In a blitz of good health, key Hawaii football players resumed practicing Monday in preparation for Friday’s nationally televised (3 p.m. ESPN) road game against San Jose State.
Center MatagisilaLefiti, right slotback Miah Ostrowski, running back Sterling Jackson, and middle linebackers Corey Paredes and George Daily-Lyles participated in the 2-hour practice. Left guard Brett Leonard, who was dazed when he incurred an after-the-whistle hit from a Louisiana Tech player Oct. 1, will be cleared to practice in full pads today.
The Warriors, who had a bye this past weekend, also practice Wednesday morning, and will depart for San Jose that afternoon.
Lefiti has played a total of four series in the past two games because of a sore knee. He was scheduled to resume practicing today, but felt well enough to push up the return date.
With London Sapolu making most of the snaps at center the past two games, Lefiti practiced at right guard, which he considers to be his natural position. At guard, Lefiti gets to pull on perimeter runs and lead the way on screens.
"Coach said to be ready to go in at center or guard," Lefiti said. "We’ll see what happens."
In Leonard’s absence, Andrew Faaumu, who was splitting reps with David Lefotu at right guard, practiced at left guard.
The coaches have been pleased with Lefotu, a second-year freshman. Lefotu played extensively against Louisiana Tech.
"It was a tough game, but it was a great experience," Lefotu said.
Paredes, who has a strained knee, also returned to practice a day earlier than expected.
"If I have to play with a little pain, that’s fine," said Paredes, who played the 2010 season despite an injured shoulder. "This kind of stuff lives with me. Football is a tough game. You’re going to get aches and pain. You have to determine whether it’s an injury or you’re hurt a little bit. I’m not injured. I’m hurt a little bit. I can still run. I can play."
Daily-Lyles, who did not play against Louisiana Tech because of a sore knee, said his ailments "dwarf in comparison to Corey’s."
Daily-Lyles added: "Coach (Greg McMackin) said Corey ripped out almost his whole body for the team. Corey is a tough guy. He leads the way for linebackers."
As for his own situation, Daily-Lyles said: "I was tired of getting looks on the sideline, like, ‘Hey, why aren’t you practicing?’ Plus, I got cleared by the doctors. It’s always good to be on the practice field having fun."
Ostrowski, who missed the past three games because of a dislocated joint in his right foot, competed in several passing drills.
"For the first day (of practice), it was good," Ostrowski said.
Ostrowski will be included on the travel roster. If healthy, he will split reps with Justin Clapp, who has started the past three games.
"We got a little look at (Ostrowski)," offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich said. "We’ll see where he’s at."
Travel roster taking shape
The Warriors are close to finalizing their travel roster.
Dick Tomey, who coordinates the special teams, said place-kickers Tyler Hadden and Kenton Chun will both travel to San Jose.
Both were on the first road trip to Washington and Las Vegas. Hadden was the only UH place-kicker to travel to Louisiana.
Meanwhile, defensive end Tavita Woodard, who began practicing last week after recovering from foot surgery, is on the bubble for a spot on the travel roster.
