A storyline was resolved happily yesterday when cornerback Keenan Jones was cleared to practice with the University of Hawai'i football team.

Jones, who is 6 feet and 192 pounds, must go through the NCAA's mandatory waiting period of practicing with limited equipment for five days, before he is cleared to play in games.

But he already has been placed on the tentative travel roster for Saturday's season-opener against Alabama. UH coach June Jones said a final decision will be made after tomorrow's morning practice.

"The thing is, he might not be able to contribute on defense this game, but he might be able to contribute on special teams."

But coach Jones said Keenan Jones appears to be in good shape. "He's been running on his own," Jones said. "We'll see what he can do and how he can contribute."

Jones earned an associate degree more than two weeks ago, presumably the final hurdle in being eligible to play for the Warriors this season. He arrived in Honolulu on Aug. 12, but was not allowed to practice or attend team meetings until his case was resolved. He stayed with slotbacks Davone Bess and Jason Ferguson.

The problems centered on Compton, which recently lost its accreditation. When Compton's problems surfaced, UH officials told Keenan Jones that the school would not accept credits from Compton starting with the 2006 spring semester.

According to Jones, UH officials told him to transfer to another junior college to earn credits toward an associate degree. Jones attended Los Angeles Harbor College during the spring semester. Because L.A. Harbor canceled a class he needed, Jones finished up at El Camino College this summer.

The NCAA requires an incoming junior to have earned 25 percent of the credits toward his major. By transferring from Compton, Jones said, he lost two credits. UH then petitioned the NCAA for a waiver that would allow Jones to play this season.

Eight of Jones' teammates earned degrees from Compton and went on to four-year colleges without any problems. If he remained at Compton for the spring semester, Jones said, "I would have been here June 27."

During the wait, Jones said, "there were doubts. But it all worked out." Jones even thanked UH compliance officer Bill Bryant, athletic director Herman Frazier, and teammates Ferguson and Bess.

"I had a couple of bucks in my account," Jones said. "I ate off campus, and stayed off campus with Jason Ferguson and Davone Bess. They looked out for me. They made sure I wasn't in need of anything."

Bess said: "We took him in. We showed him around. We're happy he cleared. It gives him an opportunity to showcase his talent."

Jones constantly pressed Bess and Ferguson for tips.

"A closed mouth never gets fed," Bess said. "Every time he was around, he asked me questions. He was always hungry to learn more."

TACKLE TO JOIN UH

Montrey Whittaker, who attended yesterday's practice, will join the Warriors as an offensive tackle in January.

Whittaker is 6 feet 7 and 310 pounds.

He was raised in Tennessee, and has "been out of high school for a while."

He said he spent time taking care of his mother, when she was ailing.

"She's doing well now," he said. "I'm doing better, too. I got my life back together. I came out here, and I'm trying to get a fresh start, basically."

ROSTER TAKING SHAPE

Jones said he won't finalize the 60-player travel roster until after tomorrow's practice. But it appears he has settled on which offensive players will make the trip.

Jones said he will bring three quarterbacks (Colt Brennan, Tyler Graunke and Inoke Funaki) and three running backs (Nate Ilaoa, Reagan Mauia and David Farmer).

"Farmer has done a great job," Jones said.

For now, the Warriors will take nine receivers — left wideouts Jason Rivers and Chad Mock; left slotbacks Bess and Michael Washington; right slotbacks Ryan Grice-Mullins, Aaron Bain and Patrick Olchovy, and right wideouts Ross Dickerson and Ian Sample.

Dickerson did not practice yesterday because of a sprained right ankle.

"He needed a day off," Jones said.

Dickerson also is the No. 1 kick returner.

Of the receivers, Olchovy appears to be on the bubble.

For now, the plan is to take nine offensive linemen. The starters are left tackle Tala Esera, left guard Hercules Satele, center Samson Satele, right guard John Estes and right tackle Dane Uperesa.

The top backups are Marques Kaonohi, Larry Sauafea, Keith Ah Soon and Keoni Steinhoff.

Laupepa Letuli is in the mix, despite a broken left hand, which was heavily wrapped yesterday.

It has been difficult to pick the defensive players because of the injury situation.

Starting nose tackle Michael Lafaele is practicing, but he appears to still be bothered by a sore left heel. He wears a medical boot when he is not practicing.

His top backup, Lawrence Wilson, has a sore left ankle.

Starting left cornerback A.J. Martinez was held out of practices because of a groin injury. Kenny Patton replaced him.

And strong safety Brad Kalilimoku has missed a week of practice because of a hamstring injury.

"I'll return Monday," Kalilimoku said.

He said his left hamstring is "just tight. It's the second gear that I need. It was pulled, but now it's getting better."

Jones said Kalilimoku will make the trip.

"Even if it's to play special teams, he'll help us," Jones said.

Kalilimoku said it has been difficult to watch practices.

"Especially with a big game like this," he said. "I was kind of stubborn (about wanting to practice), but (defensive coordinator Jerry) Glanville kicks me out. He knows what's best. I have to look at the big picture."

Jake Patek is set to start. Jones said Michael Malala and Desmond Thomas are available to play strong safety. Malala and Thomas are making the trip as special-team players.

FONOTI VOWS TO RETURN

John Fonoti said he has "learned a lesson," and is preparing for his comeback.

Fonoti, a sophomore, was projected to start at left outside linebacker this season. But he said his cumulative grade-point average fell below the minimum needed to play Division I-A football. His GPA, however, is good enough to remain in school and on football scholarship. He expects to rejoin the Warriors in January.

"I really messed up in the summer, even the spring time," Fonoti said. "Like the coaches say, 'It's a wake-up call.' I have to get better at it. I have to focus."

After this year, Fonoti will have three seasons of eligibility remaining.

"I really want to thank coach Jones for giving me a second chance," Fonoti said. "I took things for granted last year. I'll be back."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.