DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM Jameel Dowling, competing for a spot in the defensive backfield, worked in the open field during yesterday's scrimmage.

Hawaii shows some rust in scrimmage

The shotgun returns to the Hawaii attack tomorrow, and none too soon for the Warriors quarterbacks, receivers and offensive linemen.

Taking snaps from under center, UH was sacked three times and suffered two botched center-quarterback exchanges and two other lost fumbles during a 23-play scrimmage to conclude practice yesterday.

The defense also registered two other tackles for loss.

Walk-on freshman cornerback Richard Torres made the play of the day, forcing Greg Salas to fumble a Jake Santos pass. Safety Spencer Smith recovered.

Coach Greg McMackin said three potential starting offensive linemen (center John Estes, left guard Keith AhSoon and left tackle Laupepa Letuli) did not participate because of injuries.

"We're going to start getting them back next week and that will make a difference," McMackin said. "We had a good practice, just the second, third and fourth teams had problems with the snaps and dropped the balls."

Working out of the more familiar shotgun formation will help the offense, said Tyler Graunke, who took the No. 2 quarterback reps.

"It's just getting timing with different centers," Graunke said. "Guys want to get out quick (from under center) and to their thing. Everyone's rushing a little bit, trying to impress people. It's just a timing thing.

"The defense is looking really good. I think they got us today."

None of the quarterbacks were very impressive yesterday, during team or the scrimmage. Graunke completed five of 11 passes, Inoke Funaki two of six, Santos one of four, Shane Austin one of three and Bryce Kalauoka'aea one of one.

"It's not something we like to see," said Funaki, who again took the No. 1 reps. "But I'm glad we have such a solid defense. They really come at us and give us different looks. We have a lot of tough teams coming up and they're really going to prepare us."