It was indeed the right time for the Warriors to name Brent Rausch as the No. 1 quarterback, even if the season does not open for another two weeks.
The Warriors were in need of a boost after Wednesday's practices — the worst since training camp opened Aug. 4. It appeared the Warriors had hit the proverbial wall, in this case two practices that day totaling five hours.
Greg Alexander, who had been superb until then, was pressing — and stressing — because of a sore foot. Meanwhile, Rausch was on the ascent, earning the top grade in every practice since the past Saturday.
And so it was the perfect time to make a decision. With security — and more reps — Rausch would continue to develop. Alexander could use the lighter workload to heal. Best of all, while Rausch is assured of starting against Florida, Alexander and Inoke Funaki will continue to be evaluated. This decision, it is hoped, is a beginning instead of an end.

* * *

• Elliott Purcell suffered what is being described as "elbow issues" during team drills yesterday. Purcell, who had been filling in for ailing John Fonoti at defensive right end, is not considered to be seriously injured.

• Daniel Lofton, who was making a push for the No. 2 spot at left wideout behind Greg Salas, suffered another nagging injury yesterday. Joe Avery appears to be No. 2 at left wideout.

* * *

And here's a picture of Beowulf's favorite former UH player:

* * *

Dan "The Iceman" Kelly is doing a telephone interview at the end of today's afternoon. practice. Note whose cell he's using:

* * *

Craig "Captain Crunch" Stutzmann leads a stomach-turning drill. With their backs to the turf, in a crunch position, the receivers try to catch passes fired by Stutzmann.

* * *

The players competed n a game of one-handed pepper. Drop a pass, go to the sideline. The final was between Malcolm Lane (left) and Greg Alexander. Alexander could not field Lane's pass. (Watchig the action are Joe Avery, Jovonte Taylor, Jake Santos and Nick Rolovich.)