The University of Hawaii football team completed its last day of instruction on Thursday without resolutions at key positions.
"We have to find ourselves a (No. 1) quarterback, a tight end and a fullback," head coach Norm Chow said after the Warriors’ 14th practice of spring training. The team’s "Spring Fling" is today, with a clinic at 5:30 p.m., a flag-football game at 6 p.m. and the Warrior Bowl at 7 p.m.
David Graves and Jeremy Higgins are bracketed as the No. 1 quarterback. While both played well in situational drills on Thursday, Chow said, "We’re going to have to come out of spring with a (No. 1) guy. We’re going to have to make a decision."
Chow, who was hired in December, implemented a pro-style offense that employs a fullback and tight end. Neither job has been filled.
Fullbacks Dustin Elisara, who suffered a knee injury last week, and Jared Leaf, who has an undisclosed illness, have not been able to practice. Waylon Lolotai, who entered spring as a tight end, was moved to fullback on Tuesday. On Thursday, Lolotai returned to tight end to give Justin Vele, a converted linebacker, more reps at fullback.
"Vele looked good," Chow said. "He has a chance."
There is no clear leader in the competition at tight end. Tavita Woodard, who has practiced at tight end the past three weeks, returned to defensive end on Thursday. Chow said the move was designed to provide defensive depth for the Warrior Bowl. Paipai Falemalu, who is the No. 1 defensive right end, will be used sparingly this evening.
"I’m happy I have the opportunity to choose a position to play," Woodard said. "I’m not going to choose until summer."
Craig Cofer, a converted defensive end, said he will remain at tight end.
"I’m not going anywhere," said Cofer, who is considered to be an efficient blocker. "I’ll be here (at tight end) the rest of my two (UH) seasons."
Defensive coordinator Thom Kaumeyer said he has not established a permanent depth chart. Mike Sellers and Ryan Pasoquen have been pleasant surprises.
Sellers was a nickelback as a freshman in 2011. He opened the spring at cornerback before moving to safety last week. He has practiced with the first team.
Pasoquen, a walk-on who redshirted last year, was the No. 1 nickelback on Thursday.
"I love nickel because you can be closer to the line of scrimmage and help with the run support," Pasoquen said. "I like the physical contact. Nickel is a good fit for me."