Hawaii’s 2013 season kicks off in five months, but assistant coach Chris Naeole has been working intensively on delivering his opening line.

"We’re looking for the best five," said Naeole, who was hired as the Warriors’ offensive line coach in February.

There already have been a couple of changes as the Warriors completed five of 15 practices this spring training.

Sean Shigematsu has reclaimed the No. 1 right tackle’s job. Leo Koloamatangi has moved to left tackle, where he is competing against David Griffin, a transfer from Mesa College.

Left guard Mike Milovale, center Ben Clarke and right guard Dave Lefotu have maintained their starting roles, although guard Ben Dew is making a push for extended playing time. Chauncy Winchester-Makainai, who can play every line position, had the top bench press (435 pounds) in team testing. He is recovering from an ailment.

Shigematsu’s resurgence has been a pleasant surprise. He was the starting right tackle as a second-year freshman in 2011 before suffering two ligament tears in his left knee during the season’s second game.

He incurred torn cartilage in his right shoulder in 2012.

"I couldn’t play to my full potential," Shigematsu said. "It was hard."

He opted against surgery, which would have kept him out of this spring training. Instead, he underwent daily physical therapy.

"I’m all healed up," Shigematsu said.

Naeole said: "We’re looking for leadership, and Sean has stepped up. He’s embraced it. We’re looking for guys who aren’t afraid to speak up. When you’re out on the field, you have to communicate. If we have a bunch of deaf mutes, it’s not going to work out for us."

Koloamatangi, who is 6 feet 5, gained 40 pounds while redshirting as a freshman in 2012.

"No matter where the coaches put us, each and every one of us has to be ready to play," Koloamatangi said. "Ninety percent of this game is all mental. I have to lock it down."

Naeole, a Kahuku High graduate who played 12 years in the NFL, has led the way, often demonstrating techniques and imposing a no-excuse rule. One lineman’s false start in a drill results in the entire unit running sprints after practice.

"He’s not satisfied, even on our good days," Koloamatangi said.

Naeole said: "I’m that way because of my parents. I watched my dad get up at 4:30 to go to work (at Kualoa Ranch). He got up early every morning, worked hard, didn’t complain and took care of his family. I want these guys to fire off, attack downfield, cover, go back to the huddle and do it again. I want them to work hard and take care of each other."