The University of Hawaii football team’s offensive line was on the move.
Following Tuesday’s practice, the linemen ran a series of 60-yard sprints in full pads.
"Yeah, I wanted them to run," line coach Chris Naeole said. "Coach (Norm Chow) has been holding me back (on making the linemen run). To be running the no-huddle offense, you have to be in shape. You have to get mentally tough. Nobody is going to feel sorry for you when you’re out there."
In the meantime, the depth chart has remained in place. For six consecutive practices, the No. 1 line is left tackle Sean Shigematsu, left guard Mike Milovale, center Ben Clarke, right guard Kody Afusia and right tackle Frank Loyd Jr.
While changes remain a possibility, Chow said, those five should be considered the Rainbow Warriors’ first-team linemen, at least for now.
"I think so," Chow said. "They looked all right."
Except for Clarke, who started all 12 games at center in 2012, the line has been rebuilt and rearranged.
Shigematsu and Milovale were right tackles. Afusia was mostly a backup center the past two years. Loyd appeared in three games, all as a reserve, in the past two seasons.
Loyd has been the biggest surprise. Asked if Loyd projected to be on the first unit, Chow smiled and said: "If you told me that earlier, I would not have believed you."
Chow said Loyd’s consistency earned an extended stay at a position where five others played this training camp.
"He’s steady, he understands, he’s smart," Chow said.
Naeole said: "Frank does what Frank does. Frank is good on his assignments. He’s steady Eddie. He’s consistent, the most consistent so far. That’s why he’s there still."
Loyd said he picked up tips as Shigematsu’s understudy last year. Loyd said Shigematsu excels in two-handed thrusts — punches — at defenders.
"You have to keep pushing through, no matter how tiring it gets," Loyd said.
Naeole asked Shigematsu to move from right tackle to the left side this past spring.
"I think he sets better on the left than the right," Naeole said.
Although both tackle positions have mirror duties, Shigematsu had to adjust to the footwork. He said he had to learn to put more weight on his right side to protect the inside lane.
Last year, Shigematsu was the back-side blocker for left-handed quarterbacks Sean Schroeder and Jeremy Higgins. On the left side, he now is protecting right-handed Taylor Graham’s blind side.
"It helps to have that mind-set, to know you have the quarterback’s back and try to protect it," Shigematsu said.
Shigematsu said he is in good health. He suffered two torn knee ligaments in 2011. He endured a shoulder injury in 2012.
Afusia, who can play center and both guard positions, said he makes no presumptions about job security.
"No matter if you’re first team or third string, you always have to play like somebody’s behind you," Afusia said. "We have to play like we’re fighting for a spot. Any time you’re not consistent, you can lose a spot."
Naeole embraces that philosophy.
"Nobody’s safe," Naeole said. "As soon as you get complacent, that’s when bad things start happening. I’m not afraid to put the next guy in."