Quarterback Jeremy Higgins is in charge of signaling plays.

But Higgins, a fifth-year senior, is not ready to signal the end of his playing career.

"I’m still trying to get back," said Higgins, a left-hander who fractured his left hand and sprained his left wrist during the Sept. 20 game against Colorado.

He initially — then subsequently — was told he suffered season-ending injuries. But Higgins said his injured hand, which did not require surgery, is nearly healed. He wears a brace that covers his left hand and wrist.

"If I can salvage any more weeks to play, I’ll do it," Higgins said. There are five games remaining in the Warriors’ regular season.

With Higgins and Taylor Graham (fractured right foot) out, Beau Reilly is the top backup to Ikaika Woolsey. Woolsey will make his eighth start when the Warriors play Utah State on Saturday at Aloha Stadium. Higgins, as usual, will be on the sideline signaling the calls to Woolsey.

"It keeps me involved," Higgins said. "I like being involved. At least I know what’s going on in every play. It keeps me locked in."

A Saint Louis School graduate, Higgins played at Utah State as a freshman in 2010 before transferring to UH the following summer.

Former All Blacks visit practice

Former members of New Zealand’s famed All Blacks rugby team attended the Warriors’ practice on Tuesday morning. Afterward, they gave a brief pep talk.

UH tight end Harold Moleni, who is part Maori, is a long-time fan of the All Blacks.

"It feels like family," Moleni said of the visit.

Moleni and Lance Williams lead the Warriors in "Ka Mate," a haka that the All Blacks perform.

Either way, the ball bounces funny

Scott Harding‘s roll-out punts are universally referred to as "rugby-styled."

"These guys played rugby," said Harding, pointing to the former All Blacks players. "I played Australian football."

Harding said his punting style should be more accurately described as "Australian football kickings," although that phrase doesn’t sound quite right.

"Rugby kicking rolls off the tongue better," Harding said.

Harding is trying to maximize his senior season, despite numerous ailments.

"I want to do as much as possible," said Harding, who is UH’s punter, punt returner and No. 1 slotback. "Injuries are just part of football."

For that cold fact, Harding wears ice packs after games and practices to ease the aches. He has an ice machine at home.

"Ice is my best friend," Harding said. "Any off time, I have ice somewhere."