One of the Hawaii football team’s top pass-and-catch duos — Nick Rolovich and Ashley Lelie — will be reunited in Reno.
Lelie, a former UH wide receiver who was a first-round draft pick in 2002, has been named the quality-control coach for Nevada’s offense. He will become a graduate assistant this summer.
Rolovich, a former UH quarterback and coach, is in his second year as the Wolf Pack’s offensive coordinator.
“It was a tough decision,” said Lelie, who served as the Warriors’ student manager and student assistant the past three years. “I’m thankful for the opportunity Coach (Norm Chow) gave me.”
Lelie said a chance to work with Rolovich was “too good of an opportunity to pass up.”
Lelie said he will miss working with Chow and the offensive coaches, such as newcomers Aaron Price (offensive coordinator) and Chris Naeole (line coach).
Lelie said he received the offer two weeks ago. He said it was better to make the move now than to wait until after the conclusion of spring training. The Warriors, who practiced on Tuesday, have 12 spring practices remaining.
Lelie said his wife, Nozanin, will remain at UH for another year to complete work on her Ph.D.
BACKS BREAKING DOWN
It should be known as Back Monday.
Quarterback Sean Schroeder and defensive end Iuta Tepa underwent back surgeries on Monday morning.
Tight end Jordan Pu‘u-Robinson injured his back that afternoon, and offensive lineman Chauncy Winchester-Makainai incurred back soreness that night. Pu‘u-Robinson and Winchester-Makainai did not practice on Tuesday.
“There’s always a flavor of the day, and this spring it seems to be the back,” Chow said.
Winchester-Makainai did not know the source of his back injury. Pu‘u-Robinson apparently suffered his injury while reaching for a sandwich.
Chow said: “I said: ‘Jordan, you’ve got to tell me a better story. You cannot give me that story. Tell me you went bodysurfing or skindiving.’
“But that’s the story.”
FRIEL RETURNS TO FIELD
Defensive tackle Calen Friel was cleared to resume practicing. He missed the 2012 season after suffering a leg injury during a scrimmage in training camp.
Defensive end Beau Yap, who recently underwent surgery for a fractured right foot, said the cast will be removed on May 1. He said he expects to be back to full health in June. Yap is considered to be the Warriors’ best pass rusher. He also doubles as the long-snapper.
Backup center Kody Afusia was the long-snapper during Tuesday’s practice.
