CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM Though not listed among the top few running backs on the depth chart, senior running back Camron Carmona, awaiting the snap to quarterback Shane Austin, is looking to move up.

QBs making strides

The top candidates for UH's starting job finally have more TD passes than botched snaps

Things are starting to click for the Hawaii offense.

"I think a lot of lights went on today. We're in system (on offense)," coach Greg McMackin said after yesterday morning's practice. "The defense continues to play well, too, and today was our best practice of the spring."

The Warriors quarterbacks continued to work under center and some shotgun was mixed in. For the first time the prime contenders for starting quarterback posted more touchdown passes (two) than botched exchanges from center (none). Interceptions and sacks are still another matter, but at least the offense isn't inflicting wounds on itself before the play even really starts.

A big part of that is the return to action of starting center John Estes, who was out last week with a tight hamstring.

"He brings a lot of confidence to the offense," McMackin said.

Quarterbacks Tyler Graunke and Inoke Funaki are finding their rhythm. Funaki completed his first nine passes in team session yesterday, including a touchdown to Greg Salas that Salas ended with a flourish, dunking the ball over the goal-post crossbar.

Graunke was intercepted by Jameel Dowling and Keao Monteilh, but finished 8-for-11 on the day with what probably would've been a touchdown to Jon Medeiros.

Offensive coordinator Ron Lee said he isn't counting, but ...

..."Maybe the first (touchdown) since we started spring," Lee said when asked about Salas' stylish score. "I'm just glad we got one in the end zone. We've dropped all the other ones. But they're all getting better. The next few practices they'll be sharpening up."

Monteilh's interception was his third in two practices. Defensive end John Fonoti (mid-air fumble recovery for a likely touchdown) and linebacker Brashton Satele (sack) also showed well on defense.

Spring practice continues with a session this morning from 7 to 9 a.m. and Saturday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday's workout concludes with a scrimmage. Practices, at the UH grass field, are open to the public and free.