Linebacker Manoa to miss rest of spring

University of Hawaii outside linebacker David Manoa will miss the remainder of spring football training after being diagnosed with a dislocated left kneecap.

Manoa suffered the injury during practice this past Saturday. His left knee was heavily wrapped at the start of Monday’s practice, the fourth of 15 UH practices this spring.

Manoa will not require surgery. The usual rehabilitation period is six weeks. UH’s final spring practice is on April 26.

"We’re going to miss him," head coach Norm Chow said.

Manoa, a freshman from San Mateo, Calif., redshirted in 2013. He was projected to compete for extended playing time at outside linebacker this spring in the Rainbow Warriors’ newly implemented 3-4 defensive scheme.

Although Manoa’s situation is better than expected, Chow noted, "He needed to practice" this spring.

Malepeai, Hollis heal quickly

This past Saturday, offensive guard R.J. Hollis was on crutches with a sprained ankle. On Monday, he was practicing at full speed.

Last Thursday, defensive end Marcus Malepeai was told he suffered a broken right fibula. The next day, the diagnosis was changed to high-ankle sprain. The day after that, Malepeai was practicing. Malepeai showed no signs of injury during Monday’s practice.

"I told Eric (Okasaki, UH’s head trainer) we have a miraculous medical staff," Chow said. "Marcus was out, now he’s practicing. R.J. was on crutches, now he’s practicing. We have the top medical staff in the country."

Malepeai said he had prepared for the worst.

"It was really bad that day," Malepeai said. "I felt a crack in it. Usually when I hurt my ankle, I walk it off. I couldn’t walk it off that day."

Of his recovery, Malepeai said: "I just prayed about it. My mom massaged it, and it was good. I give God all the glory for that."

Malepeai was projected to be the utility lineman, rotating between defensive end and tackle. As it turned out, Malepeai’s versatility made him suitable on the line. He practices with the first-team defense. Malepeai and Kennedy Tulimasealii take turns between playing end or tackle, depending on the coverage and offensive formation.

"It’s nice to be with the first group," Malepeai said. "It’s a new defense, a new mentality."

Pu‘u-Robinson looking good

Shhh.

Like the dugout silence surrounding a pitcher throwing a no-hitter, few Warriors mention how tight end Jordan Pu‘u-Robinson is playing well this spring.

After all, in each of his previous two UH seasons since transferring from Washington State, Pu‘u-Robinson was impressive at defensive tackle in 2012 and tight end in 2013 before suffering season-ending injuries. He has played parts of four games (out of 24) the past two seasons.

"It’s nice be out here practicing with my teammates," said Pu‘u-Robinson, who has overcome injuries to his hand, shoulder, back and knee. "I’m healthy now and ready to roll. I’m taking my rehab seriously, and staying as flexible as possible."

Pu‘u-Robinson, who is practicing with the first team, has even signed up for an HMO — health-minded ohana.

"Trust me, I’ve got a lot of people praying for me all over the islands," Pu‘u-Robinson said. "I have a lot of family wishing me the best. It’s helped."