The Hawaii football team is finally showing some signs of recovery.

Chauncy Winchester-Makainai has mended from a variety of injuries and is back at left guard on the first unit.

That enables Mike Milovale to move back to right tackle.

Also, running back Sterling Jackson appears to be healthy from a groin injury. He will be part of the rotation at running back.

"I like Sterling," coach Norm Chow said. "He’s a typical downhill, inside-zone guy. He’s like Joey (Iosefa), a guy we wanted to have all along. We’ve never not given (Jackson) a chance. He’s finally healthy."

The Warriors have been short-handed at running back in preparation for Friday’s game against Air Force.

Running back Will Gregory will not play this week after twice punching a Boise State player on a punt return this past weekend.

Running back John Lister has bursitis, but the condition will not keep him from playing against Air Force.

That opens the way for more playing time for Jackson. Fullback Jared Leaf also is available to play running back.

Evans making the grade

For this week’s game plan, Clark Evans gets an "F."

Evans played well enough against Boise State — four catches for 67 yards — to earn the top spot at F, a hybrid position of off-line blocker and receiver. The F can align as a fullback, H-back, tight end or slotback.

Evans is a better fit at F than at on-line tight end, where he has to block defensive linemen. At F, Evans is mostly targeting linebackers and safeties.

What’s more, Evans is free to do what he does best — catch passes. He provides a bigger target on check downs and crossing routes.

"My favorite part of the game is catching balls," Evans said.

Evans was a quarterback in high school and as a freshman at Colorado.

"I’ve been playing catch pretty much every day since I was 8 years old," Evans said. "That really helped out."

The Warriors envision Evans as an F or even a receiver next year. Focusing on one position would help Evans, who has difficulty deciding whether to pack on more weight to play tight end or lose pounds to become a receiver. His goal also is to work on his quickness.

Evans said he is comfortable working with quarterbacks Sean Schroeder and Jeremy Higgins. Both are left-handed.

"I played with a lefty last year at my junior college, so I’m used to the spin," Evans said. "It’s a little different. Either one of them is a good starter. We have a good chance of winning with either one."

Graves on travel roster

The Warriors depart today for their sixth road trip of the season.

The roster is nearly finalized. David Graves, a former quarterback, will be added to the travel roster as a receiver.

He has been the scout quarterback in practices.

Graves’ brother Dano is a member of Air Force’s football team.