For starters, the University of Hawaii football’s defense has played well this spring training.

“I think our 1s are progressing,” said defensive coordinator Kevin Lempa, who implemented a 4-3 scheme this spring. “I think our 1s are learning the scheme and are able to play the scheme. The problem is depth. If somebody goes down or we have to go with the 2s, then we struggle a little bit there.”

The suspensions of defensive tackles Kennedy Tulimasealii and Ka‘aumoana Gifford have thinned the defensive line. Nose tackle Kory Rasmussen, safety Trayvon Henderson and defensive end Jeremy Castro are not participating in contact drills while recovering from knee injuries. Strongside linebacker Dany Mulanga, who moved from safety, did not practice this past week because of a leg injury.

“We just go to the next guy,” Lempa said. “That’s all we can do. That’s all we’ve got and all we’re playing with. We try to be smart about where we’re putting guys and how many plays they get on the field.”

For six days through Friday, cornerback Jalen Rogers’ left foot was in a medical boot. On Saturday, he was at left corner.

“I had to get out there,” Rogers said. “We were low on DBs.”

Rogers and Jamal Mayo, both seniors, claimed the corner positions vacated by Ne’Quan Phillips (graduation) and Nick Nelson (transferring).

“We lost a pitbull in Ne’Quan,” Rogers said. “He had the most intensity I have ever seen. I’m trying to use that just like he did. I’m trying to bring that intensity to the DBs.”

Late-night grinds

Since joining the Rainbow Warriors in 2013, defensive ends David Manoa and Meffy Koloamatangi have enjoyed a nightcap.

“We’ve been on that journey staying up late and eating countless scoops of rice,” Manoa said.

Manoa, who is 6 feet 3, was 211 pounds at his first weigh-in in 2013. He is up to 245 pounds, with the expectation of gaining a few more pounds to play defensive end in the 4-3 defense.

“It’s been tough (to gain weight),” Manoa said. “I have a unique struggle.”

After stints at linebacker and tight end, Manoa has been a breakout performer at end. On consecutive plays during Saturday’s scrimmage, he tackled a running back for a 2-yard loss, then chased a back into a group tackle for a 6-yard loss.

“He’s a playmaker,” Lempa said. “Every single practice he’s doing something — making plays behind the line of scrimmage, knocking balls down. Legi (Suiaunoa, the defensive line coach) is doing a really good job developing him. We need someone to step up, and he is.”

Early bird Brown

Every morning, Toagamalu Brown travels 37 miles from Waianae to the UH campus.

That pales compared to the eight years it took him to become a Warriors quarterback.

Brown, 26, is a 2008 Waianae High graduate who earned a berth on the spring roster following a walk-on tryout. His eligibility clock did not trigger until he enrolled fulltime at UH this year.

“He’s got a great attitude,” quarterbacks coach Craig Stutzmann said. “He’s a ‘yes, sir, no, sir’ kind of guy. He’s just a joy to be around.”

Head coach Nick Rolovich said Brown appears to be “grateful for every second he steps on this field and in the meeting room.”

Brown said he awakens at 4 each morning to prepare for the drive to Manoa. He is used mostly in passing drills.

“I’m happy to be part of the team,” Brown said.

Rolovich said: “He’s a guy who appreciates the program. You can’t have enough of those guys. Ever since (former UH safety) Nate Jackson entered my life, I have a pretty good respect for Waianae. He’ll get his chances. He’s learning a lot.”