Milk did Iosefa’s fractured foot good

For University of Hawaii running back Joey Iosefa, whole milk helped his return to full health.

"I drank a lot of milk, anything with calcium," said Iosefa, who missed training camp and the Rainbow Warriors’ first two games because of a fracture in his left foot.

Because the injury did not require surgery, Iosefa was at the mercy of Mother Nature’s timetable.

"It was tough waiting for it to heal," Iosefa said. "I had treatment after treatment. I had to stay positive it was going to heal."

Iosefa was cleared to play last week. He was on the 66-player travel roster for last Saturday’s game against Oregon State. But the coaches decided that two extra weeks of rest — there is a bye this weekend — would benefit Iosefa.

Iosefa was on the first-team offense on Wednesday, the Warriors first full practice this week. The only oh-no moment came when Iosefa was tripped on a run.

"It didn’t bother me," he said.

Chris Wiesehan, who coaches the running backs, said: "He’s good to go."

Under Armour, which sponsors the Warriors’ apparel, sent a technician to create a specially fitted shoe for Iosefa.

"The shoes I had were a little narrow," said Iosefa, who wears a size-13. "I changed my shoe. I have good support. This one is wide, and really supports my foot."

PU’U-ROBINSON CLEARED

Tight end Jordan Pu‘u-Robinson has waited nearly a year for a second chance.

After three significant injuries, Pu‘u-Robinson is poised to play against Nevada.

"It’s been tough," Pu‘u-Robinson said. "That’s the game. You have to battle through injuries and do what you can."

Pu‘u-Robinson transferred from Washington State last year, and had to wait until the season’s fifth game before being cleared to play. But in that game, he suffered a fractured finger that required surgery.

"It was my left middle finger," he said, smiling. "I got a lot of stink eyes for that one."

In the spring, he was moved from defensive end to tight end. During spring training, he aggravated a back injury.

He was projected to be the No. 1 tight end, but suffered a torn AC joint in his left shoulder in training camp. He was not cleared to play until this week.

Pu‘u-Robinson said he kept fit working in the "pit," the area where injured players went through rigorous conditioning drills.

"I watched some of the team stuff, staying on the curve, getting mentally sharp," he said. "I knew when I came back I’d be mentally sharp. I’m 100 percent and ready to go."