In an ideal world, the University of Hawai'i football team would have a speedy receiver who is dependable, smart, and pays his own tuition and school expenses.

Welcome to paradise.

Ian Sample, a sixth-year senior and fourth-year Warrior, made his first start of the season in Saturday's 44-9 victory over Eastern Illinois. He had six receptions — seven, if the game ball is counted — for 122 yards and two touchdowns. Head coach June Jones said Sample is now the No. 1 right wideout.

"He's doing a great job for us," Jones said.

Jones thought enough of Sample to place him on scholarship at the start of the 2005 season. It was understood that it would be a one-year deal.

The thing is, Sample suffered a season-ending injury in the third game of last season. Sample decided to petition the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility. His argument was based largely on his decision to withdraw from school in 2000 to help his mother, who is suffering from multiple sclerosis.

Sample was granted the exemption, allowing him to play this season. But UH did not have an available scholarship.

"Even if they freed up a scholarship, I would be like, 'Give it to somebody who needs it more,' " Sample said. "I'm getting by."

His father, Billy Sample, is a former major league baseball player and current announcer for mlb.com. While his family is willing to help, Sample said, "I'm 23. I don't feel I need to call on them if I need financial help. It's a good base, to know they're there if I need them."

Sample is taking the two classes he needs to earn a bachelor's degree in English in December. He is using money from his savings and summer jobs to pay for his tuition ($2,586.30 this semester) and expenses. Only scholarship players are allowed to eat training-table meals at no charge.

Two friends let him stay rent-free at their Waikiki apartment, where he sleeps on the couch.

"They're really good people," he said. "There are a lot of good people in the world. ... I take out the trash, wash the dishes, and do what I can to help out. I don't take up much room. I wake up early, leave for the whole day, and come home at night."

He travels on his bicycle.

"It's not bad at all," Sample said. "I've timed it. It's a 12-minute bike ride (to school), eight minutes if I'm late. It wakes me up in the morning. I'll come in all peppy, and everybody else is drowsy. It will suck when it starts raining. Then I might be cursing living off campus."

LANE TO SEE MORE TIME

Before Saturday's opening kickoff, freshman Malcolm Lane was misidentified as Chad Mock on the telecast.

"That's OK," Lane said. "I know who I am."

Jones said: "If we decide to redshirt him, we'll show that tape and say, 'That was Chad Mock.' "

After that game, Lane, a right wideout, will be neither anonymous nor unused.

Lane, who is one of the fastest Warriors, caught a 58-yard pass from Inoke Funaki in the fourth quarter. Funaki made an incorrect read at first, and while adjusting, Lane had to stop and wait for the pass.

Jones said Lane will be used as a kick returner and backup wideout in this week's game against Nevada. By playing in Saturday's game, Lane, who graduated from an American high school in Germany in June, forfeits his opportunity to redshirt this year.

"It's an honor for me to play as a true freshman," Lane said. "And you never know what's going to happen down the road. You might get hurt, and you might need your redshirt year then. I'm glad coach Jones is giving me this chance."

Jones is serving as Lane's personal tutor. Right before the long completion, while his teammates were in the huddle, Lane was near the sideline consulting with Jones. Lane, who is aligned on the right side, only plays when he is positioned next to the UH sideline. That's why he was not used in the third quarter.

Jones said the plan is for Lane to eventually develop into a regular contributor in the final third of the regular season. Lane said he hopes to turn the apprenticeship into a full-time job.

Three wideouts are completing their NCAA eligibility at the end of season, Lane noted, "and by getting a lot of playing time now, maybe it will give me an edge next year."

Lane said he works daily on improving his quickness and catching. He also speaks to his mother each morning. She works as a criminal investigator for the U.S. Army in Germany.

"Sometimes, I'm having a down day, and I'm happy to hear my mom's voice," he said. "She tells me every day how proud she is of me, and how she wants me to work hard. She's my inspiration."

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