Sports Notebook
Star-Bulletin staff
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WARRIORS FOOTBALL
Projected D-line starters Fonoti, Laeli back to work
The crowd surrounding Hawaii defensive line coach Dave Aranda swelled a bit yesterday.
After injuries thinned the defensive front over the last two weeks,
John Fonoti and
Fale Laeli, both projected starters entering camp, were among those who returned to practice yesterday.
"We're trying to work them back and we're going to be smart about it," Aranda said. "We just want to see them run around, see them loosen up, make sure they know they're on the same page as the rest of the (defense) and slowly but surely we'll get them going into getting more reps. It's good to have them back though."
Fonoti hadn't practiced since the first week of camp due to a strained hamstring and is taking a cautious approach in his return. Still, the junior announced his return in the team period by storming into the backfield for what would have been a sack if defenders were allowed to hit the quarterbacks.
Elliott Purcell, who just returned from an elbow injury of his own, continued to work with the first team at right end, while Fonoti worked into the rotation.
"Being out for two weeks and you see these guys pushing their butts off, it's hard to just stand on the side and watch them play," Fonoti said. "At the same time, Elliott is doing a good job, that's the best I've seen him play. This year, he's a changed guy."
Laeli kept in shape with running and on the exercise bike while resting a sore knee, but there's nothing like putting the pads on again.
"You can run all you want, but it's different between football conditioning and other conditioning," Laeli said.
Tackle Tuika Tufaga also returned from an ankle injury. Defensive end Cameron Allen-Jones practiced yesterday after sitting out Tuesday.
Safety spot open
Senior strong safety
Erik Robinson played with the first team at times yesterday in place of
Mana Silva.
"That only seems fair (to give Robinson a look)," defensive backs coach Rich Miano said. "E-Rob and Mana have done a good job. He's been banged up so much so I haven't been fair to E-Rob from an injury standpoint to get the reps that Mana has. But Mana is new to this program (from Oregon State), so Mana needed those reps. So now it's pretty balanced and we have to decide who's gonna be the guy come Florida. And that job's still open, and might go down to next week sometime."
Silva, who had been steady with the first team in fall camp, rotated with Robinson during team drills.
"I'm just trying to stay mentally focused and make plays out there, that's all I can do," Silva said.
Taylor cleared
The waiting is finally over for
Jovonte Taylor.
Taylor was cleared to join practice yesterday after being limited to a spectator role while UH awaited his official transcript from Los Angeles Southwest College. He took part in yesterday afternoon's practice devoted to special teams and is expected to contribute as a receiver and kick returner.
"I've been studying my plays, meeting with the coaches and I'm catching on," Taylor said. "Sitting out for two weeks was tough, it was irritating, but it all worked out. I'm ready to go now."
Although he's getting a late start to practice, Taylor still has a chance to work his way onto the 65-man travel roster for next week's trip to Florida.
"He's going to be a great addition. He's got big-time speed," UH coach Greg McMackin said.
Women's clinic a hit
An estimated 500 women participated in the Hawaii Wahine Football Clinic at the Stan Sheriff Center on Tuesday night. The clinic was led by McMackin and his wife,
Heather.
"I was really excited about the attendance and the enthusiasm," McMackin said. "I was really proud of Heather and my staff. It's sort of a light night, but we got into quite a bit of football."
Downtown rally tomorrow
The Warriors will participate in a kickoff rally tomorrow at Tamarind Park in downtown Honolulu. The rally, hosted by American Savings Bank, is scheduled for noon to 1 p.m. The UH band and cheerleaders are also scheduled to appear at the rally.