The Hawaii football team completed its third week of spring training with yet another lineup shuffle on the offensive line.
Mike Milovale, who had practiced as the No. 1 left guard, was at left tackle during Saturday’s scrimmage.
Kody Afusia, who had been the backup center, was at left guard.
The other starters on the line were center Ben Clarke, right guard Dave Lefotu and right tackle Sean Shigematsu.
The Warriors have been in search of a No. 1 left tackle since Blake Muir, last year’s starter, decided to transfer. David Griffin, who transferred from Mesa College in January, opened spring training as the No. 1 left tackle. Griffin then shared the position when Leo Koloamatangi, who was the No. 1 right tackle, moved to the left side.
Now Milovale is getting another chance on the perimeter. Milovale was used as a right tackle last season, and he actually retains his role as blind-side blocker in moving to the left side. Last year’s No. 1 quarterback, Sean Schroeder, is left-handed. Schroeder is recovering from recent back surgery. This spring’s top two quarterbacks — Taylor Graham and Ikaika Woolsey — are right-handed.
"We’re going to play the five best guys," Chow said of the offensive line.
Afusia’s promotion leaves the Warriors without a true backup center. Ben Dew, a guard, and Lefotu have been practicing snaps during warmup drills.
Muraoka shines
The surprise of spring training — running back Jason Muraoka — scored one of the three touchdowns during Saturday’s controlled scrimmage.
Muraoka is a Kamehameha Schools graduate who previously attended Franklin College in Indiana. He transferred to UH in July and was added to the roster on April 6. Despite being on the scout team as a redshirt, he did not have a jersey number during fall practices. On the UH website, his biography does not include his high school, accomplishments or personal background.
During the scrimmage, Muraoka rushed three times for 33 yards. He broke three tackles in a 19-yard rush and eluded two defenders in a 4-yard scoring run.
"I guess I run with a chip on my shoulder because I’m smaller than everybody else," said Muraoka, who is listed at 5 feet 7 and 175 pounds.
Will Gregory, the Warriors’ leading rusher in 2012, is not enrolled at UH this semester because of a non-football-related situation. John Lister is seeking to transfer to a school in which he can pursue a master’s as an athletic trainer.
"He’s looked good all spring," Chow said of Muraoka. "He gives us the depth we need."
Muraoka said: "Now that I have an opportunity to play, I want to show them what I’ve got."
Vele catches on
Justin Vele has added a request to his daily prayers.
"I pray every day before practice that I catch a ball," said Vele, who has moved from fullback to tight end. "Every day, one catch is my goal. I’m trying to build from there."
Vele, who was initially recruited as a linebacker, caught three passes for 39 yards on Saturday.
"I still feel like a decoy," Vele said, smiling. "Nobody’s trying to cover me. They think: ‘Oh, Justin’s there. They’re not going to throw to him.’ And what do you know? It comes straight to me."
Vele was used exclusively as a blocker at running back. He said receivers give him tips on pass-catching. "I try to get as much advice from them," Vele said.
