Running back Joas earns travel spot

Running back Pereese Joas appears on the way to earning a berth on the 64-player travel roster.

Joas made several dazzling runs during the Rainbow Warriors’ 90-minute practice on Tuesday.

It is a remarkable ascent for a player who still does not have a numbered jersey, was summoned from the scout team last week, and overcame a period of homelessness in the past.

"I think everyone in life deserves a chance," coach Norm Chow said. "The effort and the willingness to work make a nice story."

Joas did well enough at a UH tryout for walk-ons in February 2013 to earn an invitation to that semester’s spring practice. But Joas did not accumulate enough credits to be eligible to join the Warriors that April.

Instead, he cut his long hair (a team requirement), took classes, and worked out on his own.

In the past year, Chow recalled, Joas "comes by the office. He’s willing to get a haircut. He’s doing all the things that are necessary to join our football team."

After earning enough credits, Joas was added to the roster two weeks into training camp. He was on the scout team through last week.

Chow said Joas persevered to become eligible.

"He had to do that himself," Chow said. "Hopefully, he’s made that turn, and hopefully good things are ahead of him."

The Warriors depart Wednesday evening for Houston ahead of Saturday’s game against Rice.

Henderson is the "older guy"

Less-experienced teammates often seek advice from safety Trayvon Henderson.

"I’m actually one of the youngest DBs," said Henderson, a sophomore who has never redshirted. "I turned 19 in August. Some people consider me the older guy because I played last year. It was weird."

Henderson served as mentor in the Warriors’ last game, a 21-12 loss to Colorado. He made the trip, but did not play because of an injury.

"It was hard to sit on the sideline," he said.

Henderson has been cleared and is expected to start against Rice.

Pu’u-Robinson is back

Tight end Jordan Pu’u-Robinson is prepared to return to the lineup after missing the past three games because of an injury.

"It’s nice to be back, nice to be with the team," Pu’u-Robinson said.

Since transferring from Washington State in August 2012, he has missed 23 of a possible 28 games because of injuries and paperwork matters. At 6 feet 5, Pu’u-Robinson provides a big target who can align as an on-line tight end, H-back or wideout.

Strength/conditioning coordinator Gary Beemer designed a high-velocity cardio program to maintain Pu’u-Robinson’s stamina and leg strength.

"It felt better than yesterday," he said after Tuesday’s practice, "and hopefully tomorrow feels better as well."