Hawaii offensive linemen Sean Shigematsu and Dave Lefotu learned college football is a bottom-line business.

At the start of training camp three weeks ago, both fifth-year seniors were at the bottom of the depth chart.

"You get what you earn," line coach Chris Naeole said, "and both guys earned that at the start of training camp."

Shigematsu was limited in spring practice and offseason workouts because of a variety of ailments. Lefotu reported to camp more than 15 pounds overweight.

But both worked hard, remained relatively healthy and slowly ascended the depth chart. The past four days, Lefotu was at right guard and Shigematsu at right tackle on the first team.

If their progress continues, both would start in the Aug. 30 opener against Washington at Aloha Stadium.

Or not.

"I wouldn’t go as far as to say they’ve secured a job," Naeole said. "They have to keep working hard. (The competition) could go week to week, or series to series."

Shigematsu acknowledged Naeole’s appreciation is not dispensed easily.

"He makes you a better person, a better player," Shigematsu said of Naeole, who played 13 NFL seasons. "He spent multiple years in the league. When he speaks, you really want to listen."

Lefotu said Naeole "preaches mental toughness to us every day. He always tells us, ‘go hard.’ "

Lefotu and Shigematsu were starters as second-year freshmen in 2011. But Shigematsu suffered a season-ending injury in the second game. The past two seasons, Shigematsu has started 12 games. Lefotu made 21 starts in three years.

Shigematsu was hindered because of injuries for most of this year. For the camp’s first practice, he was on the third-team offense.

"I understood," Shigematsu said. "I sat out in the spring. I had a rough summer."

Shigematsu offered tips to younger players.

"We’re all one family," Shigematsu said. "You’re only as strong as your weakest link. Why not share the knowledge and help the young guys? I figured, when my time comes, it comes. It doesn’t matter if I’m with the 1s, 2s, 3s. I’m committed to this team."

Lefotu also wanted to offer help. But first, he was put on a rigorous and accelerated program. He sprinted on hills. He pulled, pushed and carried weights. He spent a large portion of a practice crawling the length of the sideline.

Lefotu eventually joined teammates in line drills. He then advanced into the rotation.

"I worked hard to get back into that lineup," Lefotu said. "We can only control what we can control. I worked on myself."

And now the close friends are side by side on the offensive line.

"It’s good to get that chemistry back," Lefotu said.

Shigematsu said he never was discouraged.

"We do what we do because we love football," Shigematsu said. "If you don’t love it, why play? We believe in the team and we believe in the coaches."