Roberts, Dowling swap corner roles in practice

By Jason Kaneshiro
jkaneshiro@starbulletin.com

Technically, Calvin Roberts was already a starter.

But the senior solidified that status with a solid performance last Saturday against Florida.

Roberts practiced with the first defense at right cornerback yesterday, switching roles with fellow senior Jameel Dowling.

"I'm excited to go and ready to do my job," said Roberts, who was told of the change before the hour-long practice yesterday morning.

Roberts was listed as a backup to Ryan Mouton, but was on the field for the Warriors' first series against Florida. UH began the game with five defensive backs, with Mouton shifting to nickelback and Roberts taking his place at corner and Dowling at the other corner.

With this week's switch, Roberts and Mouton are the starting corners, with Dowling coming in when the Warriors go to their nickel package.

"He's had a great camp and just continues to do things correctly," defensive backs coach Rich Miano said. "Calvin showed he's doing it in practice and in games and he deserves a chance."

Roberts played sparingly last season after transferring from College of San Mateo, finishing the year with one tackle in eight games. He posted two tackles against Florida, and Miano said Roberts graded out well in the coaches' review of the game.

"I was really excited, I had butterflies in my stomach," Roberts said of starting against the Gators. "But once the first play was over I felt kind of relaxed and felt more comfortable about the whole thing."

Salas practices

Receiver Greg Salas caught passes in practice yesterday with a small cast protecting a fracture in his hand. Salas said the added padding didn't hamper him in passing drills.

"It doesn't bother me too much, you're supposed to catch the ball in your fingertips anyway, not your hands," said Salas, who had four catches for 33 yards and a touchdown last week.

Receiver Daniel Lofton returned to practice after struggling with a hamstring injury for much of fall camp.

Linebacker Adam Leonard rested a bruised thigh, but took part in the post-practice running and is expected to play this week.

Running back Daniel Libre (high ankle sprain) observed practice as did offensive lineman Laupepa Letuli (shoulder). Aaron Kia worked with the first team at left tackle in Letuli's place.

More Weber ties

Along with assistant coach Alex Gerke, the Warriors have a tie to Weber State in defensive lineman Bo Montgomery. The Kealakehe graduate played two seasons with the Wildcats before transferring to UH. He didn't participate in fall camp and was among 17 players added to the UH roster since classes started on the Manoa campus.

Weber State's roster includes 10 players from Hawaii. Offensive linemen Lawaia Naihe and Alex Tupulua, tight end Cody Nakamura, quarterback Cameron Higgins and defensive lineman Ryan Eastman are listed on the two-deep chart.