Two starting cornerbacks and the leading kick returner are no longer on the University of Hawai'i football team, coach June Jones confirmed yesterday.

Jones said cornerbacks Ryan Keomaka and Keao Monteilh and defensive back/returner Andre Taylor failed to meet the team's academic standards. In addition, Jones said, Taylor has "some other issues to take care of."

The roster deletions leave the Warriors without any cornerbacks with starting experience for the 15 days of spring practice, which begins next week. Kenny Patton, who started most of UH's games at cornerback last season, is moving to wide receiver this spring. Turmarian Moreland, who started four games at cornerback last season, has completed his NCAA eligibility.

Keomaka and Monteilh are enrolled at UH and attending classes this semester. But Jones said, "Anybody who's borderline (academically), I'm not letting into spring ball. ... The main reason they're in school is to graduate. Anybody who's borderline, we're trying to let them know what's at stake here."

Jones said there is a possibility the three will be invited back for the fall semester, but only if they improve their grades.

"That's their only chance to get back," Jones said.

Even then, Jones said, there are no guarantees.

"Right now, they're not on the team," Jones said. "That's the price you pay. After we look at the other guys and evaluate them . . . we'll make the decision who gets to come back in the fall."

Keomaka, who played in all 12 games last year, was named the Western Athletic Conference's Player of the Week for his performance in the regular-season finale against San Diego State. He was 10th on the team with 29 tackles.

"He has enough ability to be an excellent player," defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville said of Keomaka. "Unfortunately, he's been hurt the last couple of years."

Keomaka has undergone surgery on both shoulders. He played most of last season with a dislocated left thumb.

Last season, Monteilh played in nine games, starting the final three.

"I want to concentrate on my grades," Monteilh said. "Hopefully, I'll be back."

Taylor averaged 21.4 yards per kickoff return last season. He also caught three passes for 47 yards as a wideout before moving to defensive back at mid-season.

"They're good guys and good players, but they have to get serious about their accountability to the rest of the team," Jones said. "Hopefully, they'll realize what's at stake. If they don't get their grades right, they won't play next year."

In related news, running back Chris Cole and defensive back Nick Hill have transferred.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.