The University of Hawaii football team ended its first week of training camp with an impact statement. It was the defensive line that delivered the message after Saturday’s two full-padded practices.

"I’m really liking the D-line," said defensive coordinator Kevin Clune, who was hired in January. "When Marcus (Malepeai) gets in there, there’s violence, and I like it. It’s good stuff going on with him."

Malepeai, a fifth-year senior, is a member of a fun-loving unit.

"When we step on the field, I flip on the switch," Malepeai said. "It’s not just me. I speak for the whole D-line. Everybody knows us as a bunch of clowns. But when we step on the field, we get stuff done."

The defensive line has set the tone for the new 3-4 base scheme, a switch from the 4-3 alignment the past two years.

Malepeai is used as a nose tackle and, most often lately, as the 4-I defensive end who aligns just inside the offensive tackle.

"I’m comfortable there," Malepeai said of the position that creates problems for an offensive tackle preoccupied with a pass-rushing linebacker.

A year ago, Malepeai gained 30 pounds to give him the flexibility to play defensive tackle or end. In the offseason, he focused on improving his strength. He now can bench press 405 pounds. He lifted 485 pounds in the front squat.

No permanent home for Garcia-Williams — yet

Linebacker Jerrol Garcia-Williams is expected to be a big contributor to the defense this year. What’s to be determined is his position.

In spring training, he was used mostly as an inside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme. Earlier this week, he was at outside linebacker. On Saturday, he bounced between the inside and outside.

"We’re going to continue to do that," Clune said. "There’s still competition for all four of those linebacker positions. We have to find the right combinations and put them in the right spots. We’re still working on that."

Bench-press buddies

In the buddy system, running back Jason Muraoka found an unlikely training partner. Muraoka, who is 5 feet 7 and 185 pounds, teamed with 6-foot, 245-pound running back Joey Iosefa.

"Lifting with Joey pushes you," said Muraoka, noting Iosefa easily bench-presses 400-plus pounds. "You don’t want to back down from the challenge. You want to load the weight."

Muraoka has done well, lifting 500 pounds in the squat, 300 on the cleans, and more than 325 on the bench.

Muraoka, Iosefa and quarterback Ikaika Woolsey spent summer days at the movies, studying videos of opponents and past UH games.

Muraoka often has practiced with the second unit this training camp.

"Now that I know all my plays, I don’t have to think about it," Muraoka said. "I can play fast."

Muraoka also is known for his cutting skills. He is regarded as the team’s hair stylist. There is a waiting list for his fade cuts.

Muraoka said it is a "hobby" he picked up as a Kamehameha Schools freshman.

"One of my friends asked if I could cut his hair," Muraoka said. "I gave him a buzz cut."

After that, he started practicing fades.

Asked what cut he would use on Clune, Muraoka smiled and said: "I would give him a bald head, like Coach (Wayne) Moses."

Ho out on field Monday

Wideout Andrew Ho has met the transfer requirements and will join the Warriors on Monday.

Ho played the past two seasons at College of San Mateo.

Ho was born in Hawaii but raised in the Bay Area.