Hawaii Bowl / The S / Ikaika

Ferd Lewis writes that the PAC-10 is considering an offer to send a team to the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl in 2008, and perhaps beyond.

A proposal from the Hawai'i Bowl is one of two the conference said it is still considering for its sixth and seventh picks for the 2008-2009 seasons. The other is the San Diego-based Poinsettia Bowl. Both were reviewed over the weekend at the annual Pac-10 summer meetings.

"Both are still viable candidates (for the sixth slot)," said Jim Muldoon, associate commissioner of the Pac-10. He said it could be August before a decision is made.

Meanwhile, WAC commissioner Karl Benson has sort of an update on a possible 13th game this season.

Benson said he had no new news on whether Hawaii will have a 13th opponent for football this fall. UH athletic director Herman Frazier said he would give two prospective opponents until the middle of this week to accept a proposal, or Hawaii will go with a 12-game schedule.

So what day is considered the middle of the week? Logically, it would be Wednesday.

And Tom Kowalski of Lions Insider takes a look at Ikaika Alama-Francis. Here's an excerpt:

No one is comparing Alama-Francis to Julius Peppers but the connections to basketball and its benefits can't be ignored. What Alama-Francis brings to his defensive end position is a great first step, excellent balance, a huge wingspan, great work ethic and, perhaps more importantly, lightning-quick hands.

Alama-Francis didn't participate in the early workouts because of a muscle tear he suffered while weight lifting in preparation for the scouting combine. Still, in the drills I saw him perform that required hand movement and placement, he reminded me of Robert Porcher, who went to several Pro Bowls because of a quick first step and excellent hands.

Great profile. Just be wary of some of the comments by disgruntled Lions fans at the end. Yikes. I'm sure once Ikaika gets in gear, those same fans will be singing his praises.

UPDATE: Here a SF Chronicle article on Ashley Lelie as he tries to overcome a quad strain.

Lelie pulled a thigh muscle during the first practice of the mandatory minicamp in early May. He hobbled around the locker room for the rest of the camp. On Monday, he practiced but was held out during the last scrimmage after the thigh tightened.

...

Lelie provides something that others in the 49ers' receiving corps don't, and that's speed. Even if Lelie doesn't catch 60 passes this year, the threat of his speed changes a defense. Many teams will have to devote a safety to his side to avoid giving up a long play.
"I'm just glad I'll still be able to get on track," Lelie said about the timing of his injury. "I'm glad this didn't happen in training camp."