Football Notebook

Expectations high
for Morris

Wesley Morris lined up wide left in last week's one-on-one drill against the defensive backs.

The University of Hawaii receiver wasn't planning anything spectacular during this routine phase of practice. He just wanted to run the post route and catch Dan Robinson's pass for a touchdown.

"It was the greatest catch I've seen in four years here," UH receivers coach Tim Green said of the reception that left Morris' teammates yelling for more.

Morris not only caught the 40-yard pass over his shoulder, he was able to slide at the last minute to avoid one of the goal posts at the back of the end zone.

"I was so busy concentrating on catching the football," Morris said. "I didn't even know I was going to run full speed into the post until the last second. I was able to dip a little and then slide."

Morris hopes to make many lasting impressions during his senior season. Last year, the junior college transfer from Compton, Calif., caught 17 passes for 350 yards and one touchdown. His average of 20.6 yards per catch was the best on the team.

"Wesley wouldn't tell you this, but he played through some terrific pain last year," Green said. "He had as bad a case of shinsplints as I've seen. But he didn't make any excuses. He just went out there and played through the pain."

UH head coach Fred vonAppen expects big things from Morris, who is the one breakaway receiver on the team. He could show only brief glimpses of that in 1997.

"I don't make any excuses, but it was tough to push off or make sharp cuts last year because of the pain in my shins," Morris said. "It feels good to be out here and healthy again."

Green said Morris isn't the only receiver having a good spring. He said Eleu Kane was continuing his consistency and Robert Kemfort was getting comfortable at his new position.

"We've had some guys hurt who were having a good spring, including John Kirby," Green said. "It's only been one week, but we're already improved over last year."

INJURY UPDATE: UH running back Afatia Thompson has been waiting for two years to run the football, so when he heard his right hamstring pop during yesterday's option drill, his heart skipped a beat.

The former Punahou School standout wasn't able to join the Rainbows after graduating in 1996 because of a severe injury to his left knee. He pulled his right hamstring yesterday.

"Now maybe my legs are balanced," Thompson said, then smiled. "I was so excited about being out here, and now this. It's been bothering me since the first day of camp, but this time it hurt more. Hopefully, I can make it back soon."

UH trainers list Thompson as day-to-day. He is one of a dozen players, including tight end Zeff Ah Quinn, who has pulled a hamstring this spring.

Linebacker Stephen Gonzales gave everyone a scare after he went down with an ankle sprain. The senior said after practice that the injury was minor and he would be back on the field today.

RAINBOWS IN PROS: The likelihood of any UH players being selected in the NFL draft this weekend is slim.

Former UH player Rich Miano, who is handling several local prospects, said Monday that the 49ers were looking at safety Eddie Klaneski as a possible free agent. The New York Giants also are in the picture. They first inquired about the Rainbows' leading tackler during the week of the Hula Bowl.

Former UH center Shane Oliveira and linebackers Brian Chapman and Doug Rosevold also are hoping for free-agent offers, as is quarterback Tim Carey.

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--By Paul Arnett