Even Hawaii coach Jacob Yoro gets in exercise

It was an up-and-down football practice for Hawaii assistant coach Jacob Yoro.

As a wager, Yoro promised to do five push-ups every time a returner caught a ball during punting drills. A returner was punished 20 push-ups for each drop.

Yoro had done 45 push-ups when he decided to change the rules.

“It was starting to get a little too easy, and my chest was a little tired,” Yoro said. “I tried to up the stakes.”

Akil Francisco was asked to catch a punt while cradling a football in his left hand.

Francisco made a running catch, and Yoro hit the ground again.

“I’ve got some hands on me,” Francisco said. “I’ve got some stickies. … We used to do it back home on the black top under the street lights, all of us kids playing 7-up. It’s natural to catch the ball like that.”

With Dylan Collie set to transfer and John Ursua on the mend, the Rainbow Warriors have been auditioning punt returners this spring. Francisco, Tristin Kamaka, Cedric Byrd, Roe Farris and Justice Augafa have been taking reps.

Sharsh shows off skills

One of the surprises of spring training is wideout Jason-Matthew Sharsh, a Moanalua High graduate who played two seasons at Santa Barbara City College before transferring to UH in 2017.

Sharsh redshirted last year to fully recover from an ankle injury.

This spring, he has impressed with his speed on vertical routes and sure hands.

On Tuesday, Sharsh’s five catches accounted for 64 yards of the 75-yard scoring drive. He finished the possession with a touchdown on a slant pattern.

“It was a team effort,” Sharsh said. “We all worked together to get each other open. It worked perfectly.”

Wilson cleared to hit

After four weeks wearing the orange jersey for players on a limited-contract status, cornerback Zach Wilson was presented a green jersey at the start of Tuesday’s practice.

“I can actually play full speed without thinking about it,” Wilson said.

Wilson’s 2017 season was abbreviated because of a wrist ailment. This spring, he was allowed to participate in non-contact drills if he wore a wrist brace.

“I was already healed,” he said. “I just needed clearance. … I was cleared to get the brace off. I can do full-pad (drills) now.”

Thomas on fast track

For Derek Thomas, the action is in the cut.

After practices, Thomas works on cuts, spins and other moves in his preparation as an edge rusher. Thomas is a hybrid edge defender — part end, part linebacker. “I’m trying to get my footwork down,” Thomas said. “Footwork and handwork are the bases of what we do.”

Thomas spent a season at Cerritos College before receiving a scholarship offer from UH. As an academic qualifier out of high school, Thomas was allowed to enroll at UH in January. Thomas, who is eligible to play in the fall, has four years to play three seasons.

Joining at mid-academic year, Thomas said, provided a “head start” in learning the Warriors’ new multi-look defense.

The next goal for the 6-foot-3 Thomas is to add bulk this summer.

“I’m roughly 230,” he said. “I have to be about 240, 245 to perform at the best speed and level I can.”