Senior-to-be George Daily-Lyles made what he hopes was a lasting impression in Thursday’s spring football game.

"I’m trying to give these coaches a reason to keep me around," said Daily-Lyles, who amassed five sacks. "They’re not evaluating off this game, but I hope I made an impression. I’m trying to find my way on this team."

Two weeks ago, Daily-Lyles was in the "pit," the area where injured players perform rehabilitation exercises during practices. He was banished there after suffering back pain.

"They motivate you to get out of the pit as fast as possible, let’s say," Daily-Lyles said.

Daily-Lyles was an inside linebacker during his first four UH years. He started the 2012 opener against USC before his playing time dissolved.

"I wasn’t making the right plays or doing the right things," Daily-Lyles said. "The coaches made the right decision, in their eyes."

This spring, Daily-Lyles was moved to defensive end, a position he had not played previously. He resumed practicing two weeks ago, and has been impressive in the trenches.

"I just want to play football," Daily-Lyles said. "These coaches give me an opportunity to be out here, and I thank them. My mom sent me out here to get an education and play football. That’s what I’m trying to do."

WOOLSEY’S BIG MISTAKE

On the first series of the second half, Daily-Lyles knocked down quarterback Ikaika Woolsey for a sack. It was a clear violation of the rule prohibiting a player wearing a red jersey — the quarterback — from being hit.

"We’re supposed to tag off, but Ikaika cut back into me," Daily-Lyles said. "I thought I was going to be kicked out of the game."

Instead, it was Woolsey who was expelled after throwing the ball at Daily-Lyles. The offense was penalized 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct. Woolsey, who was scheduled to take most of the White’s snaps, did not play another down the rest of the game.

"I made a mistake throwing the ball at him," Woolsey said. "I can’t do that. I wasn’t mad. I threw it out of frustration. That was real selfish of me. That’s 15 yards my team lost because of me. I can’t be doing that."

Coach Norm Chow said he was "disappointed," but the infraction serves as a lesson.

"I take the blame for that," Woolsey said. "It’s on me. I have to be a windshield wiper. I have to wipe it off and keep moving."

Vele injured

Tight end Justin Vele suffered a fracture near his right ankle when he landed awkwardly following a catch.

Vele will have surgery, but should recover in time for the start of training camp in August.

NO TOUCHDOWNS FOR YOU

Linebacker Benny Fonua and cornerback Tony Grimes both had touchdowns nullified.

Fonua intercepted a pass and ran into the end zone. Fonua was untouched on the play, although it was ruled his team would take possession at the 5.

Grimes picked up a fumble and ran untouched into the end zone. That apparent score also was rescinded.

"I don’t know who got me," Grimes said. "They must have seen people in my area. That was a touchdown to me. I did not go down. It is what it is."