Preparing to move to Hawaii in August 2009, George Daily-Lyles received this advice from his father: "Don’t come back without a degree."

Daily-Lyles needs to complete a class this semester to earn a bachelor’s degree in family resources. The desire to fulfill that promise was why there was no doubt Daily-Lyles would return to UH for his senior season despite his father’s death last week.

"My dad and my family wouldn’t want me to waste this opportunity that God gave me," Daily-Lyles said. "I’m going to make the best of it. This is why I came to Hawaii. This is what my dad and my family wanted me to do. It’s going to get done."

Daily-Lyles described his father as his "best friend."

"He was the funniest dude," Daily-Lyles said. "He’d give you the shirt off his back. He taught me what it’s like to be a man.

"My dad gave me the mind-set to never give up. We used to sit around the table and talk about adversity. He’d say, ‘That’s life. You have to roll with the punches. The only thing you can control is your attitude and your effort.’ That’s what I’m striving to do."

Daily-Lyles was a linebacker during his first four UH seasons. In the spring, he was used at defensive end. He had five sacks in the spring game.

"I’ll do whatever they want me to do," Daily-Lyles said. "If they want me to paint the fence, I’m going to do it. I’ll get in wherever I fit in. If they want me to throw the ball, I’ll throw the ball. If they want me to tackle people, I’ll tackle people.

"I’ll do whatever I can do."

Daily-Lyles said he and his father had a long-standing plan to celebrate following the graduation ceremony in December.

"He’s going to walk across the stage with me now," Daily-Lyles said.

Three defensive backs dinged up during practice

There are detailed scripts for every minute of every practice in training camp. Despite the preparation and precautions, there is no predicting injuries. On Thursday, three defensive backs were sent to the trainers with ailments.

"That’s amazing," head coach Norm Chow said.

Safety Charles Clay suffered a bruised sternum. Cornerback Brian Clay injured his left biceps. Cornerback Kwamane Bowens has a turf toe.

"We’ll see how that goes," defensive coordinator Thom Kaumeyer said.

The secondary did receive help when freshman Keelan Ewaliko moved from wide receiver to safety. Ewaliko was a quarterback at Baldwin High last year.

"I’m trying to ease into whatever position the coaches put me in to, and I’ll play to the best of my ability," Ewaliko said.

Malepeai has the D-line covered

Marcus Malepeai is the "swing" player on the defensive line, Kaumeyer said.

Malepeai gained 30 pounds in the offseason and now weighs 280. He is rotating between defensive end and defensive tackle.

Kaumeyer said Saui Matagiese, Moses Samia and Kennedy Tulimasealii are rotating at the two defensive-tackle spots. Beau Yap, Tavita Woodard and Iuta Tepa are splitting time at the two end positions. Kaumeyer said if Dejon Allen, Caleb Friel or Mike Andrade becomes the fourth defensive tackle, then Malepeai will move to end permanently.