The University of Hawaii football team experienced an outbreak of amnesia during Saturday’s meetings and 45-minute workout on the Manoa campus.
"The kids have a short memory," coach Norm Chow said of the Rainbow Warriors’ season-opening loss to USC this past Thursday. "That’s how you have to be. We’re ready to move on."
The Warriors had a day off this past Friday, and they will not practice today. Still, there were these transactions:
» Offensive lineman Sullivan "Sully" Wiefels has requested a release from his football scholarship to transfer to a junior college in California. Wiefels, who was one of 64 UH players who stayed overnight in a Waikiki hotel ahead of the USC game, reportedly notified UH officials of his request on Thursday morning. He then was removed from the active roster for that evening’s game. In his request, Wiefels cited family and personal reasons.
» Freshman Dejon Allen will move from defensive tackle to replace Wiefels on the offensive line. Allen practiced on both sides of the line during training camp. "We think (Allen) is more of an offensive-line-type guy, anyway," Chow said.
» Cornerback Tony Grimes said he is moving to X receiver. In 2012, Grimes played 11 games, starting four. He was used in a reserve role against USC.
"New opportunities," said Grimes, who transferred from Arizona Western Junior College last year after attending Mississippi. "I’m trying to be an explosive guy on the other side of the ball. I’m willing to help out as needed. It’s going to depend on if they need me."
The Warriors will learn Tuesday whether running back Joey Iosefa, left tackle Sean Shigematsu, defensive tackle Kennedy Tulimasealii and linebacker Lance Williams will be available for Saturday’s road game against Oregon State.
Iosefa has not participated in contact drills since suffering a fractured left foot in late July.
On Saturday, Iosefa went through agility drills with the other running backs.
"This was just a test," Iosefa said. "It wasn’t the real deal. I’m getting my cardio in. I feel excellent. I feel I wasn’t gone."
X-rays showed Shigematsu suffered a bone bruise to his right ankle. He did not need a medical boot or crutches on Saturday. If Shigematsu is not healthy, then Mike Milovale will play left tackle and Frank Loyd Jr. will be used at right tackle.
"Frank played well in the game," Chow said.
Tulimasealii is recovering from a partially torn MCL in his right knee. Williams suffered a leg injury last week. At the end of Saturday’s workouts, the healthy players were required to run 100 yards eight times. Tulimasealii and Williams were told to walk the distance.
"We’ll know more about Kennedy and Lance on Tuesday," Chow said.
It does not appear tight end Jordan Pu‘u-Robinson, who has spent nearly four weeks recovering from a shoulder injury, will be ready to play against Oregon State.
