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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 0-12 (0-8) | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: June Jones Returning starters: 15 (offense 7, defense 7) Outlook June Jones was brought to Honolulu for a number of reasons, but for all his ability as an offensive innovator, perhaps the most important contribution he can make to a beleaguered program is give it stability. The team that holds the holds the nation's longest losing streak in Division I at 18 games has had six offensive coordinators in six years. After playing for the Warriors in the 1970s, Jones sounds like he's reached nirvana with his return to the islands. Aside from the weather and the beaches, though, there is a lot not to like about this particular corner of the Pacific. Hawaii won only five home games in the last three years. That's a lot better than the road mark, though. Hawaii hasn't won away from Aloha Stadium since '95 and it's lost 24 straight road league games dating to 1992. OffenseThe Warriors will run a four- and five-wide receiver spread offense this year. The aggressive effort has been strengthened by the naming of a starting quarterback before September, something that was difficult to do in recent seasons. Senior Dan Robinson (6-4, 213), who started 10 games last year, will be the No. 1 signalcaller. He threw for 2,155 yards and 11 TDs, the best numbers by a quarterback on the island since 1993. Robinson has a strong arm -- he threw for 328 yards in a season-ending loss to Michigan -- but he is not mobile enough to fit perfectly into Jones' system. Senior receiver Dwight Carter (5-10, 174) figures to be the leading target. He was second on the team in receptions last year, and caught three TDs. He had a career day with eight catches for 154 yards against Michigan. Davey DeLaura played in 12 games a year ago and Craig Stutzmann saw action in 11. But they combined to catch just 13 passes, not enough production to satisfy this suddenly pass-heavy unit. That doesn't mean the Warriors won't run the ball. Charles Tharp led the team in rushing a year ago, but has left the program following a suspension this spring for breaking a team rule. That leaves Avion Weaver and Afatia Thompson as the top candidates. Weaver carried the ball sparingly while appearing in 11 games a year ago. Robert Kemfort has moved over from wide receiver. His speed and elusivity could be particularly valuable in the backfield. Experience on the line makes plans at all the other positions possible. A pair of experienced tackles , Kaulana Noa (6-5, 317) and Adrian Klemm (6-5, 322) anchor the unit. Noa has started the last 32 games for Hawaii. Center Dustin Owen (6-2, 318) and guard Andy Phillips (6-5, 320) lend experience and strength. A new guard must be found but sophomore Manly Kanoa (6-5, 301) appears capable of stepping forward and claiming the job.
It's a good sign if: A new offensive scheme agrees with the personnel. An aggressive 4-3 defensive scheme help Hawaii force the issue a bit on this side of the ball. Former Seattle Seahawks coordinator Greg McMackin is trying to breath some life back into a unit that finished 20th in the nation just two years ago. The first thing he must do is establish the pass rush. The team recorded just 17 sacks a year ago, with the front line contributing only seven. Tony Tuioti (6-1, 287) is the lone returning starter from last season's three-man wall. Last year he was troubled by a back problem, however. This spring he underwent back surgery and was excused from team drills. Matt Elam has been moved permanently to tackle after playing in 12 games last year, seven of them at tackle. Miles Garner (6-2, 330) and Joe Correia (6-2, 260) have experience and should figure into the mix. The linebackers will lead the defense thanks to seniors Jeff Ulbrich and Matt Paul. Ulbrich (6-1, 243) played in seven games and started three before being felled by torn knee ligaments. Paul started in 12 games and finished second on the team in tackles with 100. Both will see time at the inside position. The most notable moves of the spring came when Kemfort (6-2, 200) and Anthony Smith moved to linebacker. Kemfort's speed makes him a choice for one of the outside linebacker spots, but he is also seeing time at running back. The secondary is the area of greatest concern. Nate Jackson has the most experience of a green group. He played in nine games and started five at free safety. He is capable of playing corner, too. Shawndel Tucker is a front-runner at one cornerback spot. Smith's move to linebacker creates a hole at strong safety, but Daniel Ho-Ching could fill that void after starting four games there last year. It's a good sign if: Tuioti's back holds up following offseason surgery.It's a bad sign if: Points continue to come in bunches. Last year the Rainbows allowed 30 or more points in nine games. Special Teams Both kickers return. Punter Chad Shrout and kicker Eric Hannum are capable, but Hannum has a challenge on his hands from newcomer Jake Huggins. Last year Shrout handled both kicking and punting. He punted a whopping 82 times and hit 7 of 15 field goals and 10 of 15 PATs. Hannum was sidelined much of the year with a hamstring injury. -- John Crowley |
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