii When: Tomorrow, 6:05 p.m. Where: Aloha Stadium TV: Oceanic PPV 255; Sunday rebroadcast, 10 a.m., KFVE (Ch. 5) Radio: KKEA (1420-AM) Tickets: $5-$38

Jones, now in his eighth season at UH, did not previously make scholarship offers en masse early in the recruiting cycle.

"It sorted out the guys who we knew wanted to come. If they weren't going to wait until the end of January and hold off all the other people who were putting pressure on them, then they probably weren't going to come anyway," Jones said after yesterday's practice in preparation for tomorrow's homecoming game against Idaho.

Now, though, with more information (and misinformation) than ever before available from recruiting services via the Web, Jones said it's increasingly important to show interest and develop relationships early with potential future players.

"The Internet's changed all the connections," he said.

The Warriors coaches identified, tracked and offered many of the players they want early this year. The oral commitment by Kamehameha defensive lineman Vaughn Meatoga this week represents the first positive result of the fundamental shift in strategy.

According to NCAA rules, Jones can't talk about specific recruits. But he said the early commitment could spur a flurry of others in the coming weeks.

"You just never know," he said. "But I would think that we will get some."

Hawaii is at a disadvantage with mainland recruits because of its location. Jones said he is seriously considering basing two of his assistant coaches in California and Texas, as full-time recruiters. He said he will look closer at the concept after the season.

Ikaika still out yesterday: Starting right defensive end Ikaika Alama-Francis missed practice again yesterday because of an aching back he played through last Saturday at New Mexico State.

"We'll see. One more chiropractic treatment today and then we'll see how it is. Obviously it's a concern at this point," Jones said.

If Alama-Francis can't go, sophomore Keala Watson will start.

Second-team running back Reagan Mauia practiced at full speed yesterday. He's been bothered by shoulder and knee ailments.

"Reagan will be ready to play. Not 100 percent, but he's ready to rock," Jones said.

Bigger crowd?: Aloha Stadium manager Kenneth Lum said 27,000 tickets had been distributed for tomorrow's game as of yesterday morning. Especially since homecoming games generally have fewer no-shows, the result could be the biggest crowd of the season so far.

In three previous home games (all wins), UH has averaged 26,693 (turnstile), with a high of 29,427.

TV game: Either the Purdue or Oregon State game will be televised by ESPN, athletic director Herman Frazier said.

"We always talked about it from the beginning of the season that it'd be one or the other but not both. I've been told ESPN will notify us, probably some time late next week, as to which one it is," said Frazier, who added that kickoff time might be changed "an hour or two at the max" to accommodate the telecast.

Frazier also said he expects to make an announcement "within the next two weeks" regarding next season's football schedule. The Warriors have only one (at UNLV, Sept. 15) of a possible five nonconference games set.

Vandals arrive: Idaho went straight to Aloha Stadium for a light practice yesterday afternoon upon arrival.

The Vandals then headed to the North Shore. They are staying at Turtle Bay.