There was no defined entry date, but sometime during the past few months the Hawaii football team advanced into “phase 2.”

Maybe the activation came after the Rainbow Warriors reached the 2018 SoFi Hawaii Bowl, their second postseason game in Nick Rolovich’s three years as UH head coach.

“I don’t think we should sit back and feel that just getting to a bowl game deserves a pat on the back,” Rolovich said. “It’s time to take it up another notch.”

Or maybe the second phase started during the recently completed eight-week offseason conditioning program. At the start of the spring semester, each player received suggestions on gaining weight, losing heft or staying the same. When the program concluded, there was more than a quarter-ton — 516 pounds — of what Rolovich termed “positive movement” of weight gains and losses. Linebacker Kana‘i Picanco gained more than 10 pounds. Center Kohl Levao lost more than 20.

This year’s quest, as always, is for the Warriors to earn their first title since joining the Mountain West Conference in 2012.

“Maybe that’s the first step,” Rolovich said. “I can’t define phase 2. It’s more of a mentality I’d like to see spread all through the program in all aspects. Everybody, including myself, can do a better job.”

The Warriors made significant progress following the 2017 season, after which they added six coaches, including defensive coordinator Corey Batoon and offensive line coach Mark Weber; rebuilt the offensive and defensive lines; and replaced early-departing starters at quarterback, slot receiver and safety.

Quarterback Cole McDonald had a breakout season in a rejuvenated offense that employed mostly run-and-shoot concepts. The offensive line, with two true freshmen starting, cut down on penalties from a year earlier. There are now enough trench players for the possibility of fielding two separate teams, instead of an offense-against-defense format, for the April 27 spring game.

Last year’s full-time staff remains intact entering Friday’s first practice of spring training. The game-day roles will remain the same. Rolovich will call the plays with observations and analysis from offensive coordinator Brian Smith in the booth and pass-game coordinator Craig Stutzmann on the sideline as the quarterback whisperer. Receivers coach Andre Allen and line coach Mark Weber will be part of the game preparation.

“There’s a clean path to game day, if that makes any sense,” Rolovich said.

Here’s a position-by-position look for spring ball:

QUARTERBACKS

In his first season as a starter — and in the run-and-shoot offense — Cole McDonald threw for 3,875 yards (eighth most among NCAA passers) and 36 touchdowns (sixth) while computing a 146.5 efficiency rating, the highest for a UH starting quarterback since Bryant Moniz in 2010. Chevan Cordeiro, as a true freshman, sparked two victories. McDonald will likely take the first reps in Friday’s practice, but according to head coach Nick Rolovich, “it’s hard to say anybody has a position locked up on any football team. It just doesn’t work that way.” Last season, McDonald and Cordeiro displayed surprising skills. McDonald, a rugged scrambler, showed touch on deep passes — 84 completions of 15-plus yards, including 35 of passes 25 yards or longer. “He threw a nice, catchable deep ball,” Rolovich said. Cordeiro, who got to count 2018 as a redshirt season, had a smooth transition after playing in a Saint Louis offense that has some concepts the Warriors employ. “What showed with Chevan was a fearless runner,” Rolovich said. “That showed when he would take off. He had a good awareness about not taking bit hits.” Justin Uahinui, the third quarterback on the spring roster, is expected to move up from a scout’s role.

RECEIVERS

With speed (sub-4.5 seconds over 40 yards), strong hands and the ability to track passes, JoJo Ward is the Warriors’ best deep threat. “I have to remember he didn’t have spring (practice) with us (last year),” Rolovich said of Ward, who committed a few weeks before the 2018 training camp. This spring, Ward will hone his game with his new right-side cohort. Slotback Cedric Byrd is moving from the H (left slot) to the Y (right slot). The coaches noticed Byrd appears more comfortable catching certain passes on routes initiated on the right side. In the passing game, where receivers set each other up with routes, the new alignment puts two speedy and quick-cutting receivers in the same area. “They will help each other,” Rolovich said. The Warriors also will benefit from the return of left wideout Kumoku Noa, who redshirted last year. “He’s at a pretty high level of the offense and understanding it,” Rolovich said of Noa. “He could be a backup quarterback. I don’t know if he can throw it or not, but he understands (the offense) that well.” Noa pairs well with left slotbacks Jason-Matthew Sharsh and Melquise Stovall, a mid-year transfer who began his career at California. There’s ample competition at wideout with Jared Smart, Eric Rooks, John Johnson, Nick Mardner and Jonah Panoke. Panoke, a 2017 All-State receiver from Saint Louis, grayshirted in the fall. “I don’t know if (Panoke) will, but he can make an impact as a freshman,” Rolovich said. James Phillips, Robert “The Funk” Funkhouser, Kahale Huddleston and Grey Ihu are among the slotbacks.

RUNNING BACKS

The backfield comes in different shapes and styles. For speed, there is Freddie Holly III (team-high 468 yards) and Miles Reed. For power, there is Dayton Furuta (27 rushes for first downs) and Hekili Keliiliki. There are two interesting additions to the mix. Justice Augafa, who joined as a safety before moving to wideout and returner, has found a place as running back. “I think he can be a weapon,” Rolovich said. KK Padello has moved from rush end to power back. In a scout game last year, Padello had a 65-yard scoring run.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Following the 2017 season, seven linemen graduated, medically retired or transferred. But the Warriors successfully rebuilt the line, due in part to two true freshmen (left tackle Ilm Manning and right guard Solo Vaipulu) and a junior college transfer (Kohl Levao). Manning seized the blind-side spot vacated with Dejon Allen’s graduation. Manning’s first-step quickness and solid technique neutralized opponents’ pass rush. “He’s got a body like (Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron) Donald,” Rolovich said. “By the time he gets out of here, he’ll be pretty special.” Vaipulu has drawn comparisons to Vince Manuwai. Manning and Vaipulu started all 14 games and each earned a GPA over 3.0. Levao opened at right tackle before moving to center for the final three games. At center, he was able to solidify the interior, especially against odd-numbered fronts. “I think Kohl Levao can see himself at the (NFL) combine next year,” Rolovich said. JR Hensley, a co-captain in 2018, returns at left guard. Joey Nu‘uanu-Kuhiiki, who switched from defensive end, started at right tackle when Levao moved inside. Gene Pryor, who played one game before redshirting last season, will be in the rotation as a guard or tackle. Micah Vanterpool, who lost 16 pounds, will contend at tackle. The Warriors expect contributions from Ernest Moore, Emil Graves, Alesana Sunia, Taaga Tuulima and Ramsey Aviu.

DEFENSIVE LINE

The line, like the overall defense, operates out of a base (4-2-5), but with several wrinkles that change the form and functions. The most flexible is at one of the ends, a spot that can be filled with a pass rusher, edge setter or third linebacker. Kaimana Padello is an elite pass rusher (56.3 percent of his tackles were in the backfield). Jeffrey Keene’s first UH season was hindered because of an injury. But he showed the ability to get skinny between blockers on special teams. Derek Thomas split starts with Padello. Pumba Williams, who initially was recruited as a safety, was at his best against option teams (the Warriors play three of them this season). Jonah Kahahawai-Welch has healed from last season’s injury and surgery. At the end known as bandit or anchor, Mason Vega joins as a mid-year transfer. Fanupo Peapealalo, Max Hendrie, Jonah Laulu and Kamuela Borden are other contenders. An intriguing possibility is Chance Kalaugher, a converted basketball player who brings moxie to the position. On the inside, Blessman Taala, as a true freshman, controlled the point with his strength and leverage. Taala had grayshirted after undergoing knee surgery. Samiuela Akoteu showed enough leadership to be added as a co-captain at midseason. Kendall Hune had 40 tackles, second among linemen, and showed athleticism with an acrobatic interception in the Hawaii Bowl. Makai Manuwai, who can play end or tackle, Eperone Moananu, Justus Tavai, Doug Russell and Azia Seei will be in the rotation. Russell “changed his body, he wants to play,” Rolovich said. “I scared him and told him I’d have to make him an O-lineman. I think he could be a good O-lineman, but he wants to stay at defensive tackle.”

LINEBACKERS

The top tacklers — Solomon Matautia (92) and Penei Pavihi (87) — are back, as well as Jeremiah Pritchard, who redshirted last year. “He’s built to be a linebacker,” said Rolovich, adding that Pritchard’s personality is similar to former UH and NFL player Pisa Tinoisamoa’s. “He’s very witty and very sharp, and he has a strong ability to lead people.” Paul Scott, Scheyenne Sanitoa and Kana‘i Picanco played well as spot starters last season. The coaches also have praised Parker Higgins, who is transferring from Arizona State, and Tauivi Ho Ching. “There have been many ‘Higgins’ name plates at the University of Hawaii,” Rolovich said of Higgins, whose father, brother and sister are former UH student-athletes. The Warriors were not seeking a JC transfer, but relented after analyzing Ho Ching.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Kalen Hicks, Ikem Okeke and Khoury Bethley return for the Warriors’ three-safety alignment. Bethley, considered one of the team’s best open-field tacklers, will miss spring drills to recover from an ailment, but he expected to be ready for training camp. Donovan Dalton and freshman Tiger Peterson, who graduated a semester early from Kamehameha to enroll at UH in January, will be part of the safety rotation. Eugene Ford, who moved over from corner, or Kai Kaneshiro will enter when the Warriors employ a nickelback. Rojesterman Farris II has emerged as the top cover corner and, as a senior, a defensive leader. Cortez Davis, who began his career at Tennessee Chattanooga, adds speed to the corner (10.69 seconds over 100 meters as a high school senior). Zach Wilson and Akil Francisco, who has drawn comparisons to former UH corner Jalen Rogers, are back at corner. James Green, who switched from wideout last year, and Michael Washington, a grayshirt who joined in January, are expected to boost the secondary.

SPECIALISTS

When it comes to kicker Ryan Meskell, the 2018 version is preferred. “We like kickers who make field goals,” Rolovich said of Meskell, who was 15-for-18 last year after going 1-for-4 in 2017. “We like Meskell last year (better) than the previous Meskell.” Michael Boyle is the other kicker. Punters Stan Gaudion and Ben Scruton are back. Wyatt Tucker gets the first shot to succeed Noah Borden as the long-snapper.