Mana Lolotai, a former Kamehameha Schools linebacker, said he is considering the option of joining the University of Hawai'i football team next year.

Lolotai, who was named to The Advertiser's 2005 All-State second team in football, had signed a letter of intent with Oregon State in February.

But he said he did not meet the academic requirements to play for the Beavers this season.

Instead, he is seeking to attend Hawai'i Pacific University, which does not field a football team, this academic year.

A partial-qualifier who attends a non-football, four-year university is eligible to transfer to a Division I school after a year. Blaze Soares, a three-time All-State linebacker, went that route, and now is one of the Warriors' top inside linebackers.

Attending HPU "is the fastest way to get back to football," Lolotai said.

Lolotai said he is considering Oregon State "because it's in the Pac-10." But he also said UH is a strong option.

"Playing at home is a pride thing," he said. "Playing at home is always good."

Lolotai, who is 6 feet and 220 pounds, attended yesterday's practice with family friend David Maeva, a former UH linebacker.

Lolotai's cousin, Waylon Lolotai, signed with UH in February. Waylon Lolotai is set to serve a two-year mission, and will enroll at UH in January 2009.

KEOMAKA CONTENDING

Five months ago, cornerback Ryan Keomaka was dismissed from the team because of poor study habits. Yesterday, Keomaka practiced on the second-string defense for the second day in a row.

UH coach June Jones said Keomaka has a "strong chance" of earning a berth on the Warriors' 60-player travel roster for the Sept. 2 season-opener against Alabama. Jones said Keomaka will likely be used mostly on special teams.

"I'm not expecting to go, but if I do, great," Keomaka said. "I really want to go. It's up to the coaches."

After pestering Jones during the summer, Keomaka was allowed to rejoin the team. Although he was not invited to training camp, Keomaka worked out alongside teammates during the summer conditioning program. He was one of 40 players with perfect summer attendance.

Keomaka, who reported to the team on Monday, also is healthy. Last December, he underwent successful surgery to correct a sub-luxed right shoulder. He said he also no longer has pain in two fingers on his right hand.

Keomaka, who is 5 feet 9, says he's gained 23 pounds and now weighs 173. "I don't know how I did it. I don't eat a lot," he said. "I guess my metabolism is slowing down."

KAONOHI INJURES FINGER

Marques Kaonohi, a backup at center and guard, yesterday aggravated an injury to the middle finger on his left hand.

"It feels like a sprained tendon," he said. "I was going against Mel(ila Purcell) and Kahai (LaCount), and (the finger) went back. It's super sore."

Kaonohi suffered the injury initially about two weeks ago. He said he has difficulty with his left "punch" — the blocking technique of thrusting his hands onto a defender's jersey.

Most annoying, he said, is "I can't even hold a dumb bell."

Last month, Kaonohi set the team record by bench pressing 225 pounds 42 times.

Kaonohi, defensive end David Veikune and offensive lineman Larry Sauafea help form the wedge on kickoff returns. Kaonohi and Veikune are aligned on the 25; Sauafea, who has been designated as the "wedge captain," is at the 29. Sauafea calls out the blocking schemes and the direction of the return.

KELLY KICKING FARTHER

On Thursday, kicker Daniel Kelly woke up to learn Pluto was no longer a planet. Yesterday, he learned he was no longer wearing jersey No. 99. Kelly and nose tackle Lawrence Wilson shared that number.

"It's just a number," said Kelly, who will wear No. 86, which was previously worn by wideout Dylan Linkner, who switched to No. 81 two weeks ago.

"Numbers are for letting the stat guys know who you are," Kelly added. "The only thing I don't like is this new jersey is really small. It was Dylan Linkner's and he liked tight jerseys. I like to get out of my jerseys nice and easy. I don't know what size this one is, but I'd like the size above it. It's one of those things you think about when you're standing around. When you're out practicing, it doesn't make any difference."

The only number he is focusing on is the average length of his kickoffs. As a freshman last year, Kelly said, "my average kickoff was 57 yards, and it's 65 yards (from the tee) to the end zone."

Kelly said he spent the summer in California working on strengthening his leg and kicking off with greater force. He said his average kickoff now travels 70 yards.

Kelly said he was a volunteer coach at a camp for kickers in Fontana, Calif. During his free time, he worked on a swing that gives his placekicks a higher arc.

"I was getting to the point where I was using the same (swing) when I was kicking from 45 yards or when I was attempting a PAT," Kelly said.

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