The University of Hawai`i Warrior football team will open the 2005 season without 13 starters, including NCAA record-setting quarterback Timmy Chang and All-American receiver/return specialist Chad Owens on offense, and all-WAC cornerback Abraham Elimimian on defense. The voids to fill may have some skeptical about the upcoming season, but Warrior head coach June Jones is cautiously optimistic.

"We're going to be in a little bit of a rebuilding mode, but I think we have some talented players to fill in at certain spots," Jones said. "But until those guys mature in ball games, you really don't know what you have, especially at quarterback and receiver."

The biggest question mark is who will get the starting nod at quarterback on Sept. 3, when the Warriors open the season against two-time defending national champion USC.

"We have some guys who will get a chance to be the next quarterback," Jones said. "But since Timmy (Chang) was here for five years, none of them really have any legitimate game experience, so we'll just have to wait and see."

The opening game will mark the first time Hawai`i will meet the top-ranked team in the country. And the hype has already begun.

"There's always excitement to begin the season," Jones said. "And to have the opportunity to play the first game against the number one team in the country, I'm sure the emotions will be as high as they have ever been."

Sept. 3 also marks the first day new defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville will roam the Warrior sideline. Glanville was hired in March and has already made an impact with the Warrior defense.

"Jerry brings a tremendous amount of game-day experience," Jones said. "He has the ability to coach, make adjustments and get the kids to play hard for him, and that's what he'll do this year."

The 2005 schedule is a force to be reckoned with. After opening at home against USC, the Warriors travel to East Lansing, Mich., for the first time in school history to meet Michigan State.

"You would like to start the season 2-0, but the worst-case scenario is 0-2," Jones said. "But to have that opportunity is great for our program and for our team. Whether you pull it off or not is really kind of insignificant. It's how hard you play and the effort you put in that really matters."

The Warriors will play four WAC games on the road, beginning with new member Idaho on Sept. 24. Trips to Louisiana Tech, San Jose State, and Nevada are also on the menu. The WAC home-opener is scheduled for Oct. 1 against three-time defending WAC champion Boise State. The Warriors will also host rival Fresno State Oct. 29, a game that will be televised regionally on ABC. Home games against new WAC members New Mexico State (Oct. 15) and Utah State (Nov. 12) round out league play.

Non-conference games against Wisconsin (Nov. 25) and SDSU (Dec. 3) conclude the Warrior schedule. The Warriors and Badgers will kickoff on Friday of Thanksgiving weekend on ESPN2.

"The schedule is what it is," Jones said. "I have the same approach every year and that is to take every game one at a time and deal with the outcome. And if you're lucky enough to win most of them, then you will win the WAC."

Quarterbacks
The good news is there are six quarterbacks to fill the shoes of NCAA career passing leader Timmy Chang. The bad news is none of them have any legitimate game experience.

"Since Timmy (Chang) was here for five years, there's no one right now who has had the time or opportunity to gain any experience," quarterbacks coach Dan Morrison said. "It takes time to learn the offense and you can do all you can from the sideline, but it's a whole different picture when you're in a game situation."

Kainoa Akina (5-11, 186, Sr.) has taken the most snaps in game situations. The transfer from Eastern Michigan played in seven games and completed 7-of-19 passes for 84 yards and rushed for 102 yards in 12 carries in 2004.

"Kainoa has grown up around the field because of his father (Texas co-defensive coordinator Duane Akina)," Morrison said. "He has good presence and command in the huddle and is a definite threat to run the ball when there's nothing else there."

Jeffrey Rhode (6-5, 224, Sr.) is the only other senior of the bunch. He has been in the system for the past four years and has tossed three passes in three games.

"Jeff has improved a lot since he arrived here," Morrison said. "He is very smart and his arm strength and accuracy has improved, which has helped build his confidence level."

Jack Rolovich (6-3, 221, So.), Tyler Graunke (5-11, 179, Fr.), and Inoke Funaki (5-11, 190, Fr.) are also in the hunt.

Rolovich saw limited action in two games as a true freshman and completed 4-of-8 passes for 37 yards.

"Jack has the strongest arm of the group," Morrison said. "He has a better understanding of the offense and is improving as each day goes by."

Graunke redshirted after suffering an injury to his collarbone during fall camp.

"Tyler is very athletic," Morrison said. "He can make all the throws, but again, the experience factor is a question mark. But Tyler had a good spring and we hope he can develop further during the off-season."

Funaki joined the team for the first time during spring drills after a two-year church mission.

"I think Inoke is going to be a special player," Morrison said. "He is very accurate and a great athlete with unbelievable vision. He's so smart that I think he will be able to pick up the offense quicker than most."

Newcomer Colt Brennan (6-3, 205, Jr.) is likely to get a shot at the starting job after a stellar year at Saddleback Community College in California. Brennan, who redshirted his freshman season at Colorado in 2003, was named honorable mention All-American and state offensive player of the year, while helping Saddleback to the conference championship in 2004.

"Colt gained a lot of experience at a high level since he was the starter at Saddleback last season," Morrison said. "He was also at Colorado for a year, a Division IA program, and has proven he can win games. His arm is quick and accurate so we hope he can develop and learn the system quickly."

Running Backs
Bryan Maneafaiga (5-8, 184, Sr.) and Kala Latuselu (5-11, 223, Jr.) are both listed at running back to replace the tandem of Michael Brewster and West Keliikipi, who combined for 1,058 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2004.

Mouse Davis, formerly in charge of special teams, has inherited the job as running backs coach this season.

"Both Bryan and Kala are solid running backs," Davis said. "There's no way to replace the one-two punch we had last season, but these two guys add a different dimension."

Maneafaiga managed to get in the backfield once in 2004. He rushed four times for 19 yards and a touchdown against Nevada and was a staple on special teams.

"Bryan had a good spring," Davis said. "He has really worked hard and we liked what we saw in him. Hopefully, he can stay healthy and keep developing during the off-season."

Latuselu was also a regular on special teams. He had five carries for a career-high 24 yards and a touchdown against Idaho last season.

Nate Ilaoa (5-9, 240, Sr.), who can also play slot receiver, could also be in the mix. Ilaoa suffered a knee injury in 2003 and spent the 2004 season in recovery. The Virginia native has rushed six times for 56 yards and a touchdown in his career, and has caught for 583 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games.

Receivers
All four starting receivers are gone from the Warrior roster, making room for a new group to step in. According to receivers coach Ron Lee, a new beginning is in order.

"They are very green," Lee said. "The veterans we had were all fifth-year guys who had a lot of big games under their belt. This is truly a rebuilding year for the receivers. The key is to get the guys to understand the offense in a short amount of time."

Ilaoa, Ross Dickerson (5-11, 190, Jr.) and Jason Ferguson (5-5, 157, So.) are the only three with legitimate game experience.

Ilaoa has not played in a game since Aug. 30, 2003, when he suffered a knee injury.

"Nate is trying to get back into football shape this off-season," Lee said. "If he can do that and perform at the level he is able to, then we will be better off because he is so explosive."

Dickerson will likely see time at the "Z" receiver spot where he caught 15 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown last season.

"Ross was having a great spring until he popped his hamstring," Lee said. "He was catching the ball well and was very consistent."

Ferguson, who saw most of his action as a return specialist, caught two passes for 60 yards. He is penciled in to replace Owens at the "H" slot.

Davone Bess (5-11, 190, Fr.) is listed behind Ferguson at the "H" slot. According to Lee, Bess could turn into a great receiver.

"We are looking for Jason and Davone to play big roles," Lee said. "But we really don't know until we get out there in the game. We need guys to perform consistently."

Ian Sample (5-10, 195, Sr.) caught seven passes for 71 yards before suffering a shoulder injury. He is likely to get the nod on the outside "X" spot.

"Ian also had a great spring," Lee said. "He and Ross are considered our veterans and they have the ability to give us some firepower on the outside."

Marcus Weems (6-3, 192, Jr.) could also see time at the "X" spot after spending three years learning the system.

Patrick Olchovy (5-8, 169, So.) and Ryan Grice-Mullen (5-11, 167, Fr.) are listed at the "Y" slot and will likely get the majority of the reps there.

"It's really a wide-open contest," Lee said. "There are a few guys coming in and we really don't know where everyone is until we can see them all at the same time and in the same environment."

Offensive Line
The offensive line is likely to be the strength of this year's squad. Four starters return to protect the Warrior passers. Former running backs coach Wes Suan, who took the reigns of the offensive line for the departed Mike Cavanaugh, is ready for his new assignment.

"This group has a lot of natural talent," Suan said. "They are already gifted in strength and agility, so it's going to be a matter of developing technique."

Veteran Derek Faavi (6-0, 271, Sr.) will start at center, a position he has held for the past two seasons. Faavi started eight games at center, but missed five games with foot and knee injuries. He finished the season with 12 knockdowns and allowed one sack in 589 pass attempts.

"Derek has been the brain trust as far as experience and making the calls on the line," Suan said. "He's a pretty good technician and a solid leader for us."

Freshman All-American and all-WAC performer Samson Satele (6-2, 278, Jr.) will occupy the left guard spot, but can play any position on the line as he did last season, filling in at center for the injured Faavi.

Satele started all 13 games, led the team with 41 knockdowns and allowed three sacks in 636 pass attempts.

"Samson is obviously a gifted lineman," Suan said. "His off-season progress has been hampered by a shoulder injury, but once he gets back to his normal routine, he'll be a force for us up front like he has been since he arrived."

All-WAC candidate Brandon Eaton (6-2, 291, Sr.) will move from tackle to start at right guard to address the departure of all-WAC performer Uriah Moenoa.

Eaton started all 13 games in 2004, eight at tackle and five at right guard, was second on the team with 34 knockdowns and allowed four sacks.

"Brandon is something special," Suan said. "He is on the cusp of turning things to his favor. He is athletic and seems to be more focused than ever. He is beginning to understand what his football mentality needs to be and I'm looking forward to him having a good season."

All-WAC tackle Tala Esera (6-3, 291, Jr.) will start on the left side, while Dane Uperesa (6-5, 328, Jr.) is likely to get the nod at the right tackle spot.

Esera started all 13 games at left tackle, recorded 20 knockdowns and gave up just one half sack all season.

"Tala had a good spring," Suan said. "He's a guy that has good size and has started for us the past two years."

Uperesa saw action in 11 games as a reserve lineman in 2004, and is expected to fill the right tackle spot on a more consistent basis this season.

"We've been waiting for Dane to make the turn," Suan said. "And I think his confidence level is where it needs to be. He has always had a good work ethic so things are beginning to come together for him."

Defensive Line
The Warrior defense is under new leadership with the addition of former NFL head coach Jerry Glanville this spring.

Glanville brings a fresh look and successful resume to the table with an order to revamp a defense that struggled statistically most of last season.

It all starts up front and according to defensive line coach Vantz Singletary, the Warrior front will be ready come game time.

"We're a little bruised up from off-season surgeries and other things, but we should be okay by the time camp rolls in," Singletary said. "This group has a chance to be as good as any unit I've had over the past six years. They are athletic and fast, and have the willingness to work hard for each other."

The Warriors will look to all-WAC end Melila Purcell (6-4, 266, Sr.) and veteran safety Leonard Peters (6-1, 184, Sr.) for leadership on defense.

Purcell is the unspoken leader of the defensive front. The honorable mention all-WAC performer led the team in sacks with six (-49) and tackles-for-loss with 15.5 (-71) in 2004. He finished third on the team with 74 tackles (47 solo) and led the Warriors with eight quarterback hurries.

"Melila is a quiet leader," Singletary said. "The guys respect him because of what he has been able to accomplish. We don't really have a superstar in this group, but Melila comes as close as anyone because he leaves it all out there on the field."

Kila Kamakawiwo`ole (6-3, 241, Sr.) and Tony Akpan (6-6, 274, Sr.) also return on the ends. Kamakawiwo`ole started 11 games and finished second among defensive linemen with 48 tackles (26 solo), including 8.5 for-a-loss (-22) and three sacks (-11).

"Kila is one of the most intelligent players," Singletary said. "He is like a coach on the field. He is a large part of what we do up front because he is so versatile and has a great understanding of what we are trying to do."

Akpan, a converted basketball player, saw action in 11 games and compiled 16 tackles (7 solo) and two for-a-loss (-7).

"Tony has all the physical tools to be a great defensive end," Singletary said. "We are looking to him to have a breakout season now that he has a better understanding of the game."

Karl Noa (6-4, 225, So.), Ikaika Alama-Francis (6-6, 215, Jr.), and Daniel Tautofi (6-1, 244, So.) are also listed at the end spots.

Noa compiled two tackles in limited action, while Alama-Francis, also a converted basketball player, amassed 22 tackles, including two for-a-loss (-6) in seven games. Tautofi spent most of the season on the scout team.

"Ikaika is beginning to understand what it takes to be a successful football player," Singletary said. "He has gifts that other guys have to work hard for. He has natural instincts which makes the game easy for him."

A host of new names are listed as defensive tackles, including converted offensive linemen Kahai LaCount (6-2, 297, Jr.), Michael Lafaele (6-1, 297, So.) and Larry Sauafea (6-2, 289, So.), along with Lawrence Wilson (6-1, 300, Jr.). LaCount amassed four tackles in six games before suffering a knee injury.

"We have a lot of guys who have been in the system and have the ability to contribute," Singletary said. "But we won't know how much until we can get on the field."

Linebackers
Tanuvasa Moe (5-11, 210, Sr.) and Ikaika Curnan (5-10, 221, Sr.) are back to fill voids left at linebacker. Moe started eight games at "WILL" linebacker and was fifth on the team, second among linebackers, with 62 tackles (29 solo), including 6.5 for-a-loss (-29) and two sacks (-23). He sat out four games with a hamstring injury.

Curnan sat out part of last season with an ankle injury but appeared in 10 games and recorded 29 tackles (18 solo) at middle linebacker.

Inside linebackers coach Cal Lee is looking forward to Curnan's return to the heart of the defense.

"Ikaika plays with a lot of emotion," Lee said. "He wears his heart on his sleeve and has a great passion for the game. He has a good feel for the ball and uses his instincts to get to the football."

Timo Paepule (6-0, 241, So.) is also likely to get playing time in the middle after recording 13 tackles in limited action at outside linebacker last season.

"We moved Timo to the inside and he has made great strides during the spring," Lee said. "He lost a few pounds so he's running a little faster. He's young and aggressive and we're hoping he can be a nice part of our defensive package."

Rustin Saole (5-11, 243, So.), Alika Durington (6-1, 230, Jr.), and Chris Williams (6-0, 232, Jr.) are also in the mix on the inside.

Incoming freshman Brashton Satele (6-2, 240, Fr.) could also make an impact.

"Brashton has a lot of ability and desire to play football," Lee said. "But we will know more and learn more when he gets out with the guys and puts the pads on."

George Lumpkin, who served as defensive coordinator for the past two seasons, has moved back to coaching outside linebackers in 2005.

"I enjoy coaching both," Lumpkin said. "The past two years was exciting for me, but it's nice having the direct contact with the kids again as a position coach. That's what I enjoy the most."

According to Lumpkin, Moe is the leader of the pack on the outside.

"T.J. (Tanuvasa) is a smart linebacker," Lumpkin said. "He has the experience and the intelligence to lead the group on the field."

C.J. Allen-Jones (6-2, 204, So.) and Brad Kalilimoku (5-11, 201, So.) are the only remaining linebackers with game experience.

"Brad got thrown into the mix as a true freshman last season because we had so many injuries," Lumpkin said. "But that will pay off for him because he plays hard and is always around the football."

Allen-Jones is listed behind Moe on the weakside and compiled 11 tackles in 10 games.

"C.J. is going to be a good player," Lumpkin said. "He has the size and the speed and just needs a little more experience under his belt."

Kalilimoku started five games at the "WILL" spot for the injured Moe and amassed 29 tackles (16 solo) as a rookie.

Khevin Peoples (5-11, 200, RFr.) is listed at "STUB" linebacker after earning a medical hardship as a rookie in 2004.

Secondary
As a group, the defensive secondary has the potential to be as good as ever. Secondary coach Rich Miano is looking forward to enjoying the fruits of labor come fall.

"This is a very hard-working conscientious group," Miano said. "They have all worked so hard and have the desire to become the best they can be."

Peters is the likely starter at free safety after leading the team with 120 tackles (77 solo), including six for-a-loss (-27) and a sack (-7). He also finished second on the team with four interceptions.

"Leonard should have been an all-conference selection as a junior," Miano said. "He has tremendous work ethic and a lot of respect for his teammates and coaches. He also has tremendous speed and could be an early-round draft pick if he has a big season."

Lamar Broadway (5-11, 175, Sr.) is also likely to see playing time at free safety after compiling 49 tackles (29 solo) filling injury gaps at strong safety last season.

Lono Manners (5-10, 204, Sr.) returns at strong safety after missing six games in 2004 with a foot injury. Manners finished with 32 tackles (18 solo) in seven games.

"Lono Manners has a chance to have a great season," Miano said. "If he stays healthy, he will make a lot of plays for us on defense. It's going to be exciting to watch him."

Landon Kafentzis (6-0, 194, Sr.), who managed 32 tackles (18 solo) in 12 games, is also listed as a possible starter at strong safety.

Kenny Patton (6-0, 187, Jr.) returns to start at corner after recording 56 tackles (38 solo) in 11 games.

"I have never coached any player that had as much all-around potential as Kenny," Miano said. "He's athletic and he's smart. He's the type of kid that coaches always model their sons after."

Turmarian Moreland (6-0, 194, Sr.) is the likely candidate to replace all-WAC corner Abraham Elimimian on the opposite side.

Moreland finished with 10 tackles (6 solo) in limited action last season.

Special Teams
Perhaps the biggest shoes to fill on Warrior special teams is at punt returner where Owens set several NCAA records during his career. A host of players will get a shot at becoming the Warrior return men, including Ferguson and Dickerson.

Ferguson led the team with 32 kickoff returns for 679 yards and averaged 21.2 yards per return in 2004. Dickerson recorded 14 kickoff returns for 299 yards last season, but also returned 17 times for 408 yards, including a 100-yard touchdown return, in 2003. Incoming freshman Mario Cox (5-11, 231, Fr.) will also get a shot on returns.

The departure of Justin Ayat has also left a void in place-kicking duties. Heir apparent Nolan Miranda has decided not to play the 2005 season citing personal reasons. Therefore, the Warriors are expecting invited walk-ons to battle for the starting job during fall camp.

Kurt Milne (6-0, 204, Jr.) will serve as punter after holding the starting job for the past two seasons. The Roswell, Ga., native averaged 39.9 yards per punt (63 for 2,501) and pinned 19 punts inside the 20-yard line last season.

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