Borden putting in work wherever Warriors need him

It was fitting that Hawaii’s Kawika Borden was the No. 2 long-snapper during Thursday’s football practice.

Borden’s career has been a series of long shots.

“This is my third time walking on,” said Borden, a 2008 Pearl City High graduate. “I start at the bottom every time. Starting at the bottom is showing me you have to earn everything. I appreciate being on the team.”

Borden aced a walk-on tryout in February 2010 to earn a roster spot, then ceded the spot because of an injury.

He played in seven games in 2011, and participated in the first few practices of the 2012 spring training. Borden then departed the program, announcing he planned to go on a two-year church mission.

But those plans did not materialize. By the time it was decided he would not go on the mission, the 2012 fall semester had already started. It was agreed Borden would rejoin the team in January for his senior season.

Borden is listed as a safety, but his speciality is special teams. He is competing for spots on the punt, kickoff and both return units.

Two weeks ago, defensive end Beau Yap, who was the long-snapper this spring, suffered a fracture in his right foot. Kody Afusia was promoted to No. 1 long-snapper. Borden was summoned as Afusia’s backup.

“They needed another long-snapper, and they threw me in there,” Borden said. “I haven’t done it in a while.”

Borden learned the craft from his father, Russell Borden, who was the center on the Pac-Five team that won two Oahu Prep Bowl titles in the 1980s.

Garrett Gabriel was the Pack’s quarterback.

Borden was accurate on all of his snaps during Thursday’s drill.

“It’s good to be out here,” Borden said. “I appreciate it.”

Lakalaka earns a spot in running back rotation

Even highly regarded recruits are not immune to the college disease known as the “Freshman 15.”

Running back Steven Lakalaka gained 15 pounds during the fall semester when he redshirted. He has since shed the extra weight — and gained a spot in the rotation.

Lakakala, a 2012 Punahou graduate, is the No. 2 running back behind Joey Iosefa. In some sets, Lakalaka and Iosefa are both in the backfield.

“It feels good coming back from a redshirt year and getting reps,” Lakalaka said. “Watching the upper class made me realize I had to step up. I’m excited to play.”

Poueu-Luna finding comfort zone on offense

After three years on defense, Bubba Poueu-Luna appears to be comfortable as an inside receiver.

Poueu-Luna conquered several injuries to start at safety in the 2012 season opener against USC. He eventually slipped on the depth chart. He agreed to move to receiver following the 2012 season.

“I played offense my whole life until I came here (in 2010),” Poueu-Luna said. “I knew it would be a better fit for me. I like it. I’ve learned a lot. The guys have helped me out.”

Poueu-Luna has done well on his pass routes.

“I have to catch the ball better,” he said. “Last year, I was on the DB side. My hands are a little rusty. I have to get used to (catching passes) again.”