Otineru, Symonds, Maka, $400k, Pilares

Stephen Tsai writes that offensive lineman Daniel Otineru will sit out this year as he recovers from jaw surgery.

In May, he underwent a two-part surgery. The roof of his mouth was repositioned, and his jaw was broken, then reset forward a quarter inch.

Then came the difficult part: his mouth was wired shut for six weeks. During that time, he consumed protein shakes.

"That was hard — not being able to talk and eat," Otineru said. "It was pretty depressing every time I opened up the fridge."

He lost 30 pounds, going from 295 to 265.

He has received a medical hardship and will be back in 2009.

Tsai also writes about incoming kicker Brett Symonds.

Brett Symonds, a graduate of Chaparral High School, is set to report to training camp Aug. 4, making him the third kicker from the southwest California town to play for the Warriors. Eric Hannum and Dan "The Iceman" Kelly were raised in Temecula.

Symonds turned down scholarship offers from Weber State and Idaho State to enroll at UH as a walk-on. He said he welcomes the opportunity to serve as an apprentice during Kelly's senior season.

And ST has more player pics on the WB.

Dave Reardon writes that Francis Maka is still waiting to hear from the NCAA on the status of his medical hardship petition.

And Ferd Lewis thinks the UH-June Jones dispute over the $400k may be nearing a conclusion.

UPDATE: The Warrior Beat is hosting a chat with Kealoha Pilares at 11:30am HST. Be there!

UPDATE 2: Here's a link to the chat.