The Hawaii football team’s offensive line will undergo alterations for Friday’s road game against San Jose State.
London Sapolu, who was summoned from the sideline to play center the past two games, will make the first start of his 19-game Warriors career.
Matagisila Lefiti was limited to four series at center in those two games because of a strained knee ligament. Lefiti received medical clearance Monday, and he has been practicing at right guard, which he considers his natural position.
With Andrew Faaumu suffering from an undisclosed ailment, Lefiti or freshman David Lefotu will start at right guard.
"What I like about (Lefotu) is he doesn’t slip too far away where he can’t help me," Sapolu said. "He clogs up holes for me. And he’s a big body on run blocks, as well. He’s very passionate (about football). He comes out to practice ready to roll."
Sapolu said it has been easier to prepare after practicing with the first-team offense the past two weeks.
"Now I feel more comfortable," he said.
He said he consults frequently with his father, former UH and San Francisco 49ers center Jesse Sapolu.
London Sapolu said he asks for critiques from UH line coach Gordy Shaw, and studies videos of himself to make sure he is not tipping off plays. During Tuesday’s practice, Sapolu said he "messed up" on an assignment. He studied videos of the play. During Wednesday’s practice, the Warriors ran a similar play and, Sapolu said, "I knew what to do."
Bright still finding his way
There were high expectations for left wideout Darius Bright, who was projected to fill the void created with the departures of NFL-bound slotbacks Greg Salas and Kealoha Pilares.
Bright missed most of the preseason because of a sprained toe, and he was suspended for the season opener. In four games, he has 13 catches for 135 yards and a touchdown. But he has caught only 50 percent of the passes when he was the primary receiver, and his yards-after-catch (YAC) average is 5.33. Last year, Salas and Pilares had YAC averages of 7.57 and 7.47, respectively.
Bright acknowledged that the injury delayed his progresss.
"I’ve done it in practices," Bright said. "It hasn’t worked out in a game yet."
He added: "Everybody expects Greg Salas again. I’m not Greg Salas or Kealoha Pilares. I’m not them. … I feel my time is coming. People can give up all they want, but I’m still going to be here. I’m still going to work hard and do my job. It’s a matter of time. That’s all I’m saying."
Switch at place-kicker
X-rays were negative for the discomfort kicker Tyler Hadden has felt in his right hip since the beginning of the season.
He said there was pain last week, but he is feeling fine now because of aggressive rehabilitation treatments.
Against San Jose State, Kenton Chun will handle point-after kicks and field-goal attempts up to 40 yards. Hadden will handle the other place-kicking duties.