Tight end Justin Vele recalled the bad news/good news diagnosis after he suffered a fractured right fibula in the spring football game in April.

"The doctors said it was broken," Vele said, "but it was a clean break. The doctors said that was better because it would heal faster."

Throughout the summer, Vele’s recovery date was a moving target. Last week he was able to leave the "pit" — the area where injured players go through grueling exercises while their teammates practice — and this week, he began participating in position drills. On Tuesday, he participated in team sessions for the first time since suffering the injury.

Vele credited intensive physical therapy and ARP, an electrical-stimulation treatment that loosens and then strengthens injured areas.

"The training staff has been great as far as preparing me to get back," Vele said. "I thought I would be out longer. But I prayed every day. I thank God for this opportunity to be back."

Vele was recruited as a linebacker, but he was moved to fullback last year. While the UH fullback can be used as an H-back, Vele was moved to tight end this past spring. He had progressed enough that he was considered the leading candidate to play the off-line tight end when he suffered the injury.

"It’s a blessing to even play football again," Vele said. "Some guys get hurt and their careers end."

Vele, Harold Moleni and Clark Evans are the only tight ends on the active roster. Jordan Pu‘u-Robinson is recovering from a shoulder injury. Josh Long and Meffy Koloamatangi will redshirt this season.

RUNNING WITH THE FIRST TEAM

Diocemy Saint Juste, a freshman from Florida, is one of the Rainbow Warriors’ fastest running backs. Now, the coaches will see how fast Saint Juste can catch up.

Saint Juste missed most of training camp because of a hamstring injury. He was cleared for contact drills last week, and carried twice for three yards against USC.

On Tuesday, Saint Juste took reps with the first-team offense during team sessions.

"It feels good to get out there and finally contribute to the team," Saint Juste said. "I’m trying to work my way up the depth chart and get better and show the coaches what I came here for."

Saint Juste’s recovery was impeded in training camp when he aggravated the injury while running before he was fully healed. He has learned to share the pain.

"If you feel anything wrong and think there might be a problem, turn it down a notch, and tell the trainers as soon as possible," Saint Juste said. "Before, I felt something, and I wouldn’t tell anybody, and I’d always get hurt. Now I communicate with the trainers and let them know my situation."

Saint Juste also has become an improved blocker.

"I’m learning how to block, especially (against) those 290-pound D-ends," Saint Juste said. "I’m only 185 pounds. I’ll throw my head out there to protect my quarterback."