Linemen get in on passing game

In talking about Beau Yap’s knack for the game last week, Hawaii defensive coordinator Kevin Clune quipped, “if I stuck him at free safety he’d find a way to make plays.”

It hasn’t come to that, but Yap and the rest of the UH linemen did have to chance to show off their receiving and coverage skills in a light-hearted period to open Thursday’s no-pads practice.

Before squaring off in more customary line drills, the offensive and defensive linemen matched up in a one-on-one passing drill. Center Kody Afusia had the highlight catch, getting open on a hitch-and-go and snagging a throw downfield. Guard David Lefotu also made a nifty move on a quick out.

When the sides switched, Yap had one of the defense’s receptions down the sideline, while guard RJ Hollis came down with an interception for the offense.

The Rainbow Warriors then got back to work in one of their longest practices of camp so far.

Yap did shift position groups (though not to the secondary) in working with the outside linebackers on Thursday. He got some practice at linebacker in the spring and had spent most of fall camp at defensive end. He could contribute in both roles this season depending on situations.

Dominique Small sees action

While Joey Iosefa and Steven Lakalaka head the running back depth chart, Dominique Small saw considerable action in Wednesday’s scrimmage as he acclimates to Division I ball.

“(He’s a) JC guy just coming in and still feeling his way a little bit,” UH running back coach Wayne Moses said of the transfer from Cerritos College. “He banged around there, had 13 or 14 carries yesterday and had a couple runs, but he’s getting used to the system. Just got out of JC ball, it’s a little different. We’re not playing any JC teams.”

Chad Owens headed to Aloha Stadium

Chad Owens will be running routes at Aloha Stadium on Sept. 13.

No, not that one.

Owens, a Northern Iowa senior, led the Panthers with 60 receptions last year with 595 yards and a team-high five touchdowns. He’ll visit Hawaii a little less than a decade since UH’s Chad Owens set a school single-game record (since tied) with four touchdown catches against Northwestern and Michigan State in 2004.