Iceman’s kick keeps heat off teammates

By Jason Kaneshiro
jkaneshiro@starbulletin.com

It was his biggest kick since Nevada.

Of course, there wasn't $4 million or a BCS berth or a WAC title at stake this time, but Dan Kelly had some pressure riding on a 53-yard field-goal attempt at the end of practice.

Make it, and the team is spared running in the midday heat.

"A little pressure never does anybody any harm," said Kelly, who was encircled by raucous teammates doing the Gator chomp as he lined up the kick. "I enjoy it. I actually wish all the kicks were like that because it makes them more enjoyable. I like the attention."

And as he did in Reno last season, he drilled the kick and about the only thing he was nervous about was being mobbed by those same teammates in the ensuing celebration.

"That was dangerous," said Kelly, nicknamed "The Iceman" after he was forced to kick the game-winner twice at Nevada due to a Wolf Pack timeout. "I was like, 'Dude, just don't land on my feet. Hit me in the head, just don't step on my feet.'

"I've been hitting the ball really well, today was the first day I had a perfect day. Helluva day not to miss one."

Bryant moving up

After getting a long look with the top units at cornerback, Jeramy Bryant put in some extra work after practice, getting some tips from senior Ryan Mouton.

"He's a big help, he doesn't hold anything back, he's helping me out a lot," Bryant said. "Whenever I have any questions, I just go to him. Just trying to pick his brain before he goes to the league."

Bryant, who snagged an interception in the team period Monday, has been moving up in camp, giving the Warriors even more depth at the position.

"I'm excited about him, because when you find a guy that's got talent and work ethic and focus, eventually he's going to help us, maybe sooner," defensive backs coach Rich Miano said.

Mouton and Jameel Dowling have been running with the first group, backed up by Calvin Roberts and JoPierre Davis.

True red-shirt

Steele Jantz has a new look. The freshman has been issued a red No. 15 jersey with "Tebow" stenciled across the back in preparation for his role simulating Florida's Heisman Trophy quarterback Tim Tebow with the scout team.

"(The coaches) gave it to me and just told me to wear it with pride," Jantz said.

"I take it very seriously, I think it's a big responsibility. Coach talks about how everyone has equal responsibility on the team and I just take this as my role and I'm going to give them a good look."

Jantz said he's watching tape of Tebow to prepare and his teammates are already getting adjusted to his new identity.

"They call me 'Tim' or call me 'Tebow,' " he said.

Short yardage

Tickets for individual home games go on sale Monday. ... While Hawaii deals with injury concerns in camp, Florida - UH's season-opening foe - has lost five players for the season due to torn ACLs.