Praising Keenan Jones

Praising Keenan’s improved attitude this season, Timo Paepule said:
"Big time, his attitude has definitely improved.” (HSB)


About cutting his hair before camp to symbolize his commitment, Keenan Jones said:
"I came back (to fall camp) with a new look, cut my hair," Jones said. "Not that there's anything wrong with long hair, but I wanted to show a symbol of my commitment." (HSB)
HSB Note: “Keenan Jones arrived at Hawaii last year amid a flurry of hype that he didn't live up to at first. The talented cornerback didn't help himself by doing poorly in school, missing team meetings and committing other transgressions after a 2006 season in which he rarely played, only partly because of a back injury. It got to the point that coach June Jones pulled his scholarship.

And now June Jones hopes Keenan Jones will get a medical redshirt to play another year at UH and possibly earn back his scholarship.”


About what led to JJ taking his scholarship away, Keenan said:
"When you're a star in high school and JC people give you a lot of leeway. I did what I wanted to do instead of what I was supposed to do. Missing meetings, showing up late, childish things. That was a wake-up call when (coach June Jones) told me he wasn't going to sign me for this year. He gave me the choice of being a walk-on or going on my way. That's when the light went on." (HSB)


Praising how Keenan has been changing his life, JJ said:
"He's a great kid, he just never had anyone hold him accountable. He did great in summer school and made giant steps the last three weeks. Hopefully his life is changed. Plus he loves football and he loves to hit." (HSB)


About needing to maintain his new habits, Keenan said:
"On the field's the easy part. I don't want to embarrass the program, and that's what I was doing." (HSB)