Lefiti says bum knee won’t keep him out

At Friday morning’s football practice, Hawaii center Matagisila Lefiti was on crutches and in a defiant mood.

"I’m not going to miss much," said Lefiti, who is suffering from what he termed a "strained" PCL in his left knee.

Lefiti said he will "wrap it up" and resume practicing Monday. The Warriors practice this morning, and are off Sunday.

At the end of the 2010 spring training, Lefiti suffered a foot injury.

The injury forced him to miss the first month of the 2010 season. Bronson Tiwanak replaced Lefiti as the starter. They ended up splitting reps when Lefiti returned, although Tiwanak played more in the season’s final month. Tiwanak has completed his UH eligibility.

In spring drills, Brett Leonard and Lefiti rotated between left guard and center. With Lefiti’s injury, Leonard remained at left guard, while London Sapolu and Kody Afusia split work at center.

"Last year, I didn’t get too many reps because Bronson and Sila were there," Sapolu said. "I had to prepare myself mentally."

Sapolu, who transferred from a junior college in 2010, said he had to get used to this level’s more-complicated defensive schemes and blitz packages.

He said practicing for a year, and studying videos with Leonard, was helpful.

"London is doing a great job," offensive line coach Gordy Shaw said. "He came back to camp ready to play. Mentally, he has it down. He’s been doing a good job for us."

Afusia, a second-year freshman, receive a lot of reps with the second unit Friday.

"You always have to be ready when you get the call," Afusia said.

Lefotu scheduled for MRI

Backup right guard David Lefotu suffered an injury to his left knee Friday. He was helped off the field, and was scheduled for an MRI. Chauncy Winchester-Makainai is the No. 1 right guard, although Lefotu has earned praise for his improved play.

If the injury sidelines Lefotu for a significant period, either left guard Andrew Faaumu or Afusia would move over to right guard.