University of Hawaii defensive lineman Penitito “Kiko” Faalologo and linebacker Jerrol Garcia-Williams are projected to have significant roles for Saturday’s football game against Tennessee Martin at Aloha Stadium.

Faalologo, a junior, traveled to Australia and Michigan for the Rainbow Warriors’ first two games, but did not play in either because of physical issues.

But after practicing extensively on Tuesday, Faalologo declared: “I’m happy to be back. … I’m just excited to play this week.”

Faalologo has recovered from an ailment he suffered on the first day of training camp.

“It was frustrating,” he said of his rehabilitation program. “But it was something I had to do if I wanted to get back on the field.”

In the first two games, Kory Rasmussen started at nose tackle and Zeno Choi opened at defensive tackle. Faalologo can play both interior positions.

“He’ll help our depth D-line-wise,” head coach Nick Rolovich said of Faalologo. “He probably could have given us some plays last week (against Michigan), but we just decided not to (let him play).”

Rolovich said Faalologo’s absence was noticeable. Of Faalologo’s return, Rolovich said, “He really showed how important he is to this team. Hopefully, he’ll make (the team) better — and I think he will — just being around.”

Garcia-Williams, a senior, did not play in the opener against California because of disciplinary reasons. He was used sparingly against Michigan, finishing with an assisted tackle. But Garcia-Williams is expected to have an expanded role against UTM.

Garcia-Williams is “an older guy who’s got a lot of ability,” Rolovich said. “I think he’s going to continue to make plays for us. We’re going to need that on defense.”

Rolovich said Garcia-Williams is back in good standing with the team. He was not allowed to travel to Australia for the opener after breaking a team rule.

“People make mistakes,” Rolovich said. “It’s when they keep making them that it becomes a problem. Hopefully, if a guy makes a mistake, he learns his lesson and becomes a better person.”

Rolovich said Garcia-Williams is a valued contributor.

“We’re not a better football team when he’s not around,” Rolovich said, noting Garcia-Williams’ absence “hurts all the guys.”