'09 Schedule, Patton, Purcell, Camps, Etc.

Jim Donovan talks to Ferd Lewis about a possible 2009 game with a I-AA opponent like Central Arkansas.

"Coach (Greg) McMackin has asked to play a Football Championship Subdivision (formerly known as Division I-AA) opponent in the beginning as do many of the Bowl Championship Series programs," said UH athletic director Jim Donovan. "Based upon who we have already scheduled in 2009, we already have a pretty good non-conference schedule so I believe an FCS school could be appropriate."

UH non-conference schedule in '09 includes Washington State and UNLV on the road, with Navy and Wisconsin at home.

Donovan talks to Jason Kaneshiro about the possible UCA game, other options, and when he'll try to finalize the schedule.

A contract hasn't been drawn up, but Donovan said associate athletic director Carl Clapp has been in discussions with the school and Donovan is considering a proposal to play the Bears on Friday, Sept. 4, 2009.

Donovan said he has been in contact with Division I-A schools as well, and his personal goal is to have the 2009 schedule completed by the time the Warriors open this season at Florida on Aug. 30. But he added, "If it's October, it's not the end of the world."

He said he'd prefer to open the season at home, but if needed he could put a game at the end of the schedule on Dec. 5.

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Stephen Tsai writes that Kenny Patton has been released by the New York Jets. All the best to him.

From the Rob & Russ Show, am1500hawaii.com has an audio interview with Cleveland Browns defensive end Melila Purcell on the front page. I've been helping them out with some UH football news links, which is why you may see a link back to this blog. Anyway, lots of other interviews as well -- Carl English, Karl Benson, Celebrity Password with Robert Kekaula, etc. You may need to check their archives.

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Jason Kaneshiro previews the football clinics to be hosted by UH this month.

"We're Hawaii's team and we're running this clinic, not to make money, but to bring kids in to our program so we can see them, they can be with us and can learn the fundamentals and skills and be better football players," McMackin said.

"For us, it's a chance to get acquainted with the kids of Hawaii from the little guys on up. ... We want the kids to have fun and just get introduced to the University of Hawaii."

KGMB's Liz Chun has a preview of the camps as well.

KHON's Kanoa Leahey has a report on the recently concluded Game Plan Football Academy.

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Stephen Tsai writes that in addition to the one at Pictures Plus tomorrow, Colt Brennan will have another autograph session on Sunday, this one at the Barefoot League shop in Kapahulu.

Tsai's post also has offseason workout photos of Kealoha Pilares, Jake Heun, Leon Wright-Jackson, Ray Hisatake, Royce Pollard, and Aaron "Thick Yoda" Bain. Yesterday's post included pics of Ryan Henry, Adam Leonard and Greg Alexander.

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With the crazy good linebackers the Warriors currently have, Dave Reardon asks who are your favorite linebackers from past UH teams?

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And finally, so what do you think of the new banner? For reference, here's the previous one.

UPDATE: Poll moved to the new post.