Coach Norm Chow gave high mid-term marks to his University of Hawaii football team.

"I think effort-wise, it’s an ‘A,’ " Chow said following the Rainbow Warriors’ seventh of 14 spring practices. The "Spring Fling," which will include a scrimmage-like segment, is considered the 15th practice.

Chow praised Kevin Clune, who was hired in January as defensive coordinator. Clune has shifted the base defense from a 4-3 to a four-linebacker scheme.

"Schematically, Kevin’s making progress," Chow said. "He’s thrown a lot in. I think what we’re concerned about now is the effort and the camaraderie and the hard work. We’re getting that. We’ll figure the other stuff out."

Youngsters attend practice

More than 60 high school players attended Saturday’s Junior Day, which essentially was an open house for players interested in the UH football program. The players met counselors and coaches, and attended the two-hour practice.

Saint Juste on right track

Running back Diocemy Saint Juste said he is close to being "completely healthy" from a pulled hamstring he suffered two weeks before the April 1 start of spring training. He could not participate in drills during the first week of practices.

"I’m almost at 100 percent," said Saint Juste, who played in all 12 games as a freshman in 2013, rushing for 214 yards.

Saint Juste said he spent the offseason trying to gain strength while maintaining his quickness. Through strength/conditioning coordinator Gary Beemer‘s program, Saint Juste said he gained 15 pounds and now weighs 192. His body fat dropped to 7 percent.

Saint Juste showed his quickness, sprinting 20 yards for a touchdown during a scrimmage-like drill on Saturday.

Of Saint Juste’s play, Chow said, "He just got healthy. It’s nice to see that. We expect big things out of that guy."

Lataimua in fine form

It took 12 games last year for inside linebacker Tevita Lataimua to become an overnight success.

Lataimua made eight tackles, including a sack, in the regular-season finale against Army.

This spring, he has been practicing mostly with the No. 1 defense.

"I’m really happy with Tevita’s progress," Clune said. "He’s quick. He can really take on a block well. He’s got a real pop in him. I’m expecting really good things from him."

On Saturday, Lataimua aligned in the middle and also as a rush end. At 5 feet 10 and 225 pounds, Lataimua was able to elude the offensive linemen’s punch.

"I think the new defense is giving a lot of guys more opportunities," Lataimua said. "We’re flying around. The emphasis this whole spring is hustle and effort to the ball."

Clune said: "He’s really coming along. I think he’s leading the pack right now."