Kody Afusia’s Hawaii football career has been part "Survivor," part "Hunger Games."

Afusia has ascended to No. 1 left guard this spring training.

"It feels good — again," said Afusia, who has twice earned and lost starting jobs on the offensive line.

But in a two-step shuffle, Mike Milovale moved from left guard to center and Afusia switched from center. Milovale is back at the position he played in junior college, and Afusia provides a second choreographer on the line.

"Kody played center, so he knows all of the blocking calls," Milovale said. "He helps me out a lot, too."

Afusia, who has practiced on both sides of the line the past year, entered spring behind center Ben Clarke on the depth chart. Clarke was named the Warriors’ offensive player of the year as a freshman in 2012.

"That made me want it even more," Afusia said of the competition.

Afusia acknowledged his spot on the depth chart deepened his drive.

"The worst thing you can do is be discouraged and keep dropping," Afusia said. "If you get dropped to the second string, that should give you more motivation to push harder and grind more."

Afusia said the switch to left guard required a "couple of footwork adjustments."

Last year, the coaches used the analogy that there is a metaphorical steak for every starting offensive lineman.

"I want a steak," Afusia said. "I want to eat. There are five steaks on the table. Only five are going to eat. Last year, I was eating some mashed potatoes. Maybe, if I was lucky, I’d get some gravy with it. Now I’m up at the table. It’s a long way until Aug. 29 (the opener against USC). I’m going to grind out until then."

Indeed, UH coach Norm Chow said the competition remains open. Chow said Leo Koloamatangi, who is recovering from an ankle injury, and David Griffin have a chance at left tackle. That could lead to more shifts.

For now, Afusia is focused on playing guard. He has worked on his flexibility and agility. To complement his workouts, Afusia and some teammates go to Sandy Beach.

Afusia recalled an outing a couple of months ago.

"We were messing around in the waves," Afusia said. "It was pretty solid that day. It caught me one. We were in there for about an hour and a half. Then a wave just put me away. My knee got a little messed up."

But Afusia, as always, rebounded.

"I rehabbed through it, and now I’m fine," Afusia said.