In Hawaii’s first two weeks of training camp, whenever an offensive lineman needed a breather, Kiha Sai would rush onto the field.

The reserve player — who would come to be known as "Sai of relief"– would inevitably be told, "Thanks for the offer, but we need the next player in line." Or an R-rated version of that order.

And Sai would jog to the side, only to sprint back when another player needed a break.

"My father always told me: ‘Make the coach take you out,’" Sai said. "If there’s an opening, I run in. I try to stay observant and keep trying to get a spot."

The past two days, Sai was a guard on the scout offense that practiced against UH’s top defense.

Sai was in a white jersey, the uniform color for players who usually practice with the top-tier offensive players. With injuries and other circumstances, the Warriors were down to about a dozen healthy offensive linemen. Sai, tackle Leo Koloamatangi and guard RJ Hollis were assigned to help the scout offense.

"If it helps the team, we’ll do it," said Hollis, who had practiced with the No. 1 offense a few times in training camp. We have a bunch of selfless guys. I’m sure the starters would come down (to scout team) if asked. It’s a work-for-each-other mentality. We’ve got that. The coaches preach it a lot. We buy into it pretty well."

Koloamatangi said: "Whatever it takes to beat U-Dub."

Sai had pneumonia as a toddler. He eventually developed asthma. There were times he appeared breathless after running sprints. But he said the asthma is now manageable.

"It’s not a problem," Sai said. "I want to help this team. It doesn’t matter if we’re not part of the 1s or 2s. We’re going to work just as hard."

Tupai back on field

Offensive lineman Elijah Tupai, who missed a week of practice because of a concussion, worked out on Friday.

"I’m trying to get ready," Tupai said.

As a freshman last year, Tupai underwent shoulder surgery. He spent last year’s practices in the "pit,"where players recovering from injuries train. Pit work includes pulling and carrying weighs and heavy ropes.

"I was in there for a year," Tupai said of the pit. "I’m not going back."

Tupai was a No. 1 guard the first week of camp. He practiced with the second unit on Friday.

Phillips can play nickel

In certain situations, Ne’Quan Phillips is leaving the corner this year.

Phillips is a top cornerback and one of eight co-captains. But when the Warriors use five defensive backs, Phillips slides inside as the nickelback.

In that role, he serves as a third nickel, a third safety or a rover.

"I like nickel because you’re closer to the (tackle) box," Phillips said. "I’m more of an aggressive player."